How Long Should I Run the Self-Cleaning Cycle on My 19-Year-Old Electric Oven?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and thoughts regarding the self-cleaning cycle of older electric ovens, particularly focusing on the duration of the cleaning cycle and the quirks of their appliances.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions uncertainty about the cleaning duration for their 19-year-old oven, suggesting they might start with 3 hours.
  • Another participant shares that their manual specifies 1.5 hours for light soil and 2 to 3 hours for moderate to heavy soil.
  • One participant describes their oven as "automagic," indicating it takes about five hours to complete the cleaning cycle.
  • A participant discusses their inherited oven, which is at least 20-25 years old, and notes the absence of specific dates in the manual.
  • Another participant comments on the age of their avocado-colored oven, suggesting that its functionality is more important than its appearance.
  • One participant recounts a humorous experience of running the cleaning cycle before an open house, leading to an unpleasant smell.
  • A participant describes their Coppertone oven, which has broken features and expresses eagerness for a new oven.
  • Another participant mentions quirks with their oven's temperature control and burner functionality but appreciates that it still works adequately.
  • Several participants express excitement about getting new ovens, particularly dual convection models, and discuss the financial considerations involved.
  • One participant humorously states they clean their oven themselves instead of using the self-cleaning feature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the appropriate duration for the self-cleaning cycle, with no clear consensus on a specific time frame. Participants share a variety of experiences with their ovens, leading to a range of opinions on functionality and preferences for new appliances.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing older electric ovens, many of which have been in use for decades, and sharing personal anecdotes related to their experiences with these appliances.

Who May Find This Useful

Members of the consultant community who are interested in the maintenance and functionality of older ovens may find these shared experiences relevant.

pampchefrhondab
pampchefrhondab
Messages
2,759
Okay, so I can't find the instructions for my electric oven - it's been 19 years okay so don't give me a hard time:)!

Anyway, I know how to run the clean cycle, just can't remember how long. Is it 3 hours? I guess that's what I will start with. If not enough time, I'll run it again tomorrow. Just don't want to use more electricity!:yuck:

Thanks!
 
According to my manual it says 1 1/2 hours for light soil and, 2 to 3 hours or more for moderate to heavy soil.
 
Mine's automagic. I just set it to clean and then prepare to not have access for about five hours. Once the door latches and the cycle starts, that's it until it's decided that it's done.And mine was used when I bought it 20 years ago.
 
Mine is that weird 70's green color. It belonged to my in-laws. When we bought our house 4 years ago, there was no oven. So my mother-in-law (who doesn't throw away anything that is still useable) gave us hers so she could buy a new fancy oven. It has to be at least 20-25 years old, but I am not sure. The manual (see that came with the oven) doesn't have any dates on it.
 
If it's avacado, it's at least 25 years old - but the key question is, does it work? The color really doesn't matter, then, and I always hate to see something perfectly usable get cast aside because it isn't cool enough anymore.
 
Our's is automatic, but I think that it's at least 4 hours.

The first time we ever ran it was at our old house, the day before we had an open house (to sell the house). The realtor put the sign up early with the day (Sun) and time, but on the Saturday afternoon as we were madly cleaning and tidying, and were half-way through the oven clean cycle, some people rang the door bell, and asked if they could see the house. We pointed out that the open house wasn't 'til the next day but they said they wouldn't be able to come back, so figured, OK, we don't have anything to lose... Even though the house was a huge mess (you know the clutter you accumulate as you start to sort and organise and "de-clutter" :) ?) and it STANK of smoke from the oven. Oh man, it smelt awful :yuck:

Needless to say, we didn't hear back from that couple!! :D
 
My oven is Coppertone. That's the ugly brown from the early 80s. Unfortunately, the clock and timer on it is broken, so it no longer self cleans. I wouldn't trust it not to set itself on fire anyway, because the thermostat is off by 50 degrees (it runs hot). I can't wait for my new oven!! (dual wall ovens, both full convection with self clean)
 
It has its quirks. If you pre-heat the oven it gets too hot. Easy solution I do not preheat. If you have to cook something after something else, you have to adjust the temp. It keeps rising after it cooks for awhile. Also 2 of the burners do not work right.
I really do not care about the color, but love to comment on it. :)
For now it works enough to not have to spend the money on a new one. So that is a major plus.

Last November we had to replace the 50 year old asbestos lined boiler, put in 19 new windows, remove all the asbestos from all the pipes in the basement and half of the pipes too. So I can handle a green stove for a little longer.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
chefann said:
I can't wait for my new oven!! (dual wall ovens, both full convection with self clean)
Click to expand...

I can't wait for a new oven either! I want the dual convection too, but when my husband saw the price he said, "No way!" I'll just have to start selling more PC:)!

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm going to run it 3 1/2 hours since my daughter just got home from school and can be home the rest of the afternoon. I wanted to have it done before I leave for work.

BTW - luckily the ugly colors were over when we built our house. Mine is light almond.
 
Mines self cleaning as well~~~I clean it myself~~~ :)
 
pampchefrhondab said:
I can't wait for a new oven either! I want the dual convection too, but when my husband saw the price he said, "No way!" I'll just have to start selling more PC:)!
Click to expand...
My new one (which is on order at Sears) is part of my grand kitchen plan: http://www.chefsuccess.com/f18/my-kitchen-plan-23609. I've been wanting a new kitchen since we moved to this house in 2002. DH got his new garage, so now I get my kitchen. :)
 
Gee, thanks Greg for dele...HEY![Slim Pickens Voice] What in the wide, wide world of sports is a goin' on here? [/Slim Pickens Voice]
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Ann your new kitchen is going to be so awesome! I'm jealous! Oh man, now I have to go to confession:)!

KG - you are too funny! I wondered what the he......
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I run the self-cleaning cycle on my 19-year-old electric oven?

The self-cleaning cycle typically runs for about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the oven model and the level of buildup. For a 19-year-old oven, it's advisable to start with a 2-hour cycle and assess the results.

Is it safe to use the self-cleaning cycle on an older oven?

While many older ovens are designed to handle self-cleaning cycles, it's essential to consult the owner's manual. If the oven has any signs of wear or damage, it may be safer to clean it manually.

What should I do before starting the self-cleaning cycle?

Before starting the self-cleaning cycle, remove all oven racks, pans, and any other items inside. Additionally, ensure that the kitchen is well-ventilated, as the process can produce smoke and odors.

Can I interrupt the self-cleaning cycle if needed?

It's generally not recommended to interrupt the self-cleaning cycle, as it can cause the oven to malfunction. If you must stop it, allow the oven to cool down first before attempting to open the door.

What if my oven doesn't seem to clean properly after the cycle?

If your oven isn't clean after the self-cleaning cycle, it may be due to excessive buildup or age-related issues. In such cases, consider manually cleaning the oven or consulting a professional for maintenance.

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