Should I be worried about the inside of the oven catching fire?

Question

I just acquired a used electric stove and oven that needs a good cleaning. I do not want to use chemicals inside the oven and want to use the self-cleaning method of heating the inside to a high temperature.

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

I agree with another person.  Just stand by and be ready for anything to happen.  I had a stove that didn't shut off the self cleaning system.  Wait for the weekend and have a friend or fire extinguisher handy.

Answer 3

That's what the function is there for, plus the door has to be locked. Chances are slim that you'll have a problem. If it makes you nervous though, just make sure that you're standing by with a fire extinguisher and that you have home owner's/renter's insurance. :p

You could also just use a spatula or something to scrape off the bulk of the grease before setting it to self-clean.

But... I highly doubt that using the self-clean feature on a dirty stove is a fire hazard. Appliance companies would be inviting a lot of liability is it was.