How to Properly Clean Your Combi Steamer: Extend Its Lifespan by Years
The combi steamer is often the most expensive and frequently used appliance in many kitchens – and at the same time, the most heavily stressed. Fat, protein, and roasting residues burn onto the cooking chamber walls, fan wheel, and core temperature sensor with every cooking process. If cleaning is neglected, the consequences come quickly: flavour transfer, smoke development, clogged nozzles, and in extreme cases, grease fires. With the right daily routine, your combi steamer stays hygienic, energy-efficient, and operational 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 soiling, however, can be dissolved within minutes by a suitable cleaner. Additionally, hygiene is important: old grease deposits are breeding grounds for germs and transfer flavours – after all, your morning croissant shouldn’t taste like the chicken from the day before. Last but not least, HACCP principles require regular, traceable appliance cleaning.
Using Automatic Cleaning Correctly
Most modern combi steamers have an automatic cleaning programme with multiple stages – from interim cleaning to intensive wash. It is essential to run the programme daily at the end of operation and to use the cleaner approved by the manufacturer. For appliances with a liquid cleaner connection, the Combi Steamer Cleaner F10L in an economical 10-litre canister is suitable. Choose the cleaning level according to the degree of soiling: after a day with a lot of grilled food, the intensive stage is recommended, after pure steam operation, the short cleaning suffices – this saves chemicals, water, and time.
Step-by-Step Manual Cleaning
For appliances without an automatic programme – or for thorough interim cleaning – proceed as follows:
- Let cool down: Allow the cooking chamber to cool to below 60 °C, otherwise the cleaner will evaporate ineffectively, and burns are possible.
- Remove inserts: Take out racks, trays, and grease filters and soak them separately.
- Spray cleaner: Apply a spray cleaner such as the Combi Steamer Cleaner RS-5L onto the cooking chamber walls, fan wheel area, and inside of the door. Wear gloves and safety goggles!
- Let act: Depending on the soiling, 15–30 minutes; support stubborn deposits with the steam setting.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove all cleaner residues completely using a hand shower or steam programme – residues can transfer into food during the next cooking cycle.
- Dry: Leave the door slightly open to allow the cooking chamber to dry overnight.
Don’t Forget Descaling
The steam generator or injection system scales at different rates depending on water hardness. Scale increases heating times, raises energy consumption, and can render solenoid valves and sensors inoperative. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for descaling intervals and water treatment – with hard water, a softening or filter cartridge before the appliance is almost always more economical than frequent descaling. Many units display the due descaling cycle; take this message seriously.
Door Seals and Details
The door seal is the most underestimated component of the combi steamer. Fat and heat cause the rubber to become brittle – therefore, wipe the seal daily with a mild cleaner, never with the harsh cooking chamber cleaner. Also regularly check: the drain strainer in the cooking chamber floor, the space between 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 the hot surface: dangerous fumes and no effect.
- Using incorrect or non-approved chemicals – risking appliance damage and voiding warranty.
- Not rinsing thoroughly after manual cleaning.
- Treating the door seal with aggressive cleaner or neglecting it entirely.
- Ignoring descaling notifications until the steam generator fails.
Conclusion
A combi steamer forgives much, but not neglected cleaning. Daily care – whether by automatic programme or by hand – takes only a few minutes, prevents burnt-on deposits, and ensures hygiene, taste, and energy efficiency. With the right cleaner and intact seals, professional equipment easily achieves ten or more years of operation. Looking for a new appliance or accessories? An overview can be found in our category Combi Steamers, suitable care products under Cleaning Agents. For personal advice on cleaning, water treatment, or appliance selection, contact us at +49 6724 2069393.
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Last updated on 2 September 2026.