Items that need to get browned and crispy on top, such as casseroles and lasagnas, are generally baked towards the top of the oven. [1] X Research source Items such as cakes, cookies, and cupcakes should be placed in the middle rack unless the recipe states otherwise. Items that need to get brown and crispy at the bottom, such as flatbreads and pizzas, are placed towards the bottom of the oven. [2] X Research source
Most ovens take 10 to 15 minutes to heat up to the right temperature. If you have an older oven, you may not have a dial with the different temperatures written on it; you may just have an on-off switch. If this is the case, simply turn on the oven and wait 10 to 15 minutes before setting the items to be baked inside. [3] X Research source Consider using an oven thermometer. Sometimes, the temperature inside the oven is not accurate and does not actually match the temperature on the dial. An oven thermometer, which is usually placed inside the oven, will tell you the actual temperature. Refer to this thermometer instead of waiting for the indicator light to go on or for the oven to beep.
If you plan on doing a lot of baking and using multiple racks, consider staggering the dishes and pans so that they are not parallel to each other. This will allow the hot air inside the oven to circulate around the food and distribute the heat more evenly.
Items, such as casseroles and lasagnas, need to be browned and crispy on top. They are generally placed towards the top of the oven. Cakes, cookies, and cupcakes need to be baked evenly and are usually placed in the middle rack unless the recipe states otherwise. Items, such as flatbreads and pizzas, need to get brown and crispy at the bottom. They are usually baked in the bottom level of the oven.
If your oven has a pilot-based ignition, you may notice a constantly burning flame that increases or decreases in size depending on the temperature If your oven has an electric-based ignition, you will not see the flames until you turn on the oven and set the temperature.
If the oven uses gas marks instead of Celsius or Fahrenheit, you will need to convert the mark. You will need to go on the internet and use an online conversion tool. Sometimes, the pilot light goes out or needs to be ignited before each use. If this happens, make sure that the temperature dials are set to “off” and locate the pilot light. Light a match and hold the flame next to the pilot hole. If the pilot light ignites, remove the match. If the pilot light does not ignite, turn the temperature up slightly. [5] X Research source
Keep the oven door closed unless the recipe states otherwise. Do not open the oven door and peek at your food, as this will cause the heat inside the oven to escape and prolong baking times. If you have a lot of baking to do and are planning on both racks, do not put too many dishes on the bottom rack. This may prevent the heat from reaching the food on the upper rack.
If you are between 7,000 feet and 9,000 feet (2133. 6 meters to 2743. 2 meters), consider increasing the baking time instead. [10] X Research source If you are at 9,000 feet (2743. 2 meters) and higher, increase the temperature stated in the recipe by 25°F (14°C). Then, as soon as you place your food inside the oven, lower the temperature back to the temperature stated in the recipe. [11] X Research source
For example, if your recipe needs to be baked for every 30 minutes, decrease the baking time, and bake for 25 minutes instead.
