What is catalytic oven cleaning? How is it done correctly?
Cleaning the oven from grease and burnt food is one of the most time-consuming household tasks. To facilitate cleaning, modern stoves use catalysis, pyrolysis and hydrolysis processes.
The most effective method is considered to be catalytic cleaning of the oven, which allows you to oxidize fat directly during the cooking process - we will explain what this is later.
Content
What does it mean?
Catalysis is the acceleration of a chemical process that occurs under the influence of a specific substance (catalyst). During the reaction, this substance does not change its properties and composition, which ensures the possibility of repeated use.
The end products of this reaction are carbon and water, but other organic substances can also form if the temperature is too low. After the oven has cooled down dirt can be removed with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
To make cleaning easier, special panels are installed on the walls of the device. They are treated with enamel, which has large pores and contains a catalytic substance. The porous surface increases the contact area between the fat and the reagent. Compounds of cerium, copper, cobalt and manganese act as catalysts.
Catalysts do not mix with reaction products, so cooking in an oven with special enamel is completely safe.
How is the oven cleaned?
Catalytic cleaning does not require specific preparation. During the cooking process, small drops of fat fall on the walls of the oven and are distributed over the porous surface, which absorbs dirt.
Oxidation begins at relatively low temperatures (from +140...150°C), but most effectively occurs at a temperature of +200...250°C.
Lipid decomposition occurs simultaneously with food preparation. While maintaining the required temperature, the catalyst oxidizes adhering fat and dirt until a new layer settles.
At the end of the process you must:
- wait for the oven to cool completely;
- remove the grill or baking tray;
- wipe the working panels with a soft sponge or cloth;
- wash other surfaces.
If necessary, you can postpone cleaning the oven and immediately start cooking another dish. It may take several cleaning cycles to remove old and thick layers of grease.
These limitations are due not only to the cost of the panels, but also to their instability to glucose. If the enamel also covers the bottom of the oven, then dripping sweet juice or caramel can damage the coating.
Terms of use
To maintain the functionality of catalytic panels you need:
- If sugar or dairy products come into contact with the surface, wipe off the stains as soon as possible with a soft, damp sponge.
- Do not use hard scourers, metal scrapers or acid-based products to clean the oven.
- Avoid contact of sharp metal objects and enamel.
- Choose gels and liquid products for cleaning, and immediately after catalytic oxidation, wipe the coating only with a damp sponge without detergent.
If necessary, catalytic panels can be cleaned with cleaning products based on alkalis and surfactants.
Pros and cons of the method
Catalytic oven cleaning method has a number of advantages:
cleaning up dirt can be combined with cooking, since the operating temperature of catalytic oxidation ranges from +200°C;- the catalysis process does not require large amounts of electricity or gas;
- reagents in enamel are completely safe for products;
- catalysis removes not only fresh, but also old fat, so cooking at maximum temperatures is not necessary all the time;
- ovens with a catalytic cleaning system can be either electric or gas.
The cost of such devices varies depending on the manufacturer, power and panel configuration. Ovens with catalytic cleaning are available in all price categories.
The disadvantages of the method include the following aspects:
- this method is intended only for removing fat, but is ineffective against other types of contaminants (sugar, milk protein, etc.);
- the panels have a short service life (200-300 hours), after which they need to be replaced;
- For effective cleaning, you need to turn on the high-temperature mode regularly.
Which method is better - mechanical, steam, manual or pyrolysis?
In addition to catalysis, the purification system can be based on the following processes:
- hydrolysis of fats;
- mechanical removal of contaminants (traditional method);
- pyrolysis;
- rejection of fat molecules by a smooth, non-porous surface (enamel for easy cleaning).
Advantages and disadvantages of other purification methods compared to catalysis:
| Method | a brief description of | Advantages | Flaws |
| Pyrolysis | Complete fat burning at temperatures up to 500°C | It is highly efficient. No need to change working panels | Requires a lot of energy. An additional warm-up operation is required. It has a high cost. Reliable door locking system required |
| Hydrolysis | Softening fat with water vapor at 90°C | Can be used in the simplest and most budget oven models. No replacement parts. Occurs at low temperatures. Can be used for any type of contamination | Additional heating with steam and mechanical cleaning are required afterwards. Fat is removed only after the surfaces have cooled. Ineffective against old fat |
| Easy clean enamel | Manual cleaning of the surface with a soft sponge | The coating is resistant to acids and sugar. Enamel protects all interior surfaces of the oven | This enamel is more sensitive to scratches and damage and cannot be replaced. If the coating is damaged, corrosion of the base metal occurs |
| Traditional | Mechanical cleaning with a sponge and solutions of soaps and alkalis | Can be used in all types of ovens. Does not require special coating. Efficiency does not depend on the nature of contamination | Using abrasives may damage the anti-corrosion layer. Labor-intensive, low efficiency. Requires hand protection due to the use of alkalis |
Some oven models are equipped with a catalytic hydrolysis cleaning system, which makes it easy to clean all surfaces even at low temperatures. Read about hydrolysis cleaning Here, about traditional - here.
Reviews
Catalytic cleaning system has mostly positive reviews. Consumers note that it significantly reduces the duration and complexity of cleaning, although the panels do not cover all surfaces of the oven.
Despite its lower efficiency compared to pyrolysis and the need to replace panels, catalysis has the great advantage of being able to combine cleaning and cooking.
However, with frequent use and baking of desserts, the catalytic system is less beneficial than hydrolysis or easy-clean enamel.
Useful tips
Helpful operating tips ovens:
- Before cleaning enamel panels, apply a little detergent to hard-to-reach areas using an old toothbrush or soft brush.
- For persistent stains, heat a baking tray in the oven with water to which a little soda, detergent or ammonia has been added.
- When baking at +170…190°C, use foil, parchment or a baking sleeve.
- When baking sweet dishes, place an additional baking sheet below the level of the main rack.
Video on the topic of the article
The video will tell you about catalytic cleaning of the oven:
Conclusion
Catalytic oven cleaning is the breakdown of the settled layer of fat directly during cooking. The main advantages of this method are low labor and energy intensity, safety and efficiency on protected surfaces. Substances that accelerate the reaction do not enter the food, form vapors and do not change the taste of the food.
