You’ve noticed a burnt smell coming from your coffee maker and it’s not the aroma you want to wake up to! This can be frustrating, but don’t worry.
If your coffee maker smells burnt, it might be time for a clean. This smell often comes from coffee grounds or spills inside the machine that get burned. Start by unplugging the coffee maker and letting it cool down. Then, clean the parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Make sure no coffee grounds are left behind. Once it’s clean and dry, the burnt smell should go away.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why your coffee maker might be smelling burnt and what you can do to fix it. We’ll cover common reasons behind the smell, such as old coffee grounds or heating issues, and simple steps to keep your coffee maker smelling fresh.

Common Causes of Coffee Maker Smell Burnt
If your coffee maker smells burnt, it can be a bit alarming. Let’s look at some common reasons why this might happen.
1. Old or Stale Coffee Grounds
One reason your coffee maker might smell burnt is old or stale coffee grounds. When coffee grounds sit around for a long time, they can get burnt or spoiled. If you use these old grounds in your coffee maker, it can make the coffee taste bad and smell burnt. To avoid this, always use fresh coffee grounds. Store your coffee grounds in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
2. Coffee Maker Needs Cleaning
Another reason for a burnt smell could be that your coffee maker needs cleaning. Coffee makers can build up coffee oils and residue over time. This can cause a burnt smell when the coffee maker heats up. To fix this, clean your coffee maker regularly. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean it. Run this mixture through the coffee maker, and then run clean water through it to rinse.
3. Burnt Coffee Residue
Sometimes, coffee residue can get burnt if it is left in the coffee maker for too long. This can happen if you leave old coffee in the pot or in the filter basket. To prevent this, always empty the coffee pot and filter basket after each use. Make sure to wash them thoroughly.
4. Malfunctioning Heating Element
A burnt smell might also come from a problem with the heating element. The heating element in your coffee maker helps to brew the coffee by heating the water. If it is not working properly, it might overheat and create a burnt smell. If you think this is the problem, you may need to have the coffee maker repaired or replaced.
5. Coffee Maker Overheating
Finally, your coffee maker might just be overheating. If the machine is left on for too long or if it’s used too frequently, it can overheat and cause a burnt smell. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and avoid running the coffee maker for extended periods.
By understanding these common causes, you can keep your coffee maker smelling fresh and your coffee tasting great.
5 Steps to Fix Your Coffee Maker Smell Burnt Easily
If your coffee maker smells burnt, it’s important to find out why and fix it. Follow these simple steps to get rid of the burnt smell and make your coffee maker work well again.
1. Check and Clean the Heating Element
The heating element is where your coffee maker gets hot. If it smells burnt, it might be dirty or have coffee spills. First, turn off the coffee maker and unplug it. Let it cool down completely before you start cleaning.
Look at the heating element, which is usually at the bottom of the coffee maker. If you see any burnt coffee or dirt, gently clean it with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure you do not use too much water, as it can harm the coffee maker.
If there is a lot of burnt residue, you might need to use a small brush to scrub it off. After cleaning, let the coffee maker dry completely before plugging it back in.
2. Clean the Carafe and Filter Basket
The carafe is the pot that holds the coffee, and the filter basket is where you put the coffee grounds. If these parts are dirty, they can make your coffee maker smell burnt. Start by emptying any old coffee from the carafe.
Rinse the carafe with warm water to remove coffee grounds and stains. For stubborn burnt smells, mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste. Use this paste to scrub the inside of the carafe. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
Do the same with the filter basket. Wash it with warm water and, if needed, use baking soda to clean any burnt coffee stains. Dry these parts before putting them back in the coffee maker.
3. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Many coffee makers have a cleaning cycle to help remove burnt smells and residue. Check your coffee maker’s manual to see if it has this feature. If it does, fill the water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Place the empty carafe back under the coffee maker. Start the cleaning cycle as the manual describes. The vinegar mixture will clean out the coffee maker and remove any burnt smells.
