Bought an OTG oven but don’t know where to start? Feeling confused with all the knobs and modes? You’re not alone! This guide shows how to use OTG oven in a simple, step-by-step way. From baking cakes to grilling paneer, making pizza, or even reheating roti – it’s all covered. Follow these steps, and you’ll cook like a pro in your own kitchen.
OTG Oven Parts & Accessories You Need
Before you start cooking, it’s important to know the main parts of your OTG oven and the accessories you’ll need.
OTG Oven Parts
Each part has a simple role. Learn it to use your OTG confidently.
- Temperature knob: Controls how hot the oven gets.
- Timer knob: Sets cooking time, max 90 minutes.
- Function selector: Choose Bake, Grill, Toast, or Convection.
- Top & bottom heating rods: Top for grilling, bottom for baking.
- Convection fan: Circulates hot air for even cooking.
- Door & glass: Keep hands safe; avoid touching hot surface.
- Indicator light: Shows when oven is heating.
OTG Accessories
These accessories make cooking easy and safe.
- Baking tray: Aluminium, silicone, or oven-safe glass.
- Wire rack: Place food at correct height.
- Crumb tray: Catches crumbs; keeps oven clean.
- Skewer rods/rotisserie: Grill paneer, chicken, or meat.
- Tongs & heatproof gloves: Remove hot trays safely.
How to Use OTG Oven for the First Time (Step-by-Step)
Starting with a new OTG oven can feel confusing. But if you follow a few simple steps, it becomes easy. These steps will help you clean, preheat, and use your OTG safely for the first time.
Step 1: First-Time Cleaning & Burn-Off
Before cooking, wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Remove dust or packaging residue. Then, run the oven empty at 180°C for 10 minutes. This removes any factory smell or minor smoke.
Step 2: Preheating – Ideal Time (10–15 Minutes) and Why It’s Important
Always preheat the oven before putting in food. Set the temperature according to your recipe. Preheating ensures your cakes bake evenly and food cooks properly. Avoid opening the door during this time.
Step 3: Rack Position Basics
Place the wire rack or baking tray in the correct slot. Middle rack is best for cakes, lower rack for reheating, top rack for grilling. Keep space around the tray so heat circulates evenly.
Step 4: Safety Tips for Indian Beginners
Always use oven mitts when handling hot trays. Keep children away from the oven while it’s on. Avoid touching heating rods or glass door. Check the plug and cord before use to prevent accidents.
How to Use OTG Oven for Baking Cakes
Baking your first cake in an OTG can feel tricky. But if you follow these simple steps, your cake will turn out soft and evenly baked.
Bake Mode Selection
Set your OTG to the “Bake” mode. This turns on both top and bottom heating elements evenly. Bake mode is ideal for all types of cakes.
Temperature (160–180°C)
Preheat the oven to 160–180°C depending on your recipe. Low temperature is for soft cakes, higher for dense cakes. Always check your recipe before setting the heat.
For vanilla or sponge cakes, 170°C works best in most OTGs.
Rack Position (Center)
Place your baking tray in the middle rack. This ensures even heat from top and bottom. Avoid placing it too close to the top or bottom.
Top Rod On/Off Tips
Keep the top rod off while baking most cakes. Turn it on for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a light brown top. This prevents burning the cake surface.
Toothpick Test for Doneness
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake after baking time. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If wet batter sticks, bake for 2–3 more minutes and check again.
Real Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Do not open the oven door frequently while baking. Avoid placing the tray too close to the top. Always use oven-safe trays and follow recipe measurements carefully.
How to Use OTG Oven for Grilling
Grilling in an OTG oven is easy once you know which mode and rod to use. You can grill paneer, chicken, or veggies perfectly at home.
Grill Mode Explained
Turn your OTG to “Grill” mode. This uses only the top heating rod for direct heat. It gives a crispy surface while keeping the inside soft.
Top Rod Usage
Place the food close to the top rod but not too near. This prevents burning and ensures even grilling.
Paneer, Chicken, Veggies Examples
Paneer cubes grill well with spices. Chicken pieces get a golden top. Vegetables like capsicum, tomatoes, and corn cook evenly without losing moisture.
