The 2 types of Self-Cleaning ovens
Pyrolysis. Catalytic Liners. Enamel. Pyro. There’s a lot of jargon thrown around with self-cleaning ovens. But what does it all mean? And how do you clean a self-cleaning oven? Read on as we explain what these terms are, and what they mean for you.
Pyrolysis / Pyrolytic Oven / Pyro
All these terms refer to an oven with a pyrolytic cleaning function. This is where the oven heats to around 500oC and turns all the cooking ‘gunk’ inside your oven into ash. At the end of the cleaning cycle all you need to do is wipe out the ash with a paper towel.
With pyrolytic ovens, there are a number of in built safety features. Generally these oven doors are triple layered to ensure glass is cool to the touch, even at 500oC. Whilst running the pyrolytic cycle the oven door locks shut, until the cleaning cycle is complete and the oven has cooled to a safe temperature.
Pyro can be a great function, but there’s a few really important things to know. Because funnily enough 500oC is VERY HOT. Firstly, pyrolysis is only designed to be used 3-4 times a year. It is not a cleaning function you can use every other day or week, due to the extreme heating. On average a pyrolytic cycle uses 5kWh, whilst this does vary between brands you are looking at an electricity cost of $1.60. (Calculated using $0.32/kWh x 5kWh)
Before you run a pyrolytic cleaning cycle it is exceedingly important that you READ YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL. I know, I know, BUT hear me out. In most cases the side rails of your pyrolytic oven will have to be removed before cleaning. Some brands do have pyro proof side rails, but not telescopic runners. Some have pryo proof oven trays you can clean by inserting them into the oven upside down. Others if you try that you’ll end up with a mangled mess. So to keep yourself out of trouble make sure you read that destruction instruction manual to minimise destruction.
Once you remove all the destroyable bits, give the inside of the oven door a good clean. Skipping this step means you run the risk of baking the oven gunk onto the door. Forever immortalising that Sunday Roast Splatter and making it near impossible to remove.
Catalytic / Catalytic Oven / Catalytic Oven Liners
These terms refer to liners that are on the sides, back wall and/or roof of your oven. Catalytic liners have a porous texture and are made of a special enamel coating with catalytic materials, like metal oxides. The materials work together to absorb grease splatter, which then breaks down when heated to over a certain temperature. Check your instruction manual for the specific temperature for your oven, but generally this occurs around 200oC. If you don’t do a lot of high heat cooking in your oven you may need to run it at a higher temperature occasionally so the catalytic reaction can occur. Otherwise these self-cleaning ovens requires very little additional effort, unlike the pyrolytic counterpart.
So are there any types of ovens I do actually have to clean?
Another type of oven cavity you may encounter is regarded as “enamel”. A good quality enamel will make oven cleaning a breeze. Simply use a damp paper towel to wipe up any spills, grease and food splatter, whilst the oven is still warm but not hot. Luxury brand ILVE is one example of this. Their “Easy Clean” enamel goes through a process of special enamel paints and are then fired at 700oC to provide heat resistance and durability.
But honestly these days, if you find yourself often reaching for harsh chemical oven cleaners, you either have an old oven, a low quality one or are excellent at making an obscene mess.
Which type of self-cleaning oven is best?
Whilst both these self-cleaning ovens have their pros and cons. Personally the cleaning function of an oven is just one thing that should be considered. To really get value for money, consider what you use an oven for, what you like eating, cooking and fit oven functions to your lifestyle. Steam ovens are a great technology, and when used to their full potential can save you hours in the kitchen, producing tasty, nutrient rich food. Lots of steam ovens also have their own cleaning function. But this may not suit your culinary ability, tastes or lifestyle.
So, what now?
Purchasing an oven can be a big decision, with lots of options and choices. Self-cleaning ovens can vary greatly between brands. If you need further help understanding what some of the jargon means and choosing the right option for give us a call on (07) 3397 1161 or visit the Newtons Designer Appliances Showroom at 445 Logan Road Stones Corner.