Smoke or Smell From a Microwave Air Fryer

Which kind of smoke is it?

Is the first-use smell normal?

Panasonic's manual for the NN-CD87, sister of the HomeChef, lists "smoke and burnt smell" after first use as normal, and says it goes away after a few uses. It also says to wipe excess oil out of the inside and run the empty oven on Convection at 425°F for 10 minutes before first use, to burn off the rust-protection oil.

That is the only time the manual allows running it empty, apart from preheating on Convection. It says never to run Microwave or Combo without food. Ninja's UK guide also warns against running it empty. So don't repeat a burn-off to clear a later smell.

Is it grease?

The heaters sit at the top of the inside, so fat that spatters upward lands close to them. Panasonic says uncleaned grease can build up and make the oven smoke. Ninja's UK guide says the same about splatter in Air Fry and FusionCrisp. Breville goes further. Food, grease or fat left inside could make it overheat and may cause smoke or fire, so wipe the inside after each use. Good Housekeeping also says air frying in a microwave can be messier. See how to clean.

How do I clear it?

1. Stop and cut the power

   Press stop, keep the door closed if you see flames or heavy smoke, and unplug the appliance. Let it cool completely.

2. Take out the accessories

   Remove the tray, rack, basket and turntable. Wash them as your manual says, since some are dishwasher-safe and some are hand-wash only.

3. Clean the cavity

   Wipe the walls, floor and roof with a soft cloth squeezed out in hot soapy water, then dry them. Do not spray inside, use a steam cleaner or use metal scouring pads.

4. Check the top and the waveguide cover

   Look at the roof around the heater for splatter and wipe it once it is cold. Clean the waveguide cover in the same way, but do not remove it.

5. Remove any lingering smell

   Use your model's clean cycle if it has one. Otherwise use your manual's method, such as Breville's cup of water with lemon juice on High for 5 minutes.

6. Change what caused it

   Use the drip tray under fatty food, do not overfill, and choose an oil your manual recommends.

The manuals we read don't say how to clean the heating element itself. Be gentle around it, and ask the company if yours is badly soiled.

How do I stop it coming back?

• Use the drip tray. Panasonic's air fry setup puts the basket on the wire rack on the enamel tray for dripping oil. The rack lets fat drip through to reduce splatter and smoke when broiling fatty food.
• Don't overfill. Ninja's UK guide says to keep food from touching the heating elements.
• Choose the oil. Ninja's UK guide recommends canola, refined coconut, avocado, vegetable or rapeseed oil, and advises against olive oil, butter, margarine and cooking spray. That is one brand's list, so check yours.
• Don't heat oil or fat alone. Breville says it may overheat and ignite. It also warns about high-oil foods like pine nuts and walnuts.
• Wipe more often. Breville asks for a wipe after each use. See how to use a combo.

When should I get help?

Contact the company or a qualified technician if smoke continues after a thorough clean, if you see sparks with no metal inside, if you smell burning plastic, or if the door, hinges or seals look damaged. Breville says not to run an oven with a damaged door. Never open the casing yourself.

Is it time for a new one?

If the unit is damaged or the cause stays unclear, replacing it may be the safer route. See the best combos. Good Housekeeping suggests a smooth inside with fewer nooks. The Sharp below lists dishwasher-safe parts.