This Setting Killed My Oven -- Could It Ruin Yours?

[@beentheredonethat814]

30 years ago and a 1st time home buyer in a new development. Our beautiful kitchen was outfitted with a Jenn Air double oven. I've always been careful to clean up spills in it after using. After one particular busy holiday I didn't feel like tackling the cleaning and foolishly decided to use the self cleaning feature. Your'e spot on about the horrible fumes during the process. After that experience I never used the self clean ever again but low and behold about a year later the upper oven stopped working. I tried to have it repaired but Jenn Air no longer provides the part that I need. Thank God the bottom oven still works. I continue to use that till I decide to replace the whole unit. Shame on manufactures for not warning consumers about the possibility of burning out your oven if you use that self clean feature. Never again!

[@IWantToCook]

Oh geez, I’m so sorry this happened to you as well. Good thing for that second oven!

[@user-qe4dw8dy9i]

Also shame on them for no longer carrying replacement parts.

[@beentheredonethat814]

@@user-qe4dw8dy9i I agree. That's going to be a expensive replacement so I'll be doing extensive research before I decide on a brand. A huge part of the problem is so many brands are pretty on the outside but so much made in China crap on the inside. That's a quote from the repairman.

[@judyheim6888]

Wow. I had no idea. Thank you for this video! Several years ago our built-in oven died. When our appliance guy opened the front he found that the circuit board had melted. He said he had never seen anything like it, and he's a pretty experienced guy. I mentioned that I often use the oven to bake at 450F with lots of cast iron and a baking stone--pizzas, bread in a pot. I asked whether that might have been a factor in the circuit board melting but he claimed not. I wasn't so sure. I think the baking box was just super-hot and the marginal circuit board melted. Again, thank you for the video. I'm going to avoid my oven's self-cleaning feature from now on.

[@IWantToCook]

Oh, my! Sorry to hear your oven conked out, too. I guess we’d all like to think they were built well enough to actually do the job they were made for! Thank you for watching and happy cooking 😀

[@victoriasrandomstuff]

At our last house the oven went out about two years before we moved. I bought the largest counter top convection oven Wal-mart had. It worked great! I was even able to cook many of the sides for thanksgiving in it. I always cook my turkey in a roaster so never even missed the oven. The range still worked so that, like yours, never became an issue. To this day I still use a toaster/convection oven probably 5 days a week and only use my full size oven for making a pizza. We bought our new house almost three years ago and our oven is on the older side here along with one burner not working. So I will begin saving up for a new oven after the holidays and have my eye on a new Viking. I can't decide if I want it in red or just stick with white. I have never used the self clean function and probably never would. A full sheet pan under whatever, goes a long way to keeping messes down.

[@IWantToCook]

Glad to hear the big counter oven is working for you! Great tip on the sheet pan, and Viking is a great brand. Wishing you much success in saving for that lovely appliance! 👍

[@CioCieMaMom]

i have not had an oven for a few months and I have learned to cook entirely on a propane outdoor stove and the biggest challenge has been how to cook items that require an oven and it is amazing how much i have learned to bake without an oven.

[@IWantToCook]

Nice! Sounds like some ingenuity going on there! 👍

[@JeanetteMcMyler-ds5wl]

Nice! Care to share?

[@janemartin229]

I rarely run the self-cleaning cycle on my electric oven. It does scare me--it gets so hot and smells awful. Now they say not to put the racks in there (I used to be able to and used an SOS pad on the glides afterwards). There's a lot of things you have to make sure to do before and after the cycle, so it's not truly self-cleaning! I remove the bottom drawer and pull the stove out away from the cabinets, so they won't be damaged. I've heard talk that California will ban household gas stoves in the future so if you want one, you'd better not wait too long if you live there. That looks like some sort of grinder, maybe for nuts or coconut--I'm not sure, but it looks like it would be a pain to clean!

[@kennixox262]

You don't have to worry about the banning of gas cooking equipment with Trump returning to office. When I use the self clean cycle, it is on a day that I can open the windows.

