With the holidays coming up, you may have already started planning a menu for special gatherings. Whether you have a turkey or leg of lamb, a pie or cake, roasted vegetables or baked potatoes on your list of dishes, you’ll likely rely on your oven a lot. To make sure it’s ready for the task, take a few steps to get it in optimal condition.
Clean It Thoroughly
When cooking in an oven, pieces of food can easily spill over. These pieces can hit the rack or the bottom of the oven, and while they get hot and sometimes change their form, their residue often remains. This is why it’s so important to clean your oven. First, take out your racks and wash them in the sink or in the dishwasher. Wipe down the interior walls with a sponge or cloth, potentially using an oven cleaner or a homemade cleaner to address difficult areas. Some people use natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to clean their ovens. You can experiment to see what method works best, but just be sure to read the directions carefully when using a commercial product, as they can be quite strong.
Check the Temperature
Some ovens can run hotter or cooler, so it’s a good idea to check the temperature of your oven. An oven thermometer can help you with this task. Set the oven to a specified temperature, and after pre-heating has completed, see if the thermometer matches it. Some ovens can be easily recalibrated, while others may require professional assistance.
Make Sure the Heating Elements Are Working Properly
Before cooking a holiday feast, see if your oven can bake and broil properly. Sometimes, ovens can have hot and cold spots, though their average temperature may stay consistent. Plus, their broiling elements can malfunction. Testing everything before the holidays is important if you want to prepare a delicious feast without any complications. If you notice any issues with baking or broiling, contact a professional for help.
Inspect the Oven’s Door Seal
Another component that deserves a checkup is the door seal. This seal can deteriorate over time, especially if you’ve accidentally bumped into it with pots, pans, or utensils. If the seal doesn’t do its job effectively, heat can escape through the door. As a result, food will take longer to cook, and you might have difficulty gauging how much time will be required. Fortunately, seals can be replaced if necessary.
Don’t Wait to Get Ready
The holiday season can get very busy very quickly. To make it less stressful, be proactive and start checking things now. Getting your oven ready is a simple, straightforward task, and if you require oven service at your place in Porterville, the team from Sierra Appliances Services can be there for you, so give us a call.
