Check and clean these oven parts before Thanksgiving

Your oven is the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal preparations, so it deserves special attention. By making sure your oven works properly, you can navigate the cooking process easier and also keep you and your guests safe. A malfunctioning oven can lead to undercooked or unevenly cooked dishes or worse.

Don’t wait until the last minute to check or repair your appliances. Order replacement parts early to avoid shipping delays, holiday closures and out-of-stock items. The sooner you check your machine and place an order, the more likely that you’ll get the part on time. You can grab your model number and check AppliancePartsPros.com for the correct parts.

We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team that’s available 6 days a week at 1 (877) 477-7278.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a novice in the kitchen, follow these tips to help your oven take on the task of creating your Thanksgiving dinner. 

Clean your oven interior

A clean oven is more efficient and safer for cooking. It reduces the chances of smoke, odors, and burnt residues that can affect the taste and aroma of your holiday dishes. Having a clean oven also keeps the heating elements performing their best to get even and accurate temperatures.

How to clean the oven interior

1. Choose a commercial oven cleaner or create a natural cleaning solution using baking soda and water. A thick, spreadable baking soda paste can be made by mixing a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water.
2. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaning chemicals and grease.
3. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated by opening windows or using an exhaust fan to disperse fumes from the cleaning process.
4. Remove the oven racks and set them aside. Cleaning them separately will make the process easier.
5. Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C). This will help to loosen any grease or residues and make them easier to remove.
6. Let the oven preheat for around 45 minutes, then cool off.
7. Turn off the oven and disconnect it from the power source before working inside.
8. Apply the oven cleaner. If you’re using a commercial oven cleaner, follow the product’s instructions for application. If you’re using a baking soda past, apply it to the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements or igniter.
9. Allow the oven cleaner or baking soda paste to sit for the recommended amount of time. This typically ranges from 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on the product or method you’re using.
10. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or a plastic spatula to gently scrub the oven’s interior. Focus on areas with stubborn stains and residues. Avoid using harsh, abrasive materials that can damage the oven’s surfaces.
11. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the cleaning agent and the loosened grime. Rinse and wring out the cloth or sponge frequently during this process to prevent spreading dirt.
12. While the oven interior is drying, clean the oven racks in the sink using warm, soapy water or the same cleaning agent.
13. Rinse the oven racks thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
14. Once the oven interior and racks are clean and dry, return the oven racks to their positions.
15. Plug the oven back in.

If you’re still encountering stubborn residues or have particularly dirty spots, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Read more: The Pros And Cons Of Self Cleaning Ovens

Clean the oven door

The oven door serves as a barrier to heat so you can stay safe and have a comfortable cooking experience. Unfortunately, grime and food residue can end up on here, too, so you’ll need to clean it along with the rest of the oven’s interior.

How to clean the oven door

1. Unplug the oven and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Make sure the oven is cool to the touch. Cleaning a hot oven door can be dangerous.
3. Remove any loose food particles or debris from the oven door. You can do this by using a dry cloth, or if needed, a soft brush or duster. Make sure to get into the crevices and around the door edges.
4. In a container, mix warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid or use an oven-specific cleaner if you have one. The solution shouldn’t be too soapy, since excessive suds can make the cleaning process more difficult.
5. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy solution and wring it out so that it’s damp but not dripping. 
6. Gently scrub the exterior of the oven door, including the handle, the glass, and any surrounding areas. Pay special attention to stains or greasy spots. For stubborn residues, you can use a razor blade or scraper to carefully remove them, but exercise caution to avoid scratching the surface.
7. If your oven door has a glass window, focus on cleaning it for better visibility into your oven. If the glass is removable, consult your oven’s user manual to determine if it can be taken out for easier cleaning. Use the same soapy solution to clean the glass and keep it free of streaks and residues. For a crystal-clear finish, follow up with a glass cleaner.
8. Once you’ve removed the grime, rinse the cloth or sponge, wring it out, and wipe down the door again to remove any soap residue. Be sure to thoroughly rinse to avoid leaving behind streaks or soapy film.
9. Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the oven door thoroughly, prevent water spots and maintain a pristine finish. This will also help prevent new grime from sticking to the wet surface.

Check the oven’s light bulb

A properly functioning oven light is more than just a convenience; it allows you to monitor the progress of your dishes without opening the oven door. A well-working oven light helps prevent overcooking without disturbing the cooking process. 

How to check the light bulb

1. Unplug the oven and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Make sure your oven is cool to the touch before starting. Checking the light bulb in a hot oven could cause serious injury.
3. Open the oven door to gain access to the interior. 
4. Find the oven’s light bulb, which is typically in the upper back or top part of the oven cavity.
5. Carefully examine the light bulb to see if it’s intact, screwed in properly, and not loose or disconnected. If the bulb appears burnt out, it will likely have a darkened, broken filament.

How to replace the light bulb

1. If the light bulb is burnt out or needs replacement, gently turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the socket.
2. Make a note of the light bulb’s type and wattage, as this information will be needed to purchase the correct replacement. This information is often printed on the bulb itself or can be found in your oven’s user manual. Regular bulbs may not withstand the oven’s high temperatures. 
3. Find a compatible replacement part with your stove’s model number here.
4. Once you have the replacement bulb, gently screw it into the socket by turning it clockwise until it’s snug but not overtightened. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage.
5. Plug in the oven.
6. Turn on the oven light to check if the new bulb is working correctly. If it doesn’t light up, check that it’s securely screwed in, otherwise the light socket or switch may be bad. 

