There’s nothing quite as unsettling as walking into your kitchen and catching a sharp, acrid burning smell — especially when it’s coming from your refrigerator. Your fridge should keep things cool, not hot, so any burnt odor is a clear warning sign that something isn’t right.
Whether it’s a minor issue or a serious electrical fault, this guide will walk you through the most common causes of a burning smell coming from a fridge, how you might fix it yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Causes of a Burning Smell in Your Refrigerator
1. Overheating Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your fridge. If it’s overheating, it may emit a burning or hot rubber smell. This can happen due to blocked airflow, dirty coils, or internal electrical issues.
Try this:
Unplug the fridge and check the coils at the back or underneath. If they’re clogged with dust, vacuum them gently. Plug the fridge back in and monitor for any changes.
2. Faulty Wiring or Electrical Components
A burning plastic or electrical smell can point to melted wires or a short circuit in the control board, fan motor, or light socket.
DIY check:
Unplug the unit and remove the rear panel inside the fridge. Look for any visible melted plastic or blackened areas. If you see or smell anything suspicious, do not plug the unit back in. This is a fire risk.
3. Burned-Out Fan Motor
The evaporator or condenser fan motor can seize and overheat, especially if it’s blocked or worn out, producing a strong, burnt smell.
What you can do:
Listen for grinding or rattling sounds. If the fan isn’t spinning or is noisy, it likely needs replacing — a job best left to a technician.
Can I Fix a Burning Smell Coming from My Fridge Myself?
It depends on the cause. Cleaning dirty coils or clearing airflow vents are simple fixes you can try. However, if the smell is electrical or coming from inside the unit, it’s best to stop using the fridge and contact a local refrigerator repair technician near you.
Electrical issues are serious and can pose safety risks, including fire. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Our emergency same day repair service is designed for exactly these situations.
When to Call a Fridge Repair Technician
- You smell burning plastic, rubber, or wiring
- The fridge is not cooling properly
- You’ve already tried cleaning or checking the coils with no result
- There’s visible damage to internal components
- You want a fast, safe, professional diagnosis
Our technicians offer free service call with repair, and if you book online, you get $25 off instantly. We understand how stressful appliance problems can be — that’s why we provide express service, often on the same day you call.