Tackling your oven is a big job, and finding the best oven cleaner product is half the battle. From biodegradable options to cleaning kits, it can be hard to decide which type is right for you.
We get it, nobody wants to get on their hands and knees for hours to scrape burnt food from the grill. But, it's a job that has to be done - especially if you're moving, having a house inspection or going into uni digs.
Yes, oven cleaners aren't as exciting as kitting out your kitchen with a slow cooker, but it is something that you need for your home. With so many different types available, it's OK to be overwhelmed with the choice.
We've put some of the best products on the market through their paces so you can make up your mind on what's the best oven cleaner to buy.
The best oven cleaner
1 of 7Oven Pride
The Oven Pride Cleaning Kit is easy to use, with minimal effort needed. Watch as your oven transforms with our favourite cleaner.
£7.65
2 of 7Hob Pride
With a bit of elbow grease, even the trickiest stains will come off with this magical hob cleaner.
3 of 7The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste 500g - Case of 12
If it's got the green light from cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, it's got to be good. Spoiler alert, this multi-purpose paste will leave your oven looking unreal.
4 of 7Oven Mate Oven Clean
Get ready to be excited about oven cleaner as Oven Mate makes removing dirt and grime look easy.
5 of 7Pack of six Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner
Do you have a build-up of burnt-on grease in your oven? This heavy-duty oven cleaner pack will ensure you never have a dirty cooker again.
6 of 7The EcoGurus Natural Cleaning Paste
Save money and the planet with this multi-purpose cleaning paste. Not only can you scrub away at your oven, but you can also clean your bathroom, barbecue or windows. We know, mad right?
7 of 7Oven Brite - 500ML
Has your oven got so bad you're genuinely considering hiring someone to clean it or just buying a new one? With just one use, this gel will leave it looking like it's just been delivered from the shop.
Our test in detail...
Oven Pride
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Gloves, bottle and a re-sealable bag .
HOW TO USE:
Using the gloves provided, apply the solution with a sponge and leave overnight. In the morning, using warm, soapy water, rinse inside of the oven and dry using a cloth.
VERDICT:
We'd give this cleaning product 10/10 as the dirt and grime came off easily and left the oven looking sparkling! Plus, it's really great value for money.
Hob Pride
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Detergent and a micro-fibre cloth.
HOW TO USE:
Pour detergent directly on to the hob and use a damp sponge to clean over the whole cooker. Rinse this off before the detergent can dry.
VERDICT:
If you're looking for a good hob cleaner - this is the one. Top tip: if you have a stubborn stain use this twice.
Oven Mate
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Gel, a brush and protective gloves.
HOW TO USE:
Squirt the gel on and use the brush provided to distribute the liquid evenly. Leave overnight and wipe away the dirt the next day.
VERDICT:
This gets a big thumbs up from us because you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing inside your oven. All you need to do is brush the gel on and leave it.
Mr Muscle
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Six bottles of cleaner.
HOW TO USE:
Spray this all over your oven and its unique self-scouring formula will remove grime, food and grease.
VERDICT:
The best bit is you won’t have to scrub or scrape to get everything off.
Oven Brite
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Six bags, six bottles and six pairs of gloves
HOW TO USE:
Put on the gloves provided and spread the gel over the burnt-on food in your oven. For a deeper clean, put the shelving in to the plastic bag once you’ve applied the gel. Leave this for a couple of hours, and it should remove even the toughest stains. Don’t forget to rinse after!
VERDICT:
Make sure if you're using the plastic bag this is properly sealed. If it isn't this may leak, which can damage your worktops. This will clean your oven for a great price.
EcoGurus
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
The set includes the EcoGurus natural cleaning paste and a non-abrasive sponge.
HOW TO USE:
The best thing to remember with this paste is that a little goes a long way. Scoop up the paste from the tin using the sponge and scrub away.
VERDICT:
If you don’t mind getting on your hands and knees to clean, then this is great for you! The paste is natural and made from organic ingredients, which is great if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option. However, the packaging isn’t recyclable.
The Pink Stuff
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
12.x 500g tubs - yes, you'll be cleaning for days!
HOW TO USE:
It's an actual miracle worker. You can apply The Pink Stuff to your oven by rubbing it on to the grease and dirt with a sponge.
VERDICT:
We love it and can't get enough of the stuff! That's why we've included a bucket load of them - no pun intended.
How does oven cleaner work?
Oven cleaners are packed with strong oils and chemicals that, when left for a few hours or even overnight, help to break down baked-on bits of food and stains to help lift them off with ease.
How to use oven cleaner
Always follow the instructions on the packaging and wear gloves when dealing with oven cleaning products. Most require you to remove your oven shelves and pop them into a plastic bag, with some of the cleaning solution. The rest of the product is usually poured onto the base of your oven, and you then give the whole oven a good scrub before leaving overnight and sponging away the next day.
What does oven cleaner do to counter tops?
Be very careful about using oven cleaner on your counter tops as they are packed with very strong chemicals and may cause damage. Check the packaging to see where they are safe to use, and if in doubt, contact the company directly to ask.
Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s The Best and Mother&Baby.