Gladiator Odor / Possible Electrical Overheat

Freezer emits a strong chemical, burning, or plastic smell.

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Possible Causes

Spilled food or packaging on heater, Overheating defrost heater, Electrical component burning, New appliance off-gassing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: If you smell strong burning or see smoke, unplug the freezer immediately and do not continue to operate it. Risk of fire or shock.

Step 1 – New unit smell: Mild plastic odor is normal for a new Gladiator freezer and should dissipate in a few days.
Step 2 – Inspect interior: Look for spilled food on the defrost heater area or plastic parts touching hot components. Clean thoroughly.
Step 3 – Check rear compartment: With power disconnected, inspect the compressor and control area for burned wiring or components. If found, contact a professional for repair.

Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5