How to Prepare Your Stove/Open for Thanksgiving


Steven E / Wednesday November 1, 2023


Illustration of a kitchen decorated for Thanksgiving with an electric stove prepped

Steven Elliott

November 2, 2023

The holidays are coming, which means your kitchen will soon transform into a bustling hub of tasty treats and home-cooked meals. Your electric stove is about to take center stage as the MVP of all your upcoming holiday cooking. But before you start whipping up Grandma’s famous casseroles or Aunt Jo’s scrumptious pies, it’s important to make sure your stove is ready to rock.

Consider this article your official game plan for getting your cooktop and oven prepped and primed for the holiday cooking you have in store. We’ll give you a handy checklist of steps to take and tasks to tackle so your stove will be in tip-top shape. With a clean, clutter-free, and fully-functioning electric stove, you’ll be equipped to cook up a storm and create some magical new food memories with your nearest and dearest this season.

Cleaning and Degreasing

The first step in preparing your electric stove is to be sure that it’s clean and free of built-up grease and grime. A spotless cooking surface not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also contributes to safer and more efficient cooking. Here are some cleaning and degreasing tips:

  • Start by removing any loose debris, such as crumbs or food particles. Wipe down the entire stovetop with a damp cloth to remove surface dust and dirt.
  • Lift the electric coil or solid burner elements to access the drip pans and burner bowls. Remove these components and wash them with warm, soapy water. If they are severely stained, consider replacing them for a fresh start.
  • Gently remove control knobs and any removable panels. Clean with a mild detergent and make sure they are completely dry before reattaching.
  • For smooth ceramic glass cooktops, use a specialized ceramic cooktop cleaner. Apply the cleaner, scrub gently with a non-abrasive pad or cloth, and then wipe clean. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
  • Self-cleaning ovens have a built-in cleaning cycle, while other ovens may require manual cleaning. Remove any spilled or burnt-on food particles, as they can cause smoke or unpleasant odors during cooking.
  • Grease and odors can accumulate in the range hood filters, affecting air quality in your kitchen. Remove and clean or replace the filters as needed.
  • Wipe down the exterior of your electric stove, including the control panel, with a damp cloth. Pay attention to control labels and any touch-sensitive displays.

By starting with a clean and degreased electric stove, you’ll create a more inviting and efficient cooking environment for your meals. A well-maintained stove also promotes safety by reducing the risk of accidental fires and ensuring even heating for your dishes.

Oven Calibration

One of the keys to successful cooking is accurate temperature control in your electric oven. Ensuring that your oven’s temperature settings are precise will help you achieve consistent and reliable results. Here’s how to calibrate your electric oven:

  • Before calibration, it’s essential to wait until your oven has completely preheated. Make sure it’s reached the desired temperature for an accurate calibration.
  • Refer to your oven’s user manual to locate the calibration settings. These settings may vary depending on the make and model of your oven.
  • Typically, you’ll need to press a specific sequence of buttons or use the oven’s control panel to access the calibration mode. This sequence is often outlined in your user manual.
  • Once you’ve entered the calibration mode, use the provided buttons to adjust the temperature up or down as needed. Many ovens allow for adjustments within a certain range, usually a few degrees in either direction.
  • After making your adjustments, use an oven thermometer to verify that the temperature inside the oven matches your desired setting.
  • If your oven still doesn’t maintain the correct temperature, return to the calibration settings and make additional adjustments. It may take a few attempts to get it just right.

By calibrating your oven, you’ll have more control over your cooking and be better equipped to follow recipes accurately. This can make a significant difference in the outcome of your dishes.

Read More: How To Calibrate Your Oven (The Easy Way!)

Testing the Elements

The heating elements of your electric stove play a vital role in cooking and baking. To guarantee their optimal functionality, it’s necessary to test them. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Before testing the heating elements, make sure to unplug the stove or turn off the circuit breaker. Safety should always come first when working with electrical appliances.
  • Start with a visual inspection of the elements. Look for any visible signs of damage, like cracks, breaks, or discoloration. If you notice any possible issues, it’s best to replace the element.
  • Turn on each burner individually and let it heat up. It should start glowing red if it’s working correctly. If a burner doesn’t heat evenly, or if it doesn’t heat at all, you may need to replace it.
  • Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, like 350°F (175°C), and use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature inside. The oven’s bake element should glow red when it’s heating. If you notice uneven heating or if the element doesn’t heat at all, it may require replacement.
  •  If your oven has a broil function, you can also test the broil element in a similar way. Preheat the oven to the broil setting and observe the broil element for a red glow. Replace it if it’s not functioning correctly.
  • If you find any potential issues during your testing, it’s best to replace faulty elements. Consult your stove’s user manual for instructions on installing replacement elements.

