The oven is one of the most important and expensive household appliances. To ensure it serves us trouble-free for a long time, we must properly maintain it. One of the crucial issues is keeping the oven clean. Unfortunately, stubborn dirt builds up quickly during baking. It takes a lot of effort to scrub the inside of the appliance with strong detergents.
However, modern oven manufacturers have come up with a solution to this problem. They have added a new function to their devices – self-cleaning ovens. In this text, we will explain what this innovation is all about. We will also suggest which self-cleaning oven will be best for you.
Dirty Oven – Cleaning
Regrettably, ovens, particularly their interiors, are highly susceptible to dirt. Burnt food residues, dripping grease, smoky glass… All of these stains can appear quickly and can be difficult to clean. The solution to avoid this problem is an oven with a self-cleaning function. However, there are different technologies for self-cleaning ovens. Not sure which option to choose? Better pyrolysis or catalysis? Wondering whether catalytic or steam cleaning will work better? Or does all of this sound like black magic to you? We’re about to explain what each type of oven cleaning technology consists of.
Catalytic Oven Cleaning
Ovens with a catalytic cleaning function are some of the most popular appliances. What does catalytic oven cleaning consist of? The crux of the matter here are catalytic panels, also known as cartridges. They are usually placed on the sides of the oven – in its inner chamber.
Catalytic cartridges have a special layer of micro-holes that trap impurities. The great advantage of this method is that catalysis in the oven takes place when you use it. Only after baking is completed does the second stage of cleaning begin, namely catalytic afterburning. It allows the removal of more stubborn impurities. The temperature in the oven then rises to 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is enough to burn and ash any deposits. The whole procedure does not take long. When it is finished, you simply open the inside of the oven and collect the ashes with a cloth and a little water. With catalytic cleaning, there is no need to use chemical cleaners. The catalytic cartridges themselves can be removed to be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages of Catalytic Cartridges
The catalytic function is one of the most popular options used in ovens with automatic cleaning. No wonder! It is quite an effective and convenient way to get rid of dried grease and other dirt. And this is done at a relatively low temperature. Nevertheless, this solution has minor disadvantages. First of all, catalytic cartridges wear out and need to be replaced regularly.
What is the lifespan of a catalytic cartridge? It depends on its quality and the frequency of use of the oven. If you bake frequently, the catalytic coating can wear out after just a dozen months. On the plus side, we can replace the catalytic cartridges ourselves. Their cost can range from $8 to $30.
Pyrolytic cleaning
An alternative method for effective oven cleaning is to purchase an oven with a pyrolytic cleaning function. Pyrolysis is a cleaning method that uses extremely high temperatures to clean the interior of the oven. It is important to note that this process operates on similar principles to catalytic cleaning, but there are two differences. First, cleaning does not occur during baking, and secondly, the temperature required for pyrolysis will be much higher, up to 500 degrees. This temperature burns off any impurities, leaving only ash that can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth. The pyrolysis program takes approximately 2 hours, during which time the oven door remains locked.
Important points for choosing an oven with pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is certainly an effective way of cleaning ovens, but there are some important points to consider. Prior to starting the pyrolysis process, the oven must be prepared by removing any large food residues. Leaving these behind could cause smoke. To ensure the cleaning process goes smoothly and safely, it is also necessary to remove any residue from acidic products (such as ketchup) as high temperatures can cause a chemical reaction, which could discolor the oven walls. Additionally, when planning to purchase an oven with pyrolysis, it is important to position it carefully in the kitchen and avoid placing it next to the refrigerator to prevent damage.
Steam cleaning the oven
You can also find ovens on the market that offer a steam cleaning option. These ovens have a special container for water installed, which produces steam that softens the dirt inside the oven when the cleaning program is started. This process takes approximately 30 minutes, after which the oven still needs to be cleaned by hand. Although steam cleaning requires some effort, it will not provide the same results as pyrolytic or catalytic cleaning.
Prices of ovens with cleaning function – comparison
One of the key aspects when deciding to buy an appliance is its price. Although the automatic oven cleaning function seems like quite an innovation, it does not require much more money. The cheapest deals can be found for an oven with a steam cleaning function. Prices will range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (USD). A decent oven with catalysis will be in the price range of $260-$390 (USD). On the other hand, good models offering pyrolytic cleaning oscillate in the price range of $260-$520 (USD). As you can see, these are not significant differences.
Operating costs – comparison
We can be tempted to think more deeply about the comparison of operating costs. Cleaning the oven with the help of water and steam will be the cheapest in terms of energy consumption. However, in order to fully clean the dirt, we need to spend additional time. Ovens with a pyrolysis option consume the most energy, as the process takes place for a longer time at a higher temperature. Remember, however, that this cleaning is usually done once every 2 months. In terms of sheer energy consumption and convenience of use, however, the catalytic solution seems to be the best.
Choosing an oven – cleaning and its type. Summary
You already know the differences and mechanisms of the different oven cleaning methods, but you still don’t know what to choose? Will catalytic or steam cleaning be better? Removal of dirt with the help of water is worth considering if your oven is used only “on holidays”. So you don’t need to clean it either often or laboriously. Catalytic will be a better option if you run your oven frequently, but don’t have much time or inclination to play with cleaning it.
For those who enjoy baking frequently
Do you enjoy baking frequently, but still unsure whether catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning is better? Pyrolysis is the right option if you bake often. It’s also a good solution if you’re willing to prepare your oven for cleaning. The high temperature during pyrolysis ensures that no dried grease or other food residues are left on the oven walls. On the other hand, catalytic cleaning requires minimal user involvement. Cleaning with catalytic cartridges is also quite effective. If you’re always on the go but not afraid of periodically replacing oven cartridges, then catalytic cleaning is the right choice for you!
How to choose the best oven?
Have you always wondered how to properly clean your oven? With the above tips, you now know how to clean your oven using innovative solutions. You already know which method of cleaning is right for you, but do you have any idea which specific model of oven to choose? Then check out the oven ranking! It provides important tips for buying an oven and practical advice from experts to help you make the right decision during your purchase.
