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How Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Work

What is a self-cleaning oven and how does it work? Find out all you need to know in our guide.

How Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Work & How To Use One Correctly

Cleaning your oven regularly is important; it is a fact that dirty ovens are the main cause of 1 in 5 house fires. Despite recommendations that you should deep clean an oven at least once every three months, it is a chore that many people put off doing. The self-cleaning feature in many modern ovens offers a solution to this time-consuming job. But, how do these ingenious appliances work, and how can you use one correctly to maintain optimal performance?

What Is a Self-Cleaning Oven?

Self-cleaning ovens are designed to minimise the effort required to clean an oven interior. Any food residue, grease, and other unwanted substances are removed using either heat, steam, or catalytic walls. A self-cleaning oven has built-in technology that starts a self-cleaning cycle at the push of a button, removing the need for manual deep cleaning. There are three main types of oven-cleaning technologies: Pyrolytic, steam and catalytic.

What Types of Self-Cleaning Ovens Are Available?

Let’s take a deeper look at the three different types of self-cleaning ovens available:
Pyrolytic

Pyrolytic ovens use extreme heat, typically around 500°C (932°F), to burn off food particles and grease, reducing them to ash that can be easily wiped away. The oven door locks automatically during the cycle for safety. Pyrolytic ovens are highly effective at removing all types of food residue and grease, including those that are particularly tough to clean. However, they use a lot of energy due to the extreme heat involved.

View all pyrolytic ovens
Steam Clean

Steam-clean ovens use water to generate steam that softens baked-on food residue. This is known as the “hydrolysis cycle”. The method is more gentle, energy-efficient and quicker than pyrolytic cleaning. It does not produce any odours, but it is less effective on tough, burnt-on grime, and requires the manual wiping of food residue after the cycle is completed.

It is important to note that steam-clean ovens do not usually classify as “self-cleaning”, despite their ability to break down unwanted materials on the oven walls without the need for human intervention. However, unlike pyrolytic and catalytic ovens, the food residue isn’t absorbed or incinerated, meaning it is still present; instead, it is easier to manually remove.

Some Smeg ovens have a vapor clean function which uses to steam to loosen dirt.

View all vapor clean ovens
Catalytic

Catalytic ovens feature special liners that absorb and break down grease when the oven reaches temperatures of about 200°C (392°F), during regular cooking. These liners require periodic replacement and are less effective at cleaning heavy, burnt-on residue. However, they require less energy to operate, and, in some cases, can clean the oven during regular cooking.

Some Smeg cookers have oven cavities with catalytic liners.

View all cookers with catalytic ovens

Comparison of Self-Cleaning Ovens

Pyrolytic Ovens Catalytic Ovens Steam Clean Ovens
Cycle Time 2 to 4 hours Around 30 minutes 20 to 30 minutes
Temperature Involved Around 500°C Above 200°C Lowest temperatures, around 100°C
Energy Efficiency Lower, due to high temperatures Higher, utilises regular cooking temperatures Highest, uses minimal energy
Preparation Remove racks and any loose debris Minimal, ensures liners are in good condition Add water to the oven floor
Post-Cycle Actions Wipe away ash with a damp cloth Replace liners periodically; light wiping Wipe softened residue with a damp cloth

Advantages of Self-Cleaning Ovens

Self-cleaning ovens offer several significant benefits that make them a valuable addition to any modern kitchen:

  • Convenience: The main benefit of a self-cleaning oven is the convenience it brings the user. Automated cleaning cycles eliminate the need for manual scrubbing and harsh chemical cleaners, saving time and effort.

  • Improved Hygiene: Self-cleaning ovens reach high temperatures that effectively kill bacteria and other pathogens, ensuring a more hygienic cooking environment. This thorough cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination of foods.

  • Aesthetics: Many homeowners find the appearance of a dirty oven embarrassing when guests are visiting. Periodic usage of the self-cleaning function ensures that an oven looks fresh and new, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

  • Energy Efficiency: Although these ovens use a significant amount of energy, a clean oven is more energy-efficient in the long run. Residue-free ovens quickly reach desired temperatures and maintain consistent heat, reducing overall energy consumption.

  • Safety: The self-cleaning process locks the oven door during the high-temperature cycle, preventing accidental burns and ensuring safety during the cleaning process. Also, the elimination of chemical cleaners reduces the risk of chemical burns and fumes.

  • Long-Term Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for professional cleaning services or specialised cleaning products, self-cleaning ovens can result in cost savings over time. They also help prolong the life of the oven by maintaining its condition.

