TurboChef Rapid-Cook Oven Cleaning and Maintenance

TurboChef manufactures a line of rapid cook ovens that operate without ventilation – a design that's ideal for use in bars, concession stands, and other places with limited space. These ovens combine multiple types of heat, such as impingement and microwave, to rapidly cook food. Because of the large amount of food that is typically run through these ovens each day, messes are likely to happen. It's important to clean your TurboChef oven daily to help keep it in optimal operating order and prevent build-up of debris.

Before You Clean

The first and most important step when cleaning a TurboChef oven is to wait for the oven to cool. These ovens operate at approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so trying to reach inside the cavity too soon can result in serious burns. After cooking, turn the oven off, open the door slightly, and wait approximately 40 minutes. Do not clean the oven until the display screen reads "Oven Off," which indicates that the interior temperature is under 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cleaning your TurboChef will require several clean cloths, a nylon scrub pad, disposable gloves, protective eyewear, oven cleaner, and a mild cleaner or stainless steel cleaner. Wear gloves and eyewear at all times while cleaning.

TurboChef Cleaning

Step 1: Remove and clean the wire rack and lower jetplate. Remove the rack from the cavity, then loosen the thumb screws that hold the jetplate in place to remove it. Wash, rinse, and sanitize both components. If your oven has a lower air diverter, you can also remove and wash, rinse, and sanitize that component.

Step 2: Remove and clean the air filter. The air filter, which is located on the back of the unit, is one of the most important parts to clean. Blocked air vents are not covered under the oven's warranty, so keeping them clean is essential. Simply rinse the air filter under hot water, and allow it to dry completely before installing it again. Do not operate the oven while the air filter is removed.

Step 3: Wipe out the oven interior. The purpose of this step is to remove large particles and loose debris from inside the oven. You can use a food vacuum or a damp cloth to dislodge and remove any debris.

Step 4: Use a non-caustic degreaser to clean oven interior. Spray the cleaner onto a rag or nylon scrub pad, then scrub the sides and bottom of the oven's interior and door. Clean the top of the oven interior gently; the upper jetplates are made of glass and breakage is not covered by the warranty. Also, do not spray oven cleaner onto the back of the oven interior. If cleaner penetrates the holes on the back wall, critical damage to the oven's essential components can occur.

Step 5: Soak any stains. If there are stains on the inside of the oven, spray cleaner onto the stains and allow them to soak for five minutes. Do not spray cleaner on the back wall of the oven. After the stains have soaked for five minutes, use a nylon scrub pad to wipe them away.

Step 6: Wipe and dry the oven interior. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner, then follow with a dry cloth. Do not use a hose or water jet to rinse the interior of the oven.

Step 7: Apply Oven Guard. If you are using Oven Guard, a silicone-based liquid from TurboChef that can help prevent future stains, spray it onto a clean towel. Then, wipe it on the interior walls and inside of the oven door.

Step 8: Reinstall all removed components. Replace the air diverter, if applicable, then reattach the jetplate by positioning it in place and turning the thumb screws. Slide the wire rack into place. If you removed the air filter for cleaning, replace that as well.

Step 9: Clean oven exterior. Use a clean, damp towel to clean the exterior of the oven. Depending on the model of your TurboChef rapid cook oven, you can choose to use a mild cleaner or a stainless steel cleaner. Do not spray any cleaner on side louvers or rear vents; instead, spray the cleaner onto the cloth.