Preheating is the process of warming an appliance, like an oven, to a specific temperature before cooking. This step ensures that food cooks evenly and thoroughly, as starting with a hot environment helps achieve the desired texture and flavor. For example, when baking, preheating allows items like bread or cookies to rise properly. In many recipes, preheating is essential for achieving the best results. If an oven is not preheated, cooking times may be longer, and the final dish may not turn out as intended. This practice is common in various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and broiling.