Disadvantages of Self-Cleaning Ovens

While self-cleaning ovens offer numerous benefits, they also come with some disadvantages that potential buyers should consider:

  • Delicate Oven Parts: Some parts of the oven, such as the racks and certain finishes, may not be able to withstand the high temperatures of the self-cleaning cycle. These parts often need to be removed before cleaning, adding an extra step to the process. To avoid this, aim to use manufacturer-supplied parts where possible. 

  • Odours and Smoke: The burning of food residue in pyrolytic ovens can produce unpleasant odours and smoke, which might be bothersome. Although modern ovens are designed to minimise this, it can still be a concern for some users who may not be expecting it.

  • Heat Emission: The intense heat generated during the self-cleaning cycle can make the kitchen warmer than usual. In some cases, this may necessitate only using the function on a cooler day, or by using ventilation methods such as opening kitchen windows. 

  • Short-Term Costs: Self-cleaning ovens are generally more expensive than their manual-clean counterparts in the short term. The additional cost may not be justified for all users, such as those who do not use their ovens frequently.

How to Use Your Self-Cleaning Oven Correctly

To ensure your self-cleaning oven functions efficiently and lasts for years, follow these steps:

  1. Preparation: Take out all removable parts, including racks, trays, and any aluminium foil. Wipe the interior lightly to remove any large food debris. This prevents excessive smoke during the cleaning cycle, particularly if you’re using a pyrolytic oven. However, if any fumes do materialise, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated by opening windows and running your extractor fan.

  2. Choosing the Right Cycle: For minor spills, a shorter cycle might suffice. However, for heavier build-up, opt for a full pyrolytic or catalytic clean cycle.

  3. Activating the Self-Cleaning Cycle: Use the control panel to select the appropriate self-cleaning function, referring to your oven’s manual for specific instructions. With Smeg ovens, the oven door will automatically lock; this is a crucial safety feature to prevent accidental opening during the cycle.

Post-Cleaning: Wait for the oven to cool down completely before attempting to open the door. For pyrolytic ovens, this can take several hours. Once the oven is cool, use a damp cloth to wipe away the ash left behind in pyrolytic ovens, or loose food residue in steam-clean and catalytic ovens.

How to Maintain a Clean Oven Between Self-Cleaning Cycles

Although self-cleaning ovens are great for maintaining a fresh oven cavity, there are several top tips to help you protect your self-cleaning oven and make your life easier, such as:

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use chemical oven cleaners or abrasive materials on a self-cleaning oven.

  • Check Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always refer to the manual specific to your oven model for detailed instructions and safety guidelines.

  • Use Proper Cookware: To reduce spills and splatters, use the appropriate cookware and cover dishes when possible.

  • Address Large Spills Promptly: If your oven uses steam cleaning or catalytic cleaning, large spills can be tougher to remove. Manually clean these as soon as possible. 

  • Clean Racks Separately: To prevent any damage from extreme heat in pyrolytic ovens, clean the racks in your oven cavity either by hand or in a dishwasher. 

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the condition of your oven’s doors for any wear and tear, since this can affect an oven’s ability to perform properly. 

FAQs

How long does self-cleaning take?

The self-cleaning cycle - including the time needed for the oven to cool down - typically takes between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the type of cleaning function, oven model, and the level of cleaning and cool-down required. 

How often should you self-clean your oven?

It's recommended to use the self-cleaning function every 3 months, depending on how frequently you use your oven and the types of foods you cook. For heavy usage or frequent baking of messy foods, more frequent cleaning might be necessary.

Can you leave the house during a self-cleaning cycle?

While self-cleaning ovens are designed to be safe, the pyrolysis process requires very high temperatures that can produce smoke or odours, necessitating the need for open windows. However, leaving the house with windows wide open may pose a risk of unauthorised entry. Therefore, it's recommended that you are present to monitor the oven and ensure proper ventilation is provided.

Is it safe to use the oven’s self-cleaning feature?

Yes, using the self-cleaning feature is safe as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. On Smeg self-cleaning ovens, the oven door locks automatically during the cycle to prevent accidental burns and modern ovens are designed to handle high temperatures. Ensure good ventilation and keep pets and children away from the kitchen during the process.

Can you manually clean your self-cleaning oven?

Yes, you can manually clean your self-cleaning oven. However, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials that can damage the oven's interior surfaces. Use a damp cloth, mild detergent, or a baking soda paste for regular maintenance.
 

Explore Smeg’s Self-Cleaning Oven Range Today!

Household cleaning can be draining during our busy lives; Smeg’s innovative range of self-cleaning ovens is here to take the burden away from you. View the full range, or get in touch with us if you have any other questions. 

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