Have you ever seen smoke rise from your toaster oven? I have. The first time, I thought it was broken. But it turns out, it was just old crumbs burning inside. If you’re asking how to stop toaster oven from smoking, the fix is easier than you think. Most of the time, it’s grease, leftover food, or a dirty heating coil. Sometimes, a new toaster oven smells like burning plastic, and that’s normal too. In this guide, I’ll show you why your toaster oven is smoking, how to clean it, and simple steps to stop the smoke for good.
Why Is My Toaster Oven Smoking? (Main Causes Explained)
It can be scary to see smoke come out of your toaster oven. You may think it’s broken or unsafe. But most of the time, it’s an easy fix. If you’re asking why is my toaster oven smoking, the cause is usually something small—like grease, crumbs, or plastic touching the heat. Let’s look at the common reasons and how to stop them fast.
Grease or Food Buildup
When you cook, oil and bits of food fall on the tray or walls. Next time you bake, they burn again. That smoke smells bad and can fill the room. Wipe the tray and sides after each use to stop this. It takes one minute and saves a lot of stress.
Dirty Heating Element
If the coil is dark or sticky, it needs cleaning. Learn how to clean toaster oven heating element safely. Unplug the oven first. Let it cool. Then wipe with a soft cloth and warm water or a bit of vinegar. Never scrub it hard. Once clean, the smoke goes away.
Wrong Materials (Foil or Plastic)
It’s tempting to line trays with foil. I did that too. But if foil touches the heating element, it can melt. The same goes for any plastic wrap left on frozen food. Always remove packaging and use parchment paper instead. It’s safer and cleaner.
New Toaster Oven Burning Off Coating
If your toaster oven smells like burning plastic, don’t worry yet. Most new ovens do this for the first 10–15 minutes. It’s just protective oil and coating burning off. Run the oven empty once or twice, and the smell will fade. I had the same issue with my first toaster oven—it stopped after one use.
Overheating or Wrong Settings
Toaster ovens heat fast. If you bake at high heat, food can burn before it cooks through. Follow recipe times and lower the temperature if needed. Try using the middle rack to keep food from sitting too close to the heating element.
Personal Insight
When my toaster oven smoked for the first time, I panicked. I thought it was done for. But it was only a few old crumbs burning on the tray. Once I cleaned it, the smoke stopped right away. Sometimes the simplest fix is the best one.
Step-by-Step – How to Stop a Smoking Toaster Oven Instantly
Smoke coming out of your toaster oven is never fun. But don’t worry—it’s often a small fix. If you’re wondering how to stop toaster oven from smoking, follow these simple steps. I’ve done them myself, and they work like magic.
Step 1 – Unplug and Cool It Down Safely
First things first—safety. As soon as you see smoke, unplug your toaster oven and let it cool fully. This helps prevent any accidents or burns. You should never clean or check anything while it’s still hot. I usually give it 15 to 20 minutes before I touch anything inside.
Step 2 – Remove Crumb Tray and Clean Grease
Once it’s cool, slide out the crumb tray and shake off the loose bits. Grease or crumbs on the tray often burn and cause smoke, especially if they’re stuck on for a while. I wipe mine with warm soapy water or a splash of vinegar. It’s quick, and it stops most smoke problems before they start.
Step 3 – Wipe Heating Element Gently (When Cool)
Next, check the coil. If it looks greasy or dusty, it needs a gentle wipe. A dirty heating element can smoke when grease or crumbs burn on it. I use a damp cloth or a bit of baking soda paste to clean mine—carefully, without rubbing too hard. Just make sure everything is dry before using it again.
Step 4 – Check for Melted Foil or Plastic
If there’s still a smell or light smoke, take a closer look. Melted foil or plastic is a common cause of toaster oven smoke, especially if packaging was left on frozen food. I’ve made this mistake myself with a frozen pizza. Now I always double-check for loose foil or plastic before turning the oven on.
Step 5 – Air Out the Oven Before Using Again
Once everything is clean, keep the door open for a bit. Let it air out naturally. I also run the oven empty for 5 to 10 minutes at 300°F if it still smells odd. This helps burn off any leftover grease or odors, giving you a fresh start next time you cook.
Quick “Before & After” Table
| Problem | Fix | Prevention |
| Grease buildup | Wipe after each use | Use foil liner sparingly |
| Burning smell | Clean heating element | Avoid oily trays |
| Plastic smell | Remove all packaging | Pre-burn new oven for 10 min |
Real-Life Tip:
When my toaster oven started smoking out of the blue, I thought something broke. Turns out, there was a thin layer of cheese grease stuck under the crumb tray. I cleaned it with hot water and vinegar, and the smoke never came back. Now I do a quick wipe every Sunday—it’s become part of my kitchen rhythm.
