Knowing when to use the top, middle, and bottom racks in your oven optimizes cooking time and maximizes an oven’s potential, which results in perfectly cooked meals.

The biggest factor determining oven rack positioning is the oven's heat source and the racks' proximity to the heat source. Most ovens have heating elements on the top and bottom.

The top rack is the hottest spot in the oven and receives heat from above, making it the ideal location for foods requiring a browned or crispy top coat.

On the flip side, the third rack is closest to the heating element at the bottom of the oven, so use it when you want to develop a crunchy bottom crust on a dish.

The middle rack is the most used rack because it provides an even cooking environment ideal for preparing most dishes. Food placed here will cook uniformly on all sides.