Are Self-Cleaning Ovens Dangerous?

The Pros and Cons of Having Your Oven Clean Itself

Ovens get dirty. That’s just the way it goes. Crumbs, melted cheese, and other food items will often melt at the bottom, leading to all kinds of headaches, including smoke and fumes. That’s why many people choose self-cleaning ovens. They are designed to clean themselves, but there’s no substitute for old-fashioned elbow grease, especially when it comes to caked on stains. These ovens aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Chances are you will probably have to clean your oven by hand from time to time.

Let’s explore the ups and downs of owning a self-cleaning oven.

How Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Work?

A self-cleaning oven uses extreme temperatures to burn away debris that’s at the bottom of your oven. The appliance usually locks during the process for safety reasons. Most cleaning cycles take several hours to complete.

The oven may reach temperatures as high as 932 degrees Fahrenheit, which reduces most food to ash.

What’s the Downside?

The problem is that simply raising the temperature doesn’t always do the trick. It may even make the problem worse if the food doesn’t simply melt away.

These appliances can also emit a burning smell, which may reduce air quality. The process can produce fumes, usually from bits of food and the enamel lining.

Research also shows that they can increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can put your loved ones at risk.

Self-cleaning ovens have also been known to start fires. Excess grease can easily ignite at extreme temperatures. It’s usually best for everyone to keep clear of the oven during the cleaning cycle.

Tips for Using a Self-Cleaning Oven

If you already have a self-cleaning oven, don’t fret. It’s best to keep the windows open when running the cleaning cycle. Keep the air flowing and use fans to improve air quality. You can even those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, leave the house until the process is complete.

Keep children and pets away from the oven during the cleaning process, as the front of the appliance will get extremely hot. The glass door on the oven may even shatter.

Watch out for smoke or strong odors. This is usually a sign that something is wrong. Your oven may have a leak, or something may be burning inside.

Do your best to remove stuck-on food and particles before running the cleaning cycle. Use a cloth to wipe up excess grease and food that could lead to a fire. Try to keep your food items covered or far from the edge of the pan to prevent drips and spills.

If you’re having trouble getting rid of stains in your oven, it’s best to hire a professional that can clean your oven for you. They can also assess the appliance for damage to make sure the oven can clean itself properly.

These appliances can help you save time when it comes to cleaning up after a large meal, but they usually don’t work 100% of the time. Be prepared to lift a finger or two in case of a spill.

Contact the professionals at Absolute Appliance Repair in San Rafeal to have an expert inspect your self-cleaning oven for more peace of mind.