TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you're hosting your family, cleaning, shopping and decorating are probably at the top of your to-do list. But don't overlook something very important that could cause a Turkey Day disaster. In this Angie's List report, is your oven ready for the holiday rush?
"I went to a call three or four years ago where the turkey was actually locked in the oven," recalls appliance repair expert Dustin Wheeldon.
Oven problems can be a recipe for disaster. But they can be easily avoided, especially if you're cleaning on a regular basis.
If your oven has dials or switches don't spray cleaning fluid or water around them. Remove the knobs and soak them in the sink.
And don't always think the self-clean cycle is the way to go.
"If you haven't used the self-clean on your oven in five years, probably not. If you do regular upkeep and servicing the oven, using the self-clean every couple of months, then you'll probably be okay," said Wheeldon.
And if you don't use your oven regularly, now is the time to test it. Find something - and it doesn't have to be a turkey - that needs an extended bake time, and see how close you are to the recommended time.
Otherwise.. you might be paying top dollar for emergecy repair work on a holiday.
As for the turkey that was locked in the oven, Wheeldon was able to free it.
"It's always good to come in there and be able to save somebody's holiday for them," he said.
Angie's List says one part of oven maintenance that's often overlooked is making sure the door seals tightly, so the temperature stays where it's supposed to. If the door isn't sealing tight, it's most likely an easy repair like a bent hinge or broken spring.
Angie's List also adds while it may help keep it clean, you should avoid using aluminum foil under the bake element in your oven. Foil is very reflective and can alter the temperature of your oven. As a result, you can overcook or under cook food.
