If you’re craving frozen pizza or lasagna, an electric oven is the best choice. It gives you a crispy top and gooey center, unlike microwaves or gas ovens, which can leave the middle cold and the edges burnt. Not sure how to use an oven? We’ll guide you through it.
What Does an Electric Oven Include?
An electric oven has a few key parts you’ll want to know about:
Heating Element: Most electric ovens have two heating elements—one at the top (broil element) and one at the bottom (bake element). The bottom element is primarily used for baking, while the top element is used for broiling.
Control Panel: The control panel allows you to set the temperature, cooking mode (bake, broil, convection, etc.), and timer. It has knobs or buttons to help you do this.
Racks: Oven racks can be adjusted to different levels. The placement of the rack affects cooking results—higher racks are closer to the broiler which means they’re hotter, while lower racks are ideal for baking.
How to Use an Electric Oven
Here’s a simple guide on how to use electric convection ovens:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven. Look at the recipe or instructions on your food package to find out the desired temperature you need, then use the oven functions to set it. Most conventional ovens have a knob or digital buttons for this. Wait for the oven to reach the set temperature—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Some ovens will beep or show a light to let you know when it’s ready.
Step 2: Prepare Your Food
While the conventional oven is heating up, you can prepare your food. Place the prepared food in an oven-safe container. If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Season your food as needed, and make sure everything is ready to go before the oven is fully preheated.
Step 3: Adjust the Oven Racks
Now place your food in the oven cavity in the middle rack. If you want to brown the top of your dish, use the higher rack. If you’re baking something large, like a roast, you might need to move the rack down to give it more space. Close the oven door to keep the hot air in and set the recommended cooking time as suggested by the recipe. Set the timer for a few minutes less than recommended so you can check your food before it’s done.
Step 4: Check Your Food Cooking
While your food is cooking, keep an eye on it through the convection oven window. For dishes that need to be turned or rotated, do this about halfway through the cooking time. When the timer goes off, check your food to see if it’s done. For baked goods, you can use a toothpick to see if it comes out clean. For meats or casseroles, check the internal temperature with a food thermometer or oven thermometer.
Step 5: Remove the Food Safely
Once your food is done, use oven mitts to carefully take the dish out. Be careful, as everything will be very hot. Place the dish on a heat-resistant surface, like a countertop or cutting board, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Make sure to turn off the oven as well.
How to Clean an Electric Oven
Here’s how to clean an electric oven:
Take out the oven racks and any other removable parts, like a baking sheet or pizza stone. You can clean these separately with warm, soapy water. Let them soak if there’s any tough residue, then scrub them with a sponge or brush. This is a great method to use for a gas oven as well.
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe out any loose crumbs or debris from the bottom of the oven.
For tougher stains or burnt-on food, you can use a commercial oven cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product for the best results. If you prefer a natural option, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over the dirty areas, especially on the bottom and sides where food tends to stick. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
After letting the cleaner or baking soda sit, use a sponge or scrub brush to clean the oven. Start with the dirtiest areas and work your way around. Wipe down the sides, bottom, and door. For the door, you can also clean the glass with a vinegar and water mixture for a streak-free finish.
Once you’ve scrubbed away all the grime, wipe down the oven with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaner or baking soda. Make sure to dry everything thoroughly to prevent rust or residue buildup.
Don’t forget to scrub the oven racks you set aside earlier. Once they’re clean and dry, put them back in the oven.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Oven To?
Cookies, cakes, or muffins: 350°F (175°C)
Potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts: 400°F (200°C)
Meats like chicken, turkey, or beef: 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C)
Frozen pizza, lasagna, or similar items: 425°F (220°C)
Roast or braising meat: 300°F to 325°F (150°C to 160°C)
Melting cheese: 500°F to 550°F (260°C to 290°C)
Summary
Using an electric oven might seem tricky at first, but with these steps, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time. From setting the right temperature to cleaning up afterward, you’ve got all the basics covered. Just remember to preheat, set your timer, and choose the right temperature for the best results.
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