Oven Maintenance and Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

Simple suggestions for making your baking trouble-free this holiday season

Check to be sure the oven door gasket is tight. Adjust or replace gaskets as required. 

If you have a self-cleaning oven, consider using the self-cleaning feature immediately after regular baking when the oven is still hot. Less energy will be required to reach the cleaning temperature. Try not to use the self-cleaning feature too often.

Preheat ovens only when necessary. With conventional ovens, keep the preheating time to a minimum. Unless you're baking breads or pastries, you may not need to preheat the oven at all.

Don't lay foils on racks. Food cooks more quickly and efficiently in ovens when air can circulate freely. If possible, stagger pans on upper and lower racks to improve air flow.

Use glass or ceramic pans in ovens. You can turn down the temperature about 25°F and cook foods just as quickly.

Do not open the oven door often to preview the food. Each time you open the door the oven temperature drops by 25°F. Watch the clock or use a timer instead. 
 
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