Some oven models also utilize the power save mode as a safety feature. If you forget to shut off your oven, the power save mode will automatically kick in and shut the oven off. Unfortunately, not every model has this bonus feature, which is included in most electric ovens.

The meaning of E5 error codes on your oven’s screen varies depending on the oven model. Most of the time, an Error E5 code indicates an issue with the power source. However, it can also indicate an issue with the electronic control board, temperature sensor, or power-saving mode.

The significance of E5 error codes can vary in electric and gas ovens. Conventional and convection ovens also differ slightly because they don’t have the same internal working. Therefore, the triggers might differ slightly, but the ultimate meaning is usually the same. 

There’s an issue with the power supply, or the power saving mode is active or malfunctioning. 

Whirlpool Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Whirlpool ovens can display several types of E5 error codes. They usually indicate an issue with your WiFi, wiring, or the power-saving mode is active. The most common E5 codes include: 

• E5 
• ES-5
• FC E5

E5 means there’s a potential issue with your oven’s power save mode. This might be a mechanical error or a disruption in the energy flow, causing the oven to fire an error code. This error code may require repairs. 

ES-E5 indicates the power-saving mode is active. To turn the power saving mode on for a Whirlpool ovens do the following: 

• Allow the display screen to be (displaying the clock)
• Hold the clock button for ten seconds or until it beeps twice. 
• You will see it flash the ES-E5 code and then “on” twice 
• Your oven’s power-saving mode is now turned on

To exit the power save mode, simply follow the same steps above. The screen should display “Off” twice rather than “On” in this setting. 

FC-E5 indicates an issue with the wifi or some other electrical issue. This could be an internal issue in need of repair, or it could be a simple reset. To reset your oven try the following: 

• Reset your circuit breaker 
• Power down the oven 
• Unplug the oven for one minute 

After you power down the oven, start it up after a minute or two. If the oven still shows this error code, you may need to call support and possibly get a repair person to check it out. 

Electrolux Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Electrolux ovens are high-quality ovens and stovetops. The ovens are more popular in the U.K. than in the U.S. and are designed to be a refined experience with their electric appliances. 

E5 codes apply to two of the Electrolux stove lines, including: 

• Freestanding cooker with induction hob
• Integrated induction hob

These stoves differ in size and capacity, but these error codes usually mean the same thing. E5 error codes can indicate there’s either a voltage or a phase issue. Unplug your appliance and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before plugging it back in. 

If the E5 code is a misfiring code, this should reset it. However, you may need to call the support center if the code is still present when you turn it back on. 

Philips Burner Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Philips burners are not full-size ovens, but we thought they’d be worth discussing in this article. These burners are electric single burners for countertop use. 

These burners have a lot of different E error codes. You can find a complete breakdown of each E error code and how to address them in this article. 

However, we will only focus on the E5 and E6 error codes. E5 and E6 error codes indicate one of the following issues: 

• Insufficient voltage 
• Power supply issues
• Electrical cord issues

Basically, E5 and E6 codes mean the same thing in your Philips stove burner. It means your stove is not receiving adequate voltage to do its job. This burner requires between 220-240 volts to operate properly. 

To troubleshoot your stove, try these tips: 

• Try a new power outlet 
• Check the wire 
• Is the cord frayed? 
• Is the plug loose from the cord? 
• Reset the power outlet 
• Check the circuit breaker for tripped breakers 
• Restart your stove by turning it off, let it sit for 2-3 minutes, and turn it back on

If the cord is frayed or broken in any way, do not plug it in. if the plug is loose or the outlet sparks when you try to plug in your stove, do not try to plug it in. These issues will require you to either fix the cord or call an expert to fix it for you. 

Call customer support for assistance if resetting your appliance does not reset the code. Your machine may need to be repaired or replaced. 

Kenmore Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Kenmore ovens don’t all have E5 error codes. It depends on the model, and some display F error codes when there’s an issue with the electrical supply or a misfiring sensor. 

According to Kenmore’s user manual, resetting your oven can fix most error codes. They may occur because there was an issue when the oven was installed or a sensor problem. 

Unplugging and letting your oven sit for a few minutes before plugging it back in should reset error codes. However, if they persist, you might need to check your oven’s power supply or the power outlet. 

Call your machine’s manufacturer for further instructions before taking anything apart. 

Samsung Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Samsung has several E5 error codes that indicate a problem with the oven’s power supply or power-saving mode. Samsung’s E5 codes include the following: 

• E55
• E54
• cE56
• E56

E55 signifies an issue with communication. It can mean an issue with the control panel or electrical control panel. You should check for loose wires, ensure connections are secure and call for repairs when necessary. 

E54 codes signify an issue with the electrical control system. It usually means there’s an issue with the machine’s internal communication. You can try to fix this error code by resetting your oven, checking electrical connections, or possibly replacing the control panel. 

The cE56 signifies an oven electrical control board issue or error. Unplugging and letting your oven sit idle for several minutes should reset this code if it’s a misfiring error. 

E56 codes usually indicate an issue with your control panel. Unfortunately, if resetting your machine doesn’t fix this code, you might need to replace your display panel. 

Thermador Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Thermador ovens don’t have E5 codes, but they have several E501 codes. These codes are similar to the other E5 error codes we discussed above. They typically indicate an issue with internal communication or electrical issues. 

The EO501 code indicates an issue when the oven’s electrical system was updated. This can usually be fixed by restarting your oven, but if it persists, you should customer support. 

Maytag Oven Displaying E5 Error Code

Maytag’s E5 and ES error codes are similar to Whirlpool’s. They typically indicate an issue with the electrical system or the power save mode. 

To reset this mode, hold the timer button for ten seconds. Wait until you hear it beep. Once you release the button, you should see it flash “on” or “off.” It should return to displaying the time of day rather than the error codes. 

You’re here because your oven display says F3 and we’re going to take a look at what the code means and what you can do to counteract it. The meaning of the code can vary slightly depending on the brand. In addition to this, the code’s meaning isn’t always the same for gas and electric ranges.

So, what does it mean?

Most ovens show the F3 error code when there’s something wrong with the temperature sensor, which can be caused by a bad connection between the temperature sensor and the electric oven control or the wire/sensor harness. You can check for bad connections, wire damage, or inaccurate ohm readings – but your best bet is to replace the sensor.

Sometimes, power cycling the oven can cause the error code to go away if it’s caused by a minor bug rather than actual hardware problems. Power cycling is done by unplugging the power cord from the outlet for a couple of minutes and then reinserting it.

But to ensure that the above is true for your oven, we’ve compiled a list of the different brands down below. Before you start reading, I think it’s important to note that we still recommend that you get in contact with the manufacturer’s customer support if you’re having problems with your oven.

GE Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

When an oven from GE displays the F3 code, it usually means there’s something wrong with the oven sensor and it needs to be replaced. The problem can be caused by the wire harness, the control board, or the temperature sensor.

Your GE oven may also flash the F2 error code simultaneously, this also indicates that the oven sensor needs to be replaced. You can find spare sensors online or in local stores, depending on where you live. Websites like Part Wizard tend to keep the spare parts you need.

Make sure you reference the user manual to find out where the sensor is located on your model and make sure the oven is unplugged before you begin the installation. If necessary, contact a professional to do the installation for you.

If the warranty is still active, contact customer support to see how you can use the warranty while doing the repairs.

LG Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

When an LG oven displays the F3 error code it indicates that the keypad control is shorting out. This is usually caused somewhere along the wire harness leading up to the buttons, but it can also be caused by the keypad control itself.

The issue can be reset by restarting the oven but once the problem has started appearing it might do so more frequently. If the error isn’t reset by restarting the oven or if it reappears soon thereafter, you’ll need to replace the keypad assembly.

The keypad assembly can be purchased for $50-100, depending on the model. (This might vary depending on where you are)

Kenmore Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

Most Kenmore ovens display the F3 error code when there’s something wrong with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor relays the current temperature to the electronic oven control, which then regulates the temperature to match the set temperature.

The problem could be caused by an open connection between the temperature sensor and the electronic oven control.

If you feel comfortable doing minor repairs or troubleshoots, follow the wiring to see if you can find signs of obvious wiring damage or open connections. If the wiring seems to be placed as intended with no signs of damage, the temperature sensor is most likely at fault and needs to be replaced.

