I. Detailed Explanation of Basic Functions of the Oven

1. Heating Methods of the Oven

Modern ovens typically have two main heating methods: top heat and bottom heat. Top heat is mainly used for browning the surface of food, such as baking bread and pizza; bottom heat is used for cooking the bottom of food, suitable for baking cakes, cookies, and other items that require even heating.

In addition, many high-end ovens are equipped with convection fans that use circulating hot air to speed up the heating process, ensuring even cooking of food. Convection ovens are particularly suitable for roasting large quantities of food, such as whole chickens and meats.

2. Temperature Control Function

The temperature control function of the oven is one of its most important features. By precisely adjusting the temperature, you can set the appropriate temperature for baking or roasting food according to the needs of different ingredients. Typically, the temperature range of an oven is from 50°C to 250°C, with different temperatures suitable for different recipes. For example, low-temperature baking (around 100°C) is suitable for making slow-cooked dishes, while high temperatures (above 200°C) are suitable for making pizza or roasting meat.

3. Mode Selection of the Oven

Modern ovens not only have a single heating mode but also offer various cooking modes. Common modes include:

• Traditional mode: heating from top and bottom, suitable for basic baking.
• Convection mode: uses a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even heating of food, especially suitable for making cookies and baking bread.
• Grill mode: heats from the top, suitable for quickly roasting foods like meats and seafood.
• Fermentation mode: provides a stable temperature environment at low temperatures, suitable for making fermented foods like bread.

Understanding the function of each mode can help you choose the most suitable heating method based on different ingredients, ensuring that each dish achieves the desired effect.

II. Recipe Recommendations

Ovens can not only bake a variety of pastries and breads but also prepare various dishes including meats, vegetables, and fish. Next, we recommend a few oven dishes suitable for home cooking, which are simple and easy to learn, perfect for beginners.

1. Fragrant Baked Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken wings
• Olive oil, to taste
• Soy sauce, to taste
• Honey, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Minced garlic and ginger, to taste

Instructions:

Wash the chicken wings and drain the water, then place them in a bowl.

Add olive oil, soy sauce, honey, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger, mix well, and marinate for 30 minutes.

Place the marinated chicken wings on a baking tray, preheat the oven to 200°C, and bake for about 25 minutes, turning once during the process.

Bake until the surface is golden and crispy, then remove and serve.

2. Handmade Pizza

Ingredients:

1 portion of pizza dough

Tomato sauce, to taste

Mozzarella cheese, to taste

Toppings such as sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.

Instructions:

Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape and place it in a pizza pan, spreading tomato sauce evenly.

Sprinkle cheese on top and add toppings like sausage, green peppers, and mushrooms according to personal taste.

Preheat the oven to 220°C, place the pizza in the oven, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the surface is golden.

Remove and cut into slices to enjoy.

3. Roasted Vegetable Platter

Ingredients:

2 potatoes

2 carrots

Broccoli, to taste

Olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, to taste

Instructions:

Cut the potatoes and carrots into chunks, break the broccoli into small florets, and place them in a large bowl.

Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary, mix well, and place in a baking tray.

Preheat the oven to 180°C, bake for about 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned on the surface.

Remove and sprinkle with cheese or herbs, and serve immediately.

III. Cleaning the Oven

During regular use, ovens can easily accumulate grease, food residues, and smoke stains due to prolonged high-temperature heating. If not cleaned and maintained regularly, stains may harden, leading to uneven heating, unpleasant odors, and even affecting the lifespan of the oven. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Below are detailed tips for cleaning and maintaining the oven.

1. External Cleaning

The exterior of the oven is the area most prone to dust and grease accumulation during daily use, especially around the oven door and control panel. The method for external cleaning is relatively simple:

• Power off and cool down: Before cleaning, be sure to turn off the oven and let it cool to room temperature to avoid burns.
• Wipe with a damp cloth: Mix warm water with a neutral detergent, dampen a cloth, and wipe the exterior and control panel, especially around buttons and knobs. For stubborn stains, a specialized kitchen cleaner can be used.
• Avoid corrosive cleaners: Avoid using cleaners that contain strong acids or strong alkalis to prevent damage to the oven surface.
• Clean the glass door: If there are grease stains or spots on the oven door, you can use a glass cleaner spray, taking care to avoid scratching the surface while wiping.

2. Internal Cleaning

Cleaning the interior of the oven is relatively complex but is the most important part. Food residues and grease accumulation inside the oven can reduce heating efficiency and may affect the taste of the food.

• Natural cleaning method: Sprinkle some baking soda inside the oven, then spray a small amount of water to form a paste, and let it sit for a while (about 30 minutes). This process helps to soften and loosen the stains on the oven walls. Afterward, wipe with a damp cloth. Baking soda is a natural and mild cleaner suitable for cleaning most grease.
• Using vinegar water for cleaning: Vinegar is effective for removing grease and odors. Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio, place it in a spray bottle. Spray it on the oven walls and then wipe clean. Vinegar can remove grease inside the oven and eliminate food residue odors.
• Using oven cleaner: There are specialized oven cleaners available on the market, particularly effective for stubborn grease. Be sure to follow the instructions when using, ensuring the oven is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the cleaner's fumes.