Why Does My Gas Stove Smell Like Burning Plastic?
I’ll be honest — the first time I noticed that awful gas stove smelled like burning plastic, my heart sank. I was halfway through making lunch when the stench hit me like a punch to the nose. I panicked. Was something melting? Was there a gas leak? Could this be dangerous?
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been there too — standing in your kitchen, confused and worried, sniffing the air like a detective trying to figure out where that toxic, plasticky smell is coming from.
Let me tell you — this isn’t something to ignore.
When your gas stove smells like burning plastic, it could be a sign of something as small as a utensil left too close to the flame… or as serious as faulty wiring or gas leakage.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I figured out what was going wrong, what you need to check immediately, and how to prevent it from ever happening again.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Reasons Why Your Gas Stove Smells Like Burning Plastic
1. Plastic Utensils or Wrapping Too Close to the Flame
This is the most common — and thankfully, the least dangerous — cause. Sometimes, we unknowingly leave plastic spoons, containers, or even food wrap too close to the stove.
The heat melts it slowly, releasing that horrible burning plastic smell in the kitchen air.
What to do:
Turn off the flame immediately. Ventilate the kitchen — open windows, and turn on the exhaust. Use a deep-cleaning kitchen cloth to wipe off any melted residue. Once it’s cooled, gently scrub the affected area using a non-scratch scrub sponge to avoid damaging the surface.
[Try this: non-scratch scrub sponge from Amazon – works like magic!]
2. Burnt Electrical Components or Wiring
If the smell persists even after you’ve checked for visible plastic, the problem might be internal.
Some gas stoves come with electric igniters, LED indicators, or internal wiring. Over time, wires can overheat, especially if there’s been a short circuit or power surge. This can release a burning plastic smell that seems to come from inside the stove.
Warning: This is a serious fire hazard.
What to do:
Unplug the stove if it’s connected to electricity. Don’t use it again until a qualified technician checks it. You can also book an inspection via Amazon Home Services if available in your area.
3. Food Residue or Grease Under the Burner
I learned this the hard way — sometimes, the smell isn’t from plastic at all. It’s from burnt grease or food particles that have hardened under the burner caps. When they burn at high heat, they release a smell eerily similar to melting plastic.
Solution:
Take apart the burner head and scrub it down using a gas stove burner cleaner. I use this one from Amazon that comes with a small brush and degreasing gel.
[Here’s what I use: gas stove burner cleaner – cuts through stubborn grease like butter.]
4. New Stove Coating or Paint Curing
If your gas stove is brand new, that strange smell might just be part of the “break-in” period. Manufacturers often coat their appliances with protective substances that burn off during the first few uses.
Good news? It’s not dangerous.
Bad news? It stinks like burnt plastic.
What to do:
Run the stove for 10–15 minutes in a well-ventilated area before first use. Avoid cooking food during this time. If the smell lasts more than 3 uses, call customer support.
5. Melting Components Below the Stove Surface
Sometimes, especially with older stoves, internal plastic parts (like knobs, insulation, or spacers) may melt due to poor heat insulation. This can happen after years of use or due to accidental flame exposure.
What to do:
Check beneath the burners and around the knobs for signs of warping or black soot. Use a flashlight. If you suspect internal damage, stop using the stove immediately and get it checked.
You don’t want to risk fire — or toxic fumes.
How to Prevent the Burning Plastic Smell in the Future
Now that you know what’s causing it, here’s how I personally keep my kitchen safe and stink-free:
- I never leave plastic containers near the burner anymore. Ever.
- I clean my stove weekly using a grease-cutting kitchen spray — it makes all the difference.
[Here’s the one I love: grease-cutting kitchen spray from Amazon] - I use a soft bristle cleaning brush to get around burner edges without scratching them.
- I make sure nothing is stored under the stove (especially not plastic bags — lesson learned!)
- And I always pay attention to smells. If something feels “off”, it probably is.
Still, Smells Like Plastic? Don’t Wait — Act Fast
The smell of burning plastic in the kitchen isn’t something to brush off. It could be a simple mistake — or a real danger. But now that you know the major causes, you’re in a better position to act fast and smart.
Whether it’s a plastic spoon too close to the flame or an issue buried in the stove’s wiring, trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is.
And please — don’t keep using the stove until you know it’s safe.
Before You Go…
Which of these reasons surprised you the most? I’d love to hear about your experience — have you ever smelled plastic while cooking and found out it was something totally unexpected?
Drop your story in the comments below — and if you’ve got your own secret kitchen safety hacks, I’m all ears!
Stay safe, and happy (smell-free) cooking!
This post contains affiliate links to products on Amazon.in. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or believe will help you in your kitchen journey.