10 Best Oven Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Zep Heavy-Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner is a powerful foam cleaner designed to tackle tough baked-on grease and carbon, making it a strong choice for deep cleaning ovens, grills, and even pots and pans. Its restaurant-grade formula is quite effective on heavy-duty messes, especially for stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, and similar hard surfaces. It’s easy to use as a foam product, which helps it cling to vertical surfaces and work on stubborn grime.

However, it is not safe for aluminum, copper, chrome, or painted surfaces, so caution is needed regarding where it is applied. It also should not be used in self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens, limiting its compatibility with some modern ovens. The cleaner has a fresh scent, suggesting the fumes might be less harsh than some other heavy-duty oven cleaners, though users sensitive to chemicals should still use it in a well-ventilated area.

Because it is a chemically strong cleaner, it may leave some residue if not rinsed well, so thorough wiping is recommended. This product is suitable for those who need a serious, professional-level cleaner for tough oven and grill messes but may not be the best choice for delicate surfaces or ovens with self-cleaning features.

The Carbona Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner is a liquid chemical cleaner designed specifically for oven racks, grill grates, and similar items. It stands out for its strong grease-fighting power, helping remove tough buildup without the need for heavy scrubbing. An advantage is its odor-free formula, meaning it won’t leave behind strong smells that could affect your food’s taste during use.

The cleaner is easy to use by placing racks inside a plastic bag with the solution and letting it soak for about 8 hours, which effectively loosens grime but does require some planning ahead due to the long wait. This product is made especially for removable racks and grills rather than the entire oven interior, so it’s best suited if you want to deep clean these parts without harsh fumes or residue. Because it comes in liquid form and needs rinsing after use, it generally leaves no sticky or harmful residue behind.

It is not ideal if you want a quick clean or something to spray directly inside the oven cavity. When the main goal is to tackle heavy grease on racks and grills safely and with minimal smell, this cleaner performs well but requires some patience.

The Zep Oven Brite Stove and Oven Cleaner is designed specifically for those tackling tough, baked-on messes in ovens and stoves. One of its standout features is its ability to penetrate stubborn soils and grease, making it an effective choice for restaurant owners or anyone dealing with heavy cooking equipment. The thick formula ensures it stays in place, providing longer contact time on vertical surfaces, which can lead to better cleaning results without the need for excessive scrubbing.

A significant advantage of this product is its low odor. Many oven cleaners have a strong, unpleasant smell, but Zep Oven Brite offers a fresh scent, making the cleaning process more pleasant. Additionally, its versatility as a degreaser for various surfaces, including utensils and smoking equipment, adds to its value.

This product is intended primarily for business customers, which might limit its accessibility for home users. The case of 12 bottles could be more than what an average household needs, leading to potential excess waste or storage issues for residential users. Furthermore, while the cleaner is effective, individuals with particularly sensitive skin or allergies may want to ensure they use gloves, as with most chemical cleaners. The Zep Oven Brite is ideal for commercial environments where heavy-duty cleaning is necessary, thanks to its powerful, thick formula and low fume levels. Casual home cooks might find it more than they require, and care should be taken when handling the product to avoid skin irritation.