By testing the elements, you can make sure that your electric stove is ready to consistently and evenly heat your food.. It also helps prevent unexpected heating issues that could disrupt your cooking plans during the festive season.

Inspecting and Replacing Drip Pans

Drip pans, often found underneath the burner elements on your electric stove, catch spills and prevent them from reaching electrical components. Here’s how to inspect and replace them if needed:

  • Before beginning, double-check that the stove is unplugged or the circuit breaker is switched off. Safety should always be a priority when working with electrical appliances.
  • Lift the burner elements or coils to access the drip pans beneath. Most electric stoves have removable drip pans for easy cleaning and replacement.
  • Examine the condition of the drip pans. Look for signs of wear, such as rust, corrosion, or holes. If they are severely damaged or deteriorated, it’s time to replace them.
  • If the drip pans are in good condition but have accumulated grease and grime, remove them and wash with warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive scrubber to remove any stubborn stains. Make sure they are fully dry before reinstalling.
  • If you find that your drip pans are damaged, it’s important to replace them. You can usually find compatible drip pans for your model or universal if they are unavailable. Make sure to purchase the right size and shape that matches your stove model.
  • When replacing the drip pans, make sure they fit snugly and securely beneath the burner elements. Proper installation is essential to prevent spills from seeping through.

Well-maintained drip pans not only keep your electric stove clean but also protect electrical components from damage due to spills and boil-overs. They are a small but important part of your stove’s overall functionality, especially during the holiday season when cooking is in full swing.

Checking Oven Racks

Oven racks play a significant role in cooking and baking. To prepare your electric stove, check and, if necessary, adjust or replace the oven racks. Here’s how to do it:

  • Begin by ensuring that the oven is cool and turned off. For safety, always work with a cool oven.
  • Gently pull out the oven racks, one at a time, and inspect their condition. Examine the racks for signs of damage, such as bent or warped metal, rust, or flaking chrome. If any rack is severely damaged, it’s best to replace it.
  • Most electric ovens have multiple slots or levels where you can position the racks. Adjust the rack positions to accommodate the dishes you plan to cook. Lower positions are ideal for roasts and turkeys, while higher positions are better for baking.
  • To buy the right replacement racks, make sure to check the make and model of your oven when replacing damaged racks. Many appliance parts stores and online retailers offer a variety of oven rack options. Make sure the new racks fit securely in the oven and are level.
  • Make sure to place the oven racks level and avoid tilting them. A level rack is essential for even cooking results. Most ovens have notches or grooves to guide you in placing the racks correctly.
  • After adjusting or replacing the oven racks, perform a test run with an empty oven to verify that there is enough space for your dishes and that the racks are correctly positioned for your intended cooking.

Properly positioning and maintaining oven racks is key to evenly cooking and achieving perfect results for your dishes. Before cooking begins, it’s essential to check and optimize the oven rack setup for the dishes you plan to prepare.

Read More: Cooking Efficiently In Your Oven: 10 Tips And Tricks

Cleaning the Oven Interior

A clean oven interior is not only essential for hygienic cooking but also for optimal performance. Here’s how to clean your electric oven’s interior without a self-cleaning feature:

  • Begin by ensuring the oven is cool and turned off. Never clean a hot oven.
  • Take out all oven racks and set them aside. You can clean them separately.
  • Use a soft brush or a handheld vacuum to remove loose crumbs, debris, and ash from the oven floor and walls.
  • Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and baking soda to form a paste. This paste is an effective and non-toxic cleaner for the oven interior.
  • Use a sponge or a cloth to spread the paste on the interior surfaces of the oven, including the floor, walls, and the oven door’s interior window. Pay extra attention to any areas with stubborn food residue or grease stains.
  • While the paste is working on the oven interior, you can soak the oven racks in a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid. This will help loosen any baked-on grease and grime.
  • Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have significant buildup.
  • After the paste has had time to work, use a sponge or a scrubbing pad to scrub away the dirt and grime gently. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the surfaces. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution and residue.
  • Pay special attention to the oven door glass, both inside and outside. Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the glass. Wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
  • Once the oven interior is clean and dry, reposition the oven racks.