After the cycle is done, run a few more cycles with just plain water to rinse out any vinegar. This will help ensure that your coffee maker does not have a vinegar taste or smell in your coffee.
4. Check for Overheating
If your coffee maker keeps smelling burnt, it might be overheating. This can happen if you use the coffee maker for a long time or at too high a setting. Check the temperature settings on your coffee maker. Make sure you are using the correct setting for the amount of coffee you are brewing.
If the problem continues, it might be a good idea to have a professional check the coffee maker. They can find out if there is a problem with the thermostat or other parts that might be causing it to overheat.
5. Regular Maintenance
To keep your coffee maker from smelling burnt in the future, make sure you clean it regularly. After each use, empty the carafe and rinse it. Clean the filter basket and any other removable parts with warm water.
Do a deep clean once a month by running a vinegar cleaning cycle, as described earlier. Keeping your coffee maker clean will help it work better and prevent any burnt smells from coming back.
Make sure to store the coffee maker in a clean, dry place and avoid leaving old coffee or grounds in it. Regular maintenance will help you enjoy fresh coffee and a clean-smelling coffee maker.
I hope this guide helps you fix your coffee maker if it smells burnt. Check the heating element, clean it well, and make sure you’re using it properly. A clean and well-maintained coffee maker will give you great-tasting coffee without any burnt smells.
Are these Questions in Your Mind?
Is it safe to use my coffee maker if it smells burnt?
It’s not ideal to use your coffee maker if it smells burnt. A burnt smell can indicate a problem, such as a dirty heating element or overheating. It’s best to clean the coffee maker thoroughly before using it again to avoid any potential hazards or damage.
Can I use vinegar to clean a coffee maker with a burnt smell?
Yes, vinegar is an excellent cleaner for a coffee maker. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, then run a cleaning cycle or brew cycle. This helps remove burnt smells and any residue inside the coffee maker. Be sure to run a few cycles with just water afterward to rinse out the vinegar.
Do I need to replace parts if my coffee maker smells burnt?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, burnt smells come from simple issues like dirt or old coffee grounds. Clean the coffee maker thoroughly first. If the smell persists, there might be a problem with the heating element or thermostat, and replacing parts may be needed.
Is it common for coffee makers to smell burnt?
It’s not very common for coffee makers to smell burnt, but it can happen. This usually happens if coffee grounds overflow or if there’s a build-up of residue. Regular cleaning can help prevent this issue.
Can a burnt smell in a coffee maker affect the taste of my coffee?
Yes, a burnt smell can affect the taste of your coffee. If the coffee maker is dirty or has burnt residue, it can leave a burnt flavor in your coffee. Cleaning your coffee maker thoroughly will help ensure your coffee tastes fresh.
Do I need special cleaners for a coffee maker with a burnt smell?
No, you don’t need special cleaners. Simple ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda can effectively clean a coffee maker and remove burnt smells. Follow the cleaning instructions in your coffee maker’s manual for best results.
Is it okay to use soap to clean the coffee maker’s carafe and filter basket?
Yes, using mild dish soap is fine for cleaning the carafe and filter basket. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue, as soap can affect the taste of your coffee.
Can I use a toothbrush to clean the coffee maker?
Yes, a toothbrush can be useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas in the coffee maker, such as the heating element or filter basket. Make sure the coffee maker is unplugged and cool before you use the toothbrush to avoid any damage.
Do I need to descale my coffee maker if it smells burnt?
Descaling might help if mineral build-up is causing the smell. However, if the burnt smell is due to coffee residue or other issues, descaling alone may not fix the problem. Clean the coffee maker thoroughly first, and then consider descaling if needed.
Is it necessary to call a professional if my coffee maker still smells burnt after cleaning?
If your coffee maker still smells burnt after thorough cleaning and regular maintenance, it might be time to call a professional. There could be an underlying issue with the heating element or thermostat that requires expert repair.