What causes an electric stovetop to smell so strongly, as though something is burning, when it's turned on?

Question

And does it emit any carcinogenic chemicals, do the metal swirly things on the stovetop themselves produce any dioxins, et cetera?

Answer 1

You have grease baked on the coils, which when burned, emits odor. It will bake off eventually, but it will probably keep coming back as more grease spatters.

If you don't use a particular element (coil) for awhile, it may build up various flammable detritus, but it won't hurt you.

Chill with the chemicals, they won't hurt you.

Answer 2

Teflon type pans can emit toxins that can even kill a bird, so if you stove top has that type of stove top, then that can cause it or trapped grease can cause that too.  Make sure to keep an pet birds away from the kitchen area, that can cause problem or even kill them.

Answer 3

We've bee n using these coiled burners forever.  They smell and smoke when they have grease of food accidental spilled on them or cleaning product residue on them.  I don't know what kind of potential health hazard chemicals they may emit.

Answer 4

In short Residue. Cleaners, oils, and food remnants that gets stuck to the coils and under the protector plate. Proper cleaning is key. Once your sure you've got it all cleaned out turn the element coil on high and let it burn off any residue. DO NOT LEAVE IT UNATTENDED. This will reduce but not eliminate the smell.

Answer 5

probably because something is burning.  it might just be the heating element or some food left on that you can't see like grease.  as for carcinogens, well it depends on where that smell is coming from.

Answer 6

how often do u clean it it could be food stuck on the bottom of the element (the swirly metal things) and unles u cooked poisen it wont emit any harfull gasses

Answer 7

you might wanna call a stove repair guy

maybe theres an electrical problem

Answer 8

It could be oils or residues that dropped onto the burner rings.  Or it could be food down in the silver catch trays.

Answer 9

mine does that if there's just a slight amount of dried on food on the rings or in the silver burner liners.