Your oven is the most important part of your kitchen. This appliance is a significant investment for any family, so it’s a relief that they are designed to last for years with proper care.
It’s even more of a relief that the care and maintenance of this unit are relatively simple and quick. Here are five tips about the care and maintenance of your range that experts really need you to know.
1. Expert Installation
Whenever your shiny new range arrives, it must be installed by a licensed and certified technician. Even the warranty is usually conditional on this, with an installer’s signature and/or receipt for warranty-based service.
These strict rules are in place because, for one, a range requires high voltage electric circuitry with grounding directly from the power supply. A technician will make sure of this or install it for you if your home doesn’t have one. They will also connect the gas lines safely and securely with the correct isolation procedure. Whenever you are moving or replacing it, you must also get the help of a professional installer for the same reasons.
2. Regular Cleaning, Done The Right Way
The most important point of consideration when it comes to the care and maintenance of an oven is regular, proper cleaning. That means always making sure to use the right cleaning solutions, cleaning the interior, and even under the stove. Here are a few tips for cleaning your range the right way:
- If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, use it! Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions such as these from Samsung, GE, Wolf, and Miele.
- Clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent hardening, which takes longer to remove and can damage the cooktop
- Do not use caustic solutions, abrasive substances, or abrasive powder for cleaning. If hot soapy water doesn’t work, use a 50-50 warm water and vinegar solutions to clean grease and grime
- Every month or so, take time to clean the stove parts such as drip plate, burner caps, and oven racks. Use oven cleaner on the inside of the oven as well unless it has a self-cleaning mechanism
- Do not remove the knobs to clean inside, and don’t spray cleaning solution directly onto them unless the manual says so. These parts have a direct link to the oven’s electrical control system and could electrocute you or sustain damage.
- Clean under the oven at least three times a year, and more frequently if you cook more.
- Use a pipe cleaner to clear out the burner channels
- Scrub the surface under the grills with a vinegar and water solution, then sponge it off. Excess build-up constitutes a fire hazard
3. Prevent Spills, Boil Overs, and Splattering
To save yourself excessive cleaning work, take steps to prevent boi lovers and spills. Use deep pots and pans, cover dishes in the oven, and maintain proximity whenever you are cooking.
4. Inspect the Coils and Gas Lines Regularly
The elements that heat up the burner or oven are electricity powered. If any glows too brightly or you notice parts that fail to get hot enough, you might need to have them professionally replaced.
The gas lines should also be inspected as you clean the exterior and internal surfaces. This is especially true of ovens that have been in place for many years. If any signs of abrasion, cutting, or wear are visible, change the line.
5. Check Oven Door Gaskets
These are the rubber seals that lock the oven door and prevent hot air from escaping. Check that they seal properly every once in a while and have a certified installer replace them if they are loose or worn.
Clean is Good
Ovens don’t need much to keep going. A heavy-duty model will last for decades if you want it to, although we almost always replace them with newer models. Even then, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular model and keep it clean to prevent damage and odors and allow the stove to serve you much better.