Introducing a new oven to your kitchen is always a cause for celebration. However, before using your oven for the first time, it’s important to follow some steps to ensure safety and optimal performance. Here’s our general guide:
Read the user manual
Familiarise yourself with the specific model of your oven by reading the user manual provided by the manufacturer. This is important step because ovens can have various features, settings, and functions. The user manual explains how to use these features correctly, helping you get the most out of your appliance.
Additionally, the user manual provides essential safety information specific to your oven model. It outlines precautions, warnings, and guidelines to ensure safe operation. Ignoring safety instructions can lead to accidents or damage to the appliance.
Remove packaging and labels
Remove any packaging materials, labels, and stickers from the oven’s interior and exterior. Some labels and stickers are made of materials that can ignite when exposed to high temperatures.
Clean the Interior
Ovens often have residues from the manufacturing process, such as oils, dust, or protective coatings. Cleaning the interior of the oven eliminates any potential contaminants that may be present from the manufacturing or packaging process. This is especially important if the oven has been stored for a while before installation.
Clean the interior of the oven with a mild detergent and water. Wipe down the surfaces to remove any residue or dust that may have accumulated. If your oven comes with racks, remove them and clean them separately with warm, soapy water.
Before cleaning the oven, it’s important to consult the user manual for specific instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer. Different oven models may have different cleaning requirements and restrictions, and using the wrong cleaning products or methods could potentially damage the appliance.
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps burn off any remaining residues from the manufacturing process. This is especially important for ovens with elements or surfaces that may have come into contact with oils, solvents, or other materials during manufacturing.
Ventilate the kitchen during this process to allow any fumes to escape. It’s normal to experience some odours during the initial use. This is often due to the burning off of manufacturing residues.
If the odour persists or seems unusual, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer.
Test the temperature
Use an oven thermometer to verify that the oven is reaching the correct temperature. Some ovens may need calibration, and this step ensures that your oven is cooking at the temperature you set.
While the oven is in use, monitor it closely to ensure everything is working correctly. Check for any unusual sounds, odours, or smoke.
