7 Reasons an Oven Smells Like Gas
A gaseous odor probably isn’t the aroma you’re looking for as you create fragrant and inventive dishes in the kitchen. An oven’s gas smell most often stems from harmless causes, though it may occasionally signal a more serious issue. Use this guide to discover seven potential reasons why your current oven smells like gas and how to help resolve them, as well as what to do if your brand new oven smells like gas.
WHY DOES MY OVEN SMELL LIKE GAS?
Ovens can emit a mild gas smell for a handful of reasons, most of which are completely normal. From smells that come with a new oven to a dirty oven cavity or faulty igniter, read on to learn seven potential reasons why your oven may produce a gas smell.
1. RECENT INSTALLATION
Cooking in your newly installed oven can trigger some smoke or odors during its first few uses. Insulating materials, new parts, tape or a protective coating of oil used in the manufacturing process can heat up and cause odors, but there are some measures you can take to help minimize unpleasant smells.
Make sure the oven’s empty, then set it to bake at 350°F for an hour. If odors stick around, repeat the process. Wipe the oven down with a damp cloth once it’s completely cool. Consider opening a window as you deodorize the oven and avoid cooking food until the odor is neutralized.
2. FRESH HOME PAINT OR STAINING
They may seem unrelated, but the fumes from new paint or staining in your home can cause odors as it reacts with the burner flames on a gas stovetop. This should resolve itself as fresh paint fumes fade.
3. FOIL ON OVEN BOTTOM
Even though you may think it’s convenient for catching spills, lining the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil is not recommended since it can result in improper combustion, prevent air flow, trap debris and ultimately cause unpleasant odors that may resemble gas. It’s also best to avoid covering an entire oven rack with foil.
4. SURFACE BURNER TURNED ON
Igniting a burner on a gas cooktop can cause a subtle gas odor, so double-check that a burner on your stovetop wasn’t accidentally switched to an “on” position.
5. HEAVY SOILING
If a dish recently bubbled over and spilled in your oven, you may notice smoke or odors whenever your oven heats up. Take some time to clean your oven of any food splatter or debris, then pay close attention to see if this resolves gas odors.
6. FAULTY IGNITER
An oven’s igniter produces the energy that ignites the gas, preparing the oven to heat to your selected temperature. While it’s normal to catch a whiff of gas when you first switch your oven on, you shouldn’t smell it the whole time it runs. A faulty igniter can either delay gas ignition, causing temporary gaseous odors, or fail to ignite the gas at the oven's burner, causing gas flow to stop, so your oven won't heat. Contact a professional for a replacement if you suspect the igniter is bad.
7. GAS LEAK
A gas leak in your oven’s gas supply is a serious concern that should be addressed without hesitation. You may notice a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell in or around your home, or hear a hissing sound. Gas leaks can also cause headaches or make you feel lightheaded. If you suspect a gas leak, get out of your home and contact emergency help.
WHY DOES MY OVEN SMELL LIKE GAS WHEN PREHEATING?
Preheating a gas range triggers a combustion of gas at the oven’s burner, which can cause a gas smell as it heats up. If your gas oven smells like gas, then the smell should dissipate after the first few minutes of preheating. Since electric ranges don’t use or give off gas, odors coming from them could be caused by caked-on food debris or insulating materials, new parts, tape or a protective coating of oil used in the manufacturing process (if the range is new).
Insulating materials, new parts, tape or a protective coating of oil used in the manufacturing process can heat up and cause odors, but there are some measures you can take to help minimize unpleasant smells.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK?
Your state or city likely has online resources instructing you on what to do and who to contact if you suspect a gas leak. You may be advised to leave your home immediately, then contact your gas provider’s emergency number and call 911 while at a safe distance from home. On your way out, be sure not to turn on light switches, open windows or use anything electric that could cause a spark. Never try to find or fix a gas leak yourself. Seek the help of a professional.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® RANGES AND OVENS
KitchenAid brand offers ranges and ovens with professionally-inspired features so you can explore almost any cooking technique. KitchenAid® dual fuel ranges combine a gas cooktop with an electric oven to give you both responsiveness and precision, while all KitchenAid® wall ovens feature Even-Heat™ True Convection that provides consistent temperatures for flaky baked goods and well-browned meats.
