Strong electrical or burning plastic smell when oven or cooktop is in use.

Safety first: If you see smoke from control area or smell sharp electrical burning, turn off power at the breaker immediately.

Steps to check:

• New appliance: For a new Hotpoint range, run an empty burn-in cycle at 400–450°F for 30–60 minutes with good ventilation to burn off manufacturing residues.
• Check for foreign items: Ensure no plastic, foam, or cardboard packaging remains in or under the oven.
• Inspect wiring: With power OFF, remove rear and bottom panels to inspect wiring near elements and the control board for melted insulation or charring. Repair or replace damaged wiring and components.
• Element check: Look for hot spots or arcing on elements. Replace any element with visible damage.

Warning: Do not continue using the appliance if you suspect an electrical fault; risk of fire is significant.