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When shopping for an oven, you may come across two similar-sounding features: self-cleaning and steam-cleaning.

Both make it easier toclean your oven, but each uses a different method.

oven open in a wooden kitchen

What is the difference between steam-cleaning and self-cleaning ovens?

Steam-cleaning and self-cleaning ovens both offer a hands-off way to remove dirt and grime from inside the appliance.

However, each uses a slightly different cleaning method.

Man opening top door on double oven

Steam-cleaning ovens

Steam-cleaning ovens use steam rather than intense heat to clean an oven.

As the oven heats, it turns the water to steam to help soften the residue, explains Lemmen.

What are the pros of a steam-cleaning oven?

Woman wiping inside of oven

Steam-cleaning ovens use lower heat and the power of water to clean an oven quickly and effectively.

This function can be used frequently to clean your oven and prevent grime and grease buildup.

Amelia Hensley, director of cooking systems forGE Appliances, agrees.

Whirlpool WFES3330RZ  Freestanding Electric Range

Whirlpool’s 30-inch freestanding electric range features 5 burners, and a generous 5.3 cubic feet of oven capacity.

What are the cons of a steam-cleaning oven?

Although steam-cleaning ovens have many positive features, there are also some downsides to be aware of.

Dirty oven

Although the cycle is relatively quick, its surprising how running it frequently can quickly add up.

Additionally, Moore explains that steam-cleaning ovens are less effective on stubborn, baked-on messes than self-cleaning ovens.

What are the pros of a self-cleaning oven?

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Self-cleaning ovens are designed for heavy-duty cleaning on a less frequent basis, Moore says.

Lemmen explains that this cycle cleans deeply without chemicals.

Hensley says that a self-cleaning cycle is perfect for occasional deep cleaning sessions.

Inside a clean oven

She also suggests using a self-cleaning cycle when deep-cleaning your home in the spring or fall.

It’s also included in our electric range buying guide as thebest slide-in electric range.

What are the cons of a self-cleaning oven?

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Self-cleaning ovens have several cons, too.

The biggest downside is the time it takes for the cleaning cycle to complete.

Therefore, I dont recommend running this cycle on a busy day!

iRobot-mop-vs-Dyson-Wash-G1

The longer the residue sits and dries in a steam-cleaning oven, the harder it may be to remove.

Lemmen recommends keeping pets in a separate room while the oven is running a self-cleaning cycle.

It essentially prevents you from using your kitchen for the duration of the cycle.

Koitat mattress steam cleaner on white mattress with steam coming out

Because self-cleaning ovens operate at high heat, they can cause damage to the ovens components over time.

Shu recommends using the cycle sparingly to avoid this.

The customer wasnt aware that frequent use of the self-cleaning function could stress the ovens components.

A yellow steam cleaner being used on an electric cooktop

Verdict: Which is right for you?

Choosing between a self-cleaning and a steam-cleaning oven can seem complicated, but it doesnt have to be.

Hensley suggests asking yourself several questions to decide on the best option.

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