GUIDE TO THE PARTS OF AN OVEN
Whether it’s oven racks, baking elements or convection fans, your oven is composed of many parts that work in unison to facilitate your creativity. In this oven parts guide you will learn about the most important components of your oven, as well as how to care for your appliance and obtain replacement parts.
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF AN OVEN CALLED?
Understanding the names and parts of your oven is useful knowledge for every home cook. Consult the diagram below when identifying the parts of your oven.
1. OVEN DOOR
The oven door is the gateway to the cooking process. No matter what type of oven you own, using your model will begin and end the same way: by opening the oven door.
2. OVEN RACK
Oven racks are essential for placing your food to be baked, broiled or roasted. With the ability to shift or readjust prior to heating, the positioning of oven racks can affect the way your foods cook.
3. OVEN LIGHT BULB
Oven light bulbs are often located near the top of your model and provide light inside your oven, allowing you to track the cooking process. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for changing your oven’s light bulb and the necessary wattage.
4. WARMING DRAWER
Available in select models, warming drawers are helpful when you are cooking from multiple recipes at once and want to keep completed dishes warm. Some KitchenAid warming drawers come with a slow-cook option that aids your cooking process.
5. BAKE ELEMENT
One of the essential components of your oven, the baking element provides heating for most of your oven processes. If you suspect that your baking element might have gone bad, contact a professional for inspection.
6. CONVECTION FAN
If your oven model can cook with convection, it will carry a fan that circulates hot air throughout the appliance. The circulating air combined with a third heating element helps reduce moisture on the outside of food to promote browning, caramelization and crispiness.
7. BROIL ELEMENT
Situated at the top of your oven, the broil element generates high temperatures to broil the top of your food. This element is useful when cooking thin meats like fish or chicken.
8. FAN BLADE
The fan blade is part of the convection system and helps push warm air to more evenly distribute air. If the fan blade is not spinning, you may not be able to heat via convection.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTRIC OVEN PARTS AND GAS OVEN PARTS?
The main difference between electric oven parts and gas oven parts lies in their heating elements. Gas ovens carry igniters that light their fuel source (either natural gas or propane) in order to heat the oven. Gas ovens also release a bit of moisture into the air, which can typically make them better for baking pastries.
Electric ovens, on the other hand, come with heating elements that are powered by electricity. Additionally, because no moisture is released, electric ovens can help roasted foods crisp.
WHAT IS THE BOTTOM ELEMENT IN AN OVEN CALLED?
The bottom element in your oven is called the baking element and is most responsible for heating your oven. Many of the cooking techniques you can achieve with your oven originate with the baking element.
WHAT IS THE HOTTEST PART OF THE OVEN?
The hottest parts of your oven are typically located near the active heating elements on the top or bottom. If you’re using both, the top of your oven will usually be hotter than the bottom as heat rises. This is one reason why placing your food in the center of your oven is best for all-over heat .
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN AND CARE FOR MY OVEN?
Maintaining and caring for your oven begins with proper cleaning. This means using mild solutions like dish soap or vinegar to clean the oven door, the inside of your oven cavity and the surface.
Additional options include utilizing self-cleaning and steam ovens. KitchenAid® self-cleaning ovens employ immense heat to burn off built-up residue and grease. Steam clean ovens use heat and water to soften debris for cleaning as opposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures, which can cause smoke.
WHERE CAN I GET REPLACEMENT OVEN PARTS?
If your oven is not heating properly or your model is displaying an error message, you may need to replace certain oven parts. Acquire genuine oven part replacements through the KitchenAid® website. Always consult your owner's manual to see if you can first troubleshoot issues at home. If you do need a replacement part, consult with a professional to ensure you’re purchasing the right one. Some parts will also require professional installation.
SHOP KITCHENAID® OVENS
Your culinary passions and recipe variations require powerful appliances to bring them to life. Whether you’re looking for a single, double or combination model, KitchenAid® ovens have exceptional innovations and capabilities like Even-Heat™ technology on select models to deploy a variety of cooking techniques and amplify your making.
