Max Fletcher

An oven makes clicking noises for a few reasons: some are totally normal, while others mean something needs fixing. Normal clicks can happen when the oven heats up or cools down, as metal parts expand and contract. You might also hear clicks from the igniter lighting the gas, or from electric relays switching the heating […]

It’s generally safe to use a self-cleaning oven when your kitchen is well-ventilated, no one nearby has breathing issues, your oven is working properly, and you’re not planning to cook anything for the next several hours. The oven heats up to around 800 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to burn off food and grease, turning it

Use convection mode when you want food to cook faster, brown better, and come out crispy on the outside. It works by using a fan that blows hot air around the oven, helping everything cook more evenly. Use regular bake when you’re making softer or more delicate foods like cakes, muffins, or custards that need

You should replace your oven’s heating element when it stops heating evenly, takes forever to preheat, or no longer glows orange when turned on. If you see cracks, burns, or blistering on the element, that’s a red flag. These signs usually mean the part is worn out and not working as it should, which can

To reset a digital oven control panel, turn off the power by unplugging the oven or flipping the circuit breaker. Wait for at least 1 to 5 minutes so the control board fully resets. Then restore the power and check if the display, buttons, or error codes are working normally. This simple reboot often fixes

To clean a convection oven without damaging it, turn it off, let it cool completely, then wipe the inside using a soft cloth and a mix of warm water and mild dish soap. Stay away from harsh cleaners, don’t scrub the fan or heating elements, and dry everything well before turning it back on. In

Yes, you probably do need an oven thermometer, especially if your cakes fall flat or your chicken keeps turning out dry. Most ovens aren’t accurate. They might say 350°F but actually be running at 375°F or even 300°F. That can ruin a recipe fast. An oven thermometer tells you the real temperature inside, so your

To use a convection oven properly, lower the cooking temperature by 25°F and check your food about 25% earlier than usual. The built-in fan moves hot air around your dish, which helps it cook faster and more evenly. Use low-sided pans, avoid overcrowding, and never block the fan if you want the best results. We’ll

An oven overheats when one or more parts fail to regulate the temperature correctly. This can happen if the thermostat reads the heat wrong, the sensor stops sending signals, the heating element keeps running, or airflow is blocked by grime or poor rack placement. Each of these parts plays a role in keeping your oven’s

Oven wattage tells you how much electricity your oven uses while it’s running, and the power rating shows the maximum amount of energy it can safely handle. Higher wattage ovens heat up faster and cook food more evenly, while lower wattage models may save energy but take longer. Power ratings help you avoid overloading circuits