The oven emits a strong chemical or plastic smell when heating.

Safety first: Ventilate the area well. If you see smoke or melting plastic, turn off the oven immediately.

• Inspect cavity: Once cool, check for any remaining packing materials, zip ties, plastic films, or utensils that may have melted. Remove all foreign objects.
• Initial burn-in: For a new Whirlpool oven, run an empty bake cycle at 400–450°F for 30–60 minutes with good ventilation to burn off manufacturing residues.
• Use proper cookware: Ensure all cookware, liners, and accessories are labeled oven-safe for the temperatures you are using.
• Persistent odor: If the smell persists after several uses and cleaning, inspect the insulation around the oven for signs of overheating or contamination; this may require a technician.