Cleaning the oven interior helps create a healthier cooking environment, preventing any unpleasant odors or smoke from affecting your meals and making cooking more enjoyable. A clean oven also operates more efficiently, making it easier to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.

Read More: How to Clean an Oven

Safety Checks

Before you start cooking, make sure to perform safety checks on your electric stove to ensure it’s working properly. Here’s a checklist of safety checks to follow:

  • Examine the power cord and plug for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure the plug fits securely into the outlet and check for any loose or exposed wires. If you spot any issues, it’s essential to repair or replace the cord before use.
  • If your stove is hardwired to the electrical supply, make sure to check the circuit breaker. It should be correctly labeled, easily accessible, and working properly. You should be able to turn off the power to the stove in case of emergencies.
  • If your stove plugs into an outlet, verify that the outlet is properly grounded and wired. Make sure there are no loose or exposed wires and that the outlet is securely fastened to the wall.
  • Confirm that the stove’s range hood and exhaust fan are functioning correctly. Proper ventilation is central for removing cooking odors and preventing the buildup of grease and smoke.
  • If your stove has child safety locks or control panel locks, make sure they are operational to prevent accidental use.
  • Check that your kitchen is equipped with working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test the batteries and replace them if necessary.
  • If your electric stove is sensitive to power surges, consider using a surge protector to safeguard against electrical fluctuations that could damage your appliance.

By conducting these safety checks, you can enjoy peace of mind during your holiday cooking, knowing that your electric stove is in safe and reliable working condition. It’s important to prioritize safety in the kitchen to prevent accidents and mishaps during this festive season.

Read More: Don’t Get Burned! 14 Quick and Easy Oven Safety Tips

Testing and Preheating

Before you dive into cooking, it’s a good idea to conduct some testing and preheating to make sure everything is in working order. Here’s what to do:

  • Start by preheating your oven to the desired temperature for your first dish. Use an oven thermometer to verify that the temperature matches the setting on your oven’s control panel. If there’s a discrepancy, you may need to calibrate your oven to achieve accurate temperatures.
  • Test each burner on your stove to make sure they heat evenly and reach the desired temperatures. Uneven heating can lead to uneven cooking, which you want to avoid, especially during holiday meal preparations.
  • If you plan to bake or roast dishes for your holiday menu, perform a test run with a small batch or a similar dish to see if your oven performs as expected. This can help you make any necessary adjustments to cooking times or temperatures.
  • Make sure to test the timer on your oven to confirm that it accurately counts down and notifies you when the time is up. Timers play a vital role in helping you keep track of multiple dishes cooking at the same time. If your electric stove has specialty settings, such as convection or self-cleaning modes, test them to make sure they operate correctly. Understanding how these settings work can be beneficial for specific dishes.
  • During preheating and testing, pay attention to your stove for any unusual sounds or odors. If you detect gas leaks, electrical issues, or strange noises, it’s essential to address them before proceeding with cooking.

Testing and preheating your electric stove and oven not only ensure that they are in good working condition but also familiarize you with their performance characteristics. This preparation helps you cook dishes with confidence and precision, resulting in delicious meals.

Additional reading

The joy of holiday cooking relies on having a fully functioning electric stove. Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your stove is ready. Check it now and order any needed replacement parts right away. Appliance repairs often take longer than expected, so get ahead of the game by inspecting your stove and ordering parts as soon as any issues are noticed. This will ensure you have what you need well in advance of the holidays.

At AppliancePartsPros.com, we have a huge selection of OEM electric stove parts ready to ship immediately. Our fast shipping means you can have what you need in just a few days. Planning ahead and ordering parts at the first sign of trouble will minimize the chances of going without a working stove just when you need it most for holiday cooking. Don’t leave it until the last minute and risk disappointment.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for any appliance repair tips or videos you may need. From all of us at AppliancePartsPros.com, happy holidays!