You can also contact a repair service to have them check the wiring and do ohm readings on the temperature sensor to see if it’s out of order. Most temperature sensors should have an ohm of 1100 at room temperature.

Thermador Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

Thermador ovens display the F3 error code to indicate that there’s something wrong with the oven’s temperature sensor or the wiring connecting the temperature sensor to the oven control and the sensor harness.

Your best bet is to replace the temperature sensor – but you can do some troubleshooting on your own or contact a certified technician who can help you.

If possible, do ohm readings on the temperature sensor (which you can find behind the oven’s rear wall) to see if it’s working. The readings should give you a value of about 1100 ohms at room temperature. Check the wiring as well to see if there are any bad connections or signs of damage.

Whirlpool Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

The reason why your Whirlpool oven is displaying the F3 error code is that the oven’s open temperature sensor is malfunctioning, which could be caused by the wiring connecting the sensor to the electronic oven control, the control, or the sensor itself.

The wiring to the clock can also cause the F3 E2 error code to appear if it’s damaged or burnt. According to Whirlpool, the temperature sensor should be replaced if the oven display shows the F3 error code. Contact customer support to learn more about the process of replacing the temperature sensor.

Maytag Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

Maytag ovens indicate that the temperature sensor has run into problems and will stop if the display shows the F3 error code. Power cycle the oven to make sure the code isn’t being displayed by a minor bug, this can be done by unplugging the power cord from the outlet for a couple of minutes.

Then, if the problem persists, check the sensor to make sure it’s closed and that the wiring from the sensor to the electric oven control is connected properly.

If the sensor seems to be damaged or burnt, replace the sensor to get your oven up and running again. You should also get in contact with customer support to have them guide you through the process of replacing the temperature sensor and to make sure you get the correct part.

If your oven is displaying the F4 code, that’s caused by a similar issue.

Hotpoint Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

This is an indication that your oven has an open or shorted temperature sensor. This could be caused by loose or damaged wiring between the temperature sensor and the electronic oven control.

Check the wiring to see if any wires are loosely fitted or damaged, and if it turns out that they’re connected properly and in good condition then it’s most likely the sensor malfunctioning. In that case, the sensor might need to be replaced.

But first, try power cycling the oven by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds. This will reset the control board, which could reset the code. If the code reappears, replace the sensor.

Get in contact with customer support to find out more about the parts you need, the process of replacing them, and to check if your product is under warranty.

Frigidaire Oven Displaying F3 Error Code

Your Frigidaire oven display will say F3 when the temperature sensor is failing or defective. The reason for this can be found by checking for loose wire connections between the temperature sensor and the oven control. While doing so, check for damaged wires too, as they could be the cause of the problem.

If everything seems to be fine but the code still appears, replace the temperature sensor.

You can put aluminum foil in the oven without worry, as it is typically able to withstand the highest temperatures that most residential ovens can reach. Foil is commonly used in the oven to line baking sheets, wrap up food, retain moisture, or as disposable pans and trays. It should never be used to line the bottom of the oven, as this could damage the oven and the food in numerous ways.

There are many things to consider when it comes to putting aluminum foil in the oven such as the location of the foil and what type of food it comes into contact with. In this article, we’ve laid out a guide for cooks that use aluminum foil for baking and roasting.

Is It Safe To Put Aluminum Foil In an Oven?

It is safe to put aluminum foil in the oven. There are some cases where lining the oven in aluminum foil could harm the oven. However, using aluminum foil to cover food in a roasting pan for one-time use is perfectly safe. 

Some recipes for cookies, baked fish, or roasted vegetables call for parchment paper. If you don’t have any parchment paper on hand but have a roll of aluminum foil, you may be wondering if the aluminum foil is a good substitute.

Read more here to discern the difference between the two and decide what works best for you. 

According to the World Health Organization, food that already contains aluminum will contain 375% more aluminum after being cooked in aluminum foil than it was in its pre-cooked state.

Excess aluminum consumption over a long period of time poses a health risk to sensitive populations who already struggle with bone, muscle, and kidney issues.

You may have heard that aluminum foil use can lead to Alzheimer’s, but there is no research currently showing a relationship between aluminum foil use and mental decay.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society based in the UK, only 1% of the aluminum found in the body can be traced back to aluminum absorption from food and drink.

Convection ovens are most commonly used in household kitchens, and any reference to an oven in this article is referring to a convection oven.

Microwave ovens are not suitable for aluminum foil. Read more here if you are wondering whether or not you can use aluminum foil in your dehydrator which acts as a low-heat oven.

4 Ways To Use Aluminum Foil In the Oven

There are many different ways to use aluminum foil in practical culinary applications. However, we’ve broken down the most relevant uses for cooking at home. Below you will find safe ways to use aluminum foil in the oven.

#1: Cover Food

Aluminum foil can be used to cover pans of all shapes and sizes. It can also be used to wrap whole pieces of food for roasting or baking. 

Different types of pans that can be wrapped in aluminum foil are sheet pans, casserole dishes, and roasting pans. When covering a dish with aluminum like a lid, secure the foil tightly enough over the dish so that it does not come off in the oven during cooking.

Covering food with aluminum foil is useful for holding moisture in a dish such as a casserole, fish filet, or roast. The foil protects the top of the food from burning. Certain recipes may call for an aluminum cover with holes poked in it to let the steam escape.

Aluminum foil should never be placed loosely in an oven, even if it is wrapping an individual piece of food like a baked potato. Always place food items wrapped in foil on a durable piece of kitchen equipment made for the oven such as a baking sheet or roasting pan.

#2: Line Baking Sheets & Pans

When proteins and sugars are heated, they produce a natural golden brown skin from the process of Maillard Reaction or caramelization, respectively.

This brown matter from the Maillard Reaction sticks to the surface of the pan and creates fond, the delicious but sticky substance that is difficult to clean. 

To reduce fond from sticking to the bottom of a baking sheet, you can line the pan with a piece of aluminum foil. For example, when roasting chopped potatoes drizzled in oil, the sheet pan would be lined with foil prior to putting the potatoes on the pan. 

Lining a deep dish pan before baking a casserole is another safe way to reduce time during clean-up. Note that there still may be some residual grease on the bottom of the pan afterward, but nothing too difficult to scrape off.

When lining a baking sheet or roasting pan, make sure the entire piece of aluminum foil is intact on the pan. Using smaller pieces of foil could possibly cause contamination if the foil were to break off onto the food.

#3: Catch Grease Drippings

There are certain cases when roasting a large piece of meat in the oven would cause grease to drip down to the bottom of the oven.

This could cause long-term damage to the oven or a messy clean-up for later. At its worst, grease drippings could cause a small fire inside the oven.

To avoid this, aluminum foil is commonly used to catch grease. However, foil should never be placed loosely on an oven rack or at the bottom of the oven. It should be wrapped around a baking sheet, dripping pan, or roasting pan first.

#4: Soften Hard Clumps of Brown Sugar

When you need brown sugar in a pinch and don’t have the energy to break up the clumps by hand, you can wrap the large piece of hardened sugar in aluminum foil.

Then place the wrapped sugar on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This will help the sugar become loose and malleable. Cool any leftover sugar completely before storing it in a container.

What To Avoid When Using Aluminum Foil In the Oven

To err on the side of caution, there are some aluminum foil techniques and applications that should be avoided in the oven. This list may clear up some common misconceptions about when it is safe to use aluminum foil.

#1: Do Not Use Aluminum Foil When Cooking Acidic Foods

There are certain foods that are not safe when cooked in aluminum foil. Highly acidic foods should be avoided. The acid in the food can break down the metal found in aluminum and transfer it to the body. Examples of these foods are listed below.

• Lemons
• Limes
• Plums
• Grapes
• Grapefruit
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Vinegar

Note that while the above foods are rarely roasted individually, they may be a component of a dish that would be roasted in an oven. Take extra caution when reviewing a recipe that contains an acidic food and also calls for aluminum foil during cooking.

#3: Do Not Use Aluminum Foil to Line Oven Racks

When someone temporarily lines an oven rack with aluminum foil, they have the best intentions of creating a natural net to catch food scraps.

