Smell from electric hot plates on hob

[sarah00001]

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help. I have a Zanussi electric Hob and oven. Each time I use the hot plates, they give off quite a strong smell. It's not burnt food as I keep them clean, the smell comes from the hot plates themselves. It's hard to describe the smell, it's a bit like a metallic, chemical smell and I noticed when I drain food that has just boiled, it makes the food smell. I'm concerned about whether this is contaminating the food as I am 15 weeks pregnant. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm not sure how old the hob is as I am in a rented house, but I've been using it for around 6 months and it wasn't brand new when I moved into the property. Many thanks.

We have moved into a rented appartment where the plates are also electric. I have only had gas before.
I agree it smells, sort of getting used to it now. Especially I find it smelling when the pot is smaller than the plate or if there is no pot on the plate. My husband makes his tea in teeny tiny teapot and anytime he heats it, it smells so much. But I dont think the food smells. It think it is the hot plates.