How to Clean the Toaster Oven Heating Element (Safely & Effectively)
If your toaster oven keeps smoking, the heating coil might be the reason. Over time, small grease splashes or food crumbs stick to it. When they heat up, they burn and give off smoke. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean toaster oven heating element the right way—gently and safely.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools to clean the heating coil. Just grab a few things from your kitchen:
- A microfiber cloth or soft sponge
- A vinegar-water mix (1:1 ratio works well)
- A baking soda paste (mix baking soda with a few drops of water)
These simple items are all I use when my toaster oven starts acting up.
Cleaning Steps (Simple & Safe)
Unplug and let it cool – Always unplug your oven and wait until it’s fully cool before touching the inside. Safety first.
Apply baking soda paste (if your manual allows) – Some ovens are fine with this, but always double-check. Spread a thin layer over any stained or greasy spots on the coil.
Wipe gently without scrubbing – Use your microfiber cloth to gently clean the element. Never scrub hard, as this could damage it. Light pressure is all you need.
Dry everything before plugging in – Moisture and electricity don’t mix. Let the coil air-dry completely or wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
Run the oven empty for 10 minutes – After cleaning, turn it on (empty) at 300–350°F. This helps burn off any leftover residue or smell from the cleaning process.
Pro Tip:
I tested both vinegar and baking soda on different ovens. Vinegar worked best for light grease. But for dark stains or sticky spots, baking soda did the trick. If you’re short on time, vinegar is your friend. If you want a deeper clean, try both.
Toaster Oven Smells Like Burning Plastic – What It Means
If your toaster oven smells like burning plastic, don’t panic—especially if it’s brand new. This is actually pretty common and usually harmless. Most new toaster ovens come with a thin coating of oil or residue from the factory. When heated for the first time, this coating burns off and creates that plastic smell.
This process is often called a “burn-in period.” It typically lasts for just one or two uses. I still remember opening my shiny new oven, turning it on, and thinking something inside was melting. But after 15 minutes and a little smoke, the smell was gone.
Now, if the smell doesn’t go away after a few uses, it’s time to check a few things. Look for melted plastic on the trays, around the heating element, or stuck to the crumb tray. Also, inspect the power cord and plug—though rare, a damaged cord can smell like burnt plastic too.
Another common mistake is running the toaster oven empty for too long. This can overheat the parts inside and make the plastic odor worse. If you’re doing a burn-in, always follow the manual—run it empty once at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, then let it cool with the door open.
Prevent Future Smoke and Odors (Maintenance Routine)
Stopping smoke once is great—but keeping it from coming back? Even better. The best way to avoid future smells and mess is to follow a simple toaster oven care routine. It takes just a few minutes a week and can make your oven last much longer.
Start by wiping away crumbs and grease after every few uses. These little bits might not seem like much, but they build up fast and burn easily, which causes smoke and odors. I use a damp cloth and a tiny splash of vinegar—it cuts the grease without much effort.
Next, avoid using foil if it touches the sides or heating elements. Line your trays with parchment paper instead—it won’t melt, and it helps with cleanup. I’ve found that parchment also keeps oily foods from sticking and smoking later.
Try not to cook super oily foods directly on the rack. Items like bacon or cheesy dishes can drip and cause greasy spots that burn. Use a tray with raised edges or line it well before cooking.
Also, keep your air vents clear. Dust, crumbs, or even packaging materials can block airflow. Poor ventilation makes your oven hotter and increases the chance of smoke.
Once a week, give your oven a quick reset. Run it empty at low heat (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This burns off leftover grease or smells without you having to scrub everything down.
FAQs
Can aluminum foil cause a toaster oven to smoke?
Yes, foil can trap heat or touch the heating coils, which may lead to smoke—or even sparks. If you want to line your tray, use parchment paper instead of foil. It’s much safer and doesn’t affect airflow.
Why does my toaster oven smoke every time I bake?
It’s usually because leftover grease or crumbs are burning at high heat. These bits stick to trays or drip below the rack. To fix this, clean the crumb tray and check the heating element regularly. A quick wipe can stop the smoke before it starts.
How do I get rid of burnt smell from my toaster oven?
After cleaning with a vinegar-water mix, run the oven empty at 350°F for 10 minutes. This helps burn off any leftover grease or residue that’s causing the smell. It’s like giving your oven a reset.
Final Thoughts
Once I made cleaning part of my weekly kitchen routine, my toaster oven stopped smoking for good. No more burnt smells, no more surprise smoke—just calm, easy cooking.
It turns out, a few small habits make a big difference. Wipe away grease, empty the crumb tray, and use the right materials. These simple steps keep your toaster oven clean, safe, and working like new.
