jdthompson
Cook
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2011
- Messages
- 71
This might be a silly question but how does the self-cleaning function work on ovens? I've never quite figured it out. Is it really supposed to clean your oven and how do you use it? Thanks!
If you leave them in, they will get nice and clean but will discolor. The won't be shiny bright any more.
If you take them out during cleaning, you'll have to clean them by hand.
Someone else might know more about this than me, but I would think 450 would be more likely to bake the grease and grime on. Plus you wouldn't want to run it at max temperature too long, I would think.One more question...my toaster oven doesn't have the self-cleaning option but if I run it at max temperature (which is 450 degrees), will it work the same way as my oven? My toaster oven could use a good cleaning as well.
The racks won't slide out as smoothly afterwards either, I wish I hadn't left them in, too late now.
... Do you think the discolored racks might be returned to their original shine with this?
Someone else might know more about this than me, but I would think 450 would be more likely to bake the grease and grime on. Plus you wouldn't want to run it at max temperature too long, I would think.
It is a bit scary the first time. But, it works like magic.
I re-read my oven's user manual each time, and follow its instructions, to be sure because mistakes generally cannot be undone. For example, glass and ceramic faces have to be thoroughly cleaned by hand or any bits of food will bake into them permanently blackened. I take my racks out. Mine is on a timed cycle, but I never leave home from start to finish. Important also to complete the cool down cycle.
Got a quick question for Andy & Caslon...
In a recent post about SS pans, you mentioned a cleaning product, I think called barkeep's friend or something. Do you think the discolored racks might be returned to their original shine with this?
Barkeepers Friend is the product. I've never tried it but I don't think it would work.
Personally, I don't care if my racks are discolored. Even if BKF worked, I wouldn't expend the effort to polish three oven racks one rib at a time just so they're shiny.
Thanks Spork! This is good to know. Our oven came with the house we purchased so we don't have the user manual. I imagine the same rules apply for all ovens so I'll be sure to clean the glass well.