Why remove the grids for pyrolysis?

Pyrolysis is an innovative cleaning process used in kitchen ovens to remove caked-on dirt and food residue. This process uses intense heat to burn off waste and reduce it to ash, which makes cleaning the oven much easier. However, some people wonder if it is really necessary to remove the grids before starting the pyrolysis. The answer is yes. But then, why?

Why must the grids be removed during pyrolysis?

To put it simply, the materials making up the walls of the oven are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, while the removable accessories (grids, drip pans and plates) are designed with materials that are resistant to lower temperatures.

Thus, during a pyrolysis, the oven can go up to 500°C. THE cooking plates and grids are not suitable to withstand this temperature, and can then sustain damage discoloration and deformation types.

The main risk is therefore that the grids can no longer be integrated into the oven and therefore that they become unusable.

Why remove the grids during pyrolysis?

Oven racks damaged by pyrolysis, what to do?

If you were not aware of these risks, you may have left the grids or baking trays inside the oven during the pyrolysis. Unfortunately, this is quite common.

In the case where pyrolysis has deformed the oven accessories, there is nothing else to do but replace. On the other hand, if the grids have changed colors (blue, brown, yellow, black) or that they have tasks, you can then try to blur them using the good products.

Note all the same that the color change means that the grids have undergone a modification of their chemical structure during pyrolysis. If the damage is too great (especially if the pyrolysis lasted a long time), then there is very little chance that you will find grids in good condition.

Read also: Can we put a plate in the oven?

Clean the oven racks

Stainless steel takes on a bluish tint on the surface when it gets too hot. Know that the pyrolysis must have strongly impacted the coating of the grids and it will be difficult to get him to leave.

How to clean grids damaged by pyrolysis

However, you can try different cleaning methods for stainless steel and try to restore damaged grids to their original appearance.

Here is 3 methods to test :

  1. Stainless steel cleaner : There are special stainless steel cleaners available on the market. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using these products safely and effectively.
  2. Vinegar-based cleaner : White vinegar can help remove stains from stainless steel. Apply white vinegar to the surface with a soft cloth and rub gently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.
  3. Baking soda cleaner : Baking soda can help remove stubborn stains from stainless steel. Mix a paste of baking soda and warm water, then apply the paste to the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

By following these methods, you should be able to clean stainless steel from grates that have turned blue after pyrolysis.

Strip the damaged part of the grids

In principle, it is advisable never to clean stainless steel with abrasive products, as this can damage the surface and leave scratches. However, if you want to get rid of the encrusted stains and try by all means to find the color of the grids, then you can use one of these products to achieve this :

  1. abrasive cleaner : silver stone, ajax powder, mirror, etc.
  2. Abrasive discs specials for stainless steel.
  3. Steel wool.

Note, however, that these products are very likely to leave scratches, that you will have to be patient and that it is absolutely not certain that you will find the original color of the grids.

Read also: Why does the oven go into pyrolysis on its own?

Replace grids damaged by pyrolysis

If the cleaning and stripping of the grids did not work, or if you wish to simplify your life, we advise you to replace grids damaged by pyrolysis.

You can easily find them on online merchant sites since they are consumable parts and therefore intended to be replaced. However, pay attention to the dimensions so that they are compatible with your current oven.

Read also: 12 common breakdowns on ovens explained and resolved

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