Top 10 Best Oven Cleaners in 2021

Here we have Amazon's top-performing oven cleaners, from the all-purpose ones to those that specialize in specific oven parts because we're all about making sure you (and your oven) get the best. 

Now we'll provide you with some assistance on how to choose an oven cleaner in case you're looking for a specific product but don't know where to start. We've broken down the buying guide into oven parts and the types of cleaners available. 

While many oven cleaners on the market are all-purpose and can even be used on other surfaces, you might want to consider going for a cleaner that specializes in a particular part of your oven to ensure that the formula is the right fit for the material it’s being applied on.

Oven racks are very tricky to clean because of the shape. You might be able to get the top and bottom scrubbed but the sides and corners are hard to reach. Burnt-on food is a common issue that needs a tough formulation to loosen it up for easy wiping.

The oven walls are where all the grease has accumulated after the steam and hot air have passed the ventilation system. It’s advised to wipe these areas to keep the oven in pristine condition.

Furthermore, burnt-on grease can affect the taste of your food, especially when baking, and alter cooking time. There’s also the risk that the hardened fat on the top might soften under intense heat and end up on your masterpiece.

Extra care and consideration need to be applied when handling the oven window glass, as this is more sensitive in nature. Apart from using non-abrasive cloth materials to wipe, the formulation of the cleaner should be gentle enough not to leave permanent scratches or damage on the glass.

It’s also best to coat it with glass cleaner for that extra shine and layer of protective coating. There are oven cleaners that specialize in glass doors and leave them protected and looking new for longer.

You may want to get an oven cleaner that’s all-purpose, but they vary in potency and consistency. Spray-on cleaners, magic erasers, and pastes each have their level of elbow grease needed or length of waiting time before removal. 

If you're looking at giving your oven a quick wipe after each use to avoid any buildup and save yourself the hassle of having to scrub the hardened muck, there are spray cleaners that don't emit fumes or have harsh chemical scents. 

They can even be used without gloves meaning they are gentle enough for everyday oven maintenance. 

The problem with a liquid cleaner is that it drips and doesn't stay in one place when applied vertically on the walls of an oven.

For burnt-on food and other gunk on the sides or top, you can opt for a paste-type oven cleaner which is effective in removing any unwanted dirt. Simply apply, even it out with a spatula, wait for the cleaner to do its thing, and wipe. 

Although liquid cleaners drip to the bottom, as we've mentioned earlier, they are great at softening any rock-hard spills and lumps on your oven tray or floor. Another useful feature of liquid cleaners is the ability to clean the rack by diluting the solution in a basin and letting removable oven parts soak for a while for efficient cleaning. 

Another option to clean the oven is to use a melamine eraser or sponge that's been designed to tackle tough spots and areas with every swipe. The minuscule scrubbers in the eraser's material make it possible to get between nooks and crevices that a regular cloth or brush can't. 

While there isn't a specific oven cleaner in powder form, the most well-known approach to cleaning an oven, especially the yuckiest ones, is to use baking soda.

This white powder is a miracle worker and has so many uses inside and outside the kitchen, from actual baking or cleaning to treating heartburn and canker sores. It's also a common and readily-available household item which makes this method of cleaning the first choice of many. 

As we search for oven cleaners, the ingredients are another aspect to watch out for because these have a direct effect on our health, our oven, kitchen, and the environment. 

Nowadays, cleaners have begun shifting away from toxic chemicals and traditional production methods and are being offered in more eco-friendly and safe alternatives.

Would you believe that plants could handle an oven that has hardened grease and grime? More and more formulations on the market are cruelty-free, non-toxic, sulfate-free, and derived from plants such as green tea or lime. Not only do they refresh you with their citrusy scent, they mean business when it comes to cleaning. 

One other common characteristic of oven cleaners in the past was the harsh chemical fumes that were emitted from the spray or through scrubbing. These could be toxic and transferred to the food when not properly removed. Today, aerosol cleaners often come fume-free as an added safety measure. 

If you've ever turned on your oven's self-cleaning function, you will discover that it means a lot of heat is involved. It's common to use heat in loosening grease deposits on various kitchen tools and appliances.

Most oven cleaners, however, apply cold oven technology wherein you won't be allowed to clean until it's cooled down. A few still utilize the traditional method with no cool-down needed. A quick check to see which approach the cleaning product follows ensures its effectiveness. 

Some cleaners may require cleaning brushes, a spatula, or a particular type of cloth so it's advised to check the label and see whether you need to purchase these separately. There are brands out there that already include the special equipment in the packaging to give you the best and most hassle-free experience possible. 

Self-cleaning ovens are more sensitive compared to those that need to be cleaned manually, which means the potent chemicals in a cleaning solution might be harmful and corrode your oven's enamel coating.

For safety purposes, it's best to check your oven's manual to see which store-bought products to buy. Usually, it's the non-toxic and biodegradable ones that make the cut.

Once we've started cleaning one portion of the kitchen, it's really hard to stop. Here are a few more links to other materials you might be interested in getting, knowing full-well that the plan to clean only the oven could easily get altered. 

Seeing an oven with carbon buildup could worry many homeowners. You know cleanup is needed, yet you are also aware that it will take time and effort. This is why ovens are not as frequently cleaned compared to other appliances.

But it's a must, especially if you're one who cooks a lot. Fortunately, we have oven cleaners to help in our mission of keeping things clean and safe to use. Like they say, "Out of sight, out of mind!"

Author: Hana Otsuka

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more mybest recommendations!