With Christmas Day fast approaching, a DIY expert has issued a crucial warning to households across the UK: test your oven's rarely used functions now or risk a festive feast fiasco.
The Simple Pre-Christmas Check You Must Do
The warning comes from a savvy TikTok user known as @fixitwithfraz, who boasts over 14,500 followers. He stresses that with many people cooking for larger groups than usual on December 25th, they will likely use parts of their oven or hob that have been neglected.
"Do this simple test that anyone can do while there's still time to get it sorted before Christmas," the expert advised. He explained that oven elements and rings can deteriorate over time, even if they are not frequently used. Simply switching them on briefly is not enough.
How to Properly Test Your Oven and Hob
The DIY guru recommends a thorough check. "Leave them on for a good 20 minutes, half an hour, because sometimes the problem can come when the elements get really hot," he said. This applies equally to your hob's rings. If you usually rely on the same one or two, fire up the others you plan to use for Christmas dinner to ensure they heat up correctly.
This proactive check, done in advance, allows time for repairs. As @fixitwithfraz noted, "It may even be something you can fix yourself."
A Step-by-Step Guide to Oven Testing
To ensure your oven is in full working order for the big day, follow this basic guide:
- Power/Gas: Verify the oven lights up or displays numbers (for electric models) and that the gas supply is turned on (for gas cookers).
- Preheat: Set the oven to a standard temperature like 175°C (350°F) and confirm it begins to heat. If your model has a preheat indicator light, it should turn off once the temperature is reached.
- Heat Accuracy: After 15-20 minutes of preheating, carefully place an oven thermometer inside. Leave it for another 20 minutes; the reading should be close to your set temperature.
Taking these simple steps in the days leading up to Christmas could be the difference between a smoothly cooked dinner and a last-minute kitchen emergency.
