Pyrolytic vs Steam Cleaning Ovens: Which Is Best?

Pyrolytic ovens are mostly described as self cleaning ovens because the cleaning cycle does the majority of the work without needing you to manually scrub the oven cavity. There are still a few things you’ll need to do. Depending on the model, shelves and accessories may need to be removed before starting the programme, and you’ll need to wipe away the ash afterwards. But compared with traditional oven cleaning, there’s considerably less elbow grease involved.

Why choose pyrolytic cleaning?

It’s great for stubborn mess.  If you regularly roast, grill or cook foods that leave behind grease and splashes, pyrolytic cleaning is particularly useful. 

There’s much less scrubbing. Once the cleaning cycle has finished, you’re generally left with ash rather than baked-on grease.

It’s great for frequent cooks. The more you use your oven, the more useful a powerful cleaning function can become.

It’s convenient. You can run the cleaning programme when you’re not cooking and let the oven take care of the hard work.

Are there any downsides? Pyrolytic cleaning uses very high temperatures. Cleaning programmes can take a couple of hours or more, depending on the model and programme selected, and they use more energy than a lower temperature cleaning cycle. The oven door will also lock during the cycle as a safety measure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check which accessories can remain inside the oven.

The process usually varies slightly from one model to another, but it generally involves:

1. Adding the recommended amount of water to the oven or its water reservoir.
2. Selecting the steam cleaning programme.
3. Allowing the oven to heat the water and produce steam.
4. Letting the steam loosen grease and food residue.
5. Wiping the softened residue away once the programme has finished.

And this is the key difference between the two technologies. Steam cleaning makes cleaning easier. Pyrolytic cleaning does much more of the cleaning for you.

Why choose steam cleaning ovens?

It’s great for regular maintenance. If you clean your oven regularly, steam can help stop everyday grease and food residue from becoming stubborn, baked on mess.

It uses lower temperatures. Steam cleaning doesn’t need the extreme temperatures required by a pyrolytic cycle.

It’s convenient for everyday mess. A quick steam cleaning cycle can be a handy way to freshen up the oven after regular use.

You don’t need harsh cleaning products. The steam helps loosen residue naturally, although you will still need to wipe the oven afterwards.