Slow Cooker: Burnt or Electrical Smell
A burnt or electrical smell coming from your slow cooker may be cause for concern, but it is actually a common symptom that can be fixed yourself. Start by inspecting the lid, bowl, pan, probe, and more, for damage. Use our guide to help determine the part that needs to be replaced, how to locate it, and how to get your appliance working as efficiently as possible. Refer to your owner's manual for advice tailored to your model.
Power Cords
If you smell a burnt or electrical smell check the electrical cord, it could be burned out and not working anymore. If so, replace the cord as a safety precaution.
Lids
If you notice a burning or electrical smell coming from your slow cooker, make sure to check the lid for any cracks or chips. If the gasket around your lid is flattened out and loses its shape, liquids could spill out and burn the outside of your lid. This defeats the purpose of this part. It is an easy replacement and should be done to ensure nothing melts from the lid and drops onto the food you are cooking. Ensure that the new lid matches the shape of the pot.
Control Panels
The control panel allows you to manage the cooking modes and settings on your slow cooker. If it is not accepting commands or is reading your demands incorrectly, it is damaged or broken and will need to be replaced for better cooking results. The control panel affects the transfer of heat and the function of the heating element, which can produce a burnt or electrical smell if broken.
Bowls
f the bowl in your slow cooker is not cleaned thoroughly and consistently, the remnants of food particles can build up over time and start to burn. If your bowl is cracked, it can cause a burning smell as well. Replace the bowl and match it with the appropriate lid. Clean the bowl often to prevent burns.
Probes
If the probe, which detects the temperature of the food you are cooking, particularly meat, is not reading the right temperature, you might overcook your food and the high temperatures can cause a burning or electrical smell. The probe insert is a standalone piece. It is an easy repair as you do not have to disassemble your slow cooker.
Pans
If any food is burning on the outside of the pan or on the inside, your slow cooker can produce a burning or electrical smell. Make sure to thoroughly clean dirty pans, pots, and bowls to avoid burns and permanent damage to the parts.