A burning smell from your mixer grinder can feel scary, especially when you’re in the middle of making chutney or grinding masala. But in most Indian homes, this issue is common and usually easy to fix.
This guide gives you safe, step-by-step methods to diagnose and solve burning smell problems—based on user reports and commonly used troubleshooting methods.
Why Does Your Mixer Grinder Smell Like Burning?
A burning smell usually means the motor is overheating, the jar blades are jammed, or the load is too heavy. In many cases, the smell comes from dust, old lubrication, or worn-out carbon brushes. According to support guidelines, switching off the mixer immediately prevents further damage and allows safe troubleshooting.
Common Causes You Should Check
- Overloading the jar
- Running the mixer for too long
- Jammed or dry jar bearing
- Old or worn carbon brushes
- Clogged motor vents
- Dried lubrication inside jar blades
How to Fix a Burning Smell in Your Mixer Grinder (Step-by-Step)?
First unplug your mixer and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Then check the jar blades, clean motor vents, reduce load, and inspect carbon brushes. Most burning smells come from simple maintenance issues that you can fix at home using basic tools and cleaning steps.
Follow These Steps
- Let the mixer cool down
- Switch off immediately
- Wait 10–15 minutes before touching anything
- Check if the jar rotates smoothly
- Rotate the blade with a spoon handle
- If stiff → the bearing is dry
- Lubricate the jar bearing
- Add 2–3 drops of coconut oil on the bottom
- Rotate manually for 30 seconds
- Reduce load and retry
- Make smaller batches
- For dry grinding, take short breaks
- Clean motor air vents
- Use a brush or vacuum
- Dust blocks airflow and heats the motor
According to user reports
Most burning smell issues disappear after cleaning vents + oiling jar bearings.
What If the Burning Smell Comes from the Motor?
If the smell is coming directly from the motor, it may have worn-out carbon brushes or blocked ventilation. Commonly used methods include replacing carbon brushes and cleaning internal dust. If smoke appears or smell continues after cooling, follow support guidelines and seek professional service.
Signs the Motor Needs Attention
- Strong burning smell even without jar
- Mixer runs weak or stops suddenly
- Sparks inside ventilation holes
- Mixer vibrates more than usual
What You Can Do at Home
- Inspect carbon brushes (located on sides)
- Replace them if worn-out
- Clean internal dust with a soft brush
- Avoid using mixer during low voltage
When to Stop Using It
- If burning smell continues
- If smoke is visible
- If the motor feels excessively hot even when idle
How to Prevent Burning Smell in the Future?
Regular cleaning, avoiding overload, proper lubrication of jar bearings, and replacing carbon brushes every 12–18 months help prevent burning smells. Many users report fewer issues once they maintain their mixer like any other kitchen appliance.
Maintenance Tips You Should Follow
- Clean motor vents monthly
- Lubricate jar bearings every 2–3 weeks
- Allow the mixer to rest between grinding cycles
- Avoid running mixer longer than 1–2 minutes non-stop
- Do not overload masala or chutney jars
Real-Life Example
Most Indian kitchens use mixers daily; giving the machine short breaks dramatically reduces overheating.
Conclusion:
A burning smell from your mixer grinder doesn’t always mean a major motor failure. Most issues come from overheating, jammed blades, or poor ventilation. By following these easy DIY steps, you can fix the problem safely at home and extend your mixer’s life.
If the smell continues despite all fixes, it’s best to contact a technician and avoid further use.
Disclaimer: This article shares general troubleshooting information, not official support guidance.