At a Glance:
How Long Does a Self Cleaning Oven Take?
Are Self Cleaning Ovens Dangerous?
Pros and Cons of Self Cleaning Ovens
How to Use a Self cleaning Oven Effectively
Top Self Cleaning Oven Models on the Market
If you are in the market for a new oven, you might be impressed by the number of features available to you. From convection cooking to WiFi connectivity, even the most basic ovens have modern systems in place. One feature that many people aren’t aware of is the self cleaning option. What is a self cleaning oven anyway and is it useful? Learn more about this convenient feature and how to use it, then explore some top products that have this option built in.
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Shop NowWhat is a Self Cleaning Oven?
A self cleaning oven is designed to reach an extremely high heat to incinerate any cooked-on grime. While you might bake cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the cleaning feature can bring your oven temperature above 900 degrees. The oven becomes so hot that any crumbs, spills, or debris is immediately incinerated into a fine powder. Once the oven cools, you can simply wipe this powder away with a damp cloth.
For many homeowners, an oven with a self clean cycle is a major advantage over having to scrub the interior of an oven by hand or using harsh chemicals. Sure, there’s still some cleaning required when it comes to wiping up the ash that collects at the end of the cycle, but it’s far easier than using elbow grease. Pro tip: Using a shop vac makes quick work of the post-cycle cleanup!
Self Clean vs Steam Clean Oven Cycles
Depending on the brand and price range, manufacturers offer a range of cleaning cycles. With that in mind buyer often wonder the difference between a a self cleaning vs steam cleaning oven.
✔ Steam cleaning models use water vapor—which needs to come to at least 212 degrees—to break apart stains so they are easier to remove. Because of the lower temperature settings, this self cleaning oven mode can be run more often without a risk of damaging the appliance. In fact, it’s a great way to keep greasy oven messes at bay.
✔ A standard oven self cleaning cycle uses dry heat at higher temperatures (up to 900 degrees or more) to break down caked-on oven messes. This method is by far more effective, but manufacturers recommend only running the cycle every few months.
How Long Does a Self Cleaning Oven Take?
The duration of the self cleaning process will depend on your oven and your preferences. You can run a complete self-clean cycle within two hours in some cases, but some brands might run the cycle at high temperatures for six hours or more. Aside from having an oven that’s essentially out service, one of the main problems with self cleaning ovens is that the temperature increase can potentially be dangerous for pets and children, Additionally, users will need to wait until the interior cools down completely to clean it out before being able to use the oven again.
Are Self Cleaning Ovens Dangerous?
Self cleaning oven dangers aren’t extreme, but users should still be aware of how to use the oven mode to ensure ultimate safety. With that said, users should know that heating an oven to high temperatures, such as those throughout a self cleaning cycle, can potentially damage the coils and thermometers when used too often.
Homeowners also need to consider the self cleaning oven fire risk. If you keep your oven at an extremely high temperature for long periods of time and the interior has grease residue, it could burst into flames. This is more common in aging models that are already starting to wear out.
Can a self cleaning oven kill you? While the overall risk is low, the extra emissions caused by burning the grime in your oven—along with the potential for fire risks—require proper kitchen ventilation and extreme care when running the oven mode to ensure no one gets injured.
Pros and Cons of Self Cleaning Ovens
There are multiple pros and cons of buying self cleaning oven models. Here are a few things to consider as you review this feature.
Pros
✅ Many ovens have a self cleaning mode
✅ Minimal effort is required
✅ Many models only need water to work
✅ Some versions only take a few hours to finish
Cons
❌ Self cleaning features can potentially damage your oven over time
❌The self cleaning oven temperatures can be dangerous
❌You still have to wipe down your oven after the self cleaning cycle is complete
❌Turning on the self-clean feature can be more time-consuming than manually cleaning your appliance
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re wondeing,” Can I use oven cleaner on a self cleaning oven?” the best way to be sure is to check the oven’s manual (if you don’t have a physical copy, you can look it up by running the model number in a Google search). In many cases, manufacturers advise NOT to use an oven spray if the model has a self cleaning mode because it can damage the enamel lining.
