Self Cleaning Oven
The central question with regard to the use of FLX Oven
Liners has to be are they worth the money and if so, what are the benefits of
using them?
In order to answer that question, an analysis has to be done
on the “self cleaning cycle” of most if not all, conventional gas and electric
ovens.
The “self cleaning cycle” on both gas and electric ovens
depends upon the “super heating” of the oven to 900º F. Theoretically the
debris left behind from cooking and baking is turned to ash at this elevated
temperature and will release from the porcelain oven surface. To some degree
this theory works, however in many cases the debris that has been baked on at
the bottom of the oven will not release quite as easily and requires scrubbing
and scouring after the “self cleaning cycle” is completed.
During the “self clean cycle” the oven “super heated” is
burning carbonated debris. Some US
research suggests that burning carbonated debris may cause a cancer related
reaction. Regardless we know that the burning of the carbonated debris causes
eye irritation in humans and is not at all good for household pets. It is
suggested that household pets be removed from the area during the “self
cleaning” process.
Here is where the ‘self cleaning” term is misleading. Once
the cycle has been completed there remains an ash like substance (carbonated
debris) on the oven surfaces. This must be wiped down completely prior to the
oven being used. Even when the surfaces have been wiped down there is normally
an odor when the oven is heated up for normal baking or cooking. This odor
disappears after two or three times of warming up the oven, however during this
period you are baking and fumes are still emitting from the carbonated debris.
The energy costs of operating the “self cleaning cycle” rise
dramatically in order to heat and maintain the oven at the “super heated” stage
of 900º F. Standard baking at 350º F consumes approximately 2.3 kw/hour. The
“self cleaning cycle” consumes three times that much energy. Depending upon
energy costs in a particular area, this expense ranges from $ 4.00 to $ 8.00
per cleaning cycle. Certain manufacturers recommend the use of the “self
cleaning” cycle one a week. The average recommendation is one “self cleaning
cycle” every two weeks unless there has been an abnormal amount of spills and
splatters.
FLX Non Stick Reusable Oven Liners
The alternate solution to the oven “self cleaning” hazards
and cost is the use of a FLX Non Stick Reusable Oven Liner.
The FLX Oven Liner is made from a woven glass substrate
completely encapsulated with a fluoropolymer resin. The FLX Liner is flexible
and will withstand temperatures up to 550º F on a constant basis. The FLX Liner
is odorless and tasteless as well as FDA compliant for direct contact with
food.
The FLX Liner is placed on the bottom of the oven (electric
ovens) or on the bottom rack. (gas ovens)
The FLX Liner will catch spills and splatters from the
baking and cooking process preventing this debris from touching the oven
surface. Once you observe a fair amount of debris on the liner, the liner
should be removed and rinsed in warm water. The debris will fall off the liner
and the liner will be ready for use again. This should not take more than 3-4
minutes to accomplish. No detergents, no oven cleaners. The Liner is then
placed back into position in the oven. Either side of the FLX Liner can be
used.
The oven surface is now hygienically clean and ready to be
used. There will be no smoking or emissions from the liner which is normal
after the self cleaning cycle has been used. There will be no odors coming from
the oven which is also common with the use of the “self cleaning” cycle. There is
no additional energy costs associated with the FLX Liner only the savings in
energy vs. the “self cleaning” cycle,
FLX Oven Liners will not hold mold or promote the growth of
fungus.
The FLX Oven Liners last for months or even years depending
upon the care of the liner.
Care should be taken not to crease or fold the oven liner.
This may disrupt to fluoropolymer surface coating and cause premature
“sticking” in these areas. The FLX liner is durable and does not have to be
handled with any great care except for the creasing and tearing noted above.
FLX Oven liners are available in two grades. The standard
grade measures 6 mils in thickness. It is heavily coated with a fluropolymer
coating. The heavy duty grade measures 10 mils in thickness and will withstand
more abusive handling as compared to the standard grade.
Both liners work well and are easy to clean.
Oven Cleaners
The use of aerosol oven cleaner is on the decline. Most of
these cleaners contain sodium hydroxide. This solution will damage chrome (your
oven racks) polished surfaces (door glasses) and rubber (door seals) heating
elements and the outer trim of your oven.
Any and all decals on the fascia of your oven will disappear
due to the caustic soda based products.
Generally the Oven Cleaners recommend that the oven be
elevated to a normal baking temperature once the aerosol spray is applied. The
odor is “awful” and it is recommended that it not be inhaled. Aerosol Oven
Cleaners often give users headaches.
Once the oven cools, the oven cleaner has to wiped down
completely which in many cases more difficult and time consuming than cleaning
your oven with a mild soap or baking soda solution,
Oven Cleaners are known to transfer flavor to the food being
baked or cooked. This will last until a time any of the residues from the oven
cleaner is burned away.
Oven cleaners over time will damage your oven surfaces. The
oven surfaces themselves will begin to hold more debris and the release or non
stick properties of the porcelain will be affected.
The use of oven cleaners is declining due to the problems
listed above, and especially due to the health issue,
