Kitchens are in a constant cycle of cleaning. Even if you keep yours relatively tidy, the simple act of cooking introduces mess again. It’s tempting to find workarounds to help make cleaning up a little easier, especially in areas that are particularly tough to clean, like the inside of the oven.
When you’re making a dish that’s known to be messy, you may think it’s a good idea to line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil to catch things like melted cheese dripping from a full lasagna pan, overflowing pie filling, or grease splattering from a roast. But appliance manufacturers commonly warn against this practice.
Why You Should Not Line Your Oven With Aluminum Foil
Both aluminum foil brands such as Reynolds and appliance manufacturers such as GE Appliances warn against lining the bottom of an oven with aluminum foil. There are several reasons for this.
First, aluminum foil lining the bottom of an oven can trap heat, whether you have an electric or gas oven. That trapped heat can affect the oven’s performance, causing uneven temperatures, and potentially damage the oven’s interior. It can also create safety hazards, including the risk of fire.
Additionally, in gas ovens, covering the bottom with aluminum foil can block vents that allow air to circulate. Along with the other risks noted above, blocked vents can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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How to Safely Use Aluminum Foil
While lining the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil is never advisable, there is a safe way to use it to catch spills and drips. According to GE, you can place foil on a lower rack beneath your dish, provided you leave 1 1/2 inches of space between the foil and the oven walls to allow heat to circulate. If you want to use aluminum foil to catch spills, make sure the piece you’re using is slightly larger than the dish or pan you’re cooking in.
Before using aluminum foil or a silicone oven liner, it’s always best to check your oven manufacturer’s instructions for guidance specific to your appliance.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes