SELF-CLEANING VS. STEAM-CLEANING OVEN: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Making can be messy, but cleaning up can be made simple using the Steam-Cleaning and Self-Cleaning functions on your oven. Steam-cleaning ovens use water to create steam, gently loosening food debris from the oven’s interior. On the other hand, self-cleaning ovens utilize high temperatures to burn off food messes. Read on to learn more about steam-cleaning vs. self-cleaning ovens and determine which one will work best for you.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SELF-CLEAN AND STEAM-CLEAN OVENS?
Steam-cleaning ovens work to soften messes and debris inside your oven. Water added to the bottom of the oven creates steam that loosens soils so you can easily wipe them away. Self-cleaning ovens work by heating up to a very high temperature and burning off food residue. You can then wipe away the resulting ash once the oven cools.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELF-CLEAN VS. STEAM-CLEAN OVENS?
Self-cleaning ovens and steam-cleaning ovens both have benefits. The choice that is best for you will depend on the type of oven you have, your preferences and your cooking habits. Read below to learn about the benefits of both.
SELF-CLEANING OVEN BENEFITS
The Self-Cleaning function in your oven works to clean its interior in one cycle using high heat.
1. PROVIDES A DEEP CLEAN
The intense heat of the Self-Clean function helps to provide a deep clean for the interior of your oven by burning off soils and debris. It may be able to remove cooked-on messes that are difficult to tackle with soap and water.
2. CLEANS OVEN IN ONE SESSION
Using your oven’s Self-Clean cycle can typically clean the oven in just one session due to the intense heat, rather than repeating the cycle as you may need to do when using the gentler Steam-Cleaning option.
3. CAN BE DONE EVERY FEW MONTHS
Because a Self-Cleaning cycle helps remove tough messes and grime, you may be able to go up to three months without cleaning it again. How often you clean your oven will ultimately depend on how often you use it and your personal cooking habits.
4. NO HARSH CHEMICALS
Self-cleaning does not require the use of any harsh chemicals or scrubbing to get your oven clean.
STEAM-CLEANING OVEN BENEFITS
Your oven’s Steam-Cleaning option is a relatively quick process that can help you clean up your messes up in no time so you can get back to making.
1. QUICK PROCESS
Depending on the mess, steam-cleaning the oven may take only 1 to 1.5 hours instead of the 3-6 hours a heat cleaning cycle may take. Steam-cleaning allows you to get your oven cleaned up and ready for use again in a short time.
2. DOES NOT USE CHEMICALS
Steam-cleaning only uses heat and water to clean your oven, so no harsh chemicals or scrubbing are required.
3. LESS ENERGY REQUIRED
Steam-cleaning doesn’t need extremely high temperatures like self-cleaning does, and thus typically requires less energy.
4. WON’T CAUSE OVEN TO SMOKE
Since steam-cleaning doesn’t burn away messes, it is also less likely to cause your oven to smoke.
SELF-CLEANING VS. STEAM-CLEANING OVEN TIPS
Explore the self-cleaning and steam-cleaning oven tips below to help you maximize your oven’s cleaning functions.
SELF-CLEANING OVEN TIPS:
Self-cleaning ovens may be preheated before beginning a cleaning cycle to ensure higher temperatures.
Don’t put any dishes in the oven during self-cleaning. The high heat may cause melting or cracking.
Remove the racks, as well as any pots, pans or aluminum foil from the oven.
- For proper kitchen ventilation, uncover the oven vent and switch on the range hood's exhaust fan. You can also open a window or two in the kitchen to help keep the air clear.
- Clean the oven window before the cycle to prevent stains. Soil will not burn off glass the same way it will the rest of the oven.
While self-cleaning, it’s important not to leave your oven unattended.
- You may need to wipe away any leftover residue after the self-cleaning cycle is complete.
- Don’t leave pets or children in the kitchen during a cycle. They could be irritated by the smoke or touch the hot oven.
STEAM-CLEANING OVEN TIPS:
Use steam-cleaning for smaller messes and routine cleaning.
To prevent mineral build-up and residue in your oven, it is recommended to use distilled water.
Remove racks, pots and accessories first.
Use a vacuum to clean up any loose debris before steam-cleaning.
Clean the inside of the oven with a cloth after running the Steam-Clean cycle to wipe away any food particles or grease.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® OVENS
Fuel your passion for making with an oven from KitchenAid brand. Available in single, double and combination configurations, select oven models are equipped with features like Even-Heat™ True Convection which provides consistent heating and even cooking. Don’t stress over clean-up with features on select models like the Self-Cleaning Cycle that uses high temperatures to power through soils in your oven cavity.
