New oven smokes or smells during first use

Symptoms

• Light smoke or haze visible during first preheat
• Chemical or oily smell, different from a food smell
• Smell fades noticeably after the first one or two uses
• No smoke or smell on later uses

Likely causes

• CommonManufacturing oils and residue burning off the elements and interiorNew ovens are coated with protective oils during manufacturing that burn off with the first uses of heat.
• CommonPackaging materials or stickers not fully removed before first useA leftover protective film, sticker, or foam piece can smoke if left inside during the first heating.
• PossibleNew insulation materials releasing an odor when first heatedInterior insulation can have a mild odor on initial heat-up that fades over subsequent uses.
• Less commonA genuine defect if smoke or smell continues beyond a few usesPersistent smoke or a strong ongoing smell after several uses could indicate an actual manufacturing issue.

What to do

1. Before first use, check the interior thoroughly for any leftover stickers, tags, foam, or packaging materials and remove them all.
2. Run the empty oven at a moderate temperature (around 350F) with good kitchen ventilation, opening a window if possible, for about 30–45 minutes to burn off residue.
3. Expect some light smoke or an odd smell during this first burn-in run; this is normal.
4. Ventilate the kitchen well and consider disabling a sensitive smoke detector temporarily during this initial burn-in only.
5. Run the oven once or twice more at a normal baking temperature before cooking food, checking that smell and smoke have diminished.
6. If smoke or smell is heavy, sustained, or continues past the first couple of uses, stop using the oven.
7. Contact the manufacturer or retailer for warranty support if smoke or smell doesn't resolve after normal burn-in.

When to call a pro

If smoke or a strong smell persists beyond the first couple of uses, contact the manufacturer for warranty service rather than continuing to use it.

Safety