Ever wake up one fine morning to launch into your slow cooker comfort food prep, only to be met with the forbidden fragrance of burning plastic wafting from your most reliable kitchen companion? If yes, hold on to your oven mitts dear friend! We’re about to embark on a DIY'er journey together and have a nose around your slow cooker to root out the cause of this peculiar scent.

Smelling the Symptoms: Identifying a Plastic Burn Scent

With the tantalizing aroma of BBQ chicken or beef stew usually anything but plastic, it's easy to identify when there's something off. The first sign of trouble, of course, is a distinct smell reminiscent of heated or scorched plastic. What gives? It’s usually a tell-tale sign something in your slow cooker is either wearing out or is placed incorrectly, causing the plastic aroma.

Put on your handyman hat, or your hair bun and let’s navigate the smellscape!

Scent Sleuthing: Narrowing the Area of the Scent

One of the best ways to determine the cause of the problem is to simply follow your nose. Turn off the slow cooker and let it cool down. While you're waiting, you could make yourself a cup of coffee or settle down with a good book (preferably one with slow cooker recipes)

Once it’s cold to the touch, take off the ceramic pot and give it a thorough inspection. If there doesn't seem to be any damage, put your Sherlock Holmes cap back on and inspect the heating element and control panel area on the base of the cooker.

Beneath the Surface: The Heating Element

One common culprit is a failing heating element. The element may be overheating, causing the internal plastic components to emit that burning scent. Heating elements wear down over time or may fail if water seeped into the base.

However, don’t toss your slow cooker just yet! A worn-out heating element can be replaced by a savvy DIY'er like yourself. Take note of your cooker’s make and model and search for spare parts available online.

The Control Centre: If the Panel's Not Right, Things Go Awry!

Another potential nemesis of our pleasant-scented cooking is the control panel. Here, the fault can range from a damaged circuit board to a faulty wiring. The result? A plastic burning smell due to overheating. This one is a bit more complex, but nothing's too tough for our DIY'er spirit, right? Remember, handle with care. If you're uncomfortable, it might be best to consult with a professional.

Ruling out External Factors: Circumstantial Scent Offenders

Perhaps you’ve checked all the insides and everything appears like it's in top shape, it’s time to eye the outsiders — your kitchen counter!

Sometimes, the cause of the smell is as simple as forgotten plastic wrapping under your slow cooker. Remove all foreign materials from underneath or nearby. If you have your cooker stored in a cabinet, ensure the cabinet doesn’t house any plastic containers or bags which might be pushed closer while you cook.

The Final Sniff: Prevention is the Key

To prevent future plastic burning incidents, always regularly inspect and maintain your slow cooker:

1. Check the cable is intact and securely plugs into the slow cooker.
2. Keep the base of your cooker dry to prevent any malfunctions.
3. Clear your cooking area before you begin.
4. Regularly open and inspect the internal base of the slow cooker.
5. Remember, slow cookers shouldn’t routinely smell of burning plastic.

Aromatherapy for Your Kitchen: Returning Back to Scrumptious Scents

We've reached the end of our scent journey. Now, your slow cooker burn-free domestic bliss and aromatic kitchen comfort are well within your grasp. With these tips in mind, not only will you be keeping your slow cooker healthy, but also ensuring those savory smells of love-filled home cooking remain the reigning champions in your kitchen!