One of the main reservations people have about using self-cleaning ovens is whether or not they are actually safe. With many horror stories floating around about the dangers of self-cleaning ovens, we’re here to set the record straight once and for all. While there are some dangers associated with using self-cleaning ovens, understanding the risks and knowing how to use your oven properly can greatly reduce the chances of a mishap. But before we get to that, we’ll look at how self-cleaning ovens work and some of the benefits they offer.
The self-cleaning feature can be a huge time saver. Instead of having to scrub stubborn food particles off from inside your oven, flipping a switch to activate the self-cleaning mode is a convenient function many people enjoy.
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages with self-cleaning ovens, one of which is the possibility of a grease fire breaking out inside the oven during a cleaning cycle. What is important to note is that while the possibility of a fire starting as your oven cleans is low, it still happens.
Reducing the Chances of a Self-Cleaning Oven Fire
There are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of your oven catching fire during a self-cleaning cycle. Knowing the do’s and don’ts, can eliminate this risk and preserve your oven.
One of the leading causes of fires in self-cleaning ovens is leaving large food particles or large puddles of grease inside the oven that can catch fire during a cleaning cycle.
How does a self-cleaning oven work?
Self-cleaning ovens require intense heat (about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, or 471 Degrees Celsius) to burn off food within the oven. These high self-cleaning oven temperatures can cause a spark when there is a buildup of grease or chunks of food in the oven. One way to prevent or minimize the risk of having an oven fire is to wipe away any large pieces of food or grease from the oven before starting a cleaning cycle.
There is also an option to use steam instead of high heat to clean the oven. When this mode is selected, the self-cleaning oven uses steam and very little heat to loosen particles of food stuck to the lining of the oven. Since there is significantly less heat involved in this option, the chances of an oven fire are eliminated.
How do I put out a self-cleaning oven fire?
If your oven catches fire, the safety lock will make it impossible to open the oven until it completes its cleaning cycle. This means that the fire will be contained in the oven, and without oxygen, it will eventually burn out. Remember, do not try to put out an oven fire on your own.
Are there Other Self-Cleaning Oven Dangers?
There is the smoke emitted from self-cleaning ovens during a cleaning cycle. The amount of smoke can be reduced by wiping away excess food particles before beginning the cycle. Self-cleaning oven smoke contains carbon monoxide, so it’s important to have good air circulation in your home whenever you are running a cleaning cycle on your self-cleaning oven.
By purchasing an oven from a reputable company, you can be sure there are a number of safety precautions built in to prevent fires. Some top-of-the-line brands are Frigidaire Self Cleaning Oven, GE Self Cleaning Oven and Samsung Self Cleaning Oven.