Unpacking a brand-new toaster should be an exciting moment, but sometimes, the first use is met with an unpleasant surprise: a distinct smell of burning plastic or chemicals. While alarming, this is a surprisingly common phenomenon for new appliances and often no cause for immediate concern.
Why Your New Toaster Smells
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| 5 | bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Plum |
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| 6 | bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Blossom |
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| 7 | bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits Sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Surf |
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| 10 | Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver |
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Several factors contribute to this initial odor:
- Manufacturing Residues: Toasters are built with various components, and during the manufacturing process, chemical bonding agents, protective coatings, and factory oils are used. When the toaster heats up for the very first time, these residues begin to burn off. This “burn-in” process is a normal part of breaking in new equipment.
- Protective Coatings: Heating elements in new toasters often come with a protective coating to prevent damage during shipping and storage. This coating needs to burn off during the initial heating cycles, which can release a chemical-like smell.
- Plastic Components Off-Gassing: While the direct heating elements are metal, many toasters incorporate plastic elements in their housing or internal mechanisms. As these plastic parts heat up for the first time, they can release faint odors, a process known as off-gassing. This is typically harmless and dissipates quickly.
- Hidden Packaging: Though less common with new units, sometimes small pieces of plastic wrapping or packaging materials might be inadvertently left inside the toaster slots or stuck to the elements. These will burn upon first use, creating a stronger plastic smell.
New toaster emitting a faint burning smell during its initial use.
What To Do About The Smell
The good news is that this initial odor is usually temporary and can be resolved with a few simple steps:
- Perform “Burn-In” Cycles: Before toasting any food, run your new toaster through several empty cycles (without bread or anything else inside). Set the toaster to its highest setting. Most manufacturers recommend 2-5 cycles.
- Ensure Ventilation: It’s best to perform these initial burn-in cycles in a well-ventilated area. Open windows, turn on your kitchen fan, or even take the toaster outside if possible for the first few runs. You might notice some light smoke during this process, which is generally a sign of the residues burning off.
- Allow Cooling Time: Let the toaster cool down completely between cycles to prevent overheating and to allow any lingering odors to dissipate.
- Check for Obstructions: Before and after the burn-in cycles, carefully inspect the toaster slots and crumb tray for any stray bits of packaging or foreign objects that might be causing the smell.
Person performing burn-in cycles on a new toaster in a well-ventilated kitchen.
When To Be Concerned
In most cases, the burning plastic smell will gradually subside after a few burn-in cycles, eventually being replaced by a more neutral “hot appliance” smell. However, there are instances where you should exercise caution:
- Persistent Odor: If the strong burning smell persists after numerous cycles (more than 5-6), or if it doesn’t dissipate after a day or two of intermittent use, it could indicate an underlying issue.
- Excessive Smoke or Sparks: While light smoke is sometimes normal during initial burn-in, heavy smoke, sparks, or any visible melting of plastic parts are red flags. Unplug the toaster immediately.
- Power Issues: If the toaster trips a circuit breaker or causes any electrical issues, discontinue use immediately.
If you encounter any of these warning signs, or if you’re simply uncomfortable with the smell, it’s best to contact the manufacturer’s customer support or return the toaster to the store where you purchased it.
Ultimately, a new toaster’s initial burning plastic smell is often just a part of its breaking-in process. A few empty cycles in a well-ventilated area should help you banish the odor and get you toasting safely and deliciously in no time.
