Cleanliness at the touch of a button: The pyrolysis oven
Read how self-cleaning works and which pyrolysis oven is the best in the Mykitchens magazine.
Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Burned-on grease splashes, stubborn crusts, and laborious oven cleaning with scouring agents and a sponge – with a pyrolysis oven, any kind of oven dirt is no longer a problem! Instead of laborious scrubbing, just press a button – the oven heats up to 500 degrees Celsius and reduces residue to fine ash, which can then be easily wiped away. Oven cleaning at the touch of a button. Here in Mykitchens Magazine, we show you what's behind this self-cleaning technology – and, more importantly, which is the best oven with a self-cleaning function.
Find pyrolysis ovens in the shop
How Pyrolysis Self-Cleaning Works
Pyrolysis is a self-cleaning function in modern ovens that heats the appliance to extremely high temperatures of approximately 400 to 500°C. This heat completely incinerates all residues such as grease splashes, food residue, or burnt crusts in the oven, turning them into fine ash. After cleaning, this ash simply needs to be wiped away with a damp cloth.
The cleaning process is fully automatic and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours, depending on the model and degree of soiling. Before starting pyrolysis, you should remove baking trays, racks, and accessories from the cooking chamber unless they are expressly labeled as pyrolysis-compatible by the manufacturer. After the program is complete, the oven door is locked and will not open until the appliance has cooled down. This way, you won't be injured by the high temperatures during self-cleaning.
Important: High temperatures and sometimes odors are generated during pyrolysis, so the kitchen should be well ventilated. Children and pets should be kept away from the oven during the process.
Advantages
- Very thorough cleaning, removes even stubborn and burnt-on residue.
- No chemical cleaning agents required.
- After cleaning, only fine ash remains, which can be easily wiped away.
Disadvantages
- Very high energy consumption due to extreme temperatures (up to 500°C).
- Longer cleaning time (up to several hours).
- Higher initial purchase price.
- Accessories such as baking trays often need to be cleaned separately unless they are pyrolysis-resistant.
These alternatives are available
A pyrolysis oven cleans automatically and thoroughly. It is particularly recommended for frequent bakers or for regularly heavy soiling. However, those looking for a self-cleaning oven for normal household use will also find two good alternatives to pyrolysis.
- Hydrolysis: Hydrolysis is ideal for quick and easy cleaning in between. Water (often with a little dish soap) is poured into the drip tray or a special opening in the oven and heated to approximately 40 to 60°C for 30 minutes. Hot steam is created, which softens and dissolves grease deposits and dirt in the oven. However, the dirt is only partially dissolved; stubborn stains are usually not removed.
- Catalysis: Catalysis in the oven cleans using a special interior coating that converts organic grease residues into water and carbon dioxide at temperatures starting at around 200°C. It is useful for normal baking, but has limitations in residue removal and can only remove fat; sugar and acidic residues often remain.
Which is the best pyrolysis oven?
From budget-conscious all-rounders to smart mid-range models to luxurious high-end appliances, the range of pyrolysis ovens is extensive. Bosch and Siemens score points for their technological prowess and everyday practicality, Miele and Gaggenau for their premium quality, while Smeg impresses with their design and Bauknecht with their solid functionality. They all have one thing in common: The pyrolysis oven finally makes oven cleaning as easy as it should be. A quick comparison of our manufacturers.
Bauknecht
Bauknecht offers pyrolysis ovens with an attractive price-performance ratio. The wide range of features is strongly geared towards the needs of practical households: solid technology, uncomplicated handling, and decent cleaning performance. For families or cost-conscious users, these appliances are a good introduction to the world of self-cleaning technologies.
Which Bauknecht oven has pyrolysis?
Bosch
If you're looking for a blend of everyday practicality and smart operation, we recommend a Bosch pyrolytic oven. Often, you can select multiple cleaning levels, so an energy-intensive full cycle isn't necessary for every small stain. The clearly structured control panels are particularly practical, making them immediately understandable even for occasional users. Bosch is specifically aimed at households that value reliability and efficient solutions.
Siemens
Siemens appliances draw on the same technological expertise as Bosch, but are generally more design-oriented and digitally connected. The combination of pyrolysis and automatic baking programs is popular. Users can start cleaning cycles or view the remaining time using the Home Connect app – smart convenience solutions for tech-savvy consumers.
Which Siemens oven has pyrolysis?
Miele
Miele has traditionally held the flag high for durability and quality. The brand's pyrolytic ovens are known for their particularly thorough cleaning, often enhanced by the so-called "PyroFit" feature: baking trays and drawers are pyrolysis-resistant and can be cleaned at the same time. This saves time and makes cleaning even more convenient. Typical Miele: a well-thought-out operating concept and exquisite craftsmanship.
Which Miele oven has pyrolysis?
Gaggenau
Gaggenau sets standards in the premium and professional segments. The pyrolysis function is just one aspect of a high-quality overall package: elegant fronts, spacious cooking spaces, and numerous sophisticated automatic programs. These appliances appeal to customers who view kitchen technology as part of their gastronomic lifestyle – uncompromisingly high quality and strong design.
Which Gaggenau oven has pyrolysis?
Smeg
In addition to state-of-the-art technology, the Smeg pyrolysis oven impresses with its iconic design. Often with a retro look, without sacrificing functionality. The self-cleaning function is integrated almost invisibly in many appliances, yet remains powerful. Those who value aesthetics in the kitchen while still wanting to use time-saving cleaning technology will find the perfect combination here.
Which Smeg oven has pyrolysis?
