At a Glance:
How Does a Steam Clean Oven Work?
Are Steam Clean Ovens Any Good?
Steam Clean vs Self Clean Oven
Top Steam Clean Ovens for Your Home
For many, the self-clean feature of an oven was the solution to dinnertime cleanup that doesn’t require elbow grease. Simply turn on the setting and, like magic, the oven mode would erase stubborn, stuck-on food down to ashes where users could finish the job with a simple wipe of a wet cloth. However, experts and homeowners alike are catching onto the negative side of this feature: Bringing your oven up to the high temperatures (often up to 900°) that can affect its performance and even damage the appliance.
As a result, appliance manufacturers have started to look for better alternatives to the self-clean model. A just like that, the steam clean oven was created, a gentler substitute which uses a vaporized water to break down cook-on food. There are several benefits of buying a steam-clean oven, but there have also been some push-back from users. Learn more about this option and find out if it’s the safer option you need for your kitchen.
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Harness the power of steam for an easier clean with steam clean ovens from East Coast Appliance.
Shop NowWhat is a Steam Clean Oven?
As you might’ve guessed, this isn’t exactly rocket science. A steam clean oven removes stuck-on grime and spilled food with steam. By placing water on the oven floor (either in a container or standing still, depending on the brand) and running the cleaning setting, it evaporates into steam and gently loosen the stains and spills from the inside.
In most cases, you do not need a water line to use the steam clean feature of an oven. You can even steam clean an oven that doesn’t have this feature by placing a pot of water on one of your racks.
How Does a Steam Clean Oven Work?
Steam cleaning an oven is considered a gentler alternative to using the self-clean option. With steam cleaning, you only bring your temperature to around 500°F. The hot water turns into steam and then condenses on the oven walls. This hot water loosens any grime—just like soaking a dish in the sink.
Steam cleaning is a great option if you want to know how to clean an oven without oven cleaner. There’s no need to use harsh chemicals that can float into the air, potentially harming your children and pets. As long as you keep the oven closed when it’s hot, this method is perfectly safe.
Keep in mind as you learn how to steam clean an oven that this process still requires work on your part. Once the oven cools after the steaming, you will need to wipe away the remaining food that the cleaning process breaks down. You should be able to do this with a damp sponge and kitchen gloves.
Are Steam Clean Ovens Any Good?
Like all kitchen appliance features, the quality of your steam-cleaning feature will depend on the oven you buy. Some brands are more dedicated to creating quality products that are easy to use than others. This means that the steam-clean feature on a trusted brand will likely work better than one with a worse reputation.
If you want a steam clean oven, the best thing to do is read the buyer reviews. This will increase the chances that you buy a model that meets or exceeds your oven steam clean expectations. Overall, manufacturers are moving away from the self-cleaning setting in favor of the safer alternative, so buyers are encouraged to explore more models with the feature to become more familiar with the setting as it moves toward becoming the standard.
Steam Clean vs Self Clean Oven
Cleaning an oven follows a similar process, regardless of whether you steam clean or use the self-clean feature. Start by reading your manual to get to know your oven settings and cleaning features to determine the type of oven cleaning your model requires.
The self-clean function on an oven incinerates cooked-on food. It brings the oven temperaure to extreme levels that can even damage some of the technology inside. On the other hand, cleaning an oven with steam uses a lower temperature with the help of water to break down grime. Steam cleaning can still potentially be dangerous because of the high heat, but this option is considered safer for you and your family than self-clean systems.
Regardless of the oven cleaning method you use, you will need to wipe away any grime after the appliance cools. You should be left with a clean oven that is ready to be used again.
Top Steam Clean Ovens for Your Home
A variety of brands produce steam-clean oven models for consumers. Start your search by reviewing ovens that you love and then check to see if they have the steam-clean feature like these six top-rated appliances that make cooking and cleaning easy.
Café™ Professional Series 30" Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Cafe Steam Clean Oven
Even before you get to the cleaning system, it’s easy to see why buyers love this wall oven. Crafted with French doors that make it easy to check on your food and remove heavy pans without leaning over a pull-down door, this model is on another level when it comes to style. Because this is a quality brand, you can trust that the Café oven steam-clean process will work at its best. More than 96% of customers would recommend this appliance to others for its quick cleanup together with powerful cooking functions like true convection, air fry, and Wi-Fi compatibility.
★ Featured Café CTS90FP2NS1 review:
“So easy to use and the design is impeccable. Definitely one of my favorites in the Café collection! With the SmartHQ app, I can get alerts on my phone or watch, I even know when someone else is using the appliance.”
Samsung Bespoke 30" Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Samsung Steam Clean Oven
If you are interested in a smart oven that also has steam-cleaning features, check out this model by Samsung. Unlike most steam clean ovens, this model comes with a steaming tray that makes it easier to add moisture to your meals. Simply add water to the tray and insert it into the oven to enjoy steamed fish or extra crispy homemade bread. And it’s fast! So fast, this Samsung steam clean oven completes its cleaning process within 20 minutes. This is more effective than standard self-clean models that can take multiple hours.
GE Profile™ 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Double Wall Oven
Shop This GE Profile Steam Clean Oven
GE Profile is one of the most well-known brands on the market, and you won’t be disappointed by its double ovens with steam cleaning. This GE steam clean oven comes with a built-in camera that allows you to check on your food—or the cleaning process—without ever opening your door. It also has a true European convection system for a more even cooking experience, making this GE Profile steam clean oven a complete package of performance and convenience.
★ Featured GE Profile PTD9000SNSS review:
“The convenience of having two ovens is something I thought I really wouldn't use. The GE Profile series offers a plethora of cooking options and cleaning the oven is so easy! Needless to say, I am thrilled with this set and am so glad I decided on going with GE!”
Monogram Statement Collection 30" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Single Oven
Shop This Monogram Steam Clean Oven
Looking for a high-end steam clean oven that checks all the boxes on performance, style, and user experience? For our money, this Monogram oven steam clean hits the mark with a cleaning system that easily removes any spills that get baked onto your oven floor. With a large-capacity oven like this one, you need a steam clean feature that can reduce your scrubbing and scraping. That way, you can get back to enjoying the fine details of this appliance, such as convection, air frying, and wireless programming.
★ Featured Monogram ZTS90DPSNSS review:
“Love that it's roomy enough for a turkey and versatile enough for baking several batches of cookies at a time.”
Fisher & Paykel Series 11 24" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Steam Clean Oven
Fisher & Paykel is a luxury oven brand that’s all about modernism. The control panel design immediately highlights the value of this appliance. As far as cooking goes, explore new territory with steam and sous vide cooking options that use water to elevate your meals. If you love venturing into new recipes and testing your skills as a home cook, you need this oven in your home.
Whirlpool® 30" Stainless Steel Double Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Whirlpool Steam Clean Oven
Rounding out the list of top appliances is this Whirlpool steam-clean oven set. The two ovens are easily controlled by a single panel at the top, which is designed to sit close to eye level. There are several different features that you will love when using these ovens, including the keep warm function for when your dinner is ready, but your guests need more time.
If you decide that a steam-clean oven is an ideal appliance for your home, visit your nearest East Coast Appliance location. We have one of the largest cooking selections in Virginia, including ovens and ranges. You can easily find a wall oven or set of double ovens that meets your needs. Visit one of our showrooms or shop online today.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
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 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 Steam Clean Ovens at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop cooking appliances online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you learn how to use a steam clean 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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