Self-cleaning ovens are designed to handle the arduous task of removing built-up food residue and grease from the interior without the need for harsh chemicals or manual scrubbing. There are two common types of self-cleaning ovens: pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens and catalytic self-cleaning ovens.
- Pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens: Pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens use high temperatures to burn off the food residue and grime inside the oven. Here's how they work:
Activation: The self-cleaning process is initiated by the user. Typically, you'll need to lock the oven door to prevent it from being opened during the high-temperature cleaning cycle for safety reasons.
Heating: The oven's temperature is raised significantly, usually reaching around 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (427 to 482 degrees Celsius). At this extreme heat, any food particles, grease, and spills are turned into ash.
Duration: The cleaning cycle usually lasts for a few hours, during which the high temperature is maintained to ensure effective cleaning.
Residue removal: Once the cycle is complete and the oven has cooled down, you can wipe away the ash using a damp cloth or sponge. The residue is fine and easily removable, leaving your oven clean and ready to use.
- Catalytic self-cleaning ovens: Catalytic self-cleaning ovens use a different approach. They are equipped with special catalytic liners, usually on the oven's back and side walls. These liners are designed to absorb and break down food splatters and grease when the oven reaches a certain temperature (usually around 200 to 250 degrees Celsius or 392 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit).
Activation: The catalytic liners continuously work whenever the oven is in use, even during regular cooking. They start breaking down and oxidizing the food residue when exposed to heat.
Maintenance: Over time, the catalytic liners will help to reduce and break down the accumulated food residue, making the cleaning process easier.
Regarding the oven's operation during the cleaning cycle, it depends on the model and brand. In most cases, self-cleaning ovens will automatically shut off after the cleaning cycle is complete. This is done for safety reasons, as the extremely high temperatures can be hazardous if the oven door is opened during the cleaning process. However, it's always essential to check the specific instructions in the oven's user manual to understand how the self-cleaning feature works for your particular appliance.