Why is smoke coming from my electric barbecue while I am cooking?

Some smoke during grilling is expected, especially when food fats drip onto a hot surface. However, excessive smoke can point to oil on the grill, residue in the barbecue, or food that is too fatty for the current temperature. Keep safety first, and stop using the appliance if smoke becomes dense, unusual or difficult to control.

1. Check whether the surface has been oiled

1. Look at the cooking surface and confirm whether any oil was added.
2. The manuals state that oiling the grill can create excessive smoke and will not improve performance.
3. Expected result: smoke reduces once the grill is used dry, as intended. If oil is not the cause, continue.

2. Check the food load

1. Reduce very fatty items or marinated foods that drip heavily.
2. Spread food out instead of crowding the grill, so grease can drain more predictably.
3. Expected result: smoke becomes lighter and more even. If large smoke bursts continue, move to the next step.

3. Check the grease collection path

1. Make sure the grease collector or grease tray is fitted correctly and not overflowing.
2. On models with a water reservoir under the grill, confirm it has been prepared as described in the manual.
3. Expected result: grease is collected in the right place. If it is not, stop using the barbecue until the parts are positioned correctly.

4. Know when to stop

• Stop using the barbecue if smoke is accompanied by burning smells, visible damage or unstable flames from another heat source.
• Stop using it if grease is pooling on electrical parts or the smoke seems to come from the housing rather than the food.

If the issue remains unresolved or safe use is uncertain, contact the retailer or store where the product was purchased.