Using the Ovens
Using the top oven
The top oven can be used in the same way as the main oven to cook a full range of dishes, however it is a secondary oven and there are some differences.
The top oven cavity is smaller in size and therefore better suited to smaller dishes and food portions. Please do not over load the oven or use cookware which is too large. Foods which rise will get better results when cooked in the main oven as will large dishes and joints of meat.
Ignition top oven
Push in and turn the main oven control knob anti clockwise to the ‘FULL ON’ position (gas mark 9). The ignition system will spark automatically. Push in the control knob to ignite the gas. The sparking will stop. If after 15 seconds, the burner has not lit, turn off the oven and leave the compartment door open. Wait at least one minute before a further attempt to ignite the burner.
Do not hold the control knob in for more than 15 seconds.
Turn the control knob clockwise to the required setting.
To turn off, return the control knob to the “off” position.
Preheating
Most cooking times given in recipes, or on convenience foods are based on a preheated oven.
Always preheat the top oven for at least 15 minutes if it is being used on it’s own. This will give the oven chance to maintain it’s optimum temperature.
To achieve the best results when cooking items which are chilled, frozen, yeast based, batters, souffles or sponges the oven must be preheated.
If the oven is not preheated before use, cooking times will need to be extended.
Zones of heat - top oven
The temperature at the top of the top oven corresponds with the Gas mark selected, and it is slightly cooler towards the bottom of the oven.
9