How To Clean Oven Above Grill Element

On a lazy summer day, a grilled burger or some cheese on toast can really hit the spot. But you may find yourself baffled whenever your grill causes smoke to fill the kitchen, even when you've cleaned it.

This can be a smelly and frustrating problem which means you avoid grilling all together. No one wants to risk smoke inhalation for some grilled bacon, but you shouldn't have to miss out. Here are our top tips from the GHI experts on solving the problem.

How do I stop my grill from smoking?

First, check there's no residual fat left on the grill element or oven base. When certain foods are cooked, they splatter the inside of the oven with fat and grease. So when the grill is next turned on, any fat splattered on it will burn, making a lot of smoke and giving off a pungent smell.

This can be a problem if you don't use the grill frequently as the fat can build up on the grill element and make it extra smoky on the rare occasions you decide to grill something.

If you think this is the issue, turn the grill on with the door closed and leave it shut for five to 10 minutes. By this time any dried-on grease should be burned off. Don't be alarmed if the smoke builds up initially but do turn on the extractor and open windows - and get ready to flap a tea towel at the smoke alarm!

But what if the oven is sparkling clean and this is still happening?

It's very frustrating when you clean your oven and the kitchen is still filling with smoke, but it could be the cleaning products themselves that are causing this to happen! If there's residue left behind after you've cleaned on the surfaces of the oven, this can burn, causing smoke.

Our advice is to give your oven a really thorough clean and rinse and make sure there isn't any product residue left behind. Oven shelves can go in the dishwasher if they fit. If not, they can be cleaned in the bath in a solution of biological detergent and water. Scrub off any remaining deposits with a mild abrasive cleaner. Rinse thoroughly before returning to the oven.

Why is my new oven smoking?

A new oven can cost a pretty penny, but don't be dismayed if it smokes when you first use it. Factory coatings on grill elements can cause them to smoke when first used. The oven instruction manual should include details on how best to burn off any coatings before using. If in doubt, preheat the grill on high for 20 minutes to burn off any coatings before you cook under it.

GHI Tip: If a smoking oven is a long-term problem, it might be time to call in the professionals who will be able to clean into all the grates and crevices that you can't ordinarily reach. Prices vary but local oven cleaning services are becoming increasingly common so chances are a friend or neighbour will be able to recommend one in your area.

Oven cleaning equipment

Oven Pride Cleaning System, 500ml

Oven Pride tesco.com

£3.00

KitchenCraft Oven/Hob Scraper

KitchenCraft amazon.co.uk

Sealapack Roasting bags, 24 bags

Sealapack amazon.co.uk

£2.64

Dri Pak Bicarbonate of Soda, x6

Dri Pak amazon.co.uk

£8.75

Stardrops Pink Stuff Paste, 500g

Stardrops amazon.co.uk

£3.35

Oven Mate Cleaning Gel Kit

Oven Mate lakeland.co.uk

£7.99

Magic Non-Stick Oven Liner

Lakeland lakeland.co.uk

£10.99

Plenty Original Kitchen Rolls

Plenty amazon.co.uk

£6.55

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