Tower Off-Gassing / Residual Manufacturing Oils

Air fryer has a strong plastic or chemical smell even after multiple uses.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Protective coatings on heating element burning off, Residual oils on non-stick basket, Low-quality plastic components near heater, Insufficient initial burn-in

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Ensure good ventilation when performing burn-in cycles.

  • Initial cleaning: Wash the basket and drawer thoroughly with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely before use.
  • Burn-in cycle: Run the air fryer empty at 180–200°C for 10–15 minutes, then allow to cool. Repeat 2–3 times if necessary. Open windows or use an extractor fan during this process.
  • Inspect for overheating: If the smell is accompanied by visible smoke or discoloration of plastic parts, unplug and inspect for components too close to the heater. Replace any deformed parts.
  • Persistent odor: If a strong chemical smell persists after several burn-in cycles and cleaning, discontinue use and contact Tower support, as internal plastics or coatings may be defective.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
Advertisements