Between trying to scrape off gunk that’s been there for months and removing grease that’s pooled at the bottom, it can be a real hassle cleaning up an oven. Many people can’t stand the grueling and time-consuming process. If you’re one of those people who dread the smell of oven cleaner, you might consider a self-cleaning oven. If you’re wondering what self-cleaning ovens are and why they’re beneficial, we’ve provided some information below.

What Are They?

A self-cleaning oven, also known as a pyrolytic oven, works by heating up to anywhere between 400° and 500° Fahrenheit. When it reaches those temperatures, any residue that has built up begins to burn off without chemical agents. Once the cycle is complete, there will be ash remaining from the leftovers. You can then vacuum or sweep up the remnants.

Steam Cleaning

Like the pyrolytic oven, a steam cleaning oven cleans without the need for chemicals. However, unlike the pyrolytic, it uses water and heat to remove gunk and debris. You may still have to do a thorough wipe-down inside the oven. It has some advantages, including operating at lower temperatures and a lack of odor.

Brief History

General Electric first introduced self-cleaning in 1963. Roy Chisholm, a professional engineer for the company, noticed that when he raised the surface temperature of a project he was working on to over 1,000° Fahrenheit, soot that was sitting on top burned off. The concept later became the P-7, known as “the oven that cleans itself electrically” in its advertisements.

How Long Does It Take?

Once you begin the self-cleaning process, it may take between one and three hours to finish. Before you start, you should remove any pots and pans left inside.

Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of self-cleaning ovens is that you no longer need to get up close and personal with the mess baking food can leave behind. These ovens also save you the time you would typically spend cleaning it by hand. Plus, you can avoid using chemicals like oven cleaner that leave fumes and odors that many people find unpleasant. They can also be harmful to your skin and eyes if you aren’t careful. Self-cleaning ovens are also more energy-efficient because they must handle the hotter heat of the cleaning process—this can help save you money on your utility bills.

If you think a self-cleaning oven is right for you, Town Appliance has a wide range of kitchen stoves for sale to fit your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us through our website.