Blame it on the gas oven

New thing of today, blamed my undercooked chicken on the gas oven.

Yes that is a ridiculous "bun in the oven" costume, and no that doesn't mean we have a bun in the oven I just thought it was a funny photo to post with this blog.

Anyway, I finally figured out why I don't like using our oven - it doesn't work the way we're used to. It's a gas oven. Both husband and I grew up on electric ovens and stoves. When we moved, I was excited because we both like gas burners when frying. Plus I hear it's the superior way to cook.

Ever since we started using the gas burners - perfect and love cooking with it. The only downside is it's a bit more dangerous with spills and the open flame, but overall I like how quick and easy it is to heat and cool foods.

We've had nothing but issues with our gas oven. I made bread in it which turned out ok but not great. We've made chicken and every time the chicken comes out underdone and we have to either keep it in there much longer than expected, or cook it somewhere else. There was a tri-tip that was in there too long and came out over dry. I got an oven thermometer just to check and make sure I could monitor the temperature. It's still hard to use because we can't see it from the glass window. It's hard to control the temperature and keep it high and consistent. I also do not like how the heat comes out above the dials and it's hot when you try to change the settings or get something from the cabinet above.

When we got the place, the home inspector said that it's a small oven, and that we have to keep the door closed to keep the temperature consistent, but I do open it quite a bit to check on things. I also remember he did not like the oven, and perhaps recommended us getting a new one. Don't know for sure though.

Today I tried to bake chicken at 350 for an hour, and it was still underdone. So we stuck it in the toaster oven for 20 minutes and it cooked through properly. So odd how in our old electric ovens we never had issues, but with our gas oven we're having all sorts of issues. I'm almost sure it's because it's gas, or because there's something wrong with our oven.

Anyway the experiment continues. Next time I may just up the temperature and keep the door closed for meat. Also I may pre-heat a lot more, and I don't know, up the temperature if i'll be opening it a lot. Or we may get it checked out by a professional and we may get a new one.

I hate to blame the machine. I believe our food is a result of our own actions, but when you cook multiple times in a machine and it consistently does not perform the way you need it to, it's time to blame the machine. So this time, for the first time, I'm openly blaming the gas oven.

No idea what it is about the gas oven that the issue is. I'll try some different cooking methods before we look to really having someone come out and look at it or worst, pay for a new one. Saving, saving these days. I'm just sad that we got a funky oven and wish it was working well. Oh well, here's to our toaster oven. I may default to that for now.