When you get a new oven, whether it’s gas or electric, you may be wondering if it’s safe to start using it right away or if you need to “break it in” first. There are a few things to consider when cooking in a new oven for the first time.
Preheating the Oven
It’s important to properly preheat your new oven before using it. The owner’s manual will provide guidelines on recommended preheat times, but you generally want to preheat an unused oven for at least an hour at the desired cooking temperature before putting food in. This allows all the components to heat up gradually and ensures more even cooking. Rushing this process can result in uneven hot and cold spots.
Burning Off Manufacturing Residue
New ovens may have some leftover dirt, oil or residue on the interior surfaces from the manufacturing process. To burn this off, preheat the empty oven at a high temperature (around 500°F) for an hour or two. Make sure to open windows, as this may produce some smoke or fumes. This step helps clean and “season” the new oven.
Checking for Odors
Some new ovens may give off chemical or “new” smells at first. This is from components like glues, insulation and paint curing under heat. Run the oven empty on high for an hour or two until odors dissipate. Residual odors could transfer to food if you cook too soon.
Reading Your Manual
Before firing up your oven, read the use and care manual thoroughly. Follow any initial burn-in or conditioning procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Specific steps may be needed for different oven types and models.
Testing Heat Distribution
Heat distribution may be uneven in a new oven. To test this, place slices of bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast for a few minutes. Check if browning is even. If not, you may need to adjust rack positioning and allow more preheat time. Test again until results are satisfactory.
Checking Temperature Accuracy
Use an oven thermometer placed inside to verify the oven’s temperature is accurate when set to 350°F. If it’s off by more than 25°F, contact the manufacturer, as calibration may be needed.
Choosing Initial Recipes
When first using a new oven, choose basic recipes with minimal cook times. Simple cookies, biscuits or frozen foods are good options. Avoid complicated, multi-step recipes until you’re familiar with the new oven’s cooking characteristics.
Staying Nearby
Don’t leave your new oven unattended for long periods early on, just in case issues like smoking arise. Stay home, and check on it frequently.
Looking for Hot Spots
As you use your new oven, look for any signs of uneven heating like hot spots. If you notice some areas are cooking faster, make note and avoid those spots when baking delicate recipes before having an appliance technician adjust your oven.
Cleaning the Oven
Only use the mildest cleaning methods recommended by the manufacturer on a brand new oven. Harsh chemical cleaners could damage surfaces. Wipe gentle cleaners onto cool surfaces only.
Conclusion
While most modern ovens are ready to use out of the box, it’s best to take some simple precautions when cooking in a new oven for the first time. Allow ample preheat time, burn off any residues, check for odors and hot spots, and start with basic recipes. Follow the owner’s manual, and don’t leave the oven unattended at first. A little extra care in the beginning can prevent issues down the road and help ensure your oven provides many years of delicious meals.
| Safety Tips for Using a New Oven |
|---|
| Preheat thoroughly before first use |
| Burn off manufacturing residues at high heat |
| Test for odors and ventilate |
| Read owner’s manual for specific procedures |
| Check heat distribution with toast test |
| Verify temperature accuracy with oven thermometer |
| Start with basic recipes with short cook times |
| Stay nearby and monitor oven frequently |
| Look for hot spots that could cause uneven cooking |
| Use only gentle, recommended cleaners on surfaces |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I season a new oven?
Yes, it’s a good idea to season or condition a new oven before cooking in it. Preheating empty for an hour or more and then running it at a high temp of around 500°F for another hour helps burn off any manufacturing residues. Consult your owner’s manual for any specific seasoning tips.
What should I cook first in my new oven?
Good first recipes include frozen foods, biscuits, cookies, and other basics with short cook times. Avoid elaborate recipes with multiple steps. Simple foods let you test out the new oven without the risk of ruining a complicated dish.
How do I get rid of new oven smell?
That “new” smell is from components off-gassing fumes and adhesives curing. You can minimize odors in a new oven by preheating it empty for a few hours at a high temp. Open windows so odors can dissipate. If smells linger after a few uses, contact the manufacturer.
Why is my new oven smoking when I first use it?
A small amount of smoke when you first preheat a new oven is normal. Manufacturing oils and residues will burn off. But thick, lasting smoke could indicate an issue. Make sure you remove any protective plastic film and packaging. If smoking persists, turn off the oven and call customer support.
How can I test my new oven for hot spots?
To check for uneven heating, place slices of bread spaced out on a baking sheet and toast for a few minutes. If some slices are much darker than others, your oven may have hot spots. Try adjusting rack positions and increasing preheat times.
In Conclusion
While most modern ovens can be used right out of the box, taking some basic precautionary measures when cooking in a new oven for the first time can prevent potential issues. Be sure to preheat adequately, burn off any manufacturing residues at high heat, check for odors and ventilate, verify temperature accuracy, watch for hot spots, and start with simple recipes. Follow any initial oven break-in steps recommended in your owner’s manual. With a little extra care and attention at first, your new oven should provide many years of happy cooking.