However, they just are causing the uneven cooking of their food by blocking the airflow required of a convection oven. 

Convection ovens operate to heat food evenly from all sides. Imagine an arrow containing hot air traveling clockwise in a circular motion around a food item to heat it on the top, bottom, and sides.

If the foil was directly below the food item in the oven, it would prevent the hot air from properly heating the bottom of the food.

Why Does My Oven Say “Do Not Use Foil?”

If your oven’s manufacturer’s recommendations state that foil should not be used, it means that foil should not line the bottoms, sides, or racks of the oven. Aluminum foil is perfectly safe to use when it’s wrapped around foods or baking pans as stated above.

What Temperatures Can Aluminum Foil Withstand?

The melting point for aluminum foil is 1220 degrees Fahrenheit. Most regular household convection ovens will not reach more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making them safe for aluminum foil. 

Ovens that may be able to reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit such as pizza ovens are not safe for aluminum foil.

Butane torches, which are popular for browning foods such as creme brulee, should be kept away from aluminum foil, as they can reach up to 2600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because aluminum is a conductor, it can be used to start a fire in a survival situation. Chances you won’t start a fire with aluminum foil in a home kitchen unless you have it set up to conduct energy between a piece of cotton and a AA battery. 

Should the Shiny or Dull Side of the Aluminum Foil Be Up In the Oven?

The two sides of aluminum foil can be distinguished by a shiny side and a dull side. Does it matter which side is face-up during cooking?

According to recent studies, when using regular aluminum foil, it does not matter if the shiny side is facing the oven or facing the food. However, some people swear that the shiny side reflects more heat and could alter the cooking process. 

Note that there is a “right” and “wrong” side of foil if you buy the non-stick aluminum foil. The dull side should be imprinted with the non-stick symbol and placed face-up on the baking sheet.

However, putting sticky pizza dough on hot claystone could result in some fusing. You don’t want to have to deal with peeling your pizza off of a burning surface so you may be tempted to throw a piece of parchment paper under it as a barrier. Is this a good idea?

You shouldn’t put parchment paper on a pizza stone when making pizza because the oven must reach temperatures in the 450 – 500°F range in order to make the pizza crispy, and parchment paper can become a fire hazard when temperatures exceed 430°F.

Don’t worry, though! There are other alternative methods for preventing pizza from sticking to your stone.

Read on to discover them as well as more information on how to care for and make the best use of your pizza stone.

How Do Pizza Stones Work?

In order to use a pizza stone, you have to put it in your oven while the oven is still cold. Preheat your oven to the temperature you will be using to cook your pizza and wait another 30 minutes once your oven is done preheating.

This allows the stone to heat up completely. It is then able to retain heat so that when you open your oven you are not diminishing its temperature.

Pizza is meant to be cooked for a short time at high heat and baking it directly on your oven rack does not provide even heat distribution.

Pizza stones are not made of, as the name would have you believe, actual stone. They are most commonly made of clay and that is the cheapest version you will encounter.

Other materials used to make pizza stones are cordierite (a more durable type of ceramic), cast iron, or stainless steel.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Parchment Paper On a Pizza Stone

We’ve clarified that parchment paper isn’t your best option when cooking on a pizza stone. But, to ensure that you truly understand why you shouldn’t use parchment paper – and instead find alternative methods, we will explain the reasons in greater detail below.

It’s A Fire Hazard

Most types of parchment paper are designed to be heat resistant to temperatures of up to 430°F while the recommended temperature to bring a pizza stone to is between 450 to 500°F.

Parchment paper is not entirely heatproof, so it will catch fire at such a high temperature. Not only will this completely ruin your pizza but it will likely smoke out your entire kitchen.

The fumes silicone parchment paper releases aren’t toxic and you will notice the smoke early on so the risk of setting your kitchen on fire is not huge but there’s no reason to even entertain the risk by putting a flammable object in an environment that is too hot for it to withstand.

You Won’t Achieve The Perfect Crust

If you are insistent on using parchment paper for cooking your pizza you may do so but at a significantly lower heat than what is recommended for baking pizza.

It is true that parchment paper is useful for removing your pizza from the oven because your pizza stone should not be exposed to a drastic change in temperature.

If this is your reasoning for using parchment paper, keep in mind that a safe temperature for using parchment paper is one that won’t make your pizza perfectly crisp.

There Are Better Options

Parchment paper is convenient yes. Many people shape their dough and assemble their pizza directly on it to prevent it from sticking to the counter and to make it easier to carry.

You can still use parchment paper for these purposes, but there are other solutions to ensure that your pizza doesn’t stick to your pizza stone. We will be discussing them more thoroughly in a second!

Can You Put Raw Pizza Dough Directly On a Pizza Stone?

A pizza stone is specifically made to be used with raw dough. This isn’t exclusive only to pizza; you can also bake bread or cookies on a pizza stone.

A pizza stone is designed to mimic the floor of a stone hearth or brick pizza oven. It doesn’t have a particularly sticky surface and if it is cleaned properly and well maintained then your dough shouldn’t be sticking to it.

However, not all dough is made equal. Depending on what you are baking or how wet you’ve made your pizza dough, it may be more prone to sticking.

This doesn’t mean that you are using your pizza stone improperly. If you bake regularly (or have even done so once in your life) you probably know that you need to grease your pans and tins before pouring or placing raw dough or batter on them because it can stick easily.

So, yes, you can definitely put raw dough on a pizza stone, you just might have to take some extra steps to ensure that it doesn’t become one with the surface of the stone.

What Can You Put On a Pizza Stone to Keep It From Sticking?

The first instinct many people have for what to put on a pizza stone to keep it from sticking will be flour. This is a viable choice but it might not be the most effective one.

The better option for dusting your pizza stone to keep it from sticking is fine polenta, cornmeal, or semolina. These things are coarser than flour so they will provide the perfect barrier between the stone and your pizza dough.

Other Ways to Use a Pizza Stone Without Peeling

The biggest issue that causes pizza to stick to a pizza stone is improper heating. If your stone has been preheated to a high enough temperature and your dough isn’t excessively wet and sticky, then you shouldn’t be encountering these issues.

Proper care and handling of your pizza stone is an important way to keep the surface healthy enough that it is not prone to sticking.

Keeping your stone clean by dusting or wiping it down with a wet cloth (once it is properly cooled) is essential to preventing sticking.

When assembling your pizza, be conservative with the toppings. Overloading your pizza, especially with ingredients that contain a lot of fat or juices, will release extra moisture that can affect the crispiness of your crust and could cause it to stick to the stone.

Be sure to use dough that has been properly dusted with flour. Wet pizza dough is not ideal for pizza making in the first place, so you should always check your recipe to ensure that you’ve made the dough properly and it is the correct consistency to bake without fusing to the stone or pizza peel.

How to Transfer a Pizza on and off a Pizza Stone Without Parchment Paper

Transferring your pizza to and from the pizza stone is the last piece of the puzzle. Removing and placing the pizza on the stone can both be a bit tricky if not carried out properly. The pizza dough is quite fragile and can quite easily break if it has stuck onto the pizza stone.

First and foremost, I recommend you look into purchasing a pizza peel or find a suitable substitute for one. If possible, look for one that is made out of wood, as the material seems to be a bit less prone to sticking than other materials.

Then, prepare your pizza on the countertop. Once you’ve added all the ingredients, it’s time to move the pizza over to the pizza peel and then to the pizza stone. Now, if you’re wondering why I don’t recommend constructing your pizza on the pizza stone or peel, there are good reasons for that.

Assembling your pizza on the pizza peel

Because it takes some time to prepare the pizza, the dough will be left on the peel for quite some time. This can cause the dough to stick to the peel firmly, making it quite hard to remove, especially if there’s limited space to wiggle the dough on the pizza peel.

If you’re quick when assembling the pizza, then it can be done on the peel. Make sure to put some semolina, polenta, cornmeal, or flour on the pizza peel if you decide to go this route. This will prevent the dough from sticking.

Assembling the pizza on the stone

The stone should be preheated with the oven to make sure the temperature difference between the two is very small. Exposing the stone to sudden temperature changes could cause it to crack.

Additionally, the stone and oven should already be hot when the pizza is placed inside the oven to ensure it starts cooking right away.

