When using the oven for the first time, set the temperature to the highest setting and select the upper and lower heating elements (if applicable). Leave the oven door open and let it bake empty for 15-20 minutes. The heating elements have a protective oil layer; it's normal to smell a burnt odor or seep smoke during the first use.
Oven preheating means that the oven must be preheated to the specified temperature before baking any food to ensure the baking time matches the recipe. Preheat the oven for 5-10 minutes!
Whether or not you can open the oven door while it's working depends on the food you're baking. Except for cakes, cream puffs, and other foods where opening the door significantly impacts the baking process, you can generally open the oven door, but not too frequently. (Be careful of burns when the temperature is too high.)
Rotating the baking tray during baking ensures more even heating and prevents burning or undercooking. When baking cakes, bread, muffins, etc., rotate the baking tray 90° after half the baking time has elapsed. When baking cookies, if there are baking trays on several racks in the oven, swap the positions of the upper and lower trays. The baking pan for stews should be rotated once during baking to ensure even distribution of the sauce.
After using the oven, clean it promptly to prevent the accumulation of grease and food residue, which can affect the oven's performance and hygiene. Wipe the oven interior with a damp cloth or sponge, clean the heating elements with a brush, and dry the exterior with a cloth. For stubborn stains inside the oven, spray white vinegar or lemon juice on the stains, then heat the oven to soften the stains before wiping.
