Kitchen savvy: How to maintain your cooking range

Regular maintenance of your ovens and stoves is imperative. Not only does it keep them looking their best, it also extends the lifespan of your cooking range and keeps them operating at maximum efficiency. Your pocket book will benefit as well, with lower energy consumption, greater reliability and less repairs. As compiled from Porchlighthomes.com, here are some easy maintenance practices you can reap all benefits out of.

1. Clean the vent hood

Keeping the front panel, window and outer glass door clean is important because it prevents spills from staining the panel or the glass when it heats up during oven operation. However, only clean the front when your range or oven is completely cool. For spills on the front panel that are typically tough to remove, use a heavy-duty degreaser.

2. Smooth electric stove top

If a heavy spill occurs, use a razor to remove large food deposits. Invest in a cooktop cleaning solution and remove the remaining residue with a scratch-free pad or cloth.

3. Solid burner element

Some stove/ranges have heating element burners that are solid metal. There are no coils and the cooking range isn’t glass or ceramic. You can clean these solid burners using any strong surface cleaner.

4. Gas stove tops

Some gas stove tops are made of porcelain coated steel and can be cleaned exactly the same as an electric smooth top. Stainless steel tops should be cleaned with heavy-duty degreaser and a non-abrasive material. Take care not to use too much water when cleaning though, especially around the knobs. If water drips down into the holes where the knob shafts come through, the burner switches can short out and cause problems with the spark ignition system.

5. Oven interior

Simply wait until the oven is cool to the touch, remove the oven racks and spray oven cleaner directly onto the interior surface. Wipe off the solution after a few minutes, using a clean rag.

6. Oven racks

The easiest way is to wash the racks in the sink. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes and then, using a regular kitchen sponge, scrub the racks.

7. Broiler pan

Most broiler pans are made of porcelain-coated steel that can be cleaned periodically with a non-abrasive cleaner. If the pan is damaged, you should replace it instantly before next use.

8. Replace the light bulbs

You can replace the light bulb(s) in your cooking range yourself, provided that you are able to remove the glass covering or dome to reach it. Consult the owner’s manual that came in the box when your first purchased the unit – that’s where all the necessary instructions will be. Most interior oven lights use a universal 40-watt appliance bulb.

By putting these tips into practice, you can ensure your home appliances last longer, perform at optimal levels and save energy along the way. This can add up to significant savings and can help you manage your budget more effectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2016.

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