Therefore, you can’t keep the stone outside the oven to assemble the pizza. You also can’t place the pizza in the oven with the stone and preheat them together.

Doing so will either cause the stone to break or the pizza to be cooked at the wrong temperature. You only want the pizza in the oven for a short period of time, until the cheese has melted.

With that said, I recommend assembling your pizza on the countertop then moving it over to the pizza stone using the pizza peel or any similar tool. Remember to put any of the grains we mentioned earlier on the countertop to prevent the dough from sticking.

If you’re not ready to buy one, should you continue to use your malfunctioning oven? Furthermore, can you use your range with a broken heating element? Here’s the answer.

You should never use an oven with a broken heating element as you’ll expose yourself to electrocution and fires. A broken heating element can indicate greater underlying issues within your oven. Also, you’ll void your warranty if you use the oven while it’s broken. A broken heating element can be replaced easily.

Replacing a broken heating element is an easy do-it-yourself project. If you don’t know how to do so, this article is for you. 

Is It Dangerous to Use an Oven With a Broken Heating Element?

Yes! Never use an oven with a broken heating element for safety reasons. A broken heating element may signify greater underlying issues within your range; hence isn’t safe to use. 

One issue is the deterioration of electrical insulation within the oven. Naked or exposed wires in contact with the range’s metallic walls will conduct a charge and electrocute you when you touch it. 

Additionally, using a broken heating element draws a significant amount of power that may trip your circuit breakers or cause a fire.  

How Can I Tell If My Heating Element Is Broken?

Your kitchen range consists of several components that work in tandem to ensure that your food is cooked or baked as you desire. As a result, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a problem if you notice that it’s malfunctioning. 

If you suspect that the heating element is faulty, here are some signs that it’s broken.

1. Uncooked Food or Food Takes Longer to Cook

The first clear sign of a faulty heating element is that your food takes longer to cook. And, if you remove it from your oven after your usual cooking time, you will notice that some parts of the food are uncooked. 

2. Patches of Discoloration

After preheating your heating element, it should turn red or bright orange. If you notice that there are patches on the heating element of a different color, consider replacing it as it’s broken. 

3. The Heating Element Has Signs of Wear and Tear 

Like any electrical component, your oven’s heating element may fail due to the wear and tear that comes with age. 

When you turn on your oven, the electrical current causes the heating element to heat up and expand. Once you turn it off, it will cool and eventually contract. After years of expansion and contraction, your heating element will eventually become brittle and break down.   

4. Increased Electricity Bills

The oven’s heating element consumes a significant percentage of your annual electricity. If you notice that your bill has shot up significantly, consider checking your oven’s heating element. 

A broken heating element draws a significant amount of power to overcome its flaws and cook your food. However, it can be difficult to ascertain that your broken oven is the sole cause of rising electricity costs. 

What Causes an Oven’s Heating Element to Break?

There are a few different things that can take a toll on an oven’s heating element. Because a lot of the damage done to the heating elements is either wear and tear or you would think this only happens to old ovens.

The fact is that new ovens can run into the same problems, often caused by electrical problems.

Oven heating elements can break down due to sudden cooling, oxidation, or metal fatigue. Continue reading down below to find out what it actually means.

Oxidation and Metal Fatigue

Heating elements use metals with inherent resistance to conducting electricity, such as nichrome. Instead of running electricity, these elements will heat up and, in the process, provide the heat necessary to bake or cook. 

However, they tend to oxidize faster when hot and, over some time, become less flexible and more resistive. This oxidation cycle continues till the heating element is no longer flexible, becomes brittle, and fails.

Sudden Cooling & Temperature Changes

Oven heating elements expand when powered on and contract when cooled. And as the element goes through thousands of heating up and cooling cycles, it gets more brittle and will eventually break. 

You need to expose the elements to fluctuating temperatures for a very long time before it makes a difference, though.

However, sudden cooling, such as when you have a leaking pan, will cause it to deteriorate faster than it normally would. 

Sudden Power Surges

Due to circuit breakers that isolate your oven from the power lines once they detect a power surge, oven heating elements rarely break down. 

On the contrary, high voltage pulses on faulty power lines can damage your oven. Additionally, lightning may strike nearby electrical lines and travel through the earthing wire.

Overheating

Heating elements can overheat if the internal thermostat has stopped working. The thermostat is supposed to switch the heating elements on and off to regulate temperature.

Once the desired temperature is reached, the elements should turn off, and if the desired temperature is lost, they will turn on to maintain the temperature.

If the thermostat isn’t working, the sensors may not be able to tell the heating elements to switch off when the desired temperature is reached, forcing them to run at high heat for an extended period of time. This could lead to the elements breaking.

How Do You Fix a Broken Oven Element?

Fixing a broken oven element is a simple process if familiar with basic electrical knowledge. However, you need to proceed with caution to avoid getting electrocuted. 

Buy a Compatible Heating Element

After you’ve ascertained that your oven heating element is faulty, the first step involves buying the right heating element compatible with your oven’s power and safety ratings. 

Switch OFF All Oven Controls

You’ll then switch off all range controls and unplug the electrical connections to the oven. If you’ve hardwired your range to your home electrical circuit, you can switch it off by flipping the circuit breaker to the OFF position. 

Test for the current flow into the oven using an electrical tester or multimeter if you’re not comfortable isolating your range from the electrical power supply. 

Unscrew the Heating Element from the Oven Wall Bracket

The next step involves removing the heating element from the oven floor. Here’s how.

You’ll have to remove the oven racks before accessing the bracket that attaches your heating element to the oven wall. 

The bracket is at the bottom end of your oven’s rear wall in most cases. Unscrew the two screws that hold the bracket to the wall and pull the heating element slightly outwards. Doing so ensures that you’ll have easy access to your heating element’s connections to the power supply circuit. 

Disconnect the Heating Element

The next step involves physically disconnecting the heating element from your oven’s electrical circuit. And depending on your oven’s model, the heating element can be screwed out or pulled out of the connections. 

Regardless, ensure that your wire connections don’t retract back into the insulation. 

Connect the New Heating Element

The final step involves installing your new heating element. Connect its terminals to your oven’s electrical circuit using the two wires at the bottom rear of your oven. If it’s a slip-on connection, ensure that they’re tight enough to prevent arcing when you turn on the oven. 

Hold the Heating Element in Place Using the Brackets

Firmly hold the heating element in place with the help of the brackets. Screw it to the wall firmly, clean your oven’s floor, and plug the oven into the electrical socket or flip on the circuit breaker. 

Turn the oven to your usual setting and see if the heating element is heating up. If it is heating up, switch it off, replace your racks, and you’re good to go. 

Can You Replace a Broken Heating Element By Yourself?

Absolutely! Replacing your oven heating element is quite costly. The national average labor costs to repair an oven element range from $150 – $400 for a task that takes less than 20 minutes to complete. 

Therefore, if you’ve assessed the situation and you’re confident that the only issue with your oven is the broken heating element, it’s much better if you do it yourself. 

How Much Does It Cost to Repair the Heating Element In an Oven?

Oven heating elements cost $20 to $ 25 or higher, while the labor to replace them will cost you close to $200. 

The oven heating element is crucial to the working of your kitchen range. If it breaks down, your oven will immediately cease working, and you’ll have to replace it immediately. 

How Long Should an Oven Element Last?

Gas

The average lifespan of a gas oven heating element is 5 – 10 years. Its longevity depends on usage frequency/volume, quality, temperature setting, and maintenance. 

Electric

Similar to gas ovens, the average lifespan of an electric oven heating element is 5 – 10 years. Its longevity depends on usage frequency/volume, quality, temperature setting, and maintenance.

Final Remarks

Like any other appliance in our homes, oven heating elements wear out and will ultimately fail regardless of how careful you’ve been. They’re an important part of your oven, and you can’t operate them without the heating element. 

If yours is faulty, you don’t have to consult your electrician; follow the steps we’ve gone through, and everything will work out fine. 

However, consult your electrician or the manufacturer if your oven heating element doesn’t heat up after replacing it. Your oven may be having other issues that may have led to the failure of its heating element.

