Whether you’re a seasoned electric oven user or not, you’ve likely encountered the classic issue of an oven producing smoke when you turn it on. While it is rarely a sign that the oven is broken, it is important not to ignore the problem to prevent it from becoming more serious. Besides, it’s unpleasant to have your kitchen filled with smoke, together with that burnt smell that lingers on everything. Let’s take a closer look at some common scenarios where your oven can be smoking and how to resolve them.
Scenario 1: First use of the oven
We know that reading the instructions for an oven is about as appealing as reading the terms and conditions of a mortgage, but that’s where the solution lies in these cases.
What happens? When you use a brand-new oven for the first time, it’s normal for it to emit smoke or give off an unusual smell, such as a burning odour. This is typically caused by the materials inside the oven heating up for the first time. However, after the initial use and a thorough cleaning, these issues will disappear, and you’ll be able to cook without any problems.
Solution: If you’re using your oven for the first time, make sure to follow these steps before cooking any recipes:
- Remove all packaging materials, including protective plastics.
- Preheat the oven for a set period—about an hour, for example—with no food inside.
- After preheating, allow the oven to cool down with the door open.
- Once it’s cooled, clean the oven and its accessories to remove any factory residue, grease, or impurities.
Scenario 2: Food residue
It’s common for small bits of food to get left behind in the oven after cooking. This means you could bake a pizza that tastes amazing, only to turn on the oven a week later and notice a burning smell filling the kitchen. If your oven is smoking, think back to the last thing you cooked and check the interior—there might be a stray piece of mozzarella hiding in a corner.
Solution: We don’t always clean the oven after every use, although we really should—whether manually or using a self-cleaning system. If you’re not keen on doing so, at least try to remove any food remnants that may have fallen to the bottom or stuck to the trays and walls. Just remember to do this when the oven is completely cold.
Scenario 3: Built-Up grease
Some recipes can release a lot of grease, or it might be that certain accessories, such as drip trays, aren’t functioning properly or are overflowing. When this grease burns on contact with the oven walls or components like heating elements, it produces smoke.
Solution: Ensure you’re using the appropriate trays and accessories for your recipe and that they are clean. This reduces the likelihood of grease spilling, or splattering and accumulating as grime in the oven. You might also consider healthier cooking methods, such as steaming. Steamed cooking is not only easier to clean up after but also typically results in less mess overall.
Scenario 4: Poor Ventilation
Oven insulation is designed to concentrate heat inside the appliance. However, it is still crucial to leave some space for the oven to “breathe.” If your oven is smoking, and it is in a tight space with no ventilation, move it elsewhere.
Solution: Place your oven in your kitchen according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure any ventilation slots on the appliance have adequate clearance and aren’t covered. For instance, avoid draping a tea towel over them. If your oven is gas-powered, it’s essential to check for possible leaks as well.
Scenario 5: What’s in the oven is not food
Sometimes we use materials for cooking that end up staying behind in the oven—like bits of aluminium foil, baking paper, or even plastic. In extreme cases, children might leave random objects in the oven while playing, such as clothes pegs (a wild example, but it does happen). If you have hosted a party—especially on New Year’s Eve—there’s a good chance something that doesn’t belong there may have ended up in the oven. Don’t ask for further details, you know what we mean.
Solution: It’s a good habit to check the oven before every use to see if there’s anything unusual inside. Be extra cautious if you store pans in your oven—it’s all too easy to preheat the oven with them still inside without noticing.
If smoke persists
If you’ve gone through all these scenarios and your oven is still smoking, it’s time to take a different approach. Stop using the oven until you’ve identified the issue. Check the appliance manual for common problems (online versions are usually available). If you suspect it’s a fault, contact an authorised technician.
On the other hand, if your oven produces a little smoke but smells delightful, not only is it not a problem—it’s a sign your recipe will be a hit.