Oster, founded over 124 years ago is an American brand that bills itself as producing “legendary kitchen appliances built to last”, and their blenders are no exception!
But just like any company’s products, Oster blenders aren’t perfect, and do have their fair share of problems.
Of all, Oster blender smoking problems are the most common among consumers, but good news is that there are myriad different ways to diagnose and fix the issue (s).
There are several reasons why your Oster blender may be emitting smoke including worn out brushes, which can be fixed by replacing the brushes of the blender.
Is it Normal for a Blender to Smoke?
A blender — regardless of the brand is used to mix, puree or emulsify food with the help of several integrated components, most notably a motor on top mated with a shaft, and a rotating blade in the bottom.
So, short answer is Yes and No — it is not normal per for a blender to smoke, and in fact even the slightest sign of smoke means that there may be one or more underlying issues with the appliance.
Contrarily, one of the innocuous reasons your Oster blender generates smoke is due to a lubricant that is added to the lacquered wire when the motor coil is wound at high speeds.
This smell is as dangerous as burning scented wax candle, and typically dissipates with use, but some consumers may be much more sensitive to this smell than others.
Another reason why it is normal for a blender to smoke or produce an unpleasant smell is when it is first used straight out of the box.
Why is My Oster Blender Smoking?
There is a plethora of reasons why your Oster blender is smoking, starting with damaged or worn-out brushes.
Worn out brushes are a common reason for Oster blender smoking, and when this happens, the brushes typically tend to arc.
The brushes used in Oster blender are designed to transfer electricity to the armature inside the motor.
This over time results in brush wear and tear, and eventually seize to come in contact with the armature inside the motor.
All Oster blenders are fitted with couplers, which connect a flexible power cord with the blender.
Couplers are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and can be made from several different materials, mostly from plastic.
Couplers are designed to fail in the event the blades of the Oster blender get overloaded.
This can cause the couplings to melt and harden, resulting in a burning or electrical smell.
Another common reason for Oster blender smoking is due to the blade and assembly. Oster blender blade assemblies contain three components — the blades, bearings and sealing plate.
Often times, the bearings can seize due to food or liquid seeping through, which causes the motor to work overtime, resulting in overheating or burning out.
Further, dull blades can also cause stress on the motor, which can result in the burnt smell.
Apart from the bearings in the blade assembly and the blades, other parts of your Oster blender can also cause a burning smell such as torn sealings.
These sealings are also referred to as washers, O-rings or gaskets can become torn or cracked, which can cause liquid to seep through to the motor.
Another reason for Oster blender smoking is when you’ve used it for too long, i.e., overworked it.
Further, if you’re blending a lot of solid stuff such as ice cubes or frozen foods, it may cause the motor to burnout over time, resulting in smoke coming out of the bottom of the appliance.
Using the wrong speed can also cause smoke emission in your Oster blender.
Oster blenders such as the Oster Classic Series Whirlwind Blender PLUS offer two speeds to choose from, and a pulse function.
You should always start the blender at the lowest speed, and work your way up.
But not for too long, as it may overwork the motor.
If you’re going to use the pulse function, pressing the button for max 30 seconds should do the trick, and any longer can cause motor burnout.
How to Fix Oster Blender that is Smoking?
If your Oster blender is smoking, good news is that there are several ways to fix the issue.
Worn out brushes
Every Oster blender comes with a user manual, so it’s best to refer to it when trying to replace your brushes.
Since each model varies, the exact location of the brushes may not be the same for all models.
In most models, the brushes are located behind spring-loaded brush caps, which you can unscrew using a flathead screwdriver.
There are generally two brushes, which are located side by side, and should pop out easily. Next, replace the brushes with the new brushes.
Check the Oster blender sealing rings
Just like the brushes, the sealing rings of your Oster blender can suffer wear and tear, but can be replaced easily.
Buy a pair of manufacturer recommended pair of sealing rings, and then remove the base of the blender plate.
Remove the worn out sealing rings, and install the new set on the top of the cutter assembly.
Sealing rings are compatible with most Oster blenders, but you can get in touch with the dealer or manufacturer if you can’t find the right fit.
Blade and assembly
Unless you take your Oster blender to a professional repair shop, it’s going to be hard to determine what exactly is wrong with the blade assembly whether it’s the bearings or other component that’s causing the Oster blender to smoke.
Check the blades to see if they’re dull by running your fingers across them.
If they are, then replacing them is an easy fix as long as you buy the right blender blade for your Oster blender.
To get started, unplug the blender, and unscrew the base from the jar. Next, check the seal below for wear and tear, and replace as well if necessary.
The blender blade package does include a seal, so you won’t have to buy one separately.
Remove the damaged blender assembly, and replace with the new one, and screw it on tight.
Motor failure
The motor is perhaps the most important part of an Oster blender, and can fail at times.
Oster blenders do come with industry leading warranties, so it’s best to check with the manufacturer before trying to fix the motor yourself.
You can replace the Oster blender motor, if you think it’s causing the smoking issue, but might be a tricky task if you’re not technically sound.
First, remove the rubber feet at the base with a screwdriver, and then remove the Phillips head screws located under them.
After you remove the base, you will see a green circuit board, and a yellow and black wire attached to it.
Detach these two wires by firmly pulling on the metal lead attachment.
Once you’ve released the two wires, squeeze the clip that connects the power cord to release it from the blender.
Grab a pair of vice grips, and remove the fan blade, washer and spindle by undoing the single bolt.
There are four nuts that secure the motor unit to the blender, so remove them, and the motor should easily come out.
Lastly, carefully place the new motor into the same slot, and then reinstall it by the same way as you uninstalled it.
Make sure that you reinstall all the screws and bolts you removed in the same position, because even a single lose or uninstalled screw could cause the Oster blender to malfunction.
If your Oster blender is firing smoke from its base, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer for best advice on how to fix the problem.
Sources:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Oster+12+Speed+Classic+Series+Blender+Motor+Replacement/87447
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