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There are some everyday appliances for which we just don’t put much thought into maintenance. For most of us, ovens fall into this category. Sure, we’ll wipe up spills here or there. But when was the last time you did something proactive to improve the performance of your oven?
As with many things, consistency is key with oven maintenance. It keeps your appliance tidier, so less effort is required. Beyond that, it allows you to catch problems early before they have time to become bigger issues. Ultimately, as the manufacturer’s operation manuals will tell you: your oven will function better and last longer.
5 tips to get started
1. Stay on top of the cleaning
This sounds basic, but chances are high you’re not doing the recommended deep clean two to three times a year. Read the user manual for your specific unit to confirm the best methods and cleaning supplies. There are products specially formulated for ovens, or you can often use a 50/50 mixture of warm water and vinegar, as I do.
It’s important to remove food residue inside the oven, as it can produce smoke, affect flavor and even decrease your appliance’s performance. If you have a self-cleaning model, only tap into that feature for big spills, as the extreme heat used during a self-cleaning cycle can potentially cause damage over time.
2. Inspect the door gaskets
Many heating issues can be tied to your oven door not sealing properly. Each time you clean the oven, take a moment to inspect the gasket. Are there cracks or other damage? If so, heat escapes and your oven won’t function as well as it should.
Fortunately, replacing door gaskets is fairly easy and inexpensive. And you’ll immediately notice the improved performance.
3. Check the gas line
Speaking of wear and tear, don’t forget to keep an eye on the gas line if you have a gas oven. Leaks can be problematic, so watch out for abrasions or cracks. This is another easy fix that can improve your appliance’s performance and safety.
4. Clean underneath and behind your oven
Anytime you slide your oven out to check the gas line, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Debris like food, crumbs and dust often accumulate behind and/or under your oven, leading to unwelcome guests like mold and mice. The debris can also restrict air flow under your oven, which could become a problem.
Once freed from their anti-tip brackets, most ovens are easy to slide out. The more often you clean those hard-to-reach areas, the better everything will work.
5. Keep your range hood filter clean
Range hoods are important exhaust systems that help to reduce grease, smoke and odors. But when the filter gets clogged with debris and grease, all those unpleasant things tend to stick around your kitchen.
Many filter styles can be popped out by hand, while others require a screwdriver. To remove the residue, soak the filter in warm water and dish soap. Some types are even dishwasher safe.
A couple to try
Modern ovens are designed with usability and maintenance in mind, making it easier to keep them running smooth. Here are a couple great options to consider:
GE 30-Inch Freestanding Electric Range
With a price tag under $600, this appliance delivers a surprising amount of value. It has a ceramic glass cooktop that’s simple to clean. There’s even a “power boiler” element with concentrated heat so you can get water to the right temperature faster.
The oven has 5.3 cubic feet of capacity, with dual-baking elements that produce more even heating. There are also standard features such as adjustable racks and removable storage drawer down below for pans and other supplies.
Sharp 30-Inch Air Fry Convection Oven Electric Range
This model is popular with customers and has lots of upgraded features to make your life easier. The five-burner, glass-ceramic radiant cooktop has an overhang so there’s no gap between the appliance and your counter. This means crumbs and debris can’t fall down and make a mess below. The cooktop has 8000 watts of power between all the burners, so it delivers fast and consistent heating.
The oven is large, with a 6.3-cubic-feet capacity. One of my favorite features is the built-in temperature probe, which removes guesswork and improves efficiency. For example, let’s say you’re cooking a Thanksgiving turkey. Rather than constantly checking the progress, you can just insert the probe and set the oven to automatically turn off when the turkey reaches the optimal temperature.
The oven has a wide array of presets such as air fry, convection bake, convection roast, pizza and steam clean. And the interior lights are among the brightest I’ve ever seen, which helps you keep an eye on your food when you’re not using the temperature probe.