If your eyes are bigger than your stomach and you are left with a pile of leftover fries, have no fear– there are plenty of ways to reheat them to enjoy later.

Transfer leftover Chick-Fil-A fries to an airtight container until ready to reheat to retain freshness. When ready to cook the fries, spray lightly with cooking spray and add to either your oven, air fryer, or microwave following the times listed on the chart below:

Best Ways To Reheat Chick-Fil-A Fries

There are a few universal truths when it comes to reheating french fries no matter what kitchen device you are using.

Whether you are using the oven, microwave, or air fryer, you want to keep the outside crispy and the inside hot and soft.

Here are some tips to help you achieve this (in no particular order):

1. Oven

The oven is the way to go to reheat your Chick-Fil-A waffle fries if you have plenty of time on your hands and really want to ensure a quality second serving. Because of its ability to evenly heat, the oven will give you a consistent product.

Whether using a conventional or toaster oven, you must get your appliance up to temperature before adding your leftover fries. The oven needs to reach 400℉ (205℃). While the oven is preheating you can prepare your tray.

Pull them out of the fridge to take the chill off while your oven preheats. Your fries should be stored in an airtight container when possible to prevent both moisture and air from degrading their crust.

Line a baking tray large enough to fit all fries in a single layer with slightly crinkled aluminum foil and a quick shot of cooking spray. The foil allows both sides of the fries to release steam and become crispy.

Assemble fries on the tray so that they are not touching. If the fries are piled on each other or touching each other, it will prevent them from crisping back up.

Spray or sprinkle a bit of oil on top of the layer of fries, then place in the oven. This method takes about 8-12 minutes of oven time, depending on both your oven and desired crispiness.

Every oven runs at different temperatures and some have areas that are either hotter or cooler than the rest of the oven. Because of that, rotating both your fries and the tray every 4 minutes or so will help the batch to cook evenly.

2. Microwave

The microwave method of reheating fries is for when you are really in a pinch. It is less than ideal because the way microwaves cook generally leaves food with high water content like french fries soggy and limp.

While you should transfer fries into an airtight container for storage no matter the method of reheating, with microwaving it is especially important. It gives the best chance at successfully staying away from becoming a soggy mess.

If you have the time, give the fries a bit of rest outside of the fridge to come as close to room temperature as possible.

Even if it is 5 minutes it will help to re-crisp. Don’t leave them out more than an hour though to prevent bacteria from growing.

Line a plate with a paper towel or parchment paper and place fries in a single layer, not letting any sides touch.

This lets heat evenly distribute and all the cutouts of the waffle shape release steam. When steam gets trapped in between layers of fries it softens the outside and turns it soggy.

Sprinkle with a small amount of oil or a quick shot of cooking spray and place in the microwave.

Another option, if available to you, is to put the fries on a crisper tray. These are designed to give your fries a hot surface to start out on and achieve a soft center and crisp crust.

Preheat the crisping tray in your microwave for a few minutes before adding your fries, again in a single layer and with a small amount of oil.

With or without a crisping tray, cook fries in 20-45 second bursts to your desired temperature and crispness. Rotate the fries between bursts to allow even cooking.

The waffle fry cut is especially prone to releasing steam and becoming soggy, so only use the microwave if other methods aren’t available to you.

3. Air Fryer

The air fryer wins out in both timing and performance. Not quite as quick as a microwave yet much faster than a conventional oven, the air fryer offers a superior end product that takes little effort and only a few minutes from start to end.

Opinions differ on the necessity of preheating your air fryer, chances are if you own one you have your own preference in this case. If you do preheat, just adjust your cooking and tossing times to a shorter length.

Whether preheating or not, set your air fryer to the “Air Fry” function and the temperature to 350℉ (175℃).

Place your Chick-Fil-A fries in the basket of your air fryer, trying to make them spread as evenly as possible. Give them a quick spray of oil if possible.

With waffle fries, it is best to have them side by side and not piled on each other because of their shape and number of cuts. Work in batches if the basket is too crowded.

Cook for 3-6 minutes, shaking the fries every two minutes and checking on the temperature and crispness of the fries each time.

Depending on your model of air fryer and the number of fries you may need to adjust your air fryer’s temperature up or down as well as the cooking time.

Don’t leave the kitchen while they are cooking or they may become an over-crisped mess while you aren’t looking!

Air frying is the most foolproof way to heat your leftover Chick-Fil-A fries and it also works well to reheat other leftover goodies you may have like chicken nuggets and sandwiches.

Can You Make Chick-Fil-A Fries Crispy Again?

In short, yes. While no reheating method is going to beat the fresh-out-of-the fryer waffle fries, you can achieve a satisfying second serving with a nice crisp outside and soft inside.

Beyond the methods mentioned here, there are plenty of ways to cook up your leftovers. Pan-frying and double frying are both great methods to get fries back to their crispy state. 

For more information on all of these methods as well as an in-depth look at reheating fries successfully in the microwave, check out this article.

How Are Chick-Fil-A Fries Made?

Chick-Fil-A’s waffle fries are their most popular menu item by volume, so getting them right is key for this company’s success. That means starting with a quality product.

Starting with potatoes grown only on farms in Washington and Oregon, Chick-Fil-A is picky about not only its spuds but its suppliers as well.

They are dedicated to growing quality potatoes that live up to the highest standards.

Because of the waffle cut and varying sizes of potatoes, each fry is a little different. While most have the signature holes, you may stumble across what they call a “Potato Skin Fry” or “Fry Butt” that come from the end of a potato and don’t contain any holes.

Timing is key when it comes to these fries. Chick-Fil-A wants to deliver a consistent product so you know what you are getting every time you order from their menu.

Going in frozen, the waffle fries are loaded into a fry bucket and then put in the hot oil. The fryer is timed to cook for two minutes and then they are promptly pulled out and seasoned.

Simple is best when it comes to fries- only potatoes, canola oil, and two quick dashes of salt are used to create them.

So the next time you pull up to the drive-through, grab an order yourself and enjoy Chick-Fil-A’s delicious waffle fries!

While both methods effectively clean the appliance, you will still be left with grimy oven racks. What are the best ways to get them as shiny as the rest of your oven?

There are six very effective ways to clean your oven racks:

1. Baking Soda & Vinegar
2. Baking Soda, Vinegar & Orange Essential Oil
3. Dryer Sheets & Dishwashing Liquid
4. Towels & Dishwashing Liquid
5. Commercial Oven Cleaner
6. Ammonia & Trash Bags

We’ll describe each method in detail below, as well as how to take care of the most stubborn grease, and whether oven trays can be cleaned in the dishwasher when in a hurry.

Best Ways To Clean Oven Trays

Even though oven racks tend to build up more grime than any other fixture in your kitchen, there are fortunately many effective ways to clean them using supplies you already have in your home.

1. Clean With Baking Soda & Vinegar

The first method uses just a couple of ingredients that almost everyone has on hand.

As your oven racks are either too large to fit in your kitchen sink, or are simply inconvenient to leave soaking in your kitchen sink, you will use your bathtub to clean. First, make sure to lay down old towels in the tub to protect it from scratching or greasy residue. 

Next, place your oven racks on top of the towels. Then, cover them with a generous layer of baking soda.

Finally, pour distilled white vinegar over the baking soda and allow it to foam. Once foaming subsides, run very hot water until the racks are submerged, and then allow them to soak overnight.

The following day, use one of the towels to scrub off any remaining debris. Rinse and dry thoroughly, and then replace in your oven.

2. Clean With Baking Soda, Vinegar & Orange Essential Oil

The second method uses the same two ingredients as the first, with an additional ingredient for extra cleaning power and a more pleasant experience. 

First, mix together baking soda and orange essential oil. Not only does orange essential oil have a very pleasant smell, but it also contains terpenes, which are powerful antimicrobial compounds. 

Then, add a small amount of vinegar to form a paste. Place your oven racks in the bathtub (lined with towels), and apply the paste to the oven racks. Allow them to sit overnight.

Finally, scrub lightly to remove residue, rinse and dry well, and replace.

3. Soak In Dishwashing Liquid & Scrub With Dryer Sheets

The third method will also require the bathtub and household items, making it very convenient. 

First, line your bathtub with dryer sheets and place your oven racks on top.

