While it may be tempting to simply plug the oven into a normal wall socket, it's generally not recommended. Electric ovens typically require a higher voltage and wattage and may need a special plug and a dedicated circuit for proper operation.
Electric ovens have a wattage rating that tells you how much power they use. For ovens under 3000 watts, it is perfectly acceptable to power them using a regular 13 amp plug and socket. In most cases (but not all, every home is different), this should mean any plug socket is fair game.
A single electric oven can normally be wired to a plug and plugged into a socket, if you have a dedicated circuit there already then this will need checking to ensure it can carry the load of the new oven.
There is a lot of factory dust and oils that you must burner off when you break in your brand new oven. Before actually using your oven, you're going to want to turn the oven on to 500oF and let it run for 1 hour. That should burn off anything coming from the factory which needs to be removed.
If the oven is a small plug-in model, you may be able to install it yourself. However, for built-in or hardwired ovens, you are legally required to hire a professional, such as a licensed electrician or gas plumber, to complete the installation safely and ensure warranty coverage.
Most modern ovens use more than 3kW of power and will therefore need a higher current than a standard British plug can provide. Electric ovens that need more than 13 amps of current will need to be hard-wired to your home's power supply. Hard wired cabling can often provide your oven with up to 45 amps of power.
In many cases, electric ovens require their own dedicated circuit. This means that the oven should not share a circuit with other appliances or outlets in the kitchen.
Preheat and Maintain: Set the oven to a relatively high temperature, around 200°C (400°F), and let it run empty for about an hour. This process helps burn off any manufacturing residues and odorous compounds. Cool Down: Allow the oven to cool down completely before cleaning the interior with a damp cloth.
Is the New Smell Dangerous? Odor and smoke when you turn on an oven for the first time is normal and not harmful. The best way to eliminate the smell is to run an empty cycle. It is recommended that you do not cook any food before this cycle as the smell and, potentially, the taste can stick with your food.
Today's free-standing electric stoves typically require a special 240-volt outlet to meet electricity needs. You cannot plug them into just any socket! Built-in stoves and some forms of electric cooktops require hardwiring to the electric system of the home to meet current building codes.
Others have cords that are plugged into electrical outlets. The clear difference between hardwired and plug-in products is obviously the fact that one gets hardwired into your home by an electrician and the other is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Before we dive into the details, let's address a common question: "Can I install an oven myself?" The short answer is, it's possible, but there are important factors to consider: Manufacturer guidelines: Some manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty.
Most electric ranges, ovens, and stoves in the U.S. require a special 220-volt outlet instead of a standard 110-volt outlet– meaning that you can't just plug your new electric range into any old outlet.
The longer an oven is left on, the greater the chance of an electrical malfunction leading to a fire, especially if it's left unattended. Ovens are designed to heat the small internal area where your food is cooked, not an entire room in your home.
To ensure your electric cooker is installed up to code, hire an electric cooker installer or a licensed electrician. Got an electric cooker that you suspect has been installed incorrectly? Turn the appliance off and contact a trusted tradesperson to check the installation of your oven.
Your new oven may smell like burnt plastic when you first turn it on due to chemicals and other protective coatings in your oven cavity being exposed to heat for the first time. The odor caused by the heating of new parts should dissipate after the first few uses.
Most manufacturers will tell you to heat your new oven to a high temp (think: about 400°F) for 30 minutes to help remove any residue from the surfaces inside the oven. Be sure to open the windows and run some fans — things will get smelly.
A small amount of smoke or odor from your new oven is not uncommon during the first few times the oven is used. This is caused by the heating of new parts, insulating materials, or the tape used in shipping. This is applicable to both gas and electric ovens. The smoke or odor should dissipate after the first few uses.
It's recommended that you not cook any food prior to a burn-in, as the smell (and potentially the taste) can stick with your food.
To preheat your oven, choose an oven setting such as “bake” or “broil” and use your oven's control panel to adjust to the correct temperature. Allow time for proper preheating, and avoid opening the door so the heat doesn't escape.
You'll typically need either a 16 Amp fuse for single, combi, or microwave ovens, or a 32 Amp fuse for double ovens. On the flip side, if your oven uses 3kW or less, you're in luck! All you'll need is a regular plug socket with a standard 13 Amp fuse.
So the short answer is yes, you do need an electrician to install an electric oven.
Do you need a special outlet for an electric stove? Electric stoves generate more power and typically operate at 250 volts, as opposed to standard 120 volts. Therefore, a 250-volt, 40-50 amp receptacle is generally required to plug in an electric stove with either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet.