Toaster Oven - Smoking/Steaming
Difference between smoke and steam
Smoke is the result of thermochemical decomposition (burning something).
- If the appliance is smoking during the break-in period (1st or 2nd use), this is normal. The unit is burning off lubricant that is used in the manufacturing process.
- If there is a lot of smoke, or if the appliance smokes after the break-in period, check to ensure no packing material or tape was left in the oven cavity or on the oven door.
- If an appliance smokes after the break-in period it is important to us because that could mean something was assembled incorrectly or there could be an electrical problem.
Steam is the result of water being heated above its boiling point.
- If food in the appliance is emitting steam there is no need for concern, it is a normal result of the moisture content of the food being heated to beyond 212 degrees F.
To determine if the unit is smoking or if it is just steam from the food please see the following procedure:
Toaster Oven - Determining if the Unit is Smoking
Questions to Ask
- Agents should ask the consumer to turn the oven on with nothing inside so they can differentiate between the appliance emitting smoke and steam. We should be able to prevent replacing ovens unnecessarily, which causes extra cost for the company and unnecessary hassle for the consumer.
Video Example: Oven Emitting Steam
<html5media height="250" width="450">File:Example_of_Steaming_Toaster_Oven.mp4</html5media>
