How to Safely Use the Oven

A guide for kids on how to operate the kitchen oven safely and confidently with adult supervision. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Ask for permission. Before you touch any dials, check with a grown-up to make sure it is okay to use the oven. They must be in the kitchen with you whenever the oven is turned on.
2. Check the oven interior. Open the oven door and look inside. Ensure it is empty and clean. If there are pans or racks that shouldn't be there, ask your grown-up to help you move them.
3. Set the temperature. Turn the oven dial to the temperature required by your recipe. You might see a light turn on or hear a hum; this means the oven is beginning to heat up.
4. Use your mitts. Whenever you put food in or take it out, put on your oven mitts first. Make sure they are dry, as wet mitts can transfer heat quickly and cause burns.
5. Set your timer. Set a timer for the amount of time listed in your recipe. When the timer goes off, ask your grown-up to help you check if the food is finished.