Commercial oven cleaning: optimise efficiency in the kitchen thanks to self-cleaning ovens, the best cleaning products and some useful tips

Did you know that cleaning your commercial oven regularly, and using the right techniques and cleaning products, does much more than just maintain hygiene and ensure food safety? We all know that maintaining strict hygiene standards and ensuring the safety of your kitchen staff and customers is crucial. A clean commercial oven minimizes the risk of contamination, reduces fire hazards caused by grease buildup, and helps comply with health regulations. However, not everyone realizes that proper maintenance of your professional oven is also vital for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing operating costs, and boosting overall kitchen productivity.

Grease, food residues, and grime build up on commercial oven walls and heating elements over time, creating a barrier that disrupts even heat distribution. This layer prevents optimal thermal transfer between heating components and the oven’s internal air, forcing the appliance to work harder and longer to reach the desired cooking temperature. Additionally, dirty surfaces reduce heat reflection, further lowering the oven’s efficiency.

Other critical components, such as fans and air filters in convection or commercial combi ovens, can also be compromised by accumulated grease and debris. When these parts are clogged or dirty, proper air circulation is hindered, leading to uneven heating. Inefficient ventilation means longer cooking times, increased energy consumption, and added strain on your kitchen equipment.

A commercial oven that has not been sufficiently cleaned struggles to reach and maintain the ideal temperature and quickly consumes more energy, prolongs food preparation, and increases utility bills. These inefficiencies not only raise operational costs but can also slow down service in busy kitchen environments. That’s why regular cleaning is essential, and the process can be significantly simplified by using professional self-cleaning ovens, which offer a range of valuable benefits.

A self-cleaning commercial oven is equipped with an integrated system that allows the internal surfaces of the cooking chamber to be cleaned without any manual effort. The cleaning cycle is activated directly from the oven’s control panel. In more advanced professional models, the system can even suggest the most suitable cleaning program based on the level of dirt detected inside the chamber, offering the possibility to choose between shorter or longer cycles. Once the process is complete, the commercial oven is ready to be used again immediately, with no additional action required from the kitchen staff.

In professional ovens, automatic cleaning systems differ primarily in how water and detergent are distributed. The main types include:

• Recirculating cleaning system

Ideal for large commercial ovens, such as those used in bakeries or restaurants. Water mixed with detergent is sprayed inside the oven, then collected, filtered, and reused through a recirculation system.

• Rotating arm cleaning system

A mechanical rotating arm equipped with nozzles distributes the cleaning solution dynamically, similar to a dishwasher. This system is commonly found in high-end professional combi ovens.

• Fixed-nozzle cleaning system without recirculation

Strategically placed nozzles spray water and detergent once, which is then discharged instead of reused. This direct-spray system relies on water pressure and fixed positioning.

This type of self-cleaning commercial ovens is particularly well suited for restaurants, rotisseries, and delis, where intensive cooking processes often generate heavy grease and residue inside the cooking chamber. It is also the ideal solution for large restaurant chains and fast-food operations that require reliable, high-performance cleaning to support their intensive daily usage.

In a busy professional kitchen, time is money and hygiene is non-negotiable. That’s why self-cleaning commercial ovens are quickly becoming an essential asset. They don’t just clean themselves, they clean smarter, safer, and more consistently than manual methods ever could. Here’s why investing in one makes a real difference:

• Time and Labor Savings

Automated cleaning cycles drastically reduce maintenance time and free up staff from low-value tasks like scrubbing and handling chemicals. This translates into greater overall kitchen efficiency, even during peak hours.

• User-Friendly Operation

Self-cleaning commercial ovens come with pre-set cleaning programs that simplify operation and guarantee effective results. Even less experienced kitchen staff can easily manage the process thanks to intuitive, easy-to-use controls.

• Consistent, Error-Free Cleaning Results

Built-in cleaning programs are designed to deliver precise and repeatable results every time, regardless of who is operating the oven. This ensures the oven maintains even heat distribution, improving food quality and dish consistency.

• Extended Equipment Lifespan

Regular automated cleaning helps prevent the buildup of grease and debris that could damage internal components over time. Clean interiors preserve the oven’s condition, reducing the need for costly repairs and extending the unit’s operational life.

• Environmental Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Advanced self-cleaning systems are designed to be more eco-friendly than traditional cleaning methods. Whether through the use of steam or biodegradable detergents, these systems reduce chemical usage and significantly lower water and energy consumption.

The benefits of using a self-cleaning commercial oven are further enhanced when that oven is from Unox. With advanced features like customizable cleaning programs tailored to different levels of residue, superior safety measures, and specially formulated detergents, Unox commercial ovens provide a complete, effective solution for any commercial kitchen. The technology behind our intelligent self-cleaning ovens, such as CHEFTOP-X™, is so advanced that staff can start the cleaning cycle with just one click, even from a smartphone.

Unox offers one of the best and widest ranges of self-cleaning commercial combi ovens, designed specifically for restaurants and bakeries where versatility and frequent use are essential for maintaining high hygiene standards. Our MIND.Maps™ combi ovens are built to adapt to high-use environments, combining precision and automation to ensure maximum efficiency. These ovens feature a no-recirculation cleaning system that uses a rotating distributor to spray water and detergent inside the cooking chamber. The solution is then discharged after use, ensuring maximum hygiene and eliminating contamination risks. For fast-paced sectors like quick-service restaurants, we’ve also introduced the world’s first commercial speed combi oven with an integrated self-cleaning system, SPEED-X™ delivering unmatched hygiene and performance where speed is paramount.

What makes our self-cleaning system so unique? We’ve revolutionized automatic cleaning with intelligent technologies like SENSE.Klean, which allows the commercial oven to automatically detect internal residue levels and recommend the most efficient cleaning program. For an even smarter experience, our CHEFTOP-X™ commercial ovens feature the PRESSURE.Klean system, a unique solution that incorporates a recirculating circuit to optimize water and detergent usage, all while providing intelligent cleaning suggestions. This washing function is accessible via smartphone, allowing staff to start the cleaning cycle with a single click, even remotely. No matter where they are, the program can be launched effortlessly from any location.

We achieved this through continuous testing and innovation, also aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional automatic cleaning systems. For example, pyrolytic cleaning cycles, while effective, can be energy-intensive, especially during peak operation times. That’s why we developed solutions that ensure low water and energy consumption, thanks to intelligent features like SMART.Energy. This commitment to efficiency has made us the global leader in the number of ENERGY STAR® certified commercial ovens.

But our commitment doesn’t stop at technology. To ensure our customers always get the best, we offer specially formulated detergents designed to protect seals and internal piping from limescale, and we implement comprehensive maintenance programs. With Unox TOTL.Care and MY.Unox Care, our clients benefit from periodic service tailored to our cleaning systems, ensuring long-term reliability and optimal performance.

Are you more interested in manual cleaning instead? Below, you'll find a helpful guide to optimize the manual cleaning process for your commercial oven.

Automatic cleaning is a valuable advantage for many businesses, such as restaurants and bakeries, where intensive cooking requires frequent and thorough cleaning. However, there are also businesses that either don’t have access to this technology or simply don’t need it, for example, some small cafés or bars that don’t prepare greasy or meat-based dishes and can easily manage with manual cleaning. That’s why we also offer effective manual cleaning solutions. But before exploring them, we believe it’s important to know the best practices for a thorough and effective cleaning routine. In this paragraph, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your cleaning routine every time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your commercial oven:

• Turn off and cool down your commercial oven to clean it

It may seem obvious, but always start by turning off the oven and allowing it to cool completely. This not only prevents burns or injury, but also ensures that the cleaning process will be safe and effective.

• Control crumbs

Commercial ovens are notorious for accumulating crumbs, which, if left unattended, can affect the flavor of your food, cause smoke, and even lead to fire hazards. Make sure to clear out all food debris from the oven’s interior regularly. This simple step helps maintain food quality and safety.

• Remove detachable components

Take out all removable parts such as racks, trays, and any other components. Soak them in warm water mixed with a professional-grade degreasing solution to help loosen burnt-on food and grease. This will make it easier to clean and prevent buildup from accumulating over time.

• Apply a commercial oven cleaner

Next, apply a commercial oven cleaning product generously to the interior surfaces. Focus on areas with heavy grease buildup or where food residue has stuck. Allow the cleaner to sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer to ensure it has time to dissolve grime effectively.

• Scrub the soaked parts

While the cleaner is working inside the commercial oven, scrub the soaked racks and trays using a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Rinse them thoroughly with water and set them aside to dry completely.

• Wipe down and clean the commercial oven interior

Once the cleaner has had sufficient time to work, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all surfaces inside the professional oven. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaning product, as any residue left behind could affect food flavor and safety. For stubborn spots, use a scraper carefully, avoiding any damage to the interior surfaces.

• Dry and reassemble

Thoroughly dry all parts before reassembling them in the oven. Moisture can cause rust or damage the heating elements, which will affect the oven’s performance and longevity.

• Schedule regular oven cleanings

How often you should deep clean your commercial oven depends on how frequently it's used. Professional kitchens that prepare a lot of roast meat dishes or oven-braised stews are more likely to accumulate grease and food spatter compared to ovens used primarily for baking bread or pastries. Establish a regular cleaning schedule to prevent excessive buildup and ensure your oven runs efficiently.

By following this step-by-step guide on how to clean a commercial oven, you’ll not only ensure smooth operation and compliance with safety standards but also protect your investment in the long run. Using professional oven cleaners and sticking to a regular cleaning routine can help prevent costly repairs and downtime.

