The phrases "in the oven" and "on the stove" are idiomatic expressions commonly used to describe where food is being cooked, and they have become part of the English language convention for culinary contexts. While it may seem odd from a purely literal perspective, language often evolves based on historical usage, culture, and tradition. There are a few reasons why these expressions are used:
1. Historical Context: Historically, ovens were large, enclosed structures where food was placed inside for baking or roasting. The idea of putting food "in" the oven has its roots in these traditional ovens, where the food was physically enclosed within the cooking space.
2. Baking vs. Stovetop Cooking: "In the oven" is commonly used to refer to baking, which typically involves placing food inside a heated, enclosed space (such as a conventional oven or microwave). On the other hand, "on the stove" is used to refer to stovetop cooking, where food is cooked directly on top of a heating element like a gas burner or electric coil.
3. Language Evolution and Tradition: Over time, certain phrases and expressions become deeply ingrained in a language, and people continue to use them even if they don't adhere strictly to the literal meaning. The usage of "in the oven" and "on the stove" has become conventional and widely accepted in the context of cooking.
It's important to recognize that language often incorporates figurative or idiomatic expressions to convey ideas more succinctly and effectively. These phrases have become standard ways of describing cooking methods, even though they may not perfectly match the literal physical action of cooking. In everyday conversation, it is generally understood that "in the oven" refers to food being cooked in an oven, and "on the stove" refers to food being cooked on a stovetop.