Most ovens have a detente in the door hinge where the door rests slightly ajar (some newer models may beep and tell you to close the door, in which case unfortunately you will have to close it). This is so that you only get direct heat from the broil element/burner above, not baking heat from…
Use a baking sheet on the same rack or the one below. This will catch drips and shield the food from direct heat from the bake element (we want the four walls to heat the food evenly, not just the heat from the element).
The self clean cycles often go way above 500F. This produces lots of smoke, so open your windows. It turns the food to ash (which you then sweep out). Problem is many things are made using electronics today. Often high heat for such a prolonged time takes out the electronics. Most common complaint I hear with…
Temp off? Get a second opinion (but not the one you think). I end up testing ovens around turkey time but most often there is no problem with the machine. Often its the worn out thermometer that is broken/innaccurate. Get another thermometer (never hurts to have a spare or a pair) this is cheaper than…
This reflects heat onto the element and can cause damage. It also throws off the temperature in the oven. The surface inside your oven is carefully designed. It must reflect and absorb heat in certain ways and at certain rates. That’s why you may notice all ovens look similar inside. Some may be more blue,…
Even I find ancient artifacts deep in the back of my freezer sometimes.
It needs proper airflow around the items to keep them cold. This is why the shelves are often made of bars of thin metal rather than solid plastic. Plastic bags bunch together and block the airflow completely. Remove any bags or cardboard boxes whenever possible. Put bags on the shelf with spaces between them to…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends that refrigerators be set at or below 4C (40F). Food kept above this temperature for two hours or more may grow pathogenic bacteria and should not be eaten. Use a refrigerator thermometer to routinely check the temperature of your appliance. Keep in mind that these thermometers can be notoriously…
These days they make fridges so light weight that the doors can’t hold as much weight as they used to. Use the door for small containers of left-overs, bread, celery, peppers and anything else that is not heavy, glass or fluid. If your fridge is not performing well or you get lots of condensation check…
Get to know what it does when it is working properly, so that you have something to compare it to when it breaks down. Does your fridge have a fan under/behind it? Is there one inside the freezer? The fridge? In-between? Listen and feel for fans blowing when the fridge is running. Look for ducts…