How to Use a Self Cleaning Oven Effectively
We can’t repeat enough: If you plan on using your oven’s self cleaning cycle, do it safely! Check these self cleaning oven tips from our appliance experts to make the most of your unit.
✔ Remove your racks before cleaning. This will protect their sheen.
✔ Learn about your self-clean system. Some ovens automatically have a cleaning cycle while others need to be set manually.
✔ Remove pets and small kids from the kitchen and always use a well-ventilated area.
✔ Make sure the oven is completely cool before handling it. Even warm ovens can still burn you.
✔ Never leave your house when you are using the self cleaning setting.
Top Self Cleaning Oven Models on the Market
Whether you’re thinking ahead about post-holiday cleanup or you want to have one less chore to do throughout the week, if a self cleaning oven sounds like a good asset to your kitchen, these are some of the top models on the market you should check out. Here are our recommendations for wall ovens and some of the best features that come with them.
Frigidaire® 27" Black Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Frigidaire Self Cleaning Oven
This Frigidaire self cleaning oven is a great example of a basic appliance that has high-quality bonus features built in. You can choose between three different self-clean cycles that last two, three, or four hours long to tackle oven messes from light to heavy-duty. The convection system also makes for an easier cleaning experience because you don’t have to work around delicate coils, and you’ll love how it cooks food beautifully even.
Featured Frigidaire FCWS2727AB review: “I am a hobby baker, artisanal breads especially. This oven bakes my breads so that the inside is moist with great airspace and the outside has a beautiful crispy texture, almost bakery quality. This is as good as any commercial oven I've ever used.”
Miele 30" Clean Touch Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Miele Self Cleaning Oven
If you are in the market for luxury appliances, check out this Miele self cleaning oven. There are several features that make this appliance stand out, including its self-clean capabilities. The PerfectClean universal baking tray can be easily removed, along with various other racks. This self-clean system is designed to remove any food particles that fall on the floor or door of the oven during the baking process. Coupled with Miele’s state-of-the-art cooking capabilities, this unit is a clean cooking machine that stands up to the standards of a luxury kitchen.
Bosch® 500 Series 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Double Oven
Shop This Bosch Self Cleaning Double Oven
The only thing better than a Bosch self cleaning oven is a set of Bosch double ovens. You can enjoy twice the reliability, technology, and bonus features exclusively from Bosch, plus the power of EcoClean™ system. This self cleaning oven cycle takes just two hours to complete, and is featured on both the top and bottom oven, so no matter where you cook, cleanup is simple.
Featured Bosch HBL5551UC review: “These ovens don't disappoint. Preheating doesn't take too long, and temperatures check out accurately. Easy to wipe clean, and we really like the combination of both knobs and digital operation/display.”
Thermador® Professional 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Double Oven
Shop This Thermador Self Cleaning Oven
This Thermador self cleaning oven set comes with two built-in ovens that have several useful features. The fast preheat setting can raise oven temperatures in less than seven minutes, so you can start cooking faster. You can also select from steam and convection settings for a more strategic baking experience. The set includes a 2-hour self-clean setting so you can easily clean the interior and move on to other chores, while upgrades like steam convection baking keep messes from sticking onto oven surfaces.
GE® 30" Electric Built-In Combination Microwave/Oven-Stainless Steel
Shop This GE Self Cleaning Combo Wall Oven
This GE self cleaning oven model might look like a set of double ovens at first, but it is actually a combination between an oven and a microwave. The microwave compartment pulls down just like a standard oven, but it rapidly heats up food within a few seconds.
The lower oven has a steam-clean system built-in that comes with added flexibility to clean your oven on your own terms whether it’s a light touch-up or tackling bigger messes with the lower oven’s heavy-duty racks.
Self cleaning ovens can make cleaning your home easier and more enjoyable when used correctly. If you are interested in any of the cooking appliances covered here, check out the other models offered by East Coast Appliance. See which units we currently have in stock so you can choose the right ones for your kitchen. East Coast Appliance offers some of the best deals in Virginia for furnishing your kitchen, laundry room, and other parts of your home.
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Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Self Cleaning Ovens at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop ovens online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you learn about the benefits of a self cleaning oven, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
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