You asked, we answered! The 15 most commonly asked questions on ovens and oven slides
While some people may see an oven as simply the appliance that heats their dinner, there are a number of different ovens available, such as steam, pyrolytic, micro and combination ovens, that are designed to meet certain requirements. But which type of oven is best for you? We’ve answered 15 of the most commonly asked questions about ovens and oven slides to help you decide.
How does a pyrolytic oven work? Is it safe?
Pyrolytic ovens are self-cleaning ovens that use extremely high temperatures to remove dirt and bacteria. During the pyrolysis process, the high levels of heat burn all impurities to a crisp, which can then be easily wiped out without the need for scrubbing or harsh chemicals.
These ovens are extremely safe as they are heavily insulated, ensuring the oven door stays relatively cool during both regular use and the cleaning process. Automatic locking systems are also built into most pyrolytic ovens to prevent the oven door from being opened during pyrolysis.
How hot does a pyrolytic oven get?
Pyrolytic ovens normally reach between 400°C and 450°C during the cleaning process, however they can reach temperatures of up to 500°C. These temperatures are high enough to turn dirt to ash and kill any bacteria, eliminating the need for chemicals.
Is it worth getting a pyrolytic oven?
If you are a keen chef or baker and are constantly using and cleaning your oven, it is definitely worth investing in a pyrolytic oven. While they may be more expensive at the outset, their insulating properties mean they heat up faster and use less energy than a normal electric oven which will ultimately help to save money in the long run.
What are the pros and cons of self-cleaning ovens?
PROS – In addition to offering more value for money over time, self-cleaning ovens are also safer than conventional ovens in many aspects. Harsh and potentially toxic cleaning products are avoided, as well as the uncomfortable hand cleaning of small crevices within the oven cavity, while the likelihood of burns or other accidents is also greatly reduced.
CONS – The biggest disadvantage of self-cleaning ovens is that they have a higher purchase price. If you don’t use your oven very often and it doesn’t require regular full cleaning, it may be hard to make this money back through long term saving.
Why would you need telescopic runners in an oven?
Telescopic runners help to increase the safety of an oven and make it much more user friendly. By using 75-100% extension slides, baking trays can comfortably and easily be loaded and unloaded from the oven without users needing to reach fully into the hot cavity and risk being burnt. These telescopic runners also ensure that trays and pans are fully supported, so food can be checked and worked on throughout cooking without risk of tipping over.
What are combi ovens? How do they work?
Combi ovens are ovens that have multiple different functionalities all within one appliance, offering a combination of steam, pyro, microwave and conventional ovens without needing three or four devices. These functions can be used separately, or they can be mixed during use to provide different cooking methods at different stages of the cooking process.
How does an industrial combi oven differ from a domestic one?
Industrial combi ovens are usually much larger than domestic ones, allowing for greater quantities of food to be cooked at the same time. Industrial ovens must also meet a larger range of health and safety requirements and should have NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification.
What are the modern technology trends for microwave ovens?
As modern technology advances, there is an increased demand for combi ovens featuring all the benefits of a microwave oven with the large cavity of a conventional one. This has been made possible thanks to innovations in technology and manufacturing that mean certain metal parts such as specially designed slides can be used in microwave ovens.
How much energy do electric vs combo ovens use?
The amount of energy your oven uses is mostly dependent on the temperature and time you are cooking for, however depending on its features, a combo oven could use less energy than conventional ones. If your combo oven includes a microwave you will be able to cook things at a lower wattage and for less time when using this feature. Similarly, if your combo oven has a pyrolytic feature, it will have better insulation than a standard oven, meaning less heat will be lost and less energy used.
How do you install a cooker/oven? Could all types of cookers be installed by anybody?
We always recommend that you consult a qualified tradesman prior to installation.
How to install oven racks easily? Are all oven rails universal?
Oven racks are easy to install and assemble, only needing to be attached to the side of the oven cavity with screws or clips. Every oven manufacturer will have their own rack solution, with some series having their own kind of connection that is not compatible with any other racks or ovens.
At Accuride, we sell a wide range of telescopic slides suitable for use in oven racks, including slides specifically developed for use in pyrolytic ovens and combi microwave ovens. To find out more about our selection of food-safe slides, take a look at our white goods market page, or get in touch today to discuss the specific requirements of your project.
