Kitchen space is always tight, and we’ll squeeze what we can into every drawer, cupboard, and crevice that we have. But are you guilty of taking it a step too far and turning your oven into another makeshift storage space?
The oven is a big, empty space, and it’s all too tempting to take advantage of it when it’s out of action, especially with items that are designed to withstand such temperatures anyway, so what’s the harm? But there are three reasons why you should avoid doing this, according to an expert.
The problem here isn’t with leaving items in the oven when it’s not in use; it’s forgetting about them when you start using it, or intentionally leaving a tray or tin at the bottom (it can handle the heat, right?).
Here’s why you need to break this habit, and the one thing that belongs in the oven instead.
Why is it bad to store extra trays in the oven?
Your oven struggles
According to AO.com’s appliance expert, Jade Golding-Gault: “If items, such as baking trays or pans, are left inside the oven when it’s in use, they can restrict airflow and prevent heat from circulating as efficiently around the space. This can affect your oven’s cooking performance, potentially leading to uneven cooking results and causing it to work harder than it should really have to.”
Depending on the size and location of the extra item in your oven, as well as the setting you’ve chosen, it will impact the overall heat distribution. For instance, if you’re using the fan setting, a large pan on the floor of the oven will block the current from circulating. If you’re using the conventional setting, a tray on the lowest shelf will absorb much of the heat from beneath.
Higher energy bills
Your oven will have to work harder to cook things as a result, which means your energy bills will be higher. After all, the longer your oven runs, the higher the energy output. This won’t be much in the short term, but it will add up over time.
According to Go Compare, a 2,000W electric oven costs 53p per hour while in use, or £192.36 per year. Considering this, if your oven takes an extra 10 minutes to cook per hour, that adds another £30 to your energy bill over the year.
Wear and tear
Then there’s the impact on your oven to think about. The harder it works, the more chance of breakdowns and expensive repairs. If whatever’s stored in there is partially blocking the fan, that makes components more likely to overheat too.
Jade says: “Regularly filling the oven with items can place additional demand on components such as the heating elements and fan system in fan-assisted models, as they’re working for longer periods to bring the cavity up to temperature and maintain consistent heat distribution.”
Whatever’s being moved in and out of the oven (or just sitting there and continuously enduring the heat) will see wear and tear, too.
“There’s also the potential for damage to the cookware itself,” continues Jade. “Trays, pans, and baking tins that are repeatedly heated unintentionally can become discolored or degraded over time, particularly if they’re not designed to withstand prolonged high temperatures.
“One of the most common risks is simply forgetting what’s stored in the oven before switching it on. Non-oven-safe items, cookware with plastic or rubber handles, food packaging, or other household items can melt or become damaged when exposed to heat, and in some cases may create a fire risk.”
Verdict
Golding-Gault says: “At a time when many households are watching their spending, it’s worth paying attention to the small habits that can help keep appliances running efficiently. Keeping your oven clear, regularly maintained, and free from unnecessary wear and tear can help it perform at its best for longer.
“While using your oven as extra storage might seem convenient, ensuring it’s empty before use is a simple step that can help avoid costly mistakes down the line.”
So leaving trays, pans, and tins in the oven impacts its performance and encourages wear and tear. Even if you make every effort to remove the items before you touch the dial, you’re likely to accidentally forget what’s being stored in there at one time or another.
It’s worth decluttering your kitchen and finding each item a permanent home, so you won’t have to keep moving it around. Your oven and your trays will be better off for it!
What should you keep in your oven?
The reason some of us keep a spare tray in the oven is to make cleaning easier—it protects the floor from spills and splatters. But as Golding-Gault says, you shouldn’t leave trays on the floor of the oven.
The one thing that is good to keep in your oven, and can go on the floor, is a reusable oven liner. These collect any residue that spits and drips down and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Just double-check it’s compatible with your oven before using, and replace as often as required (they usually only last for six months or so—check with the brand to confirm). Always replace if you notice warping or damage.
As the Household Advice Editor, Katie looks after all things cleaning and decluttering. She started out as a Junior Tester in the Good Housekeeping Institute 10 years ago, so she’s tested plenty of appliances in her time too, including dishwashers and washing machines. Nowadays, she focuses on keeping our cleaning content up to date and accurate, testing relevant products and learning about the latest methods and trends along the way.
