Pyrolytic Oven Cleaning for Pesach
Question
What is the halachic ruling regarding using an oven with pyrolytic cleaning on Pesach?
Answer
Shalom u’vracha
There are certain ovens that are approved for use on Pesach through pyrolytic cleaning.
Attached are the guidelines from our teacher Rabbi Amram Fried shlita.
And a list of the approved oven models.
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From Azmera LeShimcha 282:
There are ovens with a self‑cleaning mechanism that heat up to a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius, which is considered the level of libun chamur (intense purging by fire). However, not all manufacturers are the same in this regard, and there are cases where, although the center of the oven reaches this temperature, the walls do not heat up to that extent. Therefore, one who has such an oven should not be lenient and use it on Pesach until he has consulted with a halachic authority who is well‑versed in these details.
Further there:
Question 93: May one rely on the self‑cleaning of a pyrolytic oven in order to kosher it for use on Pesach?
Answer: See what was explained above, p. 2, sec. 19. One who is meticulous in halacha will not rely even on the kashering of pyrolytic ovens for Pesach. There are several models that were tested and were found to reach the level of libun chamur (470 degrees) in all corners of the oven. But as for the other pyrolytic ovens, although it is stated on them that they reach 500 degrees, in many cases the temperature does not reach 500 degrees in every place in the oven, and there are areas where it reaches only 450 degrees. Therefore, one should use only the ovens that have been approved.
Method of use for the approved models: The trays, racks, and rails must be replaced, since there is concern that they may be damaged, unless according to the manufacturer’s instructions they may be left inside the oven during the cleaning program; in that case, they can be kashered.
