Kenmore Self-Cleaning Oven: Models & How to Use Cleaning Features

We've always loved Kenmore appliances. They're high-quality items at a reasonable price, and we've had several in our homes over the years. Some of Kenmore's more popular items are the Kenmore self-cleaning ovens and ranges. You'll love the combo of quality and affordability of these long-lived appliances. 

Popular Kenmore Models

If you're looking for a self-cleaning wall oven, Kenmore offers three separate models. They also have gas and electric ranges that have self-cleaning features. The Kenmore self-cleaning ovens and ranges include:

• Model 40549 24-inch electric self-cleaning wall oven in black: The oven has a 3.3 cubic foot capacity with two racks and an extra-large viewing window.
• Model 40542 24-inch self-cleaning electric wall oven in white: It has the same features as the black wall oven, but comes in a crisp, clean white.
• Model 40543 24-inch electric self-cleaning wall oven in stainless steel: This is perfect to match other stainless kitchen appliances. 
• Model 95163 4.8 cubic foot front-control electric range with true convection & air fry stainless steel: This electric range has a self-cleaning oven with both traditional self-clean and a fast steam-clean feature.
• Model 75923 4.8 cu. ft. front-control gas range with true convection & air fry stainless steel: This stainless gas range has both self-cleaning and steam-clean for faster cleaning. 

To find these ovens on sale, visit Kenmore's Where to Buy page. 

How to Use the Self-Cleaning Feature

If you've lost the instructions for your self-cleaning oven, you'll be glad to know Kenmore designs each of their ovens similarly. So if you can no longer find a replacement manual, you can get an idea of how to use the oven by looking at the manual for another Kenmore oven or by following these instructions.

1. Check the area around your oven and the range. Remove any dish towels, pots and pans, serving wear, etc. Since the oven temperature will get very high during cleaning, it's best to make sure the surrounding area is clear and safe.
2. Remove all oven racks and accessories from the interior while it's cold. Otherwise, they could become damaged or discolored. Make sure there's no aluminum foil in or around the oven as the high heat will cause it to melt.
3. Clean any soil, dirt, or food residue from the oven frame, the door liner (outside the oven door gasket), and the area at the center at the front center of the oven bottom with soap and water. Soil that's not cleaned prior to using the self-cleaning function could become burned on.
4. Some models allow you to choose different times depending on how dirty your oven is (typically two, three, or four hours). If you have the option to select a time for the self-cleaning cycle, select the desired option.
5. Press start to begin the self-cleaning cycle.
6. The oven door will automatically lock within seconds of activating self-cleaning. Don't attempt to unlock it during this time.
7. The oven door will unlock once the oven has sufficiently cooled (typically about an hour after the cleaning cycle has ended).
8. When the interior is completely cool, wipe away any ash or residue with a damp washcloth or paper towel.
9. Replace the oven racks, and your oven is ready to use.

Customers should note it is important to ventilate the area the first time the cleaning cycle is used. It's also essential young children aren't left unattended while the cleaning cycle is activated.

How to Use the Steam-Cleaning Cycle

While Kenmore's wall ovens don't have steam clean, the ranges do. Steam cleaning is faster, so it's a great way to clean your oven of fresh spills. You can find instructions in the range user's manual or follow these simple instructions. 

1. Remove racks and all accessories from the oven. Clear off the area around the oven, too.
2. Rub dish soap into any food splatters or other food residue in the oven.
3. Pour 10 ounces of water into the bottom of the oven. Close the door.
4. Push "oven clean" once and press start.
5. The oven will beep when the cycle is done.
6. Press the Off/Clear button.
7. Open the oven and wipe out any water that remains in the bottom once the oven has cooled enough to touch.
8. Wipe out any remaining spots of food, etc. with dish soap and a damp sponge. 
9. Leave the door ajar so the oven can dry completely.

Understanding the Self-Cleaning Cycle

A self-cleaning oven works by allowing the inside temperature to rise to a very high level. It will then stay at this temperature, usually about 1,000°F, for the period it is set to. During this time of high temperatures, dirt, spills, and grease residue are burned off — they're incinerated and turned into a white ash.

Tips for Self-Cleaning Your Kenmore Oven

The great thing about self-cleaning is that the oven does most of the work for you, provided you keep a few tips in mind:

• Always wipe up spills as soon as you notice them.
• Clean your oven regularly, and it will stay quite clean without much effort. It is a great way to have a sparkling clean oven without the use of toxic chemical cleaners.
• Always wipe out as much food residue as you can before you start a cleaning cycle.
• Never leave racks in the oven while it cleans.
• Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners in your self-cleaning oven.
• Always wipe out the oven with a damp cloth and plain water before cleaning to avoid toxic fumes from being produced during the cleaning process.

Replacing a Lost Owner's Manual

We've all been there, am I right? If you have lost your owner's manual, it's always available online. Go to the Kenmore website and navigate to the oven you have. Click on the Owner's Center button to view your manual. 

Replacement Parts

You can find replacement parts for your Kenmore self-cleaning oven by visiting the parts center on the website. 

Save Time With a Self-Cleaning Oven

One of the best things about this self-cleaning oven is it can give you back some of your all-too-valuable time. Rather than spending your afternoon scrubbing the oven, you can program it and allow it to clean itself while you tackle more enjoyable tasks.