Shiny and New: How to Keep Cook Ranges Looking and Working Their Best

Genier's Appliances
2019-02-21T11:30:00-05:00

Show some love to your induction, gas and electric cook ranges with these cleaning and maintenance tips provided by top manufacturers.
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Use a soft cloth with a solution of baking soda and vinegar when cleaning your cook ranges.

We all need a little warmth in February. A time for frigid temperatures and a time for love, it’s also when we tend to cook up a storm, using every pot and pan in the kitchen to make everything from soups to stews that will keep our bellies and hearts full. If your stove or oven is still covered in the remnants of that Valentine’s Day steak dinner or your mama’s chilli con carne, then you may want to follow these tips on cleaning and maintaining your induction, gas and electric cook ranges.

Use a Little Elbow Grease

Today’s cooking appliances come with all sorts of bells and whistles, so we decided to look at few of the best brands that Genier’s carries and the manufacturers’ instructions on how to best clean and maintain them:

Induction cooktops:

One of the best things about induction cooktops is that the surface does not heat up. Instead, heat is generated in the magnetic reacting cookware. While there won’t likely be any burnt bits stuck to your cooktop, you may experience the occasional spill. Miele appliances’ state-of-the-art induction cooktops are made from ceramic glass, which is easy to clean due to its smooth surface.

Tip: As most city-supplied water in the Okanagan is considered hard and can cause water stains, it’s best to avoid using it for cleaning your cooktop. Miele recommends that you use a soft cloth and its special detergents and care products that won’t leave streaks or scratch the cooktop surface.

Gas and electric ovens:

Most gas and electric ranges today offer self-cleaning cycles, including GE appliances’ self-clean ovens with steam. A chemical-free way of cleaning, the cycle uses steam to loosen and soften oven grime. For tough and stubborn stains, GE recommends that you use a solution of vinegar and baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend® brand of cleanser, which is said to be safe on stainless steel, chrome, porcelain, ceramic cooktops, and other surfaces.

Tip: It’s important to use caution if pulling a freestanding gas range away from the wall to clean behind and underneath it. Remove the bottom drawer or panel then tilt the oven in order to place a plastic panel or Glide ‘N Guard interlocking track system underneath the legs of your range. This way you can safely glide it forward without scratching your kitchen floor.

Gas Range Tops:

A manufacturer of gas ranges and range tops, Viking appliances recommends that after cooking, you always wipe down grates and burner caps with a damp sponge and dry them thoroughly so they don’t rust. You can also set the grates and burner caps on top of the burner and turn the burner on high for 10-to-15 seconds for extra drying. To condition grates and burner caps, Viking recommends that you apply a light coating of mineral oil or vegetable oil and allow them to soak for 15 minutes before returning grates or burner caps to the cooking surface.

Tip: Never use steel wool, abrasive cloths or cleansers on any burner surface, as they can cause damage. Sealed burner tops and bowls can safely be cleaned with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth.