Why put a bowl of water in the oven? 3 reasons

When cooking, it is often recommended to place a bowl of water in the oven. This technique, widely used by kitchen professionals, may seem strange to amateur cooks. However, the water in the oven has many benefits for cooking food. But then what are they? This is what we are going to discover in this article.

We will also see the situations where this practice is particularly useful and mistakes to avoid. By better understanding the advantages and limitations of this technique, you can improve the quality of your dishes and impress your guests with perfectly cooked and tasty food.

Why put a bowl of water in the oven: 3 explanations

In this part, we will focus on the advantages of having a bowl of water in the oven. Indeed, water can have a significant impact on the quality of food cooking, which can be summed up in 3 points:

Maintain humidity

One of the most important advantages of having a bowl of water in the oven is maintaining humidity. This is because the heat from the oven tends to dry out food, which can make meats tough and pastries dry.

By placing a bowl of water in the oven, the water will evaporate and create a moist environment that will prevent food from drying out. This constant humidity also prevents the formation of too hard a crust on the food.

Put a bowl of water in the oven to maintain humidity

Improved cooking

Another benefit of water in the oven is improved cooking. Water can contribute to a more even cooking by distributing the heat evenly in the oven. It can also help regulate oven temperature and prevent temperature swings that can lead to uneven baking.

Reduction of odors

the bowl of water in the oven can help reduce cooking odors. Indeed, the water will absorb cooking odors and prevent them from spreading in the kitchen. This technique is particularly useful when cooking strong-tasting meats such as lamb or game.

Now you know why put a bowl of water in the oven. However, to avoid errors, it should be known when to use this technique and take into account some precautions.

Read also: What are the most common breakdowns on ovens?

Situations where the use of a water bowl is recommended

In this part, we will focus on the situations where the presence of a bowl of water in the oven is particularly useful.

Cooking meat in the oven

The presence of a bowl of water in the oven is particularly useful when cooking meat. This is because meats tend to dry out when cooked at high temperatures. The water bowl maintains the humidity in the oven and preserve meat tenderness and juiciness. We suggest placing the water bowl on the lowest level of the oven for maximum humidity.

Baking breads and pastries in the oven

When baking breads and pastries, the bowl of water can contribute both to obtaining a more even cooking and at the same time prevent the bread from drying out and the formation of too hard a crust. It is recommended to place the bowl of water on the highest level of the oven for even cooking.

In summary, the presence of a bowl of water in the oven is particularly useful when cooking meats, breads and pastries. However, there are some common mistakes to watch out for to avoid mess and maintain baking quality.

Mistakes to avoid when placing the bowl of water in the oven

When using a bowl of water to maintain humidity in the oven, it is important to watch out for some common mistakes :

Too much water in the bowl

Too much water in the bowl or dish can cause damage in the oven and affect the quality of cooking. We recommend that you fill the bowl or dish two-thirds full approximately to avoid any overflow. We also recommend that you regularly monitor the water level during cooking and add water if necessary.

Open the oven too often

Opening the oven too often during cooking may cause moisture loss and affect cooking quality. We therefore recommend that you do not open the oven more than two or three times during cooking.

Note that for bread and pastries that rise, you should never open the oven. If you have to check the cooking, we advise you to use a small flashlight instead to avoid losing heat and moisture.

Not watching the cooking

Regularly monitor the cooking to ensure that the food does not burn and that the humidity is sufficient. Remember to set the temperature and the cooking time according to the food and monitor the progress of the cooking to avoid any problem.

Use a fragile glass bowl

Use a stainless steel bowl or heat resistant metal to avoid everything risk of breakage. Indeed, glass bowls may break under the effect of heat and cause damage in the oven. Note that instead of using a bowl, you can use an accessory or special dish for the oven to avoid any damage.

Read also: Can we put a plate in the oven?

Place the bowl of water too high or too low in the oven

Place the bowl or water dish at the correct height to achieve optimal humidity. For meats, it is recommended to place the bowl or dish of water on the lowest level of the oven for maximum humidity. For breads and pastries, it is recommended to place the bowl or pan of water on the highest level of the oven for even cooking.

Placing a bowl of water in the oven: mistakes to avoid

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Alternatives to the bowl of water in the oven

It exists several alternatives to the bowl or dish of water in the oven to maintain humidity and improve cooking quality :

1. Spraying water using a spray bottle. One of the easiest alternatives to the bowl of water is to spray water directly on food or in the oven. This technique can help maintain moisture during cooking and prevent food from drying out. Obviously, it is advisable not to spray too much water to prevent the food from being too wet.

2. Using a damp cloth. Another alternative is to place a damp cloth over the food while cooking. The linen will help maintain the humidity and preserve the tenderness and juiciness of the food. Take care that the linen does not touch the walls of the oven to avoid any risk of fire.

4. Using a lid. Finally, for casseroles or roasts, you can use a lid to maintain humidity. Indeed, the lid will help trap water vapor during cooking and preserve the tenderness and juiciness of food.

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