Electric Ovens?

[Blackbird]

I've never used an electric oven prior to moving, but my new apt. has one.

I've used the stove top about three times so far, and now just used the oven once, today. Each time I use it, a very nauseating smell permeates the entire kitchen.. Not quite a 'gas' smell, but still a very unattractive one.
Yesterday, the gentleman above me, who's every move I can hear, had his oven on and I could smell his too. His kitchen is directly above mine.

Is this normal? Are all electric ovens this way? I'm just rather paranoid about it.. It is a 'General Electric' brand. Does this go away with use? My food also seems to hold onto this smell a bit as well.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Check it over well and see if there are any food bits or leftover plastic in the over, the broiler or on the racks. Sometimes folks use the oven as storage and turn it on without checking. Melted plastic stinks to high heaven. Check under the burners if you can. Usually the top will lift up.

I hated having upstairs neighbors. At least they aren't kids. Ahhhh, the pitter patter (romping, stomping, big wheel riding) of little feet.

 

[Blackbird]

Alright, when I am done baking and it's cooled I'll try and see what I can find under the top unit thingy. The actual oven part is spotless, supposedly the entire place was professionally cleaner before I arrived. Not that it look care of the bedbugs or ant infestation.

Having someone above me is taking a little getting used to. This morning I heard a toddler running around screaming up there, but I'm assuming he had guests. The guy himself is very heavy-footed.

Yesterday he must have eaten something that didn't agree with him, because, unfortunately, I hear everything that goes on in the bathroom too. :sic

 

[ksalvagno]

I have an electric oven/stove and there is no bad smell associated with it. I bet it needs a good cleaning and probably so does the guy's upstairs.

 

[SKR8PN]

Maybe you just need to run it awhile to burn off whatever the cleaning crew cleaned it with.

 

[Blackbird]

Ok, I think I figured out the problem.
Aside from a few very very misplaced cords that were partially CHARRED (no longer an issue), I found a circular hole that goes from the oven to under the stove top. When I moved the back right burner there was a metal piece placed over it, that I assume, channels the heat from the oven up to that burner. I don't know.

Anyway, that metal piece had some sort of gel-ish looking food particle stuck to it. So I have it in the sink soaking.
I'll let you know if that's the issue when I try it again. I hope it is but I don't think so, as the smell starts right when I turn everything on.

 

[patandchickens]

If oven cleaner residue (from previous occupants) was left in the oven, or in the pan under the range top, that can make a funny chemical smell when the oven is used. I've had that happen. It's never lasted more than a coupla uses IME, but then I've generally gone and wiped the whole thing down with a damp cloth too, and I don't know how much difference that makes.

Note that the hole under the right rear burner, that lets excess oven heat out under that burner, is supposed to be open and unimpeded -- I am not sure what you mean by "piece of metal placed over it" but if it looks like a DIY retrofit manipulation I would remove it. (If it looks like original factory equipment obviously leave it there)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Blackbird]

Thanks Pat! I thought that's what it was for but wasn't sure.
The metal piece definitely doesn't look DIY as it is specifically shaped/grooved to set on there.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa194/esquirrelepic/016-6.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa194/esquirrelepic/017-6.jpg

Again, I'm guessing it's just to help channel the heat out that specific burner.

I guess I'll give the inside of the oven a wipe down now.

 

[TanksHill]

So i know he inside of the oven looks great but do you have any evidence of mice?? In my old house we had mice and they nested in the insulation of the oven. The first time I had my in-laws over the oven put out the most sickening smell. Next time I needed to use it the smell came again. We tilted it back to see if there was anything under it. Big mistake!! A smoking rat/ mouse came running out and across my foot.

I say it might me the cleaner they used on it. Maybe after a couple of uses the smell will go away. How is the ventilation?

gina

 

[Emerald]

I just got a new oven this summer and the first few times I used it it stank something fierce! But it is gas not electric-If they had someone come in and clean I am gonna go with the rest of you and say that they probably got the oven cleaner on the element and that is what you're smelling when the element heats up.

Plus I too have had the burning mouse before up at the cabin-normally they all run away when you pile wood in the wood stove but this time we could all smell hair burning and opened the door and that mouse shot out of there like it was on fire!! Well it WAS!