Read more: How to replace an oven light switch

Test the oven’s temperature accuracy

The ability of an oven to maintain an accurate temperature greatly impacts cooking your Thanksgiving feast to perfection. Inaccurate oven temperatures can lead to undercooked or overcooked dishes. Additionally, an oven that runs too hot or too cold can throw off cooking times and result in unevenly cooked food, which is the last thing you want on a holiday. 

How to test and calibrate your oven’s temperature

1. Get an oven thermometer to accurately measure your oven’s temperature.
2. Refer to your oven’s user manual for specific instructions related to calibration, as different oven models may vary.
3. Place the oven thermometer on the center rack of your oven and close the oven door.
4. Turn on your oven and set it to a specific temperature, such as 350°F (175°C).
5. Allow your oven to reach the target temperature and then stabilize at the set temperature, which may take 15-20 minutes.
6. Check the thermometer’s reading to see how closely it matches the set temperature. If the oven’s temperature reading differs from the desired temperature, you need to calculate the calibration offset. For example, if you set the oven to 350°F but the thermometer shows 375°F, you have a 25°F variance (375°F – 350°F).
7. Consult your oven’s user manual to locate the thermostat calibration dial or screws. It’s typically found on the back of the oven’s temperature control knob. Electronic models may have a program used to adjust the thermostat setting, and in some ovens, you may need to remove a panel or cover to access the calibration adjustment.
8. Adjust the temperature with the calibration device. To lower the temperature, turn the calibration dial or screw counterclockwise. To increase the temperature, turn it clockwise. A small turn of the dial or screw will usually make a noticeable difference in temperature.
9. Wait for your oven to stabilize at the new temperature setting.
10. Check the oven thermometer again to see if it more closely matches the desired temperature.
11. Continue making small adjustments and rechecking the oven temperature until it aligns with the desired setting.

Check a gas oven’s igniter(s)

If you have a gas oven, you know that the igniter helps it heat up properly and maintains the desired temperature. 

How to check the condition of your oven’s igniter

1. Turned off the oven and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Allow the oven to completely cool.
3. Open the oven door and remove any oven racks to gain access to the igniters. In most ovens, the igniters are located near the oven’s burner, typically at the rear or bottom of the oven.
4. Look over the igniters for any visible signs of damage or wear. They should appear intact, without cracks or visible breaks.
5. Check for any loose or disconnected wires that run to the igniters.
6. If you suspect an issue with an igniter, test it using a multimeter.
7. In some cases, burner tubes may become covered with debris, causing them to malfunction. If you notice soot or debris on the burner, you can clean it gently using a soft brush or a toothpick.  
8. If the igniters are damaged or not functioning correctly after testing, replace them with compatible replacements. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for replacement.

Inspect an electric oven’s heating elements

The heating elements in an electric oven work to achieve even and consistent cooking temperatures. The bake element keeps a consistent temperature during roasting and baking, while the broil element provides high, direct heat for broiling. \

How to inspect your oven’s heating elements

1. Turn off the oven and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Make sure your oven is completely cooled off.
3. Wear safety gloves to protect your hands.
4. Open the oven door to access the oven’s interior. 
5. Locate the heating elements. The bake element is at the bottom and the broil element is at the top.
6. Examine both the bake and broil elements for any visible signs of damage, such as blisters, cracks, visible breaks, or discoloration.
7. Make sure the elements are securely attached at both ends and not loose or disconnected.
8. If you have a multimeter, you can test the elements for resistance. If you get a reading that’s significantly outside the specified range, the element needs to be replaced.

To replace a heating element

1. Turn the oven off and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove a cover or panel that secures the heating element in place.
3. Carefully disconnect the wires from the old element by either pulling them off or unscrewing them, depending on your oven model.
4. Gently slide the old element out of its brackets or clips.
5. Slide the new heating element into the brackets or clips and make sure it’s securely in place.
6. Reattach the wires to the new element in the same configuration as the old one.
7. Replace the cover or panel and secure it with the screws.
8. Plug the oven back in.
9. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, such as 350°F (175°C), and check that it heats up as expected and maintains the desired temperature.

Watch: How To Replace: Electric Oven Bake Element

Clean and inspect oven vents

Oven vents release excess heat and prevent the oven from overheating. By regularly cleaning the vents, you can maintain good air circulation and consistent cooking temperatures. 

How to clean and inspect your oven vents

1. Turn the oven off and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Make sure the oven is completely cooled off.
3. Find the oven vents. They’re typically near the top or back of the oven. 
4. If necessary, use a screwdriver to remove screws securing the cover or panel over the vents. 
5. Check the vents for any visible blockages, such as food particles, grease, or debris.
6. Inspect the vent covers for any damage, such as dents or bends, that might hinder their function.
7. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently clear away any dust or dirt that might obstruct the vents.
8. If your oven has vent covers, remove them and clean both sides thoroughly.
9. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water.
10. Gently wipe down the vent area, removing any grease or residue that may have accumulated.
11. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the vents dry and prevent rust.
12. If you notice any damage to the vents or covers, repair or replace them as necessary.
13. Reinstall any parts you removed during cleaning.
14. Plug the oven back in and turn it on.
15. Make sure the oven heats up properly and maintains consistent temperatures.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you prepare your oven for Thanksgiving and other holiday events. A well-maintained oven helps you confidently prepare delicious dishes and also keeps you safe during the cooking process.  

If you need replacement parts, find your model number and look it up on AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team that’s available 6 days a week at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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