How To Clean Cuisinart Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens are the perfect appliance for small cooking jobs such as cooking a pizza or toasting bread. They allow you the option of not having to heat your entire oven for a simple job. However, just like your regular oven, toaster ovens require cleaning and maintenance.

If you have ever wondered how to clean your Cuisinart toaster oven properly, we have done to research to give you a step-by-step guide.

Follow these steps to properly clean your Cuisinart toaster oven:

1. Unplug the toaster oven from the outlet.
2. Remove all racks and trays and thoroughly clean with hot, soapy water.
3. Clean interior walls using a damp cloth or sponge and mild cleaning solution. 
4. Scrub the exterior of your unit with a clean, damp cloth and dish soap solution. 
5. Thoroughly dry all components of your toaster oven before using it again.

Making sure your toaster oven is cleaned regularly is essential. Failure to clean your toaster oven properly can lead to a build-up of splattered grease or stray crumbs, which could catch fire under high heat. Keep reading for more in-depth details on how to clean your Cuisinart toaster oven properly. We will offer you some additional tips on how to keep your toaster oven in tip-top condition and free from any hazards.

Steps for Cleaning a Cuisinart Toaster Oven

You may think you're doing enough by emptying your toaster oven's crumb tray daily or giving it a quick wipe down every day. This, however, is not the case. Deep cleaning your toaster oven is necessary to keep it working properly. Removing any built-up grease will keep your toasting consistent, again and again.

1. Unplug the toaster oven from the outlet

Always unplug your unit before beginning the cleaning process. Additionally, it is crucial to make sure your toaster oven is completely cooled off before cleaning. Clean your toaster oven in a convenient location and NEVER immerse your toaster oven in water.

2. Remove all racks and trays and thoroughly clean with hot, soapy water

Slide out the crumb tray and throw away any crumbs. Remove the oven rack or broiling rack from the toaster oven. Also, remove your drip pan for cleaning. Fill your sink with hot, soapy water. Use mild dish soap to clean your oven trays and racks. Always use non-abrasive cleaners to clean your toaster oven.

You may need to soak your trays and racks overnight if there is a large amount of build-up. If your trays are heavily soiled, consider using a nylon cleaning brush for extra cleaning power. According to Cuisinart, trays, racks, and drip pans are all dishwasher safe if you choose to wash them in the dishwasher instead.

Use brushes like these found on Amazon to clean your toaster oven.

3. Clean interior walls using a damp cloth or sponge and mild cleaning solution

Use a damp cloth or soft sponge with a mild cleaning solution to clean the inside of your toaster oven. Never use a metal scouring pad to clean your toaster oven. These metal pieces can break off and cause electric shock if they come in contact with electrical parts.

Always apply your cleaning solution to the sponge or cloth and not directly on the toaster oven. Make sure your cloth or sponge is not dripping wet, as you don't want any excess liquid dripping into electrical components. Only use the soft side of the sponge and not the rough scrubbing side to clean your toaster oven's interior. The rough side can ruin the finish of your oven.

Use a mild cleaning solution such as dish soap and hot water or 1/2 cup of hot water mixed with 2 Tbsp. of white vinegar. Don't use abrasive or corrosive cleaners when cleaning the interior of your toaster oven. Try to avoid the heating element when cleaning the inside of your unit. Use a nylon brush like the one above to scrub off any stuck-on grease or grime.

Find this cleaner on Amazon to clean the inside of your toaster oven.

4. Scrub the exterior of your unit with a clean, damp cloth and dish soap solution

This process will be similar to cleaning the interior of your oven. Again, use a mild cleaning solution like the ones mentioned above and a damp cloth or sponge. Abrasive cleaners can scratch or damage the finish of your toaster oven. Apply the cleansing agent to the cloth or sponge and not directly on the toaster oven.

Never use Brillo pads or metal scouring pads on the outside of your toaster oven, as they will scratch the finish.

Check out these sponges available on Amazon.

5. Thoroughly dry all components of your toaster oven before using it again

Dry all of your trays, racks, and pans with a clean, dry cloth before returning them to the inside of your toaster oven. Also, dry the interior and exterior of your toaster after cleaning.

Video Tutorial

Check out this video tutorial on how to clean your toaster oven. Although this toaster oven is not a Cuisinart toaster oven, the same steps apply.

How Often Should You Clean Your Toaster Oven?

You should be cleaning your toaster oven to some degree after each use. Make sure no food has dropped onto the heating element to prevent fires from igniting. Cleaning any grease splatters or wiping up any loose crumbs after each use will make those deep-cleaning sessions much easier and will keep your toaster oven working correctly.

If you use your toaster oven daily, it is a good idea to do a deep cleaning once a week. However, if you use your unit less frequently, it will not need deep cleaning as often. Try to make this duty part of your regular cleaning, so you don't forget to do it!

How Do You Get Baked-on Grease Out of a Toaster Oven?

Failing to clean your toaster oven regularly can build up grease in your toaster oven. Although this may seem like a daunting task, it is possible to remove this stubborn mess.

Make a paste using 1/2 cup of water and a few tablespoons of water. Adjust the ratio as needed to make a spreadable paste. Spread the paste over your problem area, being careful not to get any on the heating elements. Let this mixture sit on the grease overnight or for at least 12 hours. It will probably turn brown, which means it's doing the job.

Wipe down your toaster oven with a wet rag to remove the grease. You might have to use a little elbow grease to remove the build-up. If you find any problem areas, spray the area with a mixture of vinegar and water. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and help loosen anything left behind.

How Do You Clean the Heating Element in a Toaster Oven?

Use extreme caution when cleaning the heating element in our toaster oven. Make sure the unit is unplugged and that your toaster oven is completely cool. Do not use any cleaner or soap on the heating element. Use only a damp rag with water to clean your toaster oven's heating elements. Furthermore, be careful not to scrub too hard.

If food is baked on the element, use a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub with a very soft brush or sponge. Thoroughly rinse and dry your heating element after cleaning.

How Do You Clean the Glass on a Toaster Oven?

The inside glass of your toaster oven can quickly become dirty and splattered with grease. Use the same baking soda paste as mentioned above to clean the glass inside your toaster oven. Again, let the paste sit for several hours to help loosen the caked-on grime. Scrub the glass with a cloth, soft sponge, or a soft nylon brush for those tough messes.

You can also clean the glass with the same vinegar-water mixture above, or you can opt for a glass cleaner to clean the outside glass on your toaster oven. Spray the cleaner on the rag and not directly on the glass.

In Conclusion

Cleaning your Cuisinart toaster oven is a relatively easy process and will help maintain the integrity and appearance of your unit. While deep cleaning your toaster oven after every use isn't necessary, it is recommended to perform a quick wipe down after each use.

Remember to never use a metal scouring pad on the inside or outside your oven. Hopefully, using these tips will help keep your Cuisinart toaster in prime condition!

For more information on toaster ovens, check out the links below:

Can A Toaster Oven Replace A Microwave?

Where To Put A Toaster Oven In A Small Kitchen?