Your Most-used Appliances: FAQ

Got a burning question (geddit?!) about your kitchen appliances? To help you out when you need it most, we’ve compiled this handy guide to the most-asked queries when it comes to ovens, microwaves, fridges – you name it.

So, next time you’re stuck for an answer, there’s no need to even Google it; just bookmark this guide and you’ll find everything you need right here. Read on…

How cool should your fridge freezer be?

We’ll start with one of the most-asked questions when it comes to appliances: how cool should your fridge or freezer be?

It’s constantly in use, which means your fridge freezer is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen. You might take it for granted now but if it packs in and stops working you’ll be stuck. So how cold should it be, exactly?

The fridge should be between 37°F(3°C) and 40°F (5°C) in temperature, while the ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C). If you allow the latter to get any hotter you could find that bacteria forms, while if the fridge gets any warmer your food is likely to go off.

Should I leave the oven door open when grilling food?

If you’re usually at a loss as to whether to leave the oven door open when grilling, read on.

Bear in mind that when you use your grill, the top elements in your oven turn on and in doing so your food is allowed to get hot. If the door is closed, then, heat has nowhere to escape which could mean your food heats up way too quickly. With that in mind, keep the door ajar or refer to your oven manual for tips specific to your appliance.

How does a self-cleaning oven work?

We covered self-cleaning ovens not too long ago here on the My Appliances blog and if you’re considering getting one, you might be wondering how they work.

It might seem like magic but it really isn’t – sorry! Using high temperatures of 500 degrees centigrade or more, self-cleaning ovens combine heat with the absence of oxygen. What this does is burn off any grease and spillages which have built up in your oven. Then, you simply clean up the ash that’s accumulated as a result – and voila!

How do I find the model number on my oven?

While we’re on the subject of ovens, here’s a question you might have asked yourself already: ‘how do I find the model number on my appliance?’ First, we’re going to tell you to get out more.

Joking aside though, you might need to know the answer to this one day – and it’s here.

Is eating food cooked in a microwave bad for you?

The short answer is ‘no’ but what you have to bear in mind is that food designed to be cooked in microwaves is rarely as healthy as it can be. But in terms of the cooking process, it isn’t unhealthy; food cooked in a microwave isn’t radioactive or contaminated and therefore it’s pretty safe to eat.

Got another question? You might find the answer here on our blog. Alternatively, feel free to post it on our Facebook page and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help.