My KitchenAid Toaster Oven Smells

KitchenAid produces a wide variety of home appliances, including toaster ovens. With use, the appliances can develop an odor over time that may be unwelcome. However, the odor usually is the result of leftover food particles inside the appliance. Always consult your owner's manual before cleaning or performing maintenance on the toaster oven.

When you use a new toaster oven, it may emit a plastic-like odor. You might also notice a small amount of smoke when you plug in the appliance. According to KitchenAid, the odor and smoke are normal. If you notice a strong burning smell or if you see a lot of smoke smoke, you may not have removed all the packaging materials.

Turn the toaster oven off and let it cool completely. Look inside the toaster oven for tape, stickers, paper or other packaging materials. Wash the toaster oven accessories in hot, soapy water, and dry them thoroughly with a towel before you replace them.

Read more: How to Use a Toaster Oven

Crumbs Can Burn

Food crumbs and debris may fall to the bottom of the toaster oven with use. The particles build up over time, which can result in an unpleasant burning odor. Remove the crumb tray from the bottom of the toaster oven and empty it into the trash can. Wash the crumb tray in hot, soapy water to remove any lingering food debris. After you wash the tray, dry it thoroughly before you replace it. For best results, clean the crumb tray out weekly.

Inspect other areas inside the toaster oven as well, in case crumbs made their way down to the area near the heating elements, beneath the tray.

Read more: What Are the Dangers of Toaster Ovens?

Foods such as garlic, onions and fish leave behind a strong food odor. After you cook in the toaster oven, you may notice an odd smell for many days. The odor lingers and sticks to the surfaces inside the toaster oven.

Unplug the toaster oven before you treat the odors. Fill a spray bottle with an equal amount of white vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution onto paper towels and wipe down the window and the inside of the toaster oven. Leave the KitchenAid toaster oven door open so that the air can circulate. If you still notice an odd odor, place an open box of baking soda inside the appliance. Close the oven door and let the baking soda absorb the odor overnight.

Never submerge a KitchenAid toaster oven in water and always unplug the appliance before you clean it. If you cannot determine the cause of the odor, consult your owner's manual or contact the company directly, because you could have a defective appliance. KitchenAid may offer a warranty replacement for the appliance. Avoid using abrasive cleaners inside a toaster oven because you can ruin the appliance. If you need to scrub on the toaster oven, use a nonabrasive sponge.

If your toaster oven's cord has exposed wires, order a replacement cord if the unit has a removable cord. Otherwise, the cord should be repaired. If the cord is severely damaged, if the toaster oven sparks or if the appliance emits an odor and your house smells like burning plastic, unplug the device and purchase a replacement.