Timing & Turning Food Tips
Grill small pieces for 8–12 minutes. Turn them halfway to get color on all sides. Use tongs or skewers to safely handle hot food.
How to Use OTG Oven for Pizza
Baking pizza in an OTG oven is simple if you follow the right steps. A well-preheated oven and correct rack position make your pizza crispy and evenly cooked.
Preheating Stone/Tray
Place your pizza stone or tray in the oven before preheating. Preheat the oven for 10–15 minutes at the required temperature. This ensures the base cooks evenly and becomes crisp.
Rack Position (Lower-Middle)
Use the lower-middle rack for baking pizza. It keeps the base close to heat while preventing the toppings from burning.
Temperature (220–230°C)
Set the OTG to 220–230°C for a perfect pizza bake. High temperature cooks the dough quickly and melts the cheese evenly.
Crisp Base Tips (Indian Frozen vs Homemade Pizza)
For frozen pizza, preheat slightly longer to avoid soggy base. For homemade pizza, roll the dough thin and use the preheated stone for a crunchy crust.
How to Use OTG Oven for Heating Food
Reheating food in an OTG oven is easy and keeps it fresh. Unlike a microwave, OTG warms food evenly and maintains its texture.
OTG vs Microwave Heating
OTG uses steady heat, so your food won’t get soggy or rubbery. Microwave heats fast but can dry out or make food uneven.
Best Foods to Reheat: Pizza, Patties, Bread
Use the OTG to warm leftover pizza, bread, patties, or sandwiches. These foods stay crisp and soft, unlike in a microwave.
Temperature (120–150°C)
Set the oven between 120–150°C for reheating. Low heat warms the food gently without burning it.
Tips to Avoid Drying Food
Cover delicate items with foil to trap moisture. Avoid overcooking and check every 5 minutes for best results.
Common OTG Oven Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid
Beginners often make simple mistakes that affect baking and cooking results. Avoiding these can save your food and make your OTG experience easier.
- Placing food on the wrong rack can cause uneven cooking or burning.
- Skipping preheating wastes time and can spoil your bake.
- Overheating cakes makes them dry or hard on top.
- Using plastic or unsafe utensils can melt or damage the oven.
Conclusion
Learning how to use OTG oven may feel difficult at first. This is common for most beginners. In daily kitchen use, correct steps make a big difference. Always preheat the oven. Place the tray on the right rack. Choose the correct mode for each dish. These small habits improve baking, grilling, and reheating results. With regular practice, your OTG becomes easy and reliable to use. Did this guide help you? Share it with friends or leave a comment!
FAQs about How to Use OTG oven
OTG ovens are very useful, but beginners often have many questions. From baking cakes to reheating food, these FAQs will help you use your OTG oven confidently and safely.
Can I use an OTG like a microwave?
No, OTG ovens and microwaves work differently. OTG uses heating rods to cook evenly, while microwaves heat food quickly with radiation. You can bake, grill, or toast in OTG, but it is slower than a microwave for reheating.
How long should I preheat my OTG oven?
Always preheat your OTG for 10–15 minutes before cooking. Preheating ensures even heat, so cakes rise well and pizza cooks perfectly. Avoid opening the door while preheating to keep the temperature stable.
Which rack position is best for baking cakes?
Use the middle rack for cakes. This keeps the heat balanced from top and bottom rods. For taller cakes, leave space above to prevent burning the top.
Can I bake two trays at the same time?
Yes, but only if your OTG has good air circulation or a convection fan. Keep trays spaced apart and rotate halfway for even baking.
Is aluminium tray safe in OTG?
Yes, oven-safe aluminium trays are fine. Avoid thin disposable aluminium trays as they can warp. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I grill paneer or chicken in OTG?
Use the grill mode and place the food on the top rack. Turn the paneer or chicken halfway for even browning. Keep an eye to avoid burning.
How to reheat food in OTG without drying it?
Set temperature to 120–150°C and cover the food with foil. Place on the middle or lower rack. Check after 5–10 minutes to prevent drying.
Why does my cake turn hard in OTG?
Hard cakes happen due to high temperature, overbaking, or skipping preheat. Always preheat, use correct temperature, and follow baking time exactly.
