So, you’ve just invested in a shiny, new oven.
Maybe it’s a sleek wall oven with all the bells and whistles, or perhaps it’s a classic freestanding range that promises to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Whatever the case, that new oven is definitely the star of your kitchen now.
But now that you’ve unboxed it, installed it, and done the happy dance, what’s next?
Let’s take a moment to talk about what comes after the thrill of unwrapping your new oven. You’ve got all the cooking possibilities ahead, but before you dive into baking those cookies or roasting a chicken, there are a few things you should know to get the most out of your new kitchen appliance.
Step 1: Read the Manual (Yes, Really!)
Don’t just throw your manual in the trash or junk drawer. We get it. Manuals aren’t the most exciting read, but trust us, you’ll want to check out the one that came with your new oven.
Even if you’ve used ovens before, each one can be a little different.
Please at least skim through fo the important bolded sections with exclamation marks and warnings – just in case.
Whether it’s setting up preheat options, figuring out the convection settings, or understanding the self-cleaning function, the manual holds the secrets. Plus, you’ll avoid any “uh-oh” moments when you’re trying to use that fancy setting for the first time.
While you’re at it, take a moment to register your oven online for warranty purposes, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Step 2: Clean It Before You Cook
Before you throw that first pizza in, give your new oven a good cleaning.
Manufacturers often recommend running a quick self-clean cycle and wiping down the interior to remove any dust, oils, or residues from the production process. A simple wipe with a damp cloth or a gentle cleaner will do the trick, ensuring you start cooking in a fresh, clean oven.
This also prevents any strange smells from coming from the oven when you first turn it on. Trust us, the chemical smell from running that first self-clean cycle is proof enough that you need not skip this step.
Step 3: Test Out the New Oven (with food you are not serving guests)
You’ve got a new oven, and maybe it comes with some high-tech features you haven’t seen before. Convection bake, air fry, etc. Don’t just guess how they work—test them out.
Do a test dish to avoid disappointment in the learning curve.
Bake a small batch of cookies or assemble a simple dish to get familiar with things like the convection fan, different temperature modes, or the quick preheat function. Most modern ovens have several cooking modes, so take a moment to see how each one works, and adjust your recipes as needed.
Some ovens even let you bake two things at once with different temperatures—how cool is that?
You want to get familliar with these new settings before you decide to invite the in-laws over for dinner or you go to cook that dish you have been craving for weeks.
Step 4: Keep It Clean
Once your oven is up and running, it’s easy to forget about cleaning until things start looking a little grimy. While it’s tempting to go for a deep clean right after every meal, try to avoid overzealous scrubbing right away.
Say it with me: your oven is meant to be used, it will get dirty.
A simple wipe-down each week, while the oven is still a bit warm, should do the trick, but don’t get too caught up in a perfect shine. Use gentle cleaners to protect your oven’s surfaces and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Run the self-cleaning cycle on your oven once or twice a year, depending on how often you use it. Make sure you can open the windows in case there are any smells while the oven is burning off old baked on food residue.
Step 5: Celebrate With a Feast Before You Get Tired of Cooking Again
Since you have a new oven, cooking is going to be fun for awhile.
Take advantage of the “shiny new toy” feeling and celebrate with some really good food.
What better way to celebrate your new oven than by hosting a dinner party? Invite friends or family over to show off your culinary skills. It’s a great way to show off all the new features (which you tested beforehand), and you’ll get to share the joy of your new oven with others.
Plus, there’s no better way to unleash its true potential than by cooking a full meal for a crowd.
New oven, New Kitchen?
A new oven can completely transform the feel of your kitchen. Suddenly, that space you’ve been cooking in for years feels refreshed, modern, and ready for whatever culinary adventures lie ahead.
It’s like giving your kitchen a makeover without having to knock down walls or start from scratch.
The sleek look of a new oven, paired with its advanced features, creates an entirely different atmosphere. And with that fresh vibe, you might find yourself dreaming of more upgrades—like new cabinets to match the contemporary feel of your new oven.
But does the new oven look out of place?
If your cabinets are starting to feel a little outdated or mismatched with your shiny new appliance, now might be the perfect time to consider a kitchen update.
It’s a great idea to get new appliances before designing custom cabinets since cabinets can be made to fit around any appliance – and not the other way around.
Whether it’s a simple cabinet refresh with new finishes or a full redesign to complement your new oven’s sleekness, new cabinetry can elevate your kitchen and help create a seamless, stylish space.
A fresh set of cabinets can tie everything together, giving your kitchen a polished, cohesive look that makes cooking feel even more enjoyable.
