How to cook using a gas oven?

Posted by decentlyfair@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 22 comments

I can cook, been doing it over 45 years but cannot deal with the gas oven at all. There is no option to change it so I have to learn. Yes, I have an air fryer and utilise this a fair amount but sometimes I need to use the oven. Currently munching on spicy homemade potato wedges that are nicely done on the top and frankly a bit too dark on the bottoms. I did turn them and used a lower heat setting that I would have in my electric oven. So what is the knack for not burning stuff or how to use the oven correctly?

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22 Comments

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quite_acceptable_man@reddit

Gas mark 4, cook it until it's cooked.

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No_Doughnut3257@reddit

1. Get the oven up to temperature 2. Insert food 3. Wait 4. Profit??? Buy a thermometer to calibrate.

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mancqueen@reddit

Actually I find best way is to NOT preheat, just monitor. Get a nice fluffy inside and crispy outside for things like wedges 🤗, using gas all the time and I rarely preheat except stuff like pizza

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No_Doughnut3257@reddit

Op asked for how to use the oven correctly

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mancqueen@reddit

I was replying to a prior comment, not OP, simply suggesting not to preheat for better results…. so unsure how my comment is out of context to replying to a comment, and not preheating is valid advice sooooo 🤷‍♂️ anyway okay then, I shall scuttle off to a corner and stop saying owt based on one persons critique 👍

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decentlyfair@reddit (OP)

Didn’t know thermometers for ovens were a thing, will look into it.

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Alastair94@reddit

I was in a cooking shop today and they had some in. Not too expensive either on their website: https://www.procook.co.uk/product/procook-oven-thermometer-stainless-steel

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mellonians@reddit

You'll get the feeling for it and food does taste better. It's a nice wet heat. I went to a house once that had TWO inset gas ovens. I have not seen one before or since.

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chewmypaws@reddit

Every gas oven is different. Even the same model. Each will have hot spots and cool spots. You just have to get used to it and occasionally rotate whatever is in the oven. They're a bit like cooking on Aga in that there's a knack to them. I personally prefer a gas oven to an electric.

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decentlyfair@reddit (OP)

I would rip it out and replace it if that were an option, I hate it.

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chewmypaws@reddit

Lol yeah I get the frustration, we have an electric fan oven now and it does make life easier.

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decentlyfair@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately I can’t have an electric one otherwise it would be ripped out and launched.

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Immorals1@reddit

Regular rotation

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JurassicM4rc@reddit

I never rotated my gas oven. I kept it in the same position for years, always with its back to the wall.

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Dimac99@reddit

Whilst technically true, I never actually bother and things generally turn out fine. OP's oven might just run a wee bit hotter so turning it down a touch might be the way to go.

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Euphoric_Rough_5245@reddit

Maybe put greaseproof paper on the tray when you do wedges might be a bit of cushion and no direct heat. Not saying it will work but just a thought

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ResplendentBear@reddit

I've never noticed any difference, except electric ones take longer to get hot. Or at least used to, I think they're a lot faster these days. If anything gas ones should heat more evenly as they heat from the bottom. Anyway sorry you're having trouble.

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jimicus@reddit

The temperature varies depending on where the shelf is. You want it roughly in the middle for most purposes.

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decentlyfair@reddit (OP)

Yup that is the one I used

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jimicus@reddit

I'd suggest getting a digital thermometer with a probe that's rated for oven temperatures. Stick that in your oven and compare the temperature with what the gas mark should be. That will rule out any fault with the thermostat.

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CrossCityLine@reddit

Honestly every oven is different, you’ll just have to learn your hot and cold spots and rotate your food accordingly

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