Why Does My Oven Smell Like Gas? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Be it gas or electric; the oven is every kitchen’s mainstay appliance. Whether making London Broil, cooking a casserole, or simply baking bread, our ovens provide the foundations upon which we prepare our family’s food. Gas ovens are still considered superior, but every now and then you might smell an unnerving odor and wonder why your oven smells like gas.

It is common for your oven to smell like gas if you are breaking in a new appliance. Or, you could be smelling the odorant added to natural gas or have unwanted items burning inside the oven. It could also be a faulty gas igniter or a gas leak. If you smell gas coming from your oven, turn it off until you can determine the cause.

It’s hard to argue against the speed with which a gas oven reaches the desired temperature. And the consistency with which a gas stove produces heat is far superior to its electric sibling. However, if you smell gas, it’s best to know the possible reasons in case there’s a safety risk involved.

You’re correct; natural gas is, in fact, an odorless substance. Your utility company, however, adds a chemical called mercaptan, which gives gas its not-so-fresh smell. It’s often compared to sulfur and rotten eggs.

If you smell that familiar scent, you may need to call the gas company and have a professional check your oven. Your appliance may have a hazardous leak.

But first, there are a few circumstances that may cause your oven to generate a scent like gas. And both you and your oven could benefit from making sure those circumstances aren’t causing your problem.

However, there could also be things inside the oven that shouldn’t be there. The temptation to start cooking with a spanking new oven is, rightly, huge. But before putting your new appliance through its paces, there are a few things you must do. It’s essential to make sure you remove all packing materials, styrofoam, and twisty ties.

These items won’t just catch fire in your oven, which is a hazard unto itself. They also contain various chemicals that are likely to generate a gas-like smell when you heat your oven.

For this reason, it’s vital to double-check all compartments inside your oven. That smell you are encountering might just be a packing component you forgot to remove.

Sometimes, kids can apply the concept of the “Easy Bake Oven”…to your oven. So if you have small children, it’s also worth checking your oven for toys. Many a melting toy, bowl, and remote control have caused a bad smell to emanate from the range.

The gas igniter is typically located under a cover at the bottom of the oven. The cover protects the igniter from spilled food and liquids. However, some things can still end up landing on the igniter, causing it to fail over time.

When the igniter starts to weaken, it won’t provide the right amount of current to the gas valve. The igniter opens very slowly, allowing gas to escape during the first few seconds before it actually ignites.

If you’re dealing with a faulty igniter, you’ll need to replace it. You can call a professional appliance repair service to do the job, and it will cost about $310. If you want to attempt the repair yourself, the part by itself costs between $40 and $80.

The oven igniter is extremely fragile, so exercise caution when handling it and place it in the same position as the old igniter. Mount the igniter and connect the wires. If you purchase new wire nuts, make sure to buy metal. Plastic wire nuts will melt inside the oven.

After installing the igniter, replace all the racks and accessories, reconnect the power and the gas, and test the oven.

Your oven should ignite within the first 15 to 30 seconds, and there should be no more gas smell. If the oven won’t light, you can check to make sure the gas ports are clean.

If you still have problems, you might need to call in a pro. If you still smell gas, you might have a leak (more on this below). Either way, discontinue using your oven until you’ve resolved the issue.

So if it’s been a few minutes, and you still smell gas, it’s likely your oven has a leak.

Before we go any further, it’s important to note a few things about gas leaks.

You and your family could be inhaling a poisonous substance. Symptoms from overexposure to gas include headache, dizziness, nausea, irritation in your eyes and throat, and breathing problems. Should you encounter these or similar symptoms, exit your home immediately and call 9-1-1, your gas provider, and a repair person.

It’s important to only call after exiting your home because your phone’s electrical current could ignite the leaking gas.

If you smell gas but do not feel the above symptoms, turn your oven off immediately. Then, if possible, turn off the gas at its source. You’ll usually find a valve outside your house, in your basement, or in a utility space.

To further protect yourself and others in your household from the harmful effects of gas, ventilate your home as much as possible. Open all windows and doors to prevent continued gas buildup and illness.

Once you’ve performed these steps, quickly exit your home. Then notify the professionals to check for leaks and loose valves in your system.

We here at upgradedhome.com encourage learning about and upgrading all facets of your property. But, when it comes to gas leaks or electrical hazards, we recommend that you put in a call for professional help. Handling a gas leak can be a dangerous business, so never discount a professional’s experience.

If your oven smells like gas when it’s turned off, it definitely has a leak. At this point, perform the above steps, and leave your home as soon as possible. Once safely outside, immediately contact emergency services, your utility provider, and a repair person.

Once you discover a gas leak, make sure to make all necessary repairs. Only then should you restart your oven.

And until it’s safe, you can always turn to your second-most-important cooking appliance: your microwave

Related Questions

What if I smell rotten eggs, but I don’t have a gas leak?

If you smell rotten eggs and don’t have a gas leak, it’s possibly a sign of electrical issues. Plastic pieces burning inside your electrical outlets can smell like gas. This odor also indicates a potential danger and may require professional assistance.

How do I avoid “new oven smell”?

First, use a rag with soap and water to wipe down the inside of your new oven, including the racks. Turn on the fan in your ventilation hood and any other fans that are available. And open any windows, too.Once you’ve cleaned the oven and ventilated the space, run the oven at a temperature between 400 and 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to run the oven at this heat for thirty minutes to a full hour.If necessary, repeat the process one or two more times. Once the oily smell is gone, turn the oven off and let it return to room temperature. After giving the interior a final wipe down with soap and water, the oven will be ready to cook food- free of odors.