Not only do the dryer sheets create a barrier between your tub and the oven racks, but the antistatic in the dryer sheets acts as a separation agent between the racks and the food debris, and the fabric softener helps to soften the food particles.

Fill the tub with hot water to cover the racks and then add one-half cup of dishwashing soap. Allow the mixture to soak overnight, then use the dryer sheets to scrub the oven racks clean. Rinse, dry, and replace.

4. Clean With Towels & Soak In Dishwashing Liquid

This method is fairly simple and ideal for those with minimal supplies on hand. 

First, line your bathtub with old towels and place your oven racks on top. Then, fill the tub with enough hot water to submerge the racks. Add dishwashing liquid or powder, and let sit overnight.

The next day, scrub with the towels to remove residue, then rinse and dry thoroughly and replace. Since dishwashing liquid (or powder) is the only cleaning agent involved, it may take some extra scrubbing to remove all debris. You can also repeat the process a few times as needed.

5. Clean With Commercial Oven Cleaner

The next method uses a powerful commercial oven cleaner, so be sure to use it with caution. You will first need to bring your oven racks and cleaner outdoors to ensure plenty of ventilation, as the cleaner will produce toxic fumes.

Next, cover your work surface with old newspapers, and place the oven racks on top.

Put on rubber gloves before handling the oven cleaner, and then spray the product generously on both sides of the oven racks. Allow it to sit as long as designated on the cleaner’s package.

Finally, scrub the racks with a rag and spray clean with your garden hose. Allow to dry, and then replace.

6. Clean With Ammonia 

The final method also uses a toxic substance, so use an abundance of caution. You will also need to use this cleaning method outdoors.

First, place your oven racks in a trash bag. Add half a quart of ammonia to the bag, and then tie it very tightly to ensure a seal. 

Place the bag into a garbage bin to keep it upright, and let sit overnight.

The next day, be sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the ammonia fumes, and ensure you do not inhale them when opening the bag.

Remove the racks, and spray with a garden hose to remove any remaining residue. Allow to dry, and then replace.

How To Remove Baked-on Grease From Oven Trays

While each of these methods is effective at cleaning oven racks, there may be occasions when the grime is more stubborn, particularly with baked-on grease.

If your method of choice was not successful in removing all residue from your oven racks, simply repeat the process until all grease has been removed.

If you are still unsuccessful at removing the baked-on grease, there is a product that may do the trick when paired with one of the cleaning methods; though not as commonly found in most kitchens, it may be worth the trip to pick up!

A steel wool pad is one of the best products to have on hand when cleaning. Extremely abrasive, steel wool is very effective at removing residue when applied with pressure.

Once you’ve soaked your oven racks using any of the above methods, use your steel wool pad to scrub off residue while still wet.

Can Oven Trays Go In the Dishwasher?

Each of the ways that we’ve discussed to clean your oven racks requires a significant amount of soaking time to ensure food particles have the chance to soften and separate from the rack.

If you aren’t wanting to invest that much time in cleaning, you may be wondering if you can simply place your oven racks in the dishwasher instead.

You can place your oven racks in the dishwasher – because they are stainless steel, they are dishwasher-safe. However, depending on the size of your dishwasher, they may not fit.

If they do fit in your dishwasher, though it is certainly convenient to run them through the dishwasher cycle rather than soak, your dishwasher will not be quite as effective at removing the food debris (and it certainly will not be able to remove stubborn grease).

Your best bet if your oven racks are particularly grimy is to use one of the previously outlined methods to clean.

In summary, there are six effective and fairly simple methods of cleaning oven racks. Select the method that would work best for you by evaluating the supplies you have on hand, and how grimy your oven racks are.

If you’re short on time, and they will fit, you can even place your oven racks in the dishwasher for a quick, although less thorough, cleaning.

Learning to multitask effectively can be an extremely beneficial skill, and there are many things you can accomplish simultaneously in your kitchen to be as productive as possible. 

There is one kitchen appliance, in particular, that is multitasking by its very nature – your oven. Sure, we all bake things inside while frying on top, but what if your oven is in need of a deep clean, and you’re also hoping to whip up dinner? Can you both self-clean your oven and use the stovetop?

You can use the stovetop while your oven is self-cleaning, as long as you have a newer model of range and it is electric, not gas. Some older models will not allow you to operate the stovetop while the self-clean feature is running, and gas stovetops will not allow you to operate them due to the fire hazard.

We recommend that you wait until your oven has finished self-cleaning before you start cooking in it.

Even if you have a newer oven that allows you to use the stovetop while self-cleaning, there are some nuances that should be explored before making the decision to cook while your oven is self-cleaning.

Tip: Check out Today’s deal on the Instant Pot Pro XL 11-in-1. (It’s 50% off on Amazon!!)

Keep reading to learn more about how your oven’s self-clean feature works, when you can use your oven after it has self-cleaned, and how to decide whether self-cleaning and cooking simultaneously is the best decision for you.

Can You Use the Stovetop When the Oven Is Self-Cleaning?

In order to evaluate your comfort level with using both your oven’s self-cleaning feature and the stovetop, it is helpful to understand how exactly the self-clean feature works, and what challenges this may pose to cooking on the stovetop.

Most of the ovens in homes today use pyrolytic cleaning to accomplish their self-clean feature – that is, heating to extremely high temperatures in order to reduce any remaining residue to ash.

This process does vary depending on the specific model, but generally, it takes around three hours from start to finish. 

There are a few basic steps to follow when running your oven’s self-cleaning cycle:

1. Remove everything from the inside of your oven, including the racks if it is possible to wash them by hand. 
2. Set your self-clean cycle. If there is a lot of food debris left in your oven, the cycle will likely create a decent amount of smoke, so be sure to stay close so you can properly ventilate the area if necessary. Speaking of multitasking – this is not the time to leave the house!
3. Once the cycle ends, allow your oven to cool without touching it for another few hours, as the high heat is quite dangerous. 
4. Wipe out all ash and debris using a damp rag, and wipe down the inside of the front door, as the clean cycle may not have completely cleaned the door. 
5. Lastly, replace your oven racks – good as new!

While it is important to be present while your oven is self-cleaning, it is quite common to notice an unpleasant, burning plastic sort of smell while the feature is operating.

It is completely safe to be in proximity, but the scent alone may drive you to another room for the duration of the cycle. It is best to keep children and pets out of the kitchen for the duration of the cleaning cycle, just to ensure their safety and comfort.

The smell of the cleaning cycle alone may be enough to deter you from using the stovetop simultaneously, but it is also not safe to cook during the self-cleaning cycle if you have a gas stovetop.

Due to the incredibly high heat of a self-clean cycle, gas poses a fire hazard in close proximity.

Some electric stovetops will allow you to turn on the burners while the self-clean feature is in use – if the smell doesn’t drive you off, just be sure to use extreme caution, as you will still be very near a very intense heat source.

Our suggestion is to wait until the self-cleaning cycle has finished before you use the stovetop, or that you get in contact with the manufacturer to get their input.

How Long After the Self-Cleaning Cycle Can I Cook In the Oven?

Even if you choose not to use the stovetop while your oven is cleaning, you will eventually use your oven again to cook. If you are running your self-clean cycle, but plan to cook a meal in the oven that day, you are probably wondering how long you will need to wait before beginning to cook.

It is safe to resume cooking in your oven after the self-clean cycle has completed, your oven has cooled, and you have wiped the oven clean of all ash and debris.

Given that you must allow time not only for the cycle itself but also for cooling and a quick final clean, you must allow three or more hours before you use it for cooking or baking.

As long as the oven is cool enough to safely open and is free of debris, it is safe to use.

Can You Stop a Self-Cleaning Cycle?

If an urgent need arises while your oven is self-cleaning, and you need to leave your house, you can stop the oven mid-clean cycle. However, if you are stopping it because you realized you need to start dinner, it is not safe to use the oven right away.

Your oven automatically locks the front door when in self-clean mode to protect the user from potentially being exposed to such high heat, which would, of course, be extremely dangerous.

If you pause the cycle, or stop in the middle, the door will still remain locked for a while as the oven cools, also to ensure safety. 

How Often Should You Run a Self-Cleaning Cycle In an Oven?

