How do ovens work?
Traditional ovens use gas or electricity to disperse heat within the oven cavity. Depending on rack placement and settings, ovens can apply direct heat to brown or crisp dishes, or apply more diffused heat for gently baking.
Whether making a quick batch of cookies or roasting chicken, ovens can make multitasking in the kitchen easier. Read on to learn how ovens keep your kitchen streamlined and prepared for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings and weekend brunch.
How do ovens heat up?
Conventional ovens use two separate heating elements to generate heat. The first is located on the bottom or floor of the oven, these can be visible, or hidden under the floor of your oven. Another heating element is on the top part of the oven cavity. These two elements transfer heat to cook the food. In a conventional oven, the dish closest to an active heating element cooks the fastest because there is no circulating air throughout the oven. Conventional ovens are what many people traditionally grew up using and still have in their homes today.
How do electric ovens work?
Electric ovens work by using metal heating elements to cook food from below (baking) or from above (broiling). Some broilers are located in a drawer or cavity below the oven, so it’s best to refer to your appliance guide if you’re not sure. These heating elements can be switched on and off to achieve consistent heat transfer and make it more responsive to changes in temperature settings, resulting in more precise temperature control.
How do gas ovens work?
Gas ovens produce radiant heat from gas-fueled burners inside the oven to heat food. Gas ovens typically generate heat using propane or natural gas, allowing for a highly responsive open flame cooktop.
How do convection ovens work?
Convection ovens are equipped with an integrated fan that helps circulate hot air evenly around food when you’re using multiple racks. The convect fan also helps decrease moisture levels within the oven cavity for improved browning and crisping results. Both gas and electric ovens offer convection capabilities.
What are oven uses for baking and cooking?
There are various ways to get the most out of your oven when baking or cooking. Broil steak and seasoned vegetables in a broiling pan or cast iron skillet, or bake a cake to satisfy your sweet tooth Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking a weeknight meal, ovens can help you prepare delicious food with ease. Here are some common uses for ovens:
- Roasting: Ovens are perfect for roasting meats, poultry, and vegetables, creating crispy exteriors and juicy interiors with minimal effort.
- Baking: Ovens are ideal for baking all kinds of sweet and savory dishes, including cakes, cookies, bread, and pies.
- Broiling: Broil larger cuts or bone-in meat, creating a crispy crust that locks in the moisture and flavor.
- Dehydrating: Some ovens can be used to dehydrate foods such as fruit, vegetables, and jerky.
- Grilling: Some ovens come with a grill function, allowing you to cook meat, fish, and vegetables just like you would on an outdoor grill.
- Air fry: Some ovens have an Air Fry setting that allows you to prepare traditionally deep-fried favorites like chicken, potatoes and even churros, all in your oven, using little to no oil.
Durable and dependable Maytag® ovens allow you to make large group meals with ease. Cook confidently with a broiler and warming option, and bake easily with adjustable rack placement to accommodate different recipes.
How does a broiler work?
Broilers heat from above at high temperatures to brown or crisp the top of the food. Ovens typically use temperatures between 400 - 550° F to broil in comparison to bake and roast settings, so it’s important to monitor closely. Ideal for color and crunch, this method helps to quickly cook delicate foods, like vegetables and fish without sogginess.
Shop Maytag® wall ovens & ranges
Maytag® ovens are designed to add a sense of dependability and durability to your kitchen for a streamlined cooking experience. Choose from double wall ovens, convection ovens and ranges with performance features like Power Preheat and Power™ Burners on select models for precise, even heat when preparing all your family’s meals.