While Unox is renowned for its cutting-edge self-cleaning commercial ovens, we haven’t forgotten the needs of smaller businesses, such as cafés, snack bars, and compact foodservice operations. Cleaning these professional ovens can still be time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially in fast-paced environments.

That’s why we’ve developed a smart manual cleaning solution tailored for these contexts. One of the standout features of our SPEED.Compact™ high-speed ovens is, in fact, the inclusion of the QUICK.Rinse washing kit, designed to make manual cleaning quick and easy for operators. The kit comes with a handy spray nozzle that requires no direct water connection, ensuring greater flexibility and ease of use. The commercial oven features a specially designed crumb and liquid collection drawer, allowing operators to dispose of waste efficiently using an optional accessory.

But that’s not all, Unox also provides a step-by-step guide on how to best clean the commercial oven, accessible directly from the oven’s control panel. With clear and simple instructions, operators can follow the best cleaning procedures to keep the professional oven in optimal condition with minimal effort.

Perfect cleaning, though, isn’t just about running a wash cycle and routines, it also means choosing the best cleaning product for your commercial oven: one that delivers maximum effectiveness without damaging the oven’s internal components.

With so many commercial oven cleaning products available, choosing the best one can make a big difference in both efficiency and results. That’s why it’s important to understand the key qualities that define a reliable, professional-grade oven cleaner:

• High Degreasing Power

Should be strong enough to dissolve baked-on grease, carbon deposits, and burnt food residue with minimal scrubbing or rinsing.

• Liquid Detergent Preferred

Liquid cleaners are faster-acting, offer precise dosing, and are safer to handle than solid tablets. They're ideal for commercial ovens with automatic cleaning systems and rinse off easily, reducing chemical residues and operator exposure.

• Non-Corrosive and Surface-Safe

Should be compatible with stainless steel and other commercial oven interior materials to avoid damage over time. It's important to be cautious about the type of cleaner used on a professional oven to prevent potential damage—always choose the detergent recommended by the oven manufacturer.

• Time-Efficient Application

A cleaner that works quickly helps reduce equipment downtime in fast-paced professional kitchens.

• Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable

Especially for businesses with sustainability goals, cleaners in liquid form made with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals are a plus.

• Easy to Apply and Rinse Off

Liquid sprays or foams that cling to surfaces and rinse away easily are preferred over pastes or powders that require more effort.

Ultimately when choosing a commercial oven cleaner, always review the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) and confirm that it complies with local health and safety regulations in commercial kitchens.

Unox is known worldwide for its wide range of commercial ovens, both with and without automatic cleaning systems, designed to meet the needs of all types of foodservice professionals.

Talking about manual cleaning Unox offers a professional range of manual cleaning products designed specifically for commercial ovens and busy kitchen environments. Whether you're dealing with daily grease or more targeted maintenance needs, each solution is formulated to be both effective and food-safe. SPRAY&Rinse™, for example, is a fast-acting cleaner that easily cuts through grease and residue, leaving oven chambers spotless and streak-free, ideal for regular use in high-demand kitchens. For surface sanitation, on the other hand, SPRAY&Safe™ ensures safe and efficient cleaning of ovens and surrounding workspaces. Lastly, to combat limescale and mineral deposits, especially in areas with hard water, D&CAL™ Spray delivers powerful descaling action to protect internal components and keep ovens running at peak performance.

For self-washing commercial ovens on the other hand, Unox goes beyond simply developing high-performance detergents in its state-of-the-art in-house laboratories. Unox also designs and engineers its own washing systems internally, because perfect cleaning can only be achieved by having full control over the entire process, from the detergent to the washing technology. For tackling the toughest grime in commercial ovens, DET&Rinse™ is an essential solution. This powerful Unox cleaner, specifically designed for ovens with automatic washing systems, is formulated with biodegradable ingredients, ensuring high performance with a low environmental impact. It efficiently dissolves even the most stubborn carbonized grime without damaging internal components.

To ensure the highest cleaning standards, we conduct rigorous testing on our formulations. It begins with metal test samples dirtied with various food residues, followed by real-world testing inside the oven chambers. No other commercial oven cleaning product is engineered to this level of integration with Unox ovens, ensuring that internal components like seals are not damaged, thereby extending the oven’s lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.

Every detail of our cleaning products is designed with care. Our bottles are made from 100% recyclable plastic using a zero-waste process. Their ergonomic design ensures safety and ease of use. Thanks to a sealed aluminum film, they can even be flipped without a cap, reducing spillage and contact risk during refilling. Unlike standard detergent tablets, which can break apart and pose safety risks, our SAFE.Refill system uses a sealed bottle that fits directly into the oven’s integrated compartment. The aluminum seal only breaks once inserted, ensuring safe, contact-free refills and minimizing exposure to chemicals.

Last but not least, our concentrated formula contains just 30% water, meaning more cleaning power and fewer shipments, helping reduce environmental impact. Every 1-liter bottle provides powerful cleaning while cutting down on waste, transportation, and complexity.