No, it is not safe to cook during a self-cleaning cycle if the oven bake element is still hot from baking something else beforehand. The self-cleaning cycle operates by heating the oven to extremely high temperatures (typically around 800-900 degrees Fahrenheit or 427-482 degrees Celsius) to burn off and reduce any food residues, grease, and spills inside the oven to ash.
If you attempt to cook during the self-cleaning cycle while the bake element is still hot, you risk several potential hazards:
Fire Hazard: The extremely high temperatures during the self-cleaning cycle can ignite any food residues or spills left in the oven from the previous baking session, leading to a fire.
Damaging the Oven: Operating the oven at such high temperatures during the self-cleaning cycle while the bake element is already hot from prior use can strain and damage the oven's heating elements, controls, and other components.
Potential for Uneven Cooking: The residual heat from the previous baking session could cause uneven cooking during the self-cleaning cycle, resulting in improperly cooked food.
To ensure safety and optimal performance, it's essential to wait for the oven to cool down completely before starting the self-cleaning cycle. Additionally, it's best to remove any large food debris or spills manually before initiating the self-cleaning process to reduce the risk of fire and ensure a more effective cleaning cycle. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations when using the self-cleaning feature in your oven.