When many people buy a new oven, have it fitted and turn it on for the first time to cook their first, triumphant dinner, they can sometimes be greeted by a particularly unpleasant smell emanating from the main chamber, sometimes joined by plumes of smoke.
This is typically a byproduct of the manufacturing process; to protect the inner workings of the oven whilst it is being put together, the parts are often coated with a film of oil or another protective chemical that is reacting to the heat.
This is normal, but it will almost certainly ruin any food you put in, so it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible, and the best way to do this is to burn it in as part of your first oven cleaning.
A burn-in in this case starts by removing any plastic from the inner chamber of the oven, including secure twist ties. Next wipe down the inside and the racks with a warm, soapy dishcloth to get rid of this coating as much as possible.
Most people do this step, and it is highly advised to clean your oven before you start cooking with it, or at least cooking any food you plan on eating. But to truly burn in your oven and be absolutely sure the coating is gone, here are the next steps to take.
Turn on the fan and open some windows to get as much ventilation as possible. It is also worth turning on the extractor fan in your kitchen as well.
Next, set the oven to at least 210 degrees Celsius, but many people set it as high as it will go.
Run it for at least half an hour for up to an hour, before turning it off and letting it cool.
If you still have the smell, repeat it another time until the smell goes away. After this, wait for the oven to cool completely and wash the inside with a soapy washcloth to ensure the coating is gone for good.