If the meals you prepare on your stovetop isn’t coming out how you’d like, it can be tricky to pinpoint the reason why. It’s possible that you need appliance repair to improve the functionality of your stove, or you may be making mistakes during the cooking process. Here are some errors to look out for.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Your Stove

1. Setting the Heat Too High or Too Low

Different foods require different levels of heat in order to cook properly. For example, if you’re searing steaks, you need to use very high heat, or you won’t be able to achieve a crisp sear on the outside. However, if you’re cooking eggs, lower heat allows you to get a thick, creamy texture. Always read recipes carefully, and don’t be scared to turn up the heat if that’s what’s called for.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

If you’re cooking multiple pieces of meat or vegetables, they should usually be placed in the pan without really touching. This allows them to cook on the sides and the bottom, while allowing steam to escape to the top instead of getting trapped underneath, which can ultimately make your food soggy. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to make multiple batches, try using two pans at once.

3. Flipping Too Often

Before blaming your stove, make sure you’re giving your dishes enough time to cook before flipping them. It takes time for heat to move past the surface and actually make its way through whatever you’re cooking. If you are constantly flipping or stirring stovetop dishes, that heat can’t really brown the exterior or get to the inside effectively. In most cases, you’ll end up with a dish that’s cooked unevenly and doesn’t have a nice sear on the edges.

If you follow these tips and your food still doesn’t taste right, the problem may be the stove itself. Brian Doehler’s Appliance Service in Fairport, NY, offers appliance repair services for stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, and even ice makers. Technicians respond quickly and provide appliance repair services guaranteed to last. They have a wide range of appliance parts so they can often perform repairs on the same day, rather than leaving you waiting for replacement pieces to come in. To request appliance repair service, call (585) 425-4510, or visit the company’s website to see a full list of services.