Strong plastic or chemical odor from a new Calphalon coffee maker during first uses.

Safety first: Operate the coffee maker in a well-ventilated area during initial uses.

• Initial cleaning: Wash the carafe, brew basket, and removable parts with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Run rinse cycles: Run 2–3 full reservoirs of plain water through the machine before brewing coffee.
• Optional vinegar rinse: Run a cycle with a mild vinegar solution (1:3 vinegar to water), followed by several water-only cycles.
• Monitor odor: The smell should diminish significantly after a few uses. If it persists strongly or smells like burning plastic, discontinue use and have the unit inspected.