6 ways to extend the life of your stove

With regular care and a little bit of maintenance, you can add years to the life of your stove. There are so many advantages to looking after your home appliances well, especially the large ones which are not cheap to replace.

Oven cleaning

This dreaded task would top the list of least favourite jobs around the home for most people. However, as with every laborious disliked task, the rewards are there for those who bite the bullet and do it regularly. Fallon Solutions appliance technicians recommend that those who use the oven regularly, cleaning every few months will keep it in top condition.

Regular cleaning, whether it be self-cleaning or a manual clean, makes the job so much easier because large accumulations of baked-on grease are not allowed to build up. It also keeps strong cooking smells from tainting your baking. Anyone who strives to achieve the perfect pork crackling (and who doesn’t) knows the frustration of baking cakes that taste just a little bit off.

Cooktop maintenance

Cooktop spills can cause corrosion if left for long periods. Food left on the cooker can also harbour bacteria, and encourage insects such as cockroaches and ants. Make sure you wipe any spills as soon as the surface has cooled to keep your kitchen germ and pest free.

Remove elements, tray, and knobs weekly and give the cooktop a thorough clean with warm soapy water.

Check oven seals

Each time you use the oven, take a quick look at the ‘rubber’ seal to check for cracks, breaks or misshapen sections. Give the area around the seal a regular wipe to keep build-up away from the seal. If you notice a break, replace the seal immediately to avoid uneven cooking, overworking the oven, or scalding, burning or warping the surrounding cabinets.

Love cooking with gas?

Many people swear by the benefits of cooking using gas. Instant heat, quick temperature changes and high heat are just a few of the reasons countless home chefs prefer gas cooktops and ovens.

Keep your gas stove working well with a little regular maintenance.

• Remember to turn the gas off at the main valve and wait for the cooktop and oven to cool before carrying out any cleaning or maintenance.
• Remove each cooktop burner assembly one at a time and clean in warm soapy water to remove grease and debris
• Use a toothpick or similar small wooden implement to unblock the holes or slots in the burner head.
• Check the jet to ensure it is clear.
• Clear oven burners and jet where easily accessible.

Light it up

Accidents and spills are more likely if you can’t see what you’re doing in the oven. The light also allows you to see how the food is cooking without having to repeatedly take food in and out, this speeds up cooking times and prevents heat loss from the oven. Replace the oven light with a specialist bulb, suitable bulbs are available in most hardware and lighting stores.

Ceramic or induction cooktop care

Scratching is a major issue with ceramic or induction cooktops.

• Never use ceramic cookware or stoneware on the cooker, both can scratch the smooth top.
• Always lift pots to avoid scratching the surface and wipe away spills immediately to avoid burning between the cooktop and pan. Keep bottoms of pots clean of grease for this reason as well.
• Don’t rest very heavy items on the cooktop, this can cause cracking or shattering when it heats up.
• Use specialist cleaning products designed to remove food without scratching.
• Wipe off after every use.

Caring and cleaning the stove may not be the most enjoyable way to pass the time but it will save you money on stove repairs and ensure the appliance lasts many years to come.

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