Why Your Oven Smells Like Gas and How to Fix It

“Why does my oven smell like gas, and should I be worried?” This is a common question in many Australian kitchens, and it can be confusing. You want quick answers so your home stays comfortable and safe.

Knowing which smells are normal and which ones are dangerous helps you relax and act confidently. Of course, if you’re unsure or need a thorough check, a professional gas fitting service is always there to help.

Keep reading for common reasons and what you should do if you suspect a gas leak.

Is It Normal If Your Oven Smells Like Gas?

It depends on the characteristics of the gas smell in your oven. Not all odours mean something is wrong.

Oven smells like gas when preheating? It could be normal. Why? When the burner ignites, you may catch a brief whiff from the combustion process. It fades quickly once the oven heats up. No cause for concern.

But a strong, persistent gas smell is not normal. And if it comes from somewhere outside the ignition area, you might have a leak or a faulty part like the igniter.

Think of your nose as your first warning. A quick smell when you start the oven means it’s working. If the smell fills the kitchen, it needs a professional to fix it.

Common Reasons Why an Oven Smells Like Gas

You might ask, “Why does my oven smell like gas?” Well, here are some of the reasons:

1. It’s a New Oven

If you’ve just got a new oven or had one installed recently, that gas smell might just be from off-gassing during manufacturing.

New appliances often have protective oils, coatings, and dust from the factory on them. These need to burn off, which is normal, though that smell can be noticeable.

The odour is strongest during the first one or two uses and then fades.

2. The Oven is Preheating

Do you smell gas when you turn on your oven? That’s the burner igniting to heat up. Oven smells like gas when preheating.

A quick whiff that goes away in a few minutes as the oven heats up? That’s normal. But if the gas smell is strong, fills your kitchen, and lingers for more than a few minutes, it’s no longer normal combustion.

3. A Surface Burner is Left On

“Why does my oven smell like gas?” Well, it might not even be your oven. It could be your stovetop. So, you can always check your gas stove maintenance tips when this happens.

But keep in mind that if a burner is left on, it can leak gas quietly. You might not notice if the knob didn’t click all the way or if someone turned it on without telling you.

You’ll notice that the smell will be strongest near the stovetop, especially if the burner has been on for some time.

4. Grease Buildup Inside the Oven

Food spills and grease gather at the oven’s bottom, especially near the burner and igniter. Burned grease or food gives off a smell like sulfur.

The smell happens when leftover food or grease heats up and almost catches fire. This is especially true if you haven’t cleaned your oven recently or if you spilled something during your last bake.

5. Foil Obstructing Airflow

Many home cooks put foil or baking sheets on the oven floor to catch spills. This protects your oven, but it can block vents and disrupt airflow around the burner and igniter.

Blocked vents make it hard for the system to burn gas cleanly. Restricted flow leads to incomplete combustion and leaves a smell of unburned gas inside the oven.

6. First Use After Downtime

Has your oven been sitting unused because you haven’t cooked in months? And when you turn it on, that dusty gas smell hits you?

Your oven smells like gas when there is accumulated dust on the burner or inside the oven chamber. The mix of dust, moisture, and heat creates a distinctive smell that homeowners sometimes mistake for a gas leak.

7. The Igniter is Faulty

The igniter heats up to open the gas valve and light the burner. If it doesn’t work, the gas might not ignite, and it’ll just escape without burning.

So if you ask, “Why does my oven smell like gas?” This could be the reason. But it’s different from a quick burning smell. It’s the smell of unburned fuel.

8. Incomplete Combustion

Your oven’s burner ports are small openings where gas flows before igniting. If dirt or grease clog these ports, the gas can’t flow properly. That leads to incomplete combustion. And this is why the oven smells like gas.

Blockages disrupt the gas and air mix. This causes some parts to burn while others release unburned gas. The smell should only happen briefly when you first light the oven, not linger during use.

9. Gas Flow is Irregular

A faulty gas valve or regulator can disrupt the gas flow to your oven. These issues can lead to delayed gas ignition and prolonged gas odour.

So, if your preheat takes longer and the heat isn’t even, it might be due to inconsistent gas flow. And when combustion isn’t complete, you’ll notice a smell that changes with the gas pressure.

10. Pilot Light Issues

If your oven has a pilot light, a weak or out flame can cause problems. When the flame isn’t burning right or goes out, gas can leak without igniting, and you’ll notice a gas smell from the oven.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak?

If you notice your oven smells like gas and you suspect a leak, here’s what you should do:

• Stop using the oven — When your oven smells like gas, turn it off. Do not open the door or attempt to use it. Gas can build up quickly inside, and leaving it on could allow more to escape, which is dangerous.
• Do not turn on appliances near the oven — Do not touch any switches or plugs in the kitchen. Even a tiny spark near the oven can ignite gas fumes. Leave everything as it is and do not use any electrical devices nearby.
• Open a kitchen door or window — Quickly open a window or door when leaving, but stay away from the oven. This will vent the gas and reduce the explosion risk. Do not return or wait inside.
• Evacuate everyone from the house — If you suspect an oven leak, evacuate everyone quickly. Gas can spread rapidly through the house, and leaving keeps you safe from dangerous fumes or fire if the situation worsens.
• Call your gas provider — Do this from outside the house, not from the kitchen. Tell them you think the gas smell is coming from your oven. That way, they’ll know what’s going on.
• Inspect the oven’s gas lines — Have a technician check for leaks in the supply line, fittings, igniter, and burner. They may also cap the gas line if it’s unused for safety.
• Repair or replace faulty oven parts — If the leak or smell originates internally, such as from a cracked igniter or worn seal, a technician must replace the part according to manufacturer instructions and Australian regulations.
• Check the safety valve and gas control — If a safety valve gets stuck, it can release unburnt gas. A technician will check these parts, along with gas meter adjustment and the oven’s burner components.
• Test the oven for leaks and safe ignition before use — The technician will check your oven for safety and proper burning to ensure your kitchen is safe and your oven works reliably.

FAQ About Oven Smells Like Gas

Here are some common questions Australian homeowners ask about oven smells like gas:

Why does my oven smell like gas when preheating?

You might notice a faint gas smell from the oven’s igniter, which should fade as it heats. If rotten egg or sulphur smells persist, or you hear hissing, there could be a gas leak. Turn off the oven and contact a licensed gas fitter.

Why does my gas oven smell like gas when it’s off?

This is not normal. If your gas oven smells like gas when it’s off, something’s wrong. It likely indicates a leak.

So, check if any burner knobs are left on. Turn off all burners and pilot lights. Open windows to air out the space and evacuate immediately.

What if my oven smells like gas but isn’t heating up?

If your oven smells like gas but won’t heat, this could indicate a potential gas leak or ignition failure. Shut off the gas, open windows, and avoid sparks. 

You need to call a technician. It could be a faulty igniter, gas valve, or a leak.

Will a slow gas leak make you sick?

Yes, a slow leak can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. You need to evacuate, avoid using electrical devices, and call emergency services for safety.

Are there warning signs before a gas explosion?

Yes, strong rotten egg odour, hissing sounds, or headaches are warnings. Pay attention to them. If you notice any of these, leave your home right away and call your gas company.

Conclusion

If your oven smells like gas, knowing what’s normal and what’s risky is key to safety and peace of mind. Don’t ignore odours that seem strange or linger after preheating.

Luckily, you’ve learned the common reasons why an oven smells like gas and what to do if you think there’s a gas leak.

But if you’re still unsure or want professional help, contact Melbourne Gas Plumber today. Our gas fitting experts can check, diagnose, and fix any problems, so you can cook and live safely.