Oven calibration is essential in ensuring your baked goods cook evenly and consistently. We interviewed about 12 users and found that ovens burned and undercooked due to incorrect temperatures. Are you also suffering from the same problem? The good news is for you! Because our expert team makes it easy for you to calibrate your oven. Keep reading this post if you have an electric, analog, or gas oven and know the secret information now.
First of all, you will know Why you think your oven needs to be calibrated.
How Do