Spray it onto caked-on, disgusting ovens and watch how easily the residue comes off.
It's easy to use with a simple spray nozzle that foams up and clings to tough stains and debris alike. Great for your deep-cleaning projects. One can lasts many uses if used as directed.
The foam is thick and may require elbow grease. Not ideal for daily use in home kitchens.
Easy-to-use product that works on both ovens and grills and comes at a decent price.
A foam formula that's a good alternative to aerosol cleaners. Works effectively on tough jobs, particularly grease. No fumes, odors, or harsh chemicals. Boasts biodegradable ingredients.
Requires patience and scrubbing for optimal effectiveness.
A fast-acting aerosol formula that cuts through caked-on grease and grime.
Works quickly to break up grease and minimizes scrubbing. Users can spray the can at an angle for hard-to-reach areas. Can be used on warm or cold surfaces. Formula is NF-listed and kosher-certified.
Not recommended for cast iron skillets. It's best to wear gloves while using this product.
A long-time favorite brand with an improved formula that cleans effectively and is affordable.
Easy to spray on and wipe clean without excessive scrubbing in most cases. Can be used in warm or cold ovens. No overpowering fumes. Results in as little as 5 minutes. Popular for spot cleaning.
Contains harsh chemicals, so mask up while using. Nozzle can quit working before the can is empty.
As a water-activated product, these sponges remove stains without harsh chemicals or smells.
Made with Durafoam for added strength. Cuts through grease. Works well with stains that have been present for a while. Effective on oven racks and glass windows. Sponge lasts through several uses.
Some reports that the sponges end up shredding and peeling after a couple uses.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Even the most careful and meticulous home cook can end up with splatters and spills inside the oven. Roasting, baking, and broiling at high heat are bound to leave behind greasy stains. Splashed meat juices, spilled batter, and oozing cheese can all wreak havoc on the inside of this often-used appliance.
While you can clean counters and even the inside of your microwave within an hour, tackling a messy oven interior is a whole other ballgame. It takes patience, scrubbing, and a powerful oven cleaner to tackle greasy glass and baked-on food.
We've compiled some cleaning tips and a few ideas for preventing impossible-to-clean messes in the first place. You’ve put off the task long enough, and now it’s time to make that oven sparkle! The right oven cleaner will make this tough job a whole lot easier. Make sure to wear a mask when using these chemicals.
There’s some debate about whether self-cleaning ovens are a good idea. The process seems simpler, but it still requires some forethought. When your oven is in self-cleaning mode, you can’t use it, and your home gets very hot and can start to smell. There’s also some evidence that the very hot self-cleaning mode in some ovens can damage electronic components. And a self-cleaning function doesn’t magically clean your dirty oven interior. You still need to so some scrubbing before and after.
Scrubbing beforehand is recommended
Gentle steam-cleaning function (some ovens) loosens particles
Very hot temperatures (up to 500°F)
Chemical-free cleaning
Requires ventilation
Gets stuck-on food in hard-to-reach areas
Requires some cleaning after self-clean mode
Accessories must be washed separately
More expensive than regular oven
Most oven cleaners contain abrasive chemicals that eat away grime, stuck-on food, and stains. They’re designed to be left on for a few hours or overnight to work their magic. After a waiting period, it should be easy to wipe away stubborn particles that were impossible to remove before.
Tough stain-fighting power
Easy application
Most products involve soaking period
Requires ventilation (but fume-free formulas available)
May require use of face protection
No heat needed
Most are toxic; must be handled with care
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an oven cleaner.
One common ingredient found in oven cleaner is sodium hydroxide, a harsh chemical that can burn the skin. Be aware that you should wear gloves when handling oven cleaner to prevent skin irritation and burns. Make sure to check the product’s instructions to make sure you’re using it safely and effectively. Keep oven cleaners safely stored out of the reach of children and pets and mask up while using oven cleaners to prevent any unwanted chemicals from getting in your lungs.
Not all ovens are compatible with all commercial oven cleaners. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your oven to make sure you won’t damage it by cleaning it with certain products. Cleaners should not be used on certain parts of your oven, such as the seal around the door. The owner’s manual should indicate these more delicate areas. Also, some self-cleaning ovens are not compatible with chemically formulated oven cleaners.
Oven cleaners come in spray, gel, and cream formulas. A spray is convenient for getting at areas that are hard to reach, but all three types are equally effective at removing grime.
Choosing an oven with a self-clean mode can add an extra $100 or more to the price of the appliance. You can expect to pay $5 to $7 for oven cleaner.
A. We don’t recommend it. The chemicals in oven cleaner are quite harsh and could damage your countertops. Some oven cleaners are suitable for cleaning stove tops and cookware, but always check labels before using one of these cleaners on any surface other than your oven’s interior.
A. Mixing vinegar and baking soda can help eat away at stains inside your oven, but it isn’t a very powerful solution. It’s likely you’ll need to reapply it multiple times to see any results. It’s a good choice for small cleanups, though.
A. We understand that it’s unsightly, but it's a bit of a tricky situation. Some oven doors can be opened with a few tools so you can get at the glass and clean it with oven cleaner like the rest of your appliance. But be careful not to apply the oven cleaner to any rubber seals around the oven’s door. If you’re unable to open up the door to clean the glass, you might have to get used to the grease stain. Hang a cute kitchen towel over the door handle to mask the stain.
A. Yes! Some formulas are specifically designed to be used on outdoor grills in addition to ovens. Check the label to make sure your oven cleaner is safe for the grill, too.
A. It depends on how often you use it. A few times per year should be enough for most home cooks who use their ovens fairly regularly. A quick peek inside will give you a good indication of whether it’s time to clean it. An oven that emits smoke or has a distinct odor is probably due for a cleaning.
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