There’s something incredibly comforting about baking at home. The smell of a cake rising slowly, the sound of cheese bubbling on a pizza, or watching cookies turn golden through the OTG glass - it feels personal and rewarding. When I first started using an OTG, it seemed confusing with different knobs and heating modes. But once I understood the basics, it became one of the most reliable appliances in my kitchen.
If you’ve recently brought home an OTG or are planning to use one, baking cakes, pizzas, and cookies is easier than it seems. You just need to understand a few simple steps.
Step 1: Always Preheat Your OTG
Preheating is one step you should never skip. It ensures the oven reaches the right temperature before your food goes inside.
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Set the temperature as per your recipe (usually 180°C for cakes and cookies, 200–230°C for pizza).
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Turn on both top and bottom heating rods.
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Let the OTG preheat for 10–15 minutes.
Preheating helps food cook evenly and gives better texture.
Step 2: How to Bake a Cake in OTG
Cake baking becomes very predictable once you follow the right placement and heating method.
Simple steps:
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Grease your baking tin and pour the batter.
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Place the tin on the middle rack.
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Set temperature to 180°C.
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Use bottom heating rod for the initial baking phase.
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Bake for 30–40 minutes depending on the cake size.
Once done, insert a toothpick in the centre. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
What I’ve noticed is that proper rack placement makes a big difference. The middle rack gives balanced heat and prevents burning.
Pizza needs slightly higher temperature and stronger heat for a crisp base.
Steps to follow:
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Preheat OTG to 220–230°C for 10-12 mins
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Place pizza on the middle or top rack.
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Use both top and bottom rods.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts completely and the edges turn golden. This is one of my favourite things to make at home because the results feel very close to café-style pizza.
Step 4: How to Bake Cookies in OTG
Cookies are simple and perfect for beginners.
Steps:
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Preheat OTG to 160–180°C for 8-10 mins.
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Place cookies on a baking tray.
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Keep tray on the middle rack.
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Bake for 12–18 minutes.
Cookies continue to firm up after cooling, so avoid overbaking. The first time I baked cookies, I realised how satisfying it is to get perfectly crisp edges and soft centres at home.
Step 5: Understand Heating Modes and Rack Position
This is where most beginners get confused, but it’s actually simple:
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Bottom rod: Best for cakes and baking
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Top rod: Best for grilling and browning
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Both rods: Best for pizza, cookies, and general baking
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Middle rack: Most balanced cooking position
Once you understand this, using an OTG becomes effortless.
Final Thoughts
Baking with an OTG is less about complexity and more about confidence. Once you learn how to preheat, place your tray correctly, and choose the right temperature, everything becomes easier. One important thing I’ve learned over time is that ingredients and their quantity should always align with the cooking time. Delicate batters, thinner cookies, or lightly topped pizzas cook faster, while heavier batters or thicker preparations need more time and patience. Understanding this balance helps avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Start with simple recipes like cookies or pizza. Gradually, you’ll feel more comfortable baking cakes, grilling vegetables, and trying more creative recipes.
Over time, your OTG stops feeling like just another appliance - it becomes a part of your everyday cooking routine. And honestly, nothing compares to the joy of baking something fresh in your own kitchen.
