Burning or Electrical Smell From Behind Your KitchenAid Refrigerator

Spoiled food causes most refrigerator odors. A hot, acrid, plastic or burnt-electrical smell is another matter. It can come from dust cooking on a warm part, an overheated motor, a damaged cord or a failing electrical part, and any of those deserves attention.

What to do first

1. Unplug the refrigerator if you can reach the plug safely. If not, switch off its circuit breaker.
2. Stay away from anything scorched, melted or wet.
3. Carry perishables to a cooler or a neighbor’s refrigerator.
4. Smoke or flames mean you leave the house and call 911; never throw water on it.

Possible sources

• Dust on the coils or fan. A light, dusty burning smell right after cleaning or at startup can be built-up lint warming up. It should fade quickly.
• A struggling fan motor. Overheated bearings give off a hot, metallic or oily smell.
• The compressor start parts. A repeated clicking and hot smell can mean they are failing.
• A damaged power cord or plug. Brown marks, softness or a warm plug are warning signs.
• Spilled food that has reached a defrost heater.

What not to do

• Never run the unit through a power strip or extension cord.
• Leave electrical covers closed while the unit is connected.
• Do not test it again until a technician has looked it over.

Houston-specific cautions

After a storm or surge, a control board can overheat. If the smell appeared right after a power event, say so when you call, as it helps us narrow down the cause quickly.

We inspect the unit with the power safely isolated, tell you what failed and explain whether repair makes sense. Read about the visit on our refrigerator repair page, and check the service area for your neighborhood. Because the smell may involve wiring, we offer 9-12, 1-4 and 4-7 arrival windows, put the repair price in writing before we begin, and cover the work with a 30-day warranty.