Expert: Carol Schlitt - 9/21/2006

Question
I have a GE free standing range and it is still under new warranty.  I performed the built in feature of oven cleaning and during the process my whole house filled with smoke and the smell was so bad we had to leave the house.  When I opened the oven after it cooled off the bottom all the way accross the bottom and about 4" deep the finish disintegrated and caused the finish to crystalize and it left brush marks in the finish.  GE told me that it was my fault that I didn't clean the grease out of the bottom before I did the self cleaning.  The finish comes off in your fingers when  you touch it and also where the racks sit it is down to bare metal.  They will not replace the oven liner.  I am concerned because I do not want to eat food baked in there if it could cause me to get sick.
I would appreciate your opinion.

Thank you.

Answer
Wow Gerry -- what a disappointment with a new range.

I really don't know about the chemical formulation of self-cleaning ovens. However, I do know that when I clean my oven I remove the racks as they will darken if you leave them in while cleaning.  Also, an ash is present after cleaning that must be wiped out with a damp cloth.

I would call GE customer service and ask to speak to the oven engineering department for a more comprehensive answer.  While they may not replace the oven liner, you may need to do so to make the oven usable.

I'm sorry I don't know more. Personally, I would not use the oven until I get a definitive answer as to the safety of the interior.

Carol