What is a Pyrolytic Oven?

In today's busy lives, pyrolytic ovens are increasingly in demand - these types of kitchen appliances are gaining popularity due to their innovative self-cleaning capabilities. The ovens operate the pyrolysis process to effectively eliminate any residue buildup inside an oven, providing a hassle-free and convenient solution for busy households wanting to maintain a pristine cooking environment.

Steam Clean Ovens

In addition to pyrolytic ovens, steam cleaning offers another self-cleaning process for ovens. While both methods share the common goal of achieving a clean oven, they differ in their approaches and effectiveness. Steam clean using heat and water to soften and loosen food residue and grease within the oven. Water is poured into the shallow pan at the bottom of the oven, and, once the door is closed, the heat generates steam which circulates, making it easy to wipe away the softened residue. Steam cleaning uses less energy compared to the pyrolysis process, produces no smoke or odours, and is quicker lasting a maximum of 1.5 hours. However, it may not be as effective as pyrolysis, so additional cleaning may be needed.

Some Smeg ovens have a Vapor clean function, an assisted cleaning procedure which facilitates the removal of dirt. Thanks to this process, it is possible to clean the inside of the oven very easily. The dirt residues are softened by the heat and water vapour for easier removal afterwards and the process takes just 18 minutes. Explore the range of Smeg ovens with Vapor clean here.

Catalytic Ovens

In addition to pyrolysis and steam cleaning, ovens can also achieve self-cleaning through the catalytic process. This method uses a special catalytic lining to break down food residue and grease during regular cooking at lower temperatures. As the oven heats up during cooking, the catalytic lining absorbs the grease and food particles from the air, initiating a chemical reaction that breaks down these substances into simpler compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapour. Catalytic ovens are more energy-efficient compared to pyrolytic ovens, and, since the process occurs during regular cooking, it may seem quicker. However, catalytic ovens have a limited lifespan and are not as effective at self-cleaning compared to pyrolytic ovens. Additionally, not all areas of the oven are covered by catalytic lining, so further cleaning may be required in those areas.

Efficient Cleaning

Since pyrolytic ovens use intense heat to break down substances into ash, they’re both effective and efficient in their cleaning methods, removing even the most stubborn grease and food residue. The ash can be easily wiped away without the need for harsh chemicals or extensive manual cleaning.

Time-Saving

Unlike manual cleaning efforts, pyrolytic cleaning is a hands-off process that requires minimal user intervention. Once the cleaning cycle has been initiated, the oven does all the work, leaving you free to undertake other tasks. The time spent trying to remove the most stubborn of materials is therefore removed.

No Chemicals Required

The pyrolysis process eliminates the need for chemical cleaning agents which are used in manual cleaning. These chemicals can be harsh on the environment and often leave behind unpleasant odours or residues. By using only heat through pyrolysis, a more eco-friendly and chemical-free approach can be achieved.

Safety Features

Since extreme heat is being used, the safety features involved with pyrolytic ovens are essential to prevent accidents. These safety features include automatic door locks to prevent the door from being opened whilst it is extremely hot, and insulation to prevent the exterior surfaces from becoming dangerous to touch. Smeg Pyrolytic ovens feature quadruple glazed doors for maximum protection.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Despite having a potentially higher initial price compared to conventional ovens, their efficient cleaning capabilities can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the need for reoccurring professional cleaning services and expensive cleaning chemicals that manual cleaning methods may require.

• Always read the manual to understand your specific oven
• Remove large spills in the oven interior for more efficient cleaning
• Provide room ventilation to prevent the buildup of smoke and odours
• Keep children and pets away, since the oven will get extremely hot
• Do not interrupt the cycle, and wait for the oven to cool down properly
• Monitor the oven for any unusual smells, smoke or excessive heat
• Clean up ash residue with a damp cloth, sponge or even vacuum, once the oven has cooled
• Before starting the pyrolytic cycle, remove all accessories from the oven cavity, including trays, shelves and racks (this may differ between manufacturers)

Did you know that Smeg has a dedicated support website which is full of useful information about our products, including how to register your warranty?