Should Ovens Get Hot On The Outside?

Due to high cooking temperatures, ovens are a great way to cook large quantities of food at once. But is it normal for the outside of your oven to be hot to the touch? Let's take a look to see if this is something to worry about.

If you have been using your oven for a long period of time, then it's common for the outside to be warm. The cooktop or glass on the oven door can be warm or even hot, but this is not necessarily a cause for concern. The heat that radiates from the oven is normal and is a result of the high cooking temperatures inside.

While it is normal for an oven to be hot on the outside, there are still precautions to take when cooking. In this article, we will discuss whether the outside of your oven being hot is something you should worry about. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about cooking with an oven, so read on!

Should Ovens Be Hot To The Touch?

Ovens have been around for centuries, and they are a staple in many kitchens. Whether it's cooking for a large group or batch cooking for the week, ovens are a convenient way to cook large quantities of food at once.

But should you be concerned if your oven is hot to the touch? The answer is no; it is normal for the top and front of your oven to be hot when in use, but there are some things you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, do not touch the glass on the oven door while it is in use. The outer glass can become extremely hot and cause burns. If you must open the door while the oven is on, use an oven mitt or towel to protect your hands.

In addition, be careful when reaching over the hot oven. The heat that radiates from the oven can cause burns, so make sure to keep children and pets away from the area. If possible, turn on the vent above the stove to help circulate the heat.

There are times when your oven may seem hotter on the outside than normal. Let's take a look at them below.

Cooking At High Temperatures

Some ovens can reach upwards of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). When cooking at such high temperatures, it's normal for the heat to radiate from the oven and make the outside hot to the touch.

So, if you're cooking something that requires a high temperature—like a pizza or roast—be aware that the outside of your oven will be hot. Take precautions when opening the door, and make sure to keep children and pets away from the area.

If your oven has a self-clean cycle, it will also get very hot on the outside. This is because the cycle raises the temperature inside the oven to clean it. During this cycle, do not touch the oven or open the door, as the heat can cause burns.

Using Broil Setting

Your oven has a broil setting that raises the temperature of the element at the top of the oven. This setting is typically used to brown or crisp food.

When using the broil setting, be aware that the top of your oven will be hot. The front and sides may also get warm if you have an electric oven.

Long Cooking Times

During the holidays, it's common to use your oven throughout the day. Food items such as turkeys and hams can take several hours to cook. As a result, your oven will be on for an extended period of time, which can make the outside hot to the touch.

Don't be alarmed if your oven is hot after cooking all day. When you are done, give your oven time to cool before children or pets are in the area.

Can An Oven Overheat?

While it is common for the outside of an oven to get hot, there are some cases where the heat can be excessive. If your oven seems hotter than it should be, you can use a heat-resistant oven thermometer.

Check if the internal temperature of the oven is the same as the setting on the control panel. If it is higher, then your oven may be overheating.

An overheating oven is commonly due to a faulty thermostat. If this is the case, you should unplug your oven and contact a qualified technician to fix it.

In some cases, an oven may overheat due to improper ventilation. If your kitchen doesn't have proper ventilation, the heat can build up and cause the oven to overheat. In this case, you should open a window or turn on a fan to help circulate the air.

Why Is The Back Of My Oven Hotter Than The Front?

If you find that the back of your oven is much hotter than the front, then don't panic. The back, sides, and front of an oven have metal panels that help to radiate the heat.

For example, if you place your food towards the back of the oven, the food will cook faster because it's closer to hotter temperatures. For even cooking, it's best to place your dish in the center of the oven.

So don't be alarmed if you find that the back of your oven is hotter than the front. It's simply due to the design of the oven.

Will An Oven Shut Itself Off If It Overheats?

Yes, most ovens are equipped with a safety feature that will shut the oven off if it overheats. This is to prevent any damage to the oven or your home.

As mentioned earlier, this could be due to a faulty thermostat. However, it could also be due to blocked vents. Make sure that your oven vents are not blocked by food or grease.

If your oven is due for a cleaning, then it may be time to use the self-clean cycle. As mentioned before, this cycle will raise the temperature inside the oven.

Nonetheless, you still need to ensure that the vents are clear and that there is proper ventilation in the kitchen.

Which Rack In The Oven Cooks Faster?

Since both the top and bottom of an oven have cooking elements, it's hard to say which one will cook faster. Some believe that since heat rises, the top rack will cook food faster.

You may also find that your dish will come out differently depending on which rack you use. For example, if you cook on the top rack, you may find that the top of the dish gets browned or crisped.

If you want to ensure even cooking, then it's best to use the middle rack. This way, your food will be exposed to an equal amount of heat from both the top and bottom.

How Long Does It Take For An Oven To Cool Down?

After using your oven, it will take time for the outside to cool down. With the door closed, you can expect it to take 45 minutes to two hours for the oven to cool completely.

To expedite the process, you can open the oven door after cooking. This will help to release the heat and speed up the cooling process.

While this is an average, keep in mind that the time it takes for an oven to cool down can vary. It depends on factors such as how long the oven was used, what temperature it was set at, the type of oven, and the size.

For example, if you have a large oven that you have had cooking at a high temperature for a long time, then it will take longer to cool down.

How Hot Does The Outside Of An Oven Get On Self-Clean?

Most ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that will raise the temperature inside the oven to clean it. The temperatures can range anywhere from 900 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

To prevent any damage, it's important that you remove any items from the oven before starting the cycle. This includes racks, pans, and foil.

You should also make sure that there is proper ventilation in the kitchen. The self-cleaning cycle will produce a lot of smoke and fumes.

So it's important that you open a window or turn on the exhaust fan to help circulate the air. After the cycle is complete, it will take time for the oven to cool down.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it's okay for your oven to be hot on the outside. In fact, it's expected! Just be sure to take proper safety precautions, such as using oven gloves and keeping kids and pets away from the oven.

If you're ever concerned about your oven, be sure to contact a certified technician. They will be able to diagnose and fix any problems that you may have.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

Do You Need To Flip Chicken In The Oven?

Should I Remove Cake From Oven Immediately?

How Long Does Oven Self-Clean Take?