[@winstonelston5743]

My understanding is that self-cleaning can trigger a safety thermal limiting link is some oven brands and that once this fusible link is burned out, it is more cost-effective to replace the appliance. My twenty-five year old Maytag electric range instructions caution against using chemical or abrasive cleaners, that when the oven needs cleaning you should use the cleaning cycle. I have a new convection wall oven on deck for a kitchen remodel and it has some sort of steaming cycle that does a low-temperature clean, how well that works remains to be seen. My new cooktop is gas because when my power goes out for more than a day or two, as in an ice storm I still need to heat or cook food.

[@IWantToCook]

In my research for this video I read the steam cleaning ovens are quite nifty and don’t put the kind of stress on ovens that a high-temp self-cleaning one does. Congrats on the new stove, too. Cooking with gas is wonderful 🙌

[@winstonelston5743]

@@IWantToCook I need to do some structural work before I can do the new kitchen, but I went on eBay to find some appliances. I knew I wanted dual fuel and had originally thought about putting a wall oven under a counter-top cooktop. When I saw such a display at the home center, I found that I couldn't get up from the kneel needed to reach the bottom shelf now, and I'm not getting any younger. Meanwhile I'm thinking of having a twelve-inch high box under the oven cabinet and putting a stainless steel storage drawer (I have it in my staging room, made by Bosch) under the oven, a 48-inch high countertop above the oven (ideal spot for the small countertop appliances and the convection toaster oven)/ I will have a similar-styled proofing and warming drawer under the black porcelain five-burner gas cooktop (30-inches, and there's enough room for a 15-inch landing zone to either side of the cooktop). I live in a large southern city notorious for being unprepared for the infrequent but catastrophic winter storms. Even when we get summer tropical storm remnants the power grid may be out for two or three days, and it's nice to have a combustion-based way to heat water and cook food.

[@paulybarrondo6209]

Replaced our 27-year-old cheap gas range that came with the house this year with a dual oven GE gas model. Pretty happy with it. It has the steam clean and no self-clean. Still need to do a bit of scrubbing after the steam cycle but it helps for sure. Pretty much the same process I already used on the microwave.

[@bryantallansmith8303]

My self-clean oven means that I clean it myself. The trivia item has me stumped, perhaps it is for making fine pasta. I at first thought it would chop nuts but it would turn them to powder.

[@IWantToCook]

OMG that first sentence is fantastic! 🤣

[@stephanstephan3094]

Hi Matt, I really can't understand the problems with Self Clean Mode in American stoves. I use the Self Clean Mode on average every two months and have never had any problems with my oven, which is now ten years old. Self Clean Mode is also used regularly by other family members and has never led to suspension. Maybe European ovens are built differently to US appliances. I personally recommend everyone of my friends to make sure that they have a self-clean mode when buying a new stove. I have never experienced anything more comfortable and easier to get the oven clean. admittedly, sometimes it smells a bit strong, but there has never been smoke or anything like that. But maybe it's also because the stoves in Germany have a very strong housing cooling when the Self Clean Mode is activated. So it's like you said in your video, there are People who have no problems and others have negative experiences. Greetings from Berlin (Germany) and thank you for lots of interesting videos. Greeting. Stephan

[@IWantToCook]

Hello, Stephan, and greetings from California! I suspect you are correct about the build quality and other factors of your German stoves. I’m glad they work so well for you. PS, I am half-German (my last name is Degen, after all), and have been to your beautiful country many times, traveling from the Austrian border to Sylt. I still need to get to Berlin someday. Cheers! 👍

[@Real_g.s.]

Yep, our electric oven failed during a self-clean cycle. I just happened to walk by and saw the bottom element on fire! I turned it off immediately, and the landlord fixed it by taking an element from an empty apartment and putting it in my oven. Never had a problem after that, but I never used self-cleaning again.

[@IWantToCook]

Yikes!! That’s super scary. Glad to hear you’re ok and thankful you caught it early. 🙏

[@ronkemperful]

In the good old days when everything was analog, the self-destructive aspect of self-cleaning wasn't as much of an issue as smoke. There were no electronics to fry, as only mechanical timers, relays and elementary thermostats were involved. One little tip, if one must self clean and you happen to have a range with a downdraft vent, turn on the vent on low and place a Pyrex dish over the chimney that vents smoke out of the oven. All of the smoke is directed outdoors through the vent. However, the electronics still get hot and alas, under warranty my parents had to have the motherboard replaced 3 times. Nowadays I would not recommend a self-cleaning oven but a one that uses steam cleaning instead, especially with a gas range.

[@anothername2730]

Decided to finally try the “Clean” mode on my oven after watching this video and…I think that may have been a whoopsie!!

[@IWantToCook]

Oh gads, I hope it fares better than mine did. Thank you so much for your support, and I’m wishing you - and your oven - the best!

[@LA70S]

My appliance repair person said never use the self clean mechanism. It will kill the heating element. Dual fuel GE over.

[@IWantToCook]

Yep, I’ve heard some horror stories about the setting doing this to others’ ovens! 😬

[@mikegu2527]

When we had our house built in 2004 we had a Wolf electric wall oven installed. When the oven light lens got covered in smoke residue I called Wolf to ask how to clean it without damaging it. They replied "Just run the self clean cycle. And don't use oven cleaner, oven cleaner ruins the self cleaning oven surface" We did and continued to do so every 9 months or so and never had a problem (Quality counts). The only reason we replaced the Wolf 20 years later was because the control panel display got so dim we had to program the oven by muscle memory. The part was available but cost more than a new (scratch & dent) Samsung oven

[@kennixox262]

In my house, Wolf for cooking; Sub Zero for refrigeration and Miele for the dishwashers. I do use a bit of spray on over cleaner for small spills with no damage to the interior cavity.

[@andronicase]

I have a self clean oven but I don't like to use it because I live in Florida. I have always wondered if I could use a spray oven cleaner. If anybody has done this before, could you please let me know what results you had.

[@winstonelston5743]

Many appliance manufacturers' instructions caution against using spray cleaners. The sprays are great for cleaning crusty baking sheets...

[@lesliedefilippis2150]

I use the spray cleaner in my self cleaning oven

[@winstonelston5743]

@@lesliedefilippis2150 I had something called a _CONTINUOUS CLEAN_ electric oven many years ago. The theory was that some sort of magical coating would miraculously prevent spills from sticking, reduce them to ash, and the spills would go away. In theory, maybe, but a a complete disappointment in practice.

[@kennixox262]

I would not leave the racks in the oven during the self clean cycle, the heat will burn off the chrome layer. I only use the self clean cycle during the cooler months here in Las Vegas so that I can keep the patio door open and run the exhaust fan and never leave the house or go to sleep during the process.

[@jellybryce7742]

ive done mine a couple times self cleaning. Good reason to get a newer more powerful one!

[@wendyfletcher6132]

We bought a new oven in 2020. After a year, the heating element went out. We ordered a new one and replaced it. A year later, same thing… replaced the heating element again. Another year… third heating element. Three months ago, the element popped a hole in it. It was so loud and very scary! The electrical panel went out this time. Fortunately the stove top still worked and I had a countertop toaster oven. Hurricane Helene hit… long story short-my new oven was finally delivered today!

[@_GOATish]

Happy New Oven Day!

[@IWantToCook]

What an ordeal! Glad your new oven arrived. Wishing you many happy meals with it. 🙏

[@philrose7716]

Time to get a Wolf range.

[@IWantToCook]

🙌

[@zzydny]

I never used the self-cleaning feature on my nice Maytag Gemini but my oven got destroyed anyway, and I found out it was more expensive to repair than to replace. What wrecked my oven? My cat Dolly. I have a narrow galley kitchen. Dolly got up onto the counter opposite the stove in the middle of the night and shoved a heavy mixing bowl which flew across the narrow space and completely shattered the oven door. Broken glass everywhere. Oh my.

