How to Clean a Combi Steamer Properly: Make It Last for Years

The combi steamer is often the most expensive and most used appliance in many kitchens – and at the same time, the most heavily used. Fat, protein, and roast residues burn onto the cooking chamber walls, fan wheel, and core temperature sensor with every cooking process. Neglecting cleaning quickly leads to consequences: flavour transfer, smoke development, clogged nozzles, and in extreme cases, grease fires. With the right daily routine, your combi steamer remains hygienic, energy efficient, and ready for use for many years.

Why Daily Cleaning is Mandatory

Temperatures of up to 300 °C combined with high humidity prevail in the cooking chamber – ideal conditions for fat and protein residues to turn into hard, brown deposits. Once burnt on, these layers can only be removed with significantly more chemicals and effort. Fresh dirt, however, can be dissolved by a suitable cleaner within minutes. Added to this is hygiene: old fat deposits are a breeding ground for germs and transfer flavours – after all, the croissant from the morning should not taste like the chicken from the day before. Lastly, HACCP principles require regular, traceable appliance cleaning.

Using Automatic Cleaning Properly

Most modern combi steamers offer an automatic cleaning program with several levels – from intermediate cleaning to intensive washing. It is crucial that you run the program daily at the end of operation and use the cleaner approved by the manufacturer. For units with liquid cleaner connection, the Combi Steamer Cleaner F10L in an economical 10-litre canister is suitable. Choose the cleaning level according to the level of soiling: after a day with lots of grilled food, the intensive level is appropriate; after pure steam operation, the short cleaning suffices – saving chemicals, water, and time.

Manual Cleaning Step by Step

For units without an automatic program – or for thorough intermediate cleaning – proceed as follows:

• Let cool down: Let the cooking chamber cool down to below 60 °C; otherwise, the cleaner will evaporate without effect and there is a risk of burns.
• Remove inserts: Remove racks, trays, and grease filters and soak separately.
• Spray cleaner: Apply a spray cleaner such as the Combi Steamer Cleaner RS-5L to the cooking chamber walls, fan wheel area, and door interior. Wear gloves and safety goggles!
• Let it act: Depending on soiling, leave for 15–30 minutes; support stubborn deposits with the steam setting.
• Rinse thoroughly: Remove all cleaner residues completely with a hand shower or steam program – residues can get into food during the next cooking cycle.
• Dry: Leave the door slightly open so that the cooking chamber dries overnight.

Don’t Forget Descaling

The steam generator or injection system scales up at different rates depending on water hardness. Scale prolongs heating times, increases energy consumption, and can disable solenoid valves and sensors. Check manufacturer instructions regarding descaling intervals and water treatment – with hard water, a softening or filter cartridge before the appliance is almost always the more economical solution than frequent descaling. Many units display the due descaling cycle on the screen; take this message seriously.

Door Seals and Details

The door seal is the most underestimated component of the combi steamer. Fat and heat make the rubber brittle – therefore wipe the seal daily with a mild cleaner, never with the harsh cooking chamber cleaner. Also check regularly: the drain strainer in the cooking chamber floor, the gap between glass panes of the double-glass door (many doors can be opened for cleaning), the core temperature sensor, and the hand shower for tightness.

Common Mistakes

• Postponing cleaning "until tomorrow" – deposits harden completely overnight.
• Spraying cooking chamber cleaner onto a hot surface: dangerous fumes and no effect.
• Using incorrect or non-approved chemicals – risking damage to the appliance and loss of warranty.
• Not rinsing thoroughly after manual cleaning.
• Treating the door seal with aggressive cleaners or ignoring it completely.
• Ignoring descaling messages until the steam generator fails.

Conclusion

A combi steamer forgives a lot, but not neglected cleaning. Daily care – whether by automatic program or by hand – costs only a few minutes, prevents burnt-on deposits, and ensures hygiene, flavour, and energy efficiency. With the right cleaner and intact seals, professional appliances easily achieve ten or more years of operation. Are you looking for a new appliance or accessories? An overview can be found in our Combi Steamers category, suitable cleaning products under Cleaning Agents. For personal advice on cleaning, water treatment, or appliance selection, you can reach us at +49 6724 2069393.