Surprising Things Your Oven Can Do That You Didn’t Know About
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Your oven is the heart of your kitchen, but it’s not just for roasting, baking, or broiling. This versatile appliance is capable of much more than you might realize. Here are some surprising things your oven can do to simplify your life and elevate your culinary game.
1. Dehydrate Foods
If you love dried fruits, jerky, or homemade veggie chips, your oven can act as a dehydrator. Set your oven to a low temperature (around 140°F to 200°F), slice your food thinly, and lay it out on a baking sheet with a rack. The gentle heat will remove moisture over several hours, leaving you with perfectly dehydrated snacks.
2. Proof Dough
Many ovens have a "proof" setting, perfect for helping bread dough rise in a controlled, warm environment. If your oven doesn’t have this feature, you can create a similar effect by turning the oven light on or preheating it to the lowest setting, then turning it off before placing your dough inside.
3. Sterilize Jars and Tools
Planning to preserve jams or pickles? Your oven can help sterilize glass jars, lids, and utensils. Arrange the items on a baking tray and heat them at 225°F for 15-20 minutes. This method is faster and more effective than boiling.
4. Make Homemade Yogurt
You can use your oven as an incubator to make creamy, homemade yogurt. Mix warm milk with a yogurt starter, pour it into jars, and place them in an oven set to around 100°F. If your oven doesn’t go that low, preheat it slightly and turn it off, leaving just the oven light on for steady warmth.
5. Slow-Cook Meals
You don’t need a slow cooker to create tender stews or braised meats. Your oven can maintain a low, steady temperature (around 200°F to 250°F), making it ideal for slow-cooking hearty dishes over several hours.
6. Create Crispy Homemade Chips
Homemade chips don’t need a deep fryer. Use your oven for a healthier, mess-free version. Slice potatoes, sweet potatoes, or kale thinly, season them, and bake at 375°F until crispy. Rotate the tray for even cooking.
7. Cook in a Cast Iron Pan
Your oven is excellent for recipes that require even heat distribution, like frittatas or cornbread. Start cooking on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet, then transfer the pan to the oven to finish baking.
8. Make Natural Air Fresheners
Want your home to smell amazing without synthetic sprays? Use your oven! Simmer a mix of cinnamon sticks, orange peels, cloves, and water in a heatproof dish at 200°F. The warmth will release fragrant oils, making your kitchen smell cozy and inviting.
9. Revive Stale Chips or Crackers
Don’t toss out snacks that have gone soft. A quick 5-10 minute stint in a 300°F oven can restore their crunchiness. This works for crackers, chips, and even breadsticks.
10. Cook Two Dishes at Different Temperatures (With Convection)
If your oven has a convection setting, it can multitask by cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures. The fan circulates heat evenly, so you can bake cookies on one rack while roasting vegetables on another.
11. DIY Pizza Oven
Transform your oven into a gourmet pizza oven by using a pizza stone or steel. Preheat it to its highest setting for at least 30 minutes to achieve the crisp crust and gooey cheese you’d expect from a wood-fired oven.
12. Dry Herbs
Extend the life of your fresh herbs by drying them in your oven. Spread herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil on a baking sheet, and bake at the lowest temperature for 1-2 hours. Once dry, crumble and store them for future use.
13. Roast Coffee Beans
For the coffee enthusiast, roasting green coffee beans at home is easy with your oven. Spread the beans on a baking sheet and roast at 450°F, stirring frequently for an even roast. You’ll enjoy fresh, aromatic coffee with a personal touch.
14. Remove Candle Wax from Holders
Got a candle holder with stubborn wax residue? Place it on a baking tray and heat it in a 200°F oven for a few minutes. The wax will soften, making it easy to wipe clean.
15. Warm Plates Before Serving
Restaurants serve food on warm plates for a reason—it keeps your meal hot longer. You can do the same by placing plates in a 200°F oven for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Your oven is a versatile powerhouse with untapped potential. By exploring these lesser-known uses, you can save time, reduce waste, and make your kitchen routines more efficient. So, the next time you use your oven, think beyond the usual and let its hidden talents shine.
Image courtesy of Whirlpool, retrieved from their article 'How Do Ovens Work'