[@IWantToCook]

Oh no! That sounds horrible. Sorry for THAT wake-up call 😬

[@zzydny]

@@IWantToCook I admit, shamefacedly, that I slept through the debacle and discovered the mess in the morning. Hope that your stove muddle will be resolved soon somehow!

[@rbdreamsart]

I used the self cleaning last spring because the oven really needed a good clean but I won’t be doing it again.😮

[@robertjabara1003]

It is good to want things. It is a poor worker that blames his tools. First you don't want to owe more than you have to, that is something most people don't understand, I do. Second you know enough how to get done what you need by using what you have. I think you would be wise to replace that oven with something that is much better and fits in that space. You will probably love it. You can still want a certain oven and will eventually get that oven. Maybe your next move will be more able to handle a large oven without using up counter space, maybe you can even display your cookware in your new kitchen. I guess you will have to cut up that turkey when you bake it this thanksgiving, I am sure it will still be delicious. I say keep oven clean when in use and don't have to clean so much. We use a tray under pies or foil cover, I am sure it effects the heat but that is life. Thanks for the video.

[@IWantToCook]

Thanks for watching and for your words here! Cheers 👍

[@rcdoodles6214]

Sorry about your oven. I tried the self clean function once on my oven but stopped it after 10 minutes because the smell was SO terrible. I’m fine with a less than pristine oven and wipe it out occasionally when needed. Recently bought a Ninja ‘10 in 1’ digital air fryer and it is fantastic. I bake in it all the time, dehydrated a ton of herbs this summer and the reheat mode is great too. Picked it up for $140 at Costco. Would be a good stand-in until that Wolf range arrives. 😊

[@kennixox262]

You should only use the self clean cycle on a day you can have the windows open.

[@Elgysomar52]

That’s a nutmeg grinder. Sorry to hear about your stove 😔

[@DrMaserati]

I believe this week's gadget may be a raisin seeder or cutter.

[@mikegu2527]

You like second hand shopping, try a local scratch and dent appliance centers and find yourself a "temporary" range. Your contraption from the looks of the combs I would guess is a cotton gin???

[@IWantToCook]

Where’s that thrift store Wolf?! lol 😂

[@mikegu2527]

@@IWantToCook I grew up in a late 1800's rural adobe home with a wood burning cast iron stove. As long as I chopped wood, the stove and oven worked🍳

[@ethelryan257]

I have our 1974 GE self-clean self once a month. No problems in 50 years. Why? It was built to do it. Today, the electronic controls can't take the heat and the high power demand. This video right before Thanksgiving is a true public service.

[@IWantToCook]

Glad to hear yours is still going strong! Thank you very much for watching, and happy cooking 🙏

[@sourdoughdogs7879]

Alaska Sourdough sez, “Using the self cleaning feature cracked the front glass viewing window on my nice oven”

[@IWantToCook]

Oh gads! Sorry to hear that.

[@DavidNelson42]

My appliance repair guy explained it this way, on new ovens self clean is fine. But on older ovens the fan that cools the circuitry almost always either stops working completely or is no longer moving enough air to properly cool off the electronics. This was the fate of my KitchenAid 36" range a few years ago after the wife tried the self clean cycle. It fried the main circuit board (which part is not available anymore) so my range remains with a dead oven because I don't have the money at the moment to buy a new 36" range. Regarding your frugality I agree and it brings to mind an old SNL skit kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGS9e36ElJqAapY

[@sheilaabayateye1558]

Trivia i think it looks like a runner bean shredder no t sure though

[@Tealdragon204]

Okay but how to clean an oven not self cleaning?

[@IWantToCook]

Quite a few ways I’ve read about, from a type of steam clean with vinegar or ammonia to a baking soda paste for stubborn stains. There’s also oven cleaner in cans. Of course, the best method is prevention or catching stains/drips as soon as you can.

