How to use the oven

Using the oven in your kitchen

An oven is ideal for baking, roasting and cooking larger meals.

Most ovens are controlled with three dials: temperature, time, and modes.  We recommend finding the relevant instruction manual in our online manuals library, where you’ll find detailed guidance on the controls and features available on your kitchen appliance.

The manual will usually include suggestions on what mode to use for different types of cooking. Generally, most recipes will suggest preheating the oven, which should be done approximately 10 minutes in advance.

Make sure to use oven-safe dishes and oven gloves when cooking food in the oven, and ensure that food is fully cooked before serving. 

  

Cleaning the oven

Regular cleaning helps prevent smoke, smells and burnt-on food. You shouldn’t need to clean the oven as regularly as other appliances, but it is important to address spills and messes promptly.

To clean the oven, first allow it to cool completely. Remove all of the shelves and wash in the sink with warm soapy water. You may need to use something abrasive for this, like a scourer. Wipe the interior surfaces with warm, soapy water. You might need to use an oven cleaner for stains that are harder to remove.

 

Top tips

• Use oven gloves whenever handling hot items. If you need to leave hot trays on the counter, make sure to place on top of a heat resistant surface, and make sure to let your flatmates know not to touch it. 
• Avoid blocking air circulation inside the oven.
• If placing food directly on the oven racks, always use a tray underneath as this will be much easier to clean.

 

This article is part of our series on how to use appliances in your kitchen.