Baking potatoes in a cooking range is an easy and reliable way to get fluffy interiors and crisp skins. Whether you are using a gas or Electric Cooking Range, success depends on proper preparation, correct temperature, and enough cooking time. This guide explains the full process clearly.

Before You Start (Preparation)

Before baking potatoes:

• Choose medium to large potatoes
• Wash thoroughly to remove dirt
• Dry completely with a towel
• Remove any damaged spots

Dry skin helps the potato bake evenly and crisp properly.

Step 1: Preheat the Cooking Range

Set the oven temperature to:

• 200–220°C (400–425°F)

Preheat for 10–15 minutes. Proper preheating ensures even cooking from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Basic preparation:

• Prick each potato 3–5 times with a fork
• Lightly coat with oil
• Sprinkle with salt if desired

Pricking allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting.

Step 3: Choose the Baking Method

Baking Directly on the Rack (Crispiest Skin)

• Place potatoes directly on the middle rack
• Put a tray on the lower rack to catch drips

This method gives the best skin texture.

Baking on a Tray (Cleaner Option)

• Place potatoes on a baking tray
• Turn halfway through cooking

Skin will be slightly softer but still well baked.

Step 4: Bake the Potatoes

Typical baking times:

• Medium potatoes → 45–55 minutes
• Large potatoes → 60–75 minutes

Time depends on potato size, not quantity.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Potatoes are done when:

• A knife or skewer slides in easily
• Skin feels crisp
• Interior is soft and fluffy

If resistance remains, bake for another 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Optional Finishing

For extra crisp skin:

• Brush lightly with oil after 30 minutes
• Return to oven for remaining time

For softer skin, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping preheating
• Wrapping potatoes in foil from the start
• Using low oven temperature
• Not pricking the skin
• Removing potatoes too early

Foil traps steam and prevents crisping if used too early.

Gas vs Electric Cooking Range Notes

Gas Cooking Ranges:
• Heat faster
• May brown skins more quickly

Electric cooking ranges:
• More even internal cooking
• Better temperature stability

Both produce excellent baked potatoes when timed correctly.

Serving Tips

After baking:

• Cut a slit along the top
• Fluff the inside with a fork
• Add butter, salt, or toppings

Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Summary

To bake potatoes in a cooking range:

1. Preheat oven to 200–220°C

2. Wash, dry, and prick potatoes

3. Oil and season lightly

4. Bake on middle rack

5. Cook 45–75 minutes depending on size

6. Check softness before removing

With proper heat and patience, a cooking range produces perfectly baked potatoes with crisp skin and soft centers every time.