You might try running self-clean according to the directions in the owner's manual (sometimes, shelves/racks need to be removed) but I'm not suggesting this because of any kind of curing process. I've never actually heard of that.

There have been people on the appliance forum who experienced oven problems during self-clean. It's good to be able to deal with stuff like that while an oven is still under warranty. Many people don't think to try self-clean until a cleaning is needed.

You might post this question over there if you haven't already.

jayne

many ovens require a 'burn-in' period before use. (or, you can end up doing it during your first few uses, but it's not something i'd want to do while food is in the oven).

basically, it involves cleaning the whole inside of the oven with soap and water, then heating the oven to 400 and letting it run for a few hours. burns off any residual grease and whatnot from the manufacturing process.

it's not pleasant. run your vent hood on high when you do it. search 'burn in' in the appliance forum or ask your question there for more info.

When we had our range installed by Lowe's they went thru a start up. Heated it up to 400 and ran it for about 30 minutes. So I assume this is the curing process you are talking about. If you are installing it yourself it should be in the instructions on what to do prior to using the oven.

Sears did the same thing for our oven when they installed it - let it run for 30 mins at about 400.

Thank you all. I think "burning in" is what I was thinking of but couldn't conjure. I'm off to do it now. Here I am, age 61, never had a new oven. Now I have new everything and I'm overwhelmed and thrilled---and obviously a little tentative. A