How to Use Your Oven Safely?

The oven is one of the best tools we have in the kitchen, as it allows us to create an infinite number of delicious dishes. It is perfect for preparing all kinds of recipes, from practical appetizers and spectacular main courses to irresistible desserts for special occasions. Knowing how to use the oven correctly is essential to achieve the desired results in your favorite recipes, but it is also vital to follow certain recommendations to use it safely and avoid accidents. That’s why, at kiwilimón, we tell you how to use your oven safely so you can keep cooking without complications. You can also read: Everything you need to know about convection ovensTips for using the oven safelyAlthough it is very fun and satisfying, cooking is an activity that carries certain risks if not done with the proper precautions. The good news is that it is very easy to prevent accidents in the kitchen, and below we share some measures that you can take to avoid them when using the oven. Do not use the oven as storage space. Having extra storage space is never a bad thing in the kitchen, but the oven is not the right place for it. While it may be tempting to place baking dishes, trays, and other pots and utensils inside the oven cavity when it is not in use, this can be dangerous. A common accident in the kitchen occurs when people forget or ignore that there is a flammable object in the oven and turn it on to preheat. In the best case, that object will melt and be very difficult to clean, but it can also catch fire. Therefore, it is better not to use the oven as storage space.Keep the oven clean. We know that cleaning the oven is not many people's favorite activity; however, it is necessary for both health and safety. When using the oven, food and grease residues accumulate that can burn and cause fires, hence the importance of keeping this appliance as clean as possible. Never leave the oven unattended. Leaving the house or forgetting about the oven while cooking is one of the most common causes of fires in homes. Not all ovens have auto-shutoff systems or timers, so they require manual shutdown; otherwise, they will continue the cooking process, burning the food and causing fires if left too long. Additionally, small fires can be caused by grease splatters, so it is best to keep an eye on the oven when it is in use to prevent accidents of this type. Furthermore, it is a good idea to use a timer with an alarm to keep track of cooking times. You can also read: 3 ways to clean your ovenUse gloves and pot holders. Burns are another common accident when using the oven. Whether due to haste or carelessness, people sometimes try to remove items from the oven without considering that they are very hot. To avoid such burns, it is best to use heat-resistant gloves and pot holders that help protect your hands, wrists, and forearms when handling trays, baking dishes, and other containers that have been in the oven. Remember that the oven racks will also be very hot, so you should be careful when approaching them. Use oven-safe containers. Using containers made of materials that can withstand high temperatures is essential if you plan to put them in the oven. You can use glass, metal, ceramic, or silicone containers, but always check that they are oven-safe. Never use objects made of other types of plastic or wood in the oven, as they could cause fires. Avoid food splatters and spills. When heating food in the oven, grease may splatter, or juices from certain foods may spill or accumulate. This is dangerous because these residues can burn, producing smoke or even flames inside the oven. To prevent this situation, you can cover the food to prevent grease from splattering, or you can place a tray under the main baking dish to collect any juices that might spill, so they don’t fall directly to the bottom of the oven. Finally, remember that it's always a good idea to install smoke detectors in your kitchen, and having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it are measures that will contribute to your safety and that of your family. Now that you know how to use your oven safely, you are ready to prepare all kinds of recipes in it. Remember that on kiwilimón you can find the best oven recipes to treat your loved ones to delicious dishes.You can also read: How to remove burnt residue from a griddle