These two types of cleaning options are the most popular methods
for cleaning ovens today.
According to most reports, less than half of the consumers who own
a self-cleaning oven actually utilize the self-cleaning feature.
Self-Cleaning Ovens:
This type of oven
utilized extreme heat to clean the oven; temperatures can reach up to 1000
degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat allows the residue in the oven to be
carbonized and literally turn to ash. The ovens smooth enamel coating makes it
very easy to wipe away the left over ash created from the self cleaning cycle. While
in the self-cleaning mode the range will become very hot to the touch and you
need to make sure to keep kids away. The amount of energy required for this
type of cleaning is extremely high and time consuming because the cleaning
cycle will last around 4 hours where the oven is unusable until the oven temperature
drops to a safe temperature. This cleaning method also gives off a very strong
smell that many consumers dislike.
Pros:
- This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean.
Cons:
- Utilizes high energy to clean
- Extreme heat required for the job
- Long processing times
- Undesirable odors / smell from the process
Example:
Steam Cleaning Ovens:
Like self-cleaning
ovens a steam cleaning oven also utilizes heat to clean but only requires
around 250 degrees Fahrenheit to do the job. This type of oven adds water to
create steam that helps release the residue from the oven surface. This oven
also uses a smooth enamel coating that makes removal of the leftover residue
easy to wipe away. The cleaning cycle for this type of oven is usually around 1
hour making it easy to clean with more frequency.
Pros:
- Very short time required for the cleaning (usually less than 30 minutes)
- No odor / smell
- More energy efficient due to utilizing lower temperature to clean
- This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean
Cons:
- Effectively cleans the bottom of the oven but struggles with the walls and back of the oven.
- My preference is the steam option but depending on your desires both have their pros and cons because who really wants to get on their hands and knees and scrub the inside of an oven with toxic chemicals?
Example:
Here is a detailed checklist about the proper way to use the
Steam Clean feature:
- Do not use oven cleaners with Steam Clean.
- Use the Steam Clean feature as soon as possible after spills occur. The longer you wait the more difficult it may be to remove.
- Always allow the oven to cool before using the Steam Clean feature
- Do not open the oven door during the cleaning cycle because the water in the bottom is hot.
- Once the Steam cycle is complete, remove all remaining water and debris in the bottom of the oven.
- Wipe any remaining moisture from the oven door interior, oven cavity interior sides.
- For harder stains use a soft brush or nylon scrubber to wipe the oven interior.