The boring answer is that it depends on a few different variables. However, we can provide a more useful answer by looking at these variables one by one, and then you can decide what timeframe seems suitable for you, depending on your situation.

So, what affects how often you should self-clean your oven?

• Usage: How frequently is the oven being used? If you’re cooking in it everyday, then there’s a big chance you’ll have to run the self-cleaning cycle more frequently than someone who uses other kitchen appliances combined with the oven.

• Food items: What kind of food items are you cooking in the oven? Greasy items tend to grease down the oven when they’re heated to high temperatures. Not only by dripping, splattering, or being in contact with the oven trays or racks, but also through the heated air that circulates the oven’s cavity.

• Manual clean: How often are you cleaning the oven manually? Do you remove the racks, trays and give the inside of the oven a little scrub once in a while?

For most people, running a self-cleaning cycle every four to six months will keep the oven in good condition. In some cases, when the oven is under heavy usage, and rarely cleaned manually, it may be beneficial to run the self-cleaning cycle every two to four months to ensure you’re cooking your food in a clean environment.

Can You Manually Clean a Self-Cleaning Oven?

You can clean a self-cleaning oven manually, just as you would with a regular oven that doesn’t have the self-cleaning feature. Some people deviate from using the self-cleaning function for different reasons.

Instead, they clean the oven using old-fashioned methods that seem to work just fine.

You can get your oven back to normal by scrubbing it with a wet sponge or cloth. It will, however, be harder to remove the burnt-on grease than it would be if you were using the self-cleaning function.

This is because the self-cleaning function reaches extremely high temperatures, burning most of the grease and grime.

How Do I Know If My Oven Is Self-Cleaning Still?

Knowing when your oven has finished self-cleaning is not going to be a problem. You won’t be able to use the oven until it has both finished self-cleaning and cooled down.

During the cycle, and while the oven is still at high temperature, the locking mechanism on the oven door will activate.

This makes it impossible (not impossible – but hard) to open the oven door. Once the oven has cooled down, the locking mechanism will deactivate.

The time it takes for the oven to cool down varies depending on the model.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, you can use electrical (not gas!) stovetops while running the self-clean feature of your oven, but we suggest that you don’t. It is important to use extreme caution when near the oven, and not to allow children or pets near the area.

Due to the odor that can be omitted by the clean cycle, it may be unpleasant to try to cook at the same time, so it may be a better option to order takeout for the night. The multi-tasking may not be worth the hassle!

Some people may assume they simply get their oven dropped off at home, magically installed, and ready to go. Unfortunately, unless you can afford this type of service, it requires a lot more than this.

It is essential that you thoroughly burn-in and clean your new oven prior to using it. Burning-in an oven primarily involves heating your oven to very high heat and permitting it time to burn-off chemicals. This may sound simple, but it requires attentiveness and precaution. 

Before you go and turn your oven on to maximum heat, make sure you know what to expect. You should always thoroughly inspect your oven when it is delivered and wipe it down before you start the burn-in.

Want to know more? Keep reading the 8 things to do for your oven’s first use. 

1.Unpack Your New Oven 

One of the first things you should always do with any new oven is to make sure it’s properly unpackaged. To properly unpackage your new oven make sure you check every crevice for a plastic-wrapped piece. There will probably be small replacement packs of screws or other small pieces you may need. 

Manufacturers tend to add bits of plastic and plastic wrap to their ovens for protection, especially small parts or delicate pieces. You will likely find bubble wrap or another protective wrapping over these parts.

In electric ovens, the heat racks tend to have a plastic cover. Make sure you remove this carefully to avoid dislocating it from the oven. These are delicate so be sure to handle them with care! 

2.Remove Twist Ties 

Ovens are sometimes held shut with plastic or metal twist ties. These twist ties primarily serve to hold some parts in place during shipment. 

To remove these make sure you check the corners of the oven. Once you figure out where they are, gently start to untwist them. Be careful if you choose to use scissors or knives. 

Ovens sometimes have a protective coating to prevent rusting. Similar somewhat to a non-stick coating on a pan, if you scratch it with a metal tool it can rust. 

3. Check for Any Damage

Before installing your oven check any wiring or pipes to ensure they are not damaged. Unfortunately, there is no way to fully check the oven until you are able to unwrap it and install it. Some delivery services also provide the installation for an added fee. 

But, first we will see what to look for if you’re going to “DIY” your oven installation. Then we will see what to look for after your oven is installed and you can turn it on. 

When you just unpackaged your oven, check the exterior for any signs of poor handling or damage while shipping. External signs of damage include things such as scratches, dents, or stains on the exterior. If you see these issues you may want to contact the store or manufacturer you purchased it from. 

After you give your oven a quick check, double-check all the parts and fixtures. Make sure these fixtures are not damaged or loose. In particular, pay attention to the heating element in an electrical oven. 

The heating elements need to be solidly attached to the walls of the oven (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer). For a gas oven, make sure the igniter is not loose or damaged.

Also, check to ensure the interior is not scratched or damaged. 

On a gas oven, you should also check the stovetop to ensure it is not damaged. It can be a little more difficult to find the damage on an electric stovetop, but for a gas stove, the igniters should not wobble. Unless it is specified by the manufacturer. 

4. How to Clean Your New Oven 

Once your inspection is complete and you’ve removed all of the packaging material, you should clean your oven. For the first cleaning, do not use harsh oven cleaning agents. These require that your oven be heated in order to cut through baked-on grease. 

The best way to clean your new oven is to wash it in hot soapy water. Alternatively, you can wash it with an apple cider vinegar and baking soda blend. 

You may be wondering why you should wash a brand new oven? The purpose of this first wash is to loosen any dirt or dust which has collected within the oven. This will not remove the chemical coating within the oven.

Every new oven has a chemical coating on the inside. This coating is toxic and was intended to protect the interior after the oven is manufactured. The interior cleaning helps remove some of the “new oven” smell. 

Some people prefer to use vinegar (apple cider vinegar typically) and baking soda mixture to clean their oven. This is diluted in water and it can be helpful if you have a lot of trouble getting rid of the scent of a new oven. 

Cleaning your new oven is not too difficult and is essentially wiping down the interior. Since it hasn’t been used yet, you don’t need to remove any burnt food so you won’t need to scrub it.

For an electric oven try to avoid using too much water on the electric heating coils. 

5. What Does it Mean to Burn-in Your Oven? 

The most important part of using your oven the first time is to properly burn it in. To burn in your oven means to heat the interior to high heat and have the chemical coating on the inside burn off. This chemical compound is usually composed of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde. 

Some brands use a protective sealant which must be burned-off before use as well. If you cook food in an oven that has not been properly burned-in then you risk getting this in your food. 

The method is similar to how you might clean an oven, minus the cleaner. Some ovens have a setting, especially for this.

But, the general method is simply heating your oven to remove this oil coating. Do not use the self-cleaning setting on your oven, unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer. 

As a general rule you should do this until you no longer smell the strong chemical scent from the oven. This could take several attempts. However, you can assist the oven by adding certain cleaning agents, which we will delve into shortly. 

6. Why is it Important to Burn in a New Oven?

Burning in a new oven protects you and your family from consuming harmful chemicals. If you do not burn-in your new oven you run the risk of getting this in your food. If you make the mistake of starting to bake food in the oven before burning it in, throw the food away. 

People can get very sick from these chemicals, even if they consume them in their food. These chemicals have been known to kill small animals and birds when consumed at this quantity. So make sure you do not skip this step!

These chemicals can be a leftover residue from the manufacturing process. Or, they are sometimes added to protect the oven during storage and shipping. But, they are never intended to remain in the oven when you use them to bake or cook. 

If you forget to do this you will most likely immediately know as soon as your oven heats to a certain temperature. If you are curious what it smells like it depends on what chemicals the manufacturer used. But, as a rule, if you smell a strong chemical scent when turning on your oven, you should not use it to bake yet. 

7. How to Burn in Your New Oven

To properly burn-in your new oven you should turn the temperature up to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, turn the heat up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, do not use the self-cleaning method. 

Rather, just use the normal heating method of your oven. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature you should leave it to burn off the chemicals for at least 30 minutes. 