[@joellewatkins5528]

Yes never use the self cleaning mode. However you don't need to get a new range. You can fix this! Check out ben's appliance and junk. He has very detail video on this. Also they still make parts for this stove. That Kenmore is made by GE. That range is a work horse! You just want a new one.

[@IWantToCook]

Good to know and I’ll check out the videos! Thank you 🙏

[@JPMike66]

@@IWantToCook I agree that Joelle Watkins advice is worth pursuing. I had a Kenmore oven die after about 17 years and several uses of the self-cleaning cycle. I watched a few KZbin videos and decided that it was the igniter, which is apparently often the victim of the self-cleaning feature. I found one on Amazon for about $25, and was able to replace it myself. It did take me all day and several re-watching of the videos (none of which perfectly matched my oven) but I did it. Of course, that was not a 40 year old oven. And the oven has worked fine ever since at least 7 years. I mean if you are waiting to save up for a full kitchen renovation, that could be 5-10 years or more. I also use a toaster oven but I couldn't last a week without a real oven. I was able to unplug and disconnect the gas safely; but if you pursue this possibility, please hire a plumber if you are not sure about turning off and disconnecting the gas.

[@glennlazenby6137]

Chef...you need a real oven...just replace that range with a new or used inexpensive range...should be well under a thousand installed... you will pay several hundred for a small counter top convection oven. Black friday sales soon!!WITH ZERO PERCENT FINANCING Cheers

[@IWantToCook]

Yeah, I’ve debated it with myself and keep going back and forth. For now I have on order something we’ll call an in between that I’m very much looking forward to sharing with y’all. Stay tuned!

[@nishiki393]

​@@IWantToCook Awesome, because I was going to say I was disappointed you didn't say what the new countertop oven would be exactly. I can't wait to find out, Matt! I'm thinking it will be a Wolf Gourmet Elite Digital Countertop Oven, an Anova Precision Oven (APO) combi oven, or a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. And I'm thinking most likely the Wolf given what you said in this video. More generally, excellent video, as always, and sorry about your oven. I agree about never using the self cleaning mode. Happy Holidays Matt, and glad to see you well! 💙 I hope the same for your beautiful wife and your folks and other family.

[@IWantToCook]

Your words are so lovely and encouraging!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Blessings to you and yours! 🙏🙏🙏

[@nishiki393]

​​@@IWantToCook Just saw today's video, and not surprised at all you ended up with the Wolf Countertop. It's the smartest choice of the three I mentioned... it has the best build quality and also the best warranty by far! And the Wolf even looks the best! And while it's not cheap, it's also not crazy expensive like the APO. I think it's criminal that Anova charge $1,200 for the APO, yet after the 2-year warranty, if it breaks down, you're expected just to trash it because Anova doesn't even offer any paid repair options. Completely ridonc! We really need to have laws that require companies to support their products better than that... so much unnecessary waste is created. Really looking forward to your future videos on it, and also looking forward to what you make in it.

[@IWantToCook]

@@nishiki393 Thank you very much! Very eager to whip up some delicious things in it. I believe we will be inaugurating it this Thanksgiving! Happy cooking 🙂

[@debeeriz]

my mums oven shattered the glass door on the self cleaning function

[@IWantToCook]

Oh my!! That sounds scary, and what a mess of glass to clean up.

[@milfordcivic6755]

That oven looks to be nearing it's 20th birthday, so it was time. A new oven of similar type can be had for around $600. Not a huge deal really.

[@Telcomvic]

Oh come on! Plenty of people are selling used working ovens for a few hundred $ because they bought a new one and want to defray the cost of the new oven. Not everyone is adverse to using credit like you are. And there are 2nd hand stores that have them also.

[@IWantToCook]

True. Part of the issue is I’d like a 36-inch stove in place of the 30, and that will require new countertops, ventilation, and cabinetry at the least. We’ll see. I’m exploring options 👍

[@susanolson3611]

🙂✌

[@tzm1843]

False advertising, fraud!