For many first-time trainees, entering the lucrative oven cleaning industry may seem a bit daunting. Therefore, we have gathered a list of oven cleaning training FAQs that our past trainees frequently ask. Ultimately, this will give you a more accurate picture of what we offer. Furthermore, it will show you exactly how to take your first steps toward becoming a professional oven cleaner and business owner.

How much does an oven cleaning business cost to build from scratch?

This is probably the first question we receive. Despite common perceptions, building your business is not as expensive as you might think, especially considering how quickly you will see a return on your investment. If you do not go down the franchise path (which is significantly more expensive), you only need to consider two main costs: a van and your training.

Regarding the van, you can choose almost any model available on the market. Whether it is new or used depends entirely on your budget and whether you want to run a separate business with it. We mention this because many trainees already run a cleaning business and simply add oven cleaning to their existing services. Finally, for the exact cost of training, please check our Courses Pricelist!

I found a good deal on a van, but I am not sure the dip tank will fit.

All our dip tanks and their work base fit in any of the vans commercially available in the UK, as long as they have at least one side door. We will take care of the fitting and the only thing we need from you is a few photos of your van and its exact model. You can rest assured we’ll make any van work. If in doubt though, we strongly recommend you give us a shout and we’ll tell you for sure.

I saw on your GleamKing website that you produce a Hybrid Dip Tank. What is it?

Please have a look at our website, where we explain the advantages of Hybrid Dip Tanks in great detail. Simply put, this is a dip tank that offers the flexibility of a Gas Dip Tank and the ease of use of an Electric Dip Tank, all rolled into one.

Which dip tank should I choose? LPG (Gas), Electric or Hybrid?

We offer four types of Dip Tanks: LPG (Gas), 3kW Electric, 6kW Electric and Hybrid. The main difference is the means to power the tank, which is either LPG or electric (or both in the case of the Hybrid Tank). Many people have a fear of LPG tanks as they don’t want to carry LPG bottles in their vans, but this is a process we have been doing for many many years with exactly zero issues. With an LPG Dip Tank, the main advantage is flexibility. Think of how difficult it will be for you to access a power source if your next cleaning job is at the 7th floor of a block of flats.

You will need at least one power point if you are using the 3kW electric tank, or two different ones if you have the 6kW version. With an LPG Dip Tank, this is not a problem as your power source is right there in your van. If you still consider the Electric Dip Tank a better solution, we offer two versions, the 3kW and the 6kW. The difference is in the time it takes to heat up your chemicals solution. See further down for more details. And if you go for the Hybrid, you get the best of both worlds!

Is it safe to have an LGP-powered dip tank in my van?

Well, for all those saying that LPG is not safe to be carried in vehicles, they are forgetting that people with caravans have been carrying LPG for many years. So the answer is yes, it is perfectly safe, provided that you follow the instructions you will receive during your training and that the installation of your gas dip tank is done properly. Our installation method has been validated by the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) and is done in strict accordance to HSE Guidelines.

This is the reason why you may perhaps notice the price of our LPG dip tank packages is slightly more expensive than any competitors. We fit out the dip tank and provide the required tools and equipment to ensure your gas-powered dip tank is safe to operate, hence the slight price difference. We strongly recommend that for your own safety and for the safety of those around you, you check whether any competitors carry the necessary credentials to prove the integrity and safety of their installation.

I want to get an LPG Tank. How easy is it to source LPG bottles.

Really easy. You can get them from petrol stations or from specialised sellers in your area. Shop around to find the best deal as their prices fluctuate quite a bit.

What is the difference between the 3kW and the 6kW Electric Dip Tank?

1. Having two separately powered heating elements means that, in case of an element’s malfunction, you will still have a heating element to work with. This may make the difference between completing a visit or having to cancel it, so we always recommend it as the best option.
2. The heating time is much shorter, which in turn allows for faster turnarounds, meaning more visits per day.

I saw a much cheaper Dip Tank made of plastic. What do you think about that?

Have you ever poured boiling water into a plastic cup? Did the cup stay as it was, or did it warp? Ask yourself if you would risk investing money in the main tool of your business when a risk of warping exists. Furthermore, which material do you think will last longer: plastic or stainless steel? Ultimately, we think you can answer this question yourself!

Are Dip Tanks safe to use?

They are perfectly safe to use if you follow the guidance you will receive during your training. During your training you will be taught how to use it safely, what chemicals to use for each oven and – most importantly – what chemicals to avoid. Furthermore, you will learn how to prepare your Dip Tank for your bookings and you will receive a comprehensive User Manual and Safety Guide that explains everything in detail, both operation-wise and on the build aspect. This will be yours to keep after your training is over and it’s a good practice to leave it in your van for future reference.

I see that the Dip Tanks need to have a base installed in the van. Why do I need this?

The work base features a thermal covering that protects the surrounding area from rising temperatures when the elements heat up. For LPG Dip Tanks, it also contains a special heatproof backing. This backing prevents high temperatures from reaching the area behind the base, thus actively protecting your van’s interior. At the top, there is a secondary shelf area that is highly convenient for storing, transferring, and using your chemical solutions.

Additionally, the work base paint is resin-based and waterproof, making it incredibly easy to clean up spills. We build the entire construction from 3/4-inch thick ply and secure the corners with metal L-brackets. We offer a generic size that fits most common vans. This allows for clearance on the sides of the work area, which you can use to store other tools. To answer your question directly: we consider the base essential and would never perform a van fitting without one.

