Kitchen Hacks: 3 Tips for Using Your Cooking Range 

Cooking ranges are the heart of the kitchen. They handle everything from quick weekday meals to elaborate feasts. But are you really making the most of yours? 

Here are three easy hacks to get the best out of your cooking range.  

Keep It Clean the Easy Way

Nobody likes scrubbing burnt food off their stovetop, so why not stop the mess before it happens? A few simple tricks can make cleanup a whole lot easier.  

*Use oven liners or foil. Place a baking sheet, silicone liner, or aluminum foil at the bottom of your oven to catch drips and spills. Just make sure you’re not covering the oven vents!  

*Protect your stovetop. For gas burners, removable liners or simple foil covers under the grates make cleanup a breeze. If you have an electric or induction stovetop, wiping spills immediately with a damp cloth prevents them from hardening.  

*Preheat before cleaning. If your stove top is covered in grease or stubborn stains, turn the burners on low for a minute, then turn them off. The slight warmth will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away. Just don’t let it get too hot—you don’t want to burn yourself!  

*Use baking soda and vinegar. These two kitchen staples work wonders for cleaning. Sprinkle baking soda over tough stains, spray vinegar on top, let it fizz for a few minutes, then wipe clean.  

Use the Right Burner for the Job

Ever notice how some meals take longer to cook than they should? It might not be your recipe—it could be your burner choice! Matching your pots and pans to the right burner makes a big difference.  

*Large pots go on large burners. If you’re boiling water or cooking something that needs high heat, use the biggest burner for efficiency.  

*Small burners are for delicate foods. Simmering sauces, melting chocolate, or cooking delicate foods? A smaller burner keeps the heat lower and more controlled.  

*Take advantage of residual heat. If you have an electric stovetop, the burner stays hot even after you turn it off. Use that leftover heat to finish cooking or keep food warm without using extra energy.  

This little trick can also help you save money on your energy bill.  

Master Your Oven’s Hot Spots

Think your oven bakes evenly? Think again! Most ovens have hot and cold spots, which can lead to uneven cooking. But don’t worry—there’s an easy way to figure out where your oven’s hottest areas are.  

1. Take a baking sheet and line it with slices of bread.  

2. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for a few minutes.  

3. Check which slices brown faster—that’s where your oven runs hottest!  

With these simple tricks, your cooking range will work better for you, making meal prep easier, faster, and way less messy. Now, what’s for dinner?