The answer to this question is both yes and no. It depends on what type of oven you have. If you have a self-cleaning oven, then you do not need to clean it before using it for the first time.
As a rule of thumb, you should clean your new, conventional oven before its first use. It helps to remove any manufacturing residue or oils on the oven surface. Cleaning your oven before first use prevents your food from sticking to the oven surfaces while cooking. There are two ways to clean an oven: with a commercial oven cleaner or natural ingredients.
However, the procedure of cleaning an oven for the first time may be a bit different from your everyday upkeep. This article will give you the information you need to handle your brand-new oven with care and prevent you from causing damage to yourself or the oven.
How Do You Clean A Brand New Oven? (11 Steps)
- Disconnect your oven from its power supply, if possible.
- If it’s an electric oven, turn off the circuit breaker to prevent electricity from flowing.
- Take all removable parts out of the oven.
- Do not use any chemicals or cleaners for self-cleaning in a gas oven because these products may be combustible and cause a fire.
- Remove the drip pans and grates, and place them in a large plastic tub.
- Fill the pan with hot water and dishwashing liquid.
- Place the parts in the water and allow them to soak for at least an hour or two.
- Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any food residue from the oven interior walls.
- Rinse the parts with hot water and allow them to air dry.
- Replace the grates and drip pans, and reconnect the oven to its power supply.
You can skip the steps above and proceed to the next section if you have a self-cleaning oven.
Do You Need To Burn-In A New Oven?
It helps to burn in a new oven before using it. “Burn-in” is a term used by appliance manufacturers to describe the process an oven or range undergoes during manufacturing to remove any residues on the heating elements.
This step ensures consistent cooking performance after its initial use.
Preheat the new oven to its highest temperature for at least an hour for an effective burn-in. Afterward, turn off the oven, and let it cool completely before using it.
What About Self-Cleaning Ovens?
If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can skip the cleaning steps above and proceed to cook your favorite meal. Self-cleaning ovens use high temperatures to burn food residues off the oven interior walls.
Do not use any chemicals or cleaners for self-cleaning in a gas oven because these products may be combustible, thus hazardous.
The high temperatures in self-cleaning ovens can also damage the oven’s interior finish over time. Use caution when cleaning your oven to prevent any accidental damage.
How Long Does The New Oven Smell Last?
The new oven smell should dissipate within a few days. It depends on how frequently you’ll be using the oven and the type of food you cook. If you have a self-cleaning oven, then the smell will not last long at all.
Residues from the manufacturing process cause the smell in new ovens. It is not harmful, but it can be unpleasant. The smell should dissipate within a few days, but it may linger for a week or more if you do not clean your oven before using it.
If it persists, then there may be a problem with the oven. Contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Should An Oven Smoke The First Time It’s Used?
An oven should not smoke the first time it’s used. The smoke may indicate that there is a problem with your oven. Contact the manufacturer to determine what you need to do to prevent smoke during use.
It’s always better to research amply during the purchase process of appliances. With adequate research, you won’t have to deal with any unpleasant surprises down the line. Moreover, you’ll pick reliable manufacturers with favorable warranties.
Is It Safe to Eat Food Cooked in a New Oven?
Yes, it is safe to eat food cooked in a new oven. The new oven smell emanates from manufacturing residues, but it is not harmful. The smell should dissipate within a few days, unless of complications. Clean your oven before using it to prevent food from sticking to its surface. Cleaning your oven before first use also prevents the new oven smell from lingering longer than necessary.
It is usually safe to cook food in a new oven, but you should always be careful when doing so. Ovens are equipped with self-cleaning mechanisms to prevent food from lighting and sticking to its surface. The smoke indicates a problem with your oven. It could be harmful to your health, so it’s best to contact the manufacturer if the smell persists after an hour or two.
Please Remember
To:
- Rinse the parts with hot water and allow them to air dry.
- Replace the grates and drip pans, and reconnect the oven to its power supply.
- Preheat the oven to its highest temperature for at least an hour.
- Turn off the oven and allow it to cool completely before using it.
- Use caution when cleaning your oven to prevent any accidental damage.
- The new oven smell should dissipate within a few days, but it may linger for a week or more if you do not clean your oven before using it.
Not To:
- Use chemicals or cleaners for self-cleaning in a gas oven because they could be combustible.
- Clean the oven with a scouring pad, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners.
- Use the oven until the smell goes away. It’s not harmful, but it can be unpleasant.
- Smoke should not come from your oven during first use. If it does, contact the manufacturer for assistance.