This article is not about how to light an oven; that type of information can be found in the user manual and is closely linked to the model purchased. Rather, this article focuses on how to best use it by knowing some of the basics that help you get great cooking results.
Steps
Step 1. You need to know your oven well
Every good cook learns about his oven both by reading the user manual that accompanies it and through direct experience. Although each recipe indicates precise temperatures, your culinary knowledge and familiarity with the oven are essential to adapt the indications according to the case, by changing the temperatures and cooking times. Whenever you need to get used to a new oven, start with the basic recipes you know by heart and modify them as needed before trying more complex preparations. Remember to read the instructions carefully if possible; generally, the manual contains really useful information!
Step 2. Use the oven shelves as needed
Cooking can vary greatly depending on the shelf and it is useful to know how:
- The top shelf is used for quick cooking at high temperatures.
- The central shelf is suitable for cooking at moderate temperatures.
- The lower shelf is used for slow cooking at lower temperatures.
Step 3. Learn to convert temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa
This way you can use any recipe without problems. Here are the most useful conversions:
- 160ºC - 325ºF
- 180ºC - 350ºF
- 190ºC - 375ºF
- 200ºC - 400ºF
Step 4. Learn the various temperature ranges
Some recipes do not specify the precise temperature, but only give general indications:
- Slow cooking at low temperature - 110 - 140ºC | 225 - 275ºF | Gas 1/4 - 1
- Slow cooking over moderate heat - 150 - 160ºC | 300 - 325ºF | Gas 2 - 3
- Moderate cooking - 180 - 190ºC | 350 - 375ºF | Gas 4 - 5
- Moderate high temperature cooking - 190 - 220ºC | 375 - 425ºF | Gas 5 - 6
- High temperature cooking - 220 - 230ºC | 425 - 450ºF | Gas 6 - 8
- Cooking at very high temperatures - 250 - 260ºC | 475 - 500ºF | Gas 9 - 10
Step 5. Reduce the temperature if using a convection oven
This type of oven spreads heat more effectively when cooking. This means that foods cook faster and more evenly than in static ovens. By reducing cooking times and temperatures you will be able to save electricity, cooking at a reduced cost. It is essential to follow the instructions of your oven, in any case the following rules apply to all ventilated ovens:
- Reduce the temperature by 13ºC / 25ºF without changing the times indicated in the recipe, especially if cooking takes place in less than 15 minutes;
- Reduce the cooking time by 25% for roasts without changing the temperature indicated in the recipe;
- Note the changes made to the cooking times and temperatures of the various recipes so as not to make mistakes in the future.
Step 6. Preheat the oven before inserting the food to be cooked
It is very important to preheat the oven to the temperature indicated in the recipe, unless otherwise specified. In this way the food will start cooking at the right temperature from the very first moment.
Advice
- During cooking, try to open the door for a short time and only if it is really necessary; in this way the temperature will remain constant, you will avoid waste and there is no risk that your preparations will deflate!
- Clean the oven regularly to get rid of dirt more easily. In addition, you will prevent food residues from burning and giving off bad smells.