What is the main difference between a [Standard / Standard Extra] or a [Premium / Premium Extra] training packages?

In one word (well… two words), your corporate image. As a new business, one of the most difficult aspects of getting things going is the public’s brand awareness. The standard package will provide you with all the equipment you need to do the job (dip tank, chemicals, tools, van fitting, etc.) but you will have to find a way to promote your new business and make it known in your area. With the Extra, we take care of all the foundation work for your marketing. We will design your:

• Corporate Style and logo (from scratch, not ready made logos)
• Website (as above, all is done from scratch)
• Corporate Email Address
• 25,000 Flyers
• 250 Business Cards
• Van Livery

During the design process, you will liaise with our expert design team. They will make changes until you are absolutely delighted with the result. Additionally, we will train you on how to use your digital assets and update your website. We will also set up your new email address, show you how to access it on your devices, and teach you how to promote your business online. Ultimately, the Extra packages give you everything you need to start a proper business.

What is the “Advanced Training” and why do I need it?

The Advanced Training is an optional day and is always done on the 5th day of your course. It is dedicated in how to dismantle Slide & Hide oven doors, how to perform heating element replacements, how to strip doors and replace mastic glass and a few other pieces of knowledge that are rarely given with normal training with franchises or other training packages. This derives from our very long experience in the field and contains those things that you get to know only when you have been cleaning ovens long enough.

The King Academy guarantees that there will be no oven you can’t tackle after completing this part, no matter how complex or unique. We have already had past trainees who joined us for just one day to add this to their knowledge and their feedback was excellent, mainly because it covered knowledge that they may only need once in a while, but it is what differentiates them from their local competition. The confidence you will build after this part of your training is second to none.

What is The King Academy Membership? How does it differ from the management fees of a franchise?

The primary difference is that franchise management fees are a strict contractual obligation. This means you do not get to choose whether to pay them; they are mandatory. Contrary to a franchise, our Membership is entirely opt-in and comes at a significantly lower cost. To give you an idea, our monthly membership cost is only slightly higher than the weekly fee of popular oven cleaning franchises. Membership ensures there is always someone you can call for help.

Furthermore, it provides up to 25 hours per year of dedicated support for your exact needs, taking into account your local market, experience, and business size. It also entitles you to a generous 20% discount on tested chemicals from our GleamKing website, alongside discounts on future training. Ultimately, just by using the 20% discount on chemicals, the Membership easily pays for itself.

Do I need to purchase my cleaning chemicals exclusively from you?

Absolutely not. Contrary to a franchise, training with us means you are completely free to purchase your cleaning materials from anywhere you like. All of the chemicals we use are tried and tested in a very long period of time and we wouldn’t operate without them. The reason we recommend them is because we know exactly how well they work and how easy they make the life of a professional oven cleaner, even in commercial cleaning applications. If you take into account their competitive prices and the 20% discount you are entitled to with our Membership, it’s a no brainer.

I am located in [my area]. Do you provide local training?

All our training is done at our Headquarters in sunny Bournemouth, in Dorset. This is where are offices are, along with a state of the art training room with a wide variety of different ovens. This is also where our workshop is located, where we build your van’s working base, prepare the dip tank of your choice and fit it. Also, this is where we train you in marketing research and brand promotion and where you sit with our IT Manager to go through all aspects of your digital assets (website, email, digital marketing). The only exception is if you are based outside the UK, in which case we can travel to you! See here for more.

Do you provide accommodation?

We do not, but Bournemouth is a very popular coastal town and accommodation is readily available throughout the year. You can easily find hotels or B&Bs located near our Headquarters for any budget by using one of the popular websites such as Expedia or Booking.com

Do your courses have set dates?

Our courses do not have set dates, as we feel this flexibility makes it much more convenient for our trainees. Generally, all courses start on a Monday. We usually schedule the specific start date exactly 4 weeks after your training deposit is paid. Ultimately, we will work closely with you to find a convenient date that suits both our schedules.

I need training urgently. Can I start next Monday?

Unfortunately, you cannot. Training is only one part of the package you are getting. Several other aspects of your package take time to prepare. For instance, designing your corporate logo, acquiring your domain name, setting up your website, and designing your print materials all require lead time. Even if you are not taking the Extra course, we still need time to prepare your dip tank and work base. This time is needed to ensure everything is prepared to perfection before you arrive. This is exactly why we schedule your start date about 4 weeks after your deposit is paid. The only exception is for Training-Only courses, where we may be able to fit you in much sooner.

What are the payment requirements?

We ask for a 50% deposit of the total amount (cost + VAT) of your chosen training package. This is what secures your training. After the deposit payment has been confirmed, we liaise with you to set a starting date. The balance is payable a week prior to your arrival for the first day of your course, at the latest. In the case of Training Only courses, full payment in advance is required. Please make sure you read our Terms & Conditions on training.

What happens to my deposit if I change my mind?

For our Standard courses, we offer a 50% refund of your initial deposit. However, for Premium courses, the deposit is completely non-refundable. This is because we immediately start working to prepare your customized marketing material and source your package items.

What ways of payment do you offer?

At this time, we currently only accept bank transfers. Upon booking, you will receive a proforma invoice containing all our bank details so you can securely make the payment.

Why should I choose you?

We prefer to let our past trainees answer this question. Please have a look at our oven cleaning training testimonials and see the results for yourself!

I have a different question that is not answered here

Excellent, we love answering new questions! Please fill in the contact form below, and we will get back to you shortly. As a bonus, we will also give you free access to our detailed video guides about oven cleaning training.