When you turn on your oven you should immediately notice the temperature changes within the first few minutes. If you notice the smell of gas, it could mean your gas was not connected correctly. Or, it may mean there is a leak someplace in your oven. 

If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the oven immediately. If you know how to disconnect the gas from your oven and get help. 

For an electric oven, you should notice the heating coils becoming an orange-red color. If you do not see them starting to warm up within the first few minutes, it might mean the coils are disconnected. Check to ensure your electricity is working and is connected properly. If it persists, contact the manufacturer. 

While your oven is burning off, make sure you have proper ventilation. Once the oven is fully heated, you may want to crack the oven door to let out some of the fumes. Ventilation is very important during this phase. 

If you do not properly ventilate your home, you could run the risk of poisoning yourself, your family, or your pets. To ensure proper ventilation, open any windows you can and turn on an overhead vent if you have one. If not, turn on fans and allow them to circulate the air. 

If you have pets or small children keep them away from the oven and kitchen. Keep pets outside or in a separate room. For children, if they are too young to be alone, you may want to have someone you trust to take them out for the day. 

8. What to do After the Burn-in? 

Once your 30-50 minutes have passed, your oven should be thoroughly burned-in. The best way to ensure the burn-in is complete is to allow your house time to air out and attempt to turn it on again. Allow it some time to warm up and see if the scent is gone. If your oven is no longer generating that smell, your burn-in was successful. 

If you continue to smell the chemical scent after your burn-in you may need to employ a few tricks. One of the best ways to assist your oven with this process is to put an oven-safe bowl filled with water in your oven. 

This creates a humid atmosphere in your oven due to the water vapors. The vapors will help to loosen the oils and remove them from your oven. If you want to be creative, you can try adding lemon juice to the water as well.

Some people like to do this as a way to get rid of the scent. Just make sure you are properly burning-in your oven and not simply masking the scent. There is no need to clean your oven after the burn-in is complete. 

The oven will heat the chemical oils to a very high heat and remove them from the interior of the oven. As long as you no longer smell strong chemical or paint scents, you should be good to start using your oven. 

You should not put a pizza box in an oven. It’s made of various grades of cartons and dyes, and it may catch fire at a specific temperature, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, you may end up with a charred pizza or risk burning your kitchen down. 

What if you lower the temperature below 400 degrees Fahrenheit? The chemicals infused in the cardboard may be released into your food, so it’s still not safe.

Let’s find out more about how you can reheat your pizza safely.

Is It Safe To Put a Pizza Box In the Oven?

No, it’s not a good idea.

The first reason is that the pizza box is prone to catching fire. The second is the chemicals that may bleed into the pizza you’re about to eat. This is due to the substance that makes up the cardboard pizza box.

This pizza box consists of three layers of corrugated cardboard. Using three layers of cardboard is intentional since it helps incubate the pizza and keep it warm for as long as possible.

The box also contains strategically placed openings to allow airflow to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy due to the heat it produces. In a way, this ventilation also contributes to the pizza’s freshness by lowering the risk of food poisoning.

The box also has branding details with colors and pictures on top. All of these colors may seep into your meal as the box heats up, posing the danger of contamination.

There is also another danger when the cardboard has any plastic or metallic parts. Plastic melts and metal parts can cause burns if you touch them.

What Temperature Can a Pizza Box Handle In the Oven? 

In low temperatures below 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a pizza box may be in a safe zone. You’re more likely to spark a fire if you go any higher. The cause of the combustion is not the cardboard itself but the oil used in making the pizza. The oil acts as the fuel to start the fire.

Aside from the risk of fire, there is the threat of the cardboard constituents activating and evaporating to mix with the meal; the temperature is unknown because these elements consist of varied materials with different dissipation speeds. The anti-grease layer is the first one to start disintegrating first on heating.

However, a pizza box can be kept safe at temperatures below 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, you should avoid placing it in the oven because we don’t know how quickly the dyes and other cardboard ingredients may evaporate.

How To Reheat a Pizza Box In the Oven Safely 

The best alternative you have to reheat your delicious pizza is using a pizza stone or aluminum foil. However, if you must use a pizza box, this is how you do it.

First and foremost, suppose your oven has no temperature settings; you are better off using the two options above. But if it does, you may proceed.

1. Set the temperature in the range of 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Preheat the oven for about ten minutes.
3. Place your pizza inside the pre-heated oven and set the time to a maximum of 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the pizza box and eat.

The pizza cheese topping will form bubbles by that time, and the crust will have a brown hue. That is how you know that your pizza is ready.

All in all, here are a few tips that will help you get the best out of this experience:

• Always preheat the oven.

• Set a low temperature.

• Use a closed oven.

• Never leave your pizza in the oven past 30 minutes.

• Ensure that the pizza inside the box is substantial, not less than half.

• If you can, use alternative methods.

Reheating a Pizza On a Pizza Stone

A pizza stone is the best way to reheat a pizza as it may not cause a fire. You’ll also not worry about pollutants contaminating your delicacy. 

Pizza stones are preferred because they keep the pizza dough’s integrity—it does not become crispier or soggy. 

The stone is frequently porous, allowing the crust to warm up evenly. Even after you take it out of the oven, the pizza will stay warm for a while since the stone takes longer to lose heat.

Here is how you heat your pizza using a pizza stone:

1. Heat your pizza stone by placing it in the oven and turning it up to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Let the pizza stone heat up for about 20-30 minutes before putting in the pizza.
3. Place your pizza on the stone and switch off the oven.
4. Let it warm up in the oven for a while, and then remove it once you see some bubbles forming on the pizza.

Perhaps the only downside when using a pizza stone is that you need to have about an hour for the entire process. The warming of the stone alone takes half an hour, so the other half would be left to warm the pizza. 

But since you are not cooking the pizza any longer, it’s quite okay if you are not in a hurry. If you are, use the following method.

Reheating a Pizza in Aluminum Foil

Reheating pizza using aluminum foil is best if the pizza is completely cold such as frozen pizza. The other great thing about using foil is that it can keep your pizza warm for even three hours past the warming time. You just have to keep the foil closed. 

The foil’s reflective surface keeps the heat trapped inside; thus, the pizza slices remain warm for long.

Here is the process you may use to heat your pizza using foil:

1. Start by heating the oven to up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. As the oven heats, wrap the pizza slices in aluminum wrap. It’s best to wrap the slices individually. Nevertheless, when you place a pizza as a whole, ensure ample space between the slices. You shouldn’t stack them as the cheese from one piece will bind with the other slice creating a pizza sandwich.
3. Place your pizza pieces into the oven.
4. Bake them for around 10 minutes and remove them when you notice bubbling of the cheese.

If you keep the pizza slices within the foil wrappings, they can stay warm for up to 3 hours.

On the flip side, the main issue with using foil is that it cooks the crust a bit, getting a bit crispier. So if you don’t mind your pizza a little bit overcooked, then this is not an issue.

Can You Reheat a Pizza In the Microwave?

Yes, you can reheat pizza in a microwave. But if you do not want the taste and texture of your pizza compromised, then microwaving your pizza might not be ideal. It is, however, a fast method that will have you enjoy a slice in under a minute.

Another downside of using a microwave to reheat your pizza is that it makes the crust soggy. But there is a hack that has worked for a few people.

Place a glass of water in a microwave-safe glass beside your pizza slice. Then proceed to heat it for 45 seconds. The results should be a firm crust and uncompromised toppings, just as it was delivered the previous day.

You should never place aluminum foil inside a microwave, as it is a potential fire hazard.

Ideally, using an oven is the best option, but suppose you live in a dorm with no oven—you can use the glass water hack to reheat pizza in a microwave and enjoy it warm.

Final Thought

It’s simply not a good idea to put a pizza box in the oven. There’s a risk of a fire breaking out, and then there’s the risk of the cardboard chemical components leaking into the pizza.

Using aluminum foil and a pizza stone are safer solutions. They are both secure and straightforward ways to reheat a pizza.

If you insist on placing the box in an oven, keep the temperature below 150 degrees Fahrenheit and never above 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, never put the box in the oven for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Microwaving is another simple option. Place a glass of water next to the slice as it heats up to keep the crust crisp.

With that, you now have three options for reheating your pizzas and enjoying them hot and fresh.