Gas stove smells like burning plastic is the kind of smell that makes you stop cooking instantly. It’s sharp, chemical, and honestly… it doesn’t feel normal. The first time I smelled it, I thought something was melting under the stove or maybe I left a plastic item too close to the flame. It’s one of those moments where you start scanning your entire kitchen like a detective.
And here’s the truth: sometimes it really is something simple, like plastic packaging too close to heat. But other times, it can be a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore—especially if the smell keeps coming back.
In this guide, I’m going to break down the 5 most common (and scary) causes of that burning plastic smell, how to check each one safely, and what to do right away so you don’t accidentally make the problem worse.
Contents
What To Do Immediately (Before Anything Else) – Gas Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic
If you smell something like burning plastic while cooking:
Turn off the burner right away. Move your pan away from the heat. Open windows and turn on ventilation. If the smell is strong, stop using the stove until you figure out the source.
If you feel dizzy, get a headache, or your eyes start watering, step out of the kitchen for fresh air.
Now let’s find the cause.
Cause #1: Plastic Items Too Close to Heat (The Most Common One)
This is the #1 reason people smell burning plastic near a stove.
It could be something small like:
A plastic spoon resting near the flame, a snack wrapper on the counter close to the burner, a thin grocery bag hanging near the stove, or even plastic food container lids placed too close while you’re cooking.
Sometimes the plastic doesn’t fully melt… it just gets hot enough to release that strong chemical smell.
What to check
Look around the stovetop area and nearby counters. Check behind the stove too—plastic packaging can fall back there without you noticing.
Also check your cookware handles. Some cheap handles or silicone grips can smell nasty when they get too hot.
What to do
Remove anything plastic from the area. Wipe the stovetop clean and let the kitchen air out. Then test the stove again for a few seconds (only if you’re sure nothing is overheating).
This problem is easy to fix, but it’s scary because the smell spreads fast.
Cause #2: Grease Buildup Burning Under the Burner
If there’s built-up grease or food spills under your burner area, it can burn during cooking. The smell can sometimes feel like burning plastic, especially when the grease has been sitting for a while.
Old grease doesn’t smell like “food.” It smells sharp, smoky, and chemical-ish.
Signs this is the cause
The smell happens only when you cook. You may also see a little smoke near the burner base. It’s worse when the burner is on high heat.
What to do
Turn off the burner and let everything cool down. Remove the grates and burner caps. Wipe the area underneath carefully with warm soapy water and a cloth. If there’s heavy grease, you might need a degreaser or a strong cleaner.
Let everything dry fully before turning the burner back on.
Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Gas Stove Degreaser Spray
This is one of those “it looks clean on top but it’s filthy underneath” situations.
Cause #3: A Melting Wire Coating or Electrical Issue (Rare But Serious)
This one is not super common, but it’s the scariest. If something electrical is overheating—like wiring insulation, a damaged switch, or a sparking component—the smell can resemble burning plastic.
This smell might come from:
Behind the control knobs, under the stove panel, or inside the stove if something is overheating.
Warning signs
The smell is strong and keeps coming even when you’re not actively cooking. You may notice flickering burner ignition, weird clicking, or burners behaving strangely. In some cases, you may even hear crackling sounds.
What to do
Stop using the stove. Turn off power to the stove by unplugging it if possible (or turning off the breaker). Do not keep testing burners.
At this point, calling a technician is the safest move. You don’t want to risk electrical burning or damage.
If you want to confirm the smell isn’t from somewhere else, sniff around carefully (without getting too close) and see if the odor is strongest near the knobs or back panel.
Cause #4: New Stove “Burn-In” Smell (Common After Installation)
If your stove is new or recently installed, you might smell a weird burning plastic or chemical smell during the first few uses. This often happens because manufacturers apply protective oils, coatings, or adhesives that burn off during the first heating cycles.
This is especially common if:
You recently bought a new range, replaced parts, or had professional service done.
What you’ll notice
The smell happens for the first few cooking sessions and gradually fades. There may be slight smoke the first time.
What to do
Open windows and run ventilation. Turn on the burner for a few minutes and let it “burn in.” This smell should go away after a few uses.
If it gets worse instead of better, or you notice visible melting, stop and check for other causes.
Cause #5: Something Melting Under the Stove (Hidden Plastic Parts or Spills)
Sometimes the smell comes from places you don’t think to check.
It could be:
A plastic cutting board leaning too close, a plastic tray under the stove, a bottle cap that fell behind the range, or even melted packaging near the oven vent area.
Some stoves also have plastic components in non-heated zones, and if something is damaged or overheated, it can produce that smell.
What to check
Pull the stove slightly forward (carefully) and look behind it. Check the floor area too. If you have storage drawers under your stove, check inside them. People often store baking trays, liners, or random kitchen stuff down there—and heat can affect it.
What to do
Remove anything suspicious and clean up spills. If you see melting plastic, let it cool and remove it safely.
If the smell returns every single time and you can’t find the source, don’t ignore it. A professional inspection is worth it.
Mistakes That Make Burning Plastic Smell Worse
A lot of people keep cooking, hoping the smell “goes away.” That’s the worst thing to do because if something is actually melting, it can get worse fast.
Avoid these mistakes:
Don’t keep running the burner at high heat while investigating. Don’t spray strong cleaners on a hot surface. Don’t ignore the smell if it comes with smoke.
Always turn off the stove first and check calmly.
Tools That Help (Optional)
Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Gas Stove Degreaser Spray
Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber
Air Purifier (Small Room)
When You Should Call a Professional
Call a technician if:
The smell is strong and doesn’t go away. You suspect wiring or electrical burning. You see smoke or melted parts. Or the smell happens even when the stove is off.
If it feels unsafe, it’s always better to get it checked.
Gas Stove Flame Orange or Yellow? Causes & Fix (7 Things to Check Today)
Final Thoughts
Gas stove smells like burning plastic is not something you should ignore—because the cause can range from harmless to serious. Start with the easy checks: remove plastic items near heat, clean grease under burners, and check behind the stove.
If the smell continues, especially when you’re not cooking, stop using the stove and call a professional. It’s not worth taking chances with gas and heat in the kitchen.
