Garbage disposal emits a persistent burning or electrical smell during or after use.

Safety First: Immediately turn OFF the disposal and switch OFF the breaker. Do not continue to operate a disposal that smells like burning plastic or wiring.

Step-by-step:

• 1. Allow cooling: Let the KitchenAid disposal cool for at least 20–30 minutes.
• 2. Clear jams: With power OFF, inspect the chamber for jams and clear them using pliers and the bottom hex socket.
• 3. Inspect exterior: Look for discoloration, melted plastic, or scorch marks on the housing or wiring compartment.
• 4. Reset overload: Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit.
• 5. Short test: Restore power and run the disposal for only a few seconds with water. If the burning smell returns quickly or the unit makes unusual noises, discontinue use.

When to call a technician: Persistent burning odor indicates internal motor damage; replacement of the disposal is recommended to avoid fire risk.