KitchenAid Water Heater: Smells Like Burning
A burning or gas smell needs immediate attention — shut it down and check the wiring or venting. Add a photo of your KitchenAid Water Heater in the box below: the Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.
Show us the water heater.
Snap a photo — see what it is, how urgent, who to call. One photo of the problem. fixRAgent reads it and gives you a Triage Profile.
Or start with a sentence
AR Logic LLC · Privacy · Managing this for someone else? There is a version of this for whole portfolios. Managers: set it up for your buildings →
In the next five minutes
Safe first steps, before the call. Nothing here needs a tool.
If you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone feels dizzy or sick: don’t touch any switch or plug, leave and get everyone out, then call 911 or the gas company from outside.
Smoke or flames: get everyone out and call 911.
No gas smell, smoke or flames? Turn the water heater’s gas control knob to OFF if it’s gas, or switch off its breaker if it’s electric.
Everything else about this problem
Is it an emergency?
Is a burning smell from a KitchenAid water heater an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.
Symptoms & causes
A burning smell from your KitchenAid water heater often indicates an electrical issue, such as melting wire insulation or a failing heating element. You might notice a distinct odor of burning plastic or rubber, which is a critical warning sign. This smell is typically caused by excessive heat generated from a short circuit, loose electrical connections, or an element drawing too much current.
Tools & parts
You will need a multimeter, such as a Fluke 117, to test for continuity and voltage on electrical components. A basic screwdriver set (e.g., Stanley 6-piece) is essential for removing access panels. You might also need a replacement KitchenAid heating element or a new thermostat (e.g., upper/lower thermostat) if parts are faulty.
Safety first
Immediately shut off all electrical power to the water heater at your home's main circuit breaker panel to prevent electrocution and fire hazards. Turn off the cold water supply valve to the unit to prevent water leaks during inspection or repair. Be extremely cautious of residual hot water inside the tank, which can cause severe burns if drained improperly.
When to call a pro
If the burning smell is accompanied by visible flames, extensive charring, or persistent circuit breaker trips even after resetting, professional intervention is mandatory. Any signs of water leaking from the tank combined with electrical issues suggest a compromised tank or severe internal component failure requiring a licensed plumber and electrician. If you are uncomfortable working with high voltage electricity or cannot identify the source of the smell, always call a qualified KitchenAid appliance technician.
Questions people ask
Is a burning smell from my KitchenAid water heater always serious?
Yes, a burning smell is always a serious indicator of an electrical fault or overheating component within your KitchenAid water heater. It requires immediate attention to prevent potential fire hazards or further damage to the appliance.
Can I continue using the water heater if it smells like burning?
Absolutely not. Continuing to operate a water heater with a burning smell is extremely dangerous and could lead to an electrical fire, severe appliance damage, or even carbon monoxide poisoning if a gas unit is involved. Disconnect power immediately.
What's the most common cause of this smell in KitchenAid electric models?
The most common causes in KitchenAid electric water heaters are a failing heating element shorting out, loose wiring connections overheating at the terminals, or a faulty thermostat causing elements to run continuously. These issues generate excessive heat, leading to the burning odor.
Related problems
More KitchenAid water heater problems
Check another symptom for your KitchenAid Water Heater.
Smells like burning: other brands
Guides and hubs
A resident sent you this?
What a property manager should do when a resident reports a leaking water heater: the first message, how urgent, who to send.
The manager’s checklist →Ask AI about this problem
What it is, how urgent, who to call
Add a photo of your KitchenAid Water Heater in the box at the top. The Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.