In general, it is not recommended to place a baking tray directly on the very bottom of an electric oven for cooking. The bottom of the oven is typically the hottest part, and placing a baking tray directly on the oven floor can lead to several issues:
Uneven cooking: Placing the tray on the oven floor can result in uneven heating. The food on the tray may receive excessive heat from the bottom, leading to overcooking or even burning on the underside while the top remains undercooked.
Cleaning challenges: Food drippings or spills can fall directly onto the oven's heating elements or floor, causing smoke and potential unpleasant odors. Cleaning burnt food residue from the oven floor can be difficult and may even damage the heating elements.
Safety concerns: Placing a baking tray directly on the oven floor can obstruct proper airflow, potentially affecting the oven's performance and safety. Adequate airflow helps maintain an even temperature throughout the oven and ensures the heating elements operate efficiently.
Instead, it is best to use the oven racks provided with your electric oven. Most ovens come with adjustable racks that allow you to position the baking tray at different heights within the oven. For even cooking and better heat distribution:
- Place the baking tray on an oven rack, not directly on the oven floor.
- Use the middle or upper racks for baking to allow hot air to circulate around the food evenly.
- Leave some space between the baking tray and the oven walls to allow proper airflow.
If you need to catch drippings or prevent spills from reaching the oven floor, you can place a larger, shallow tray or a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to serve as a drip catcher. This way, you protect the oven from spills while still allowing proper airflow for even cooking.
Always refer to your oven's user manual for specific guidelines on rack placement and cooking recommendations to achieve the best results and ensure safe and efficient use of your electric oven.