The location points to different immediate concerns. Grease or food residue in the pan is different from an electrical smell or smoke emerging from the appliance housing.
What the observation means
Neither should be investigated by continuing to grill. Do not reach behind hot controls or pour water onto hot fat. Follow fire guidance if a fire develops.
A useful next step
Stop use and allow safe cooling when appropriate. Describe where smoke appeared and what was being cooked. Clean only permitted accessible parts after cooling; smoke from concealed areas or persistent unexplained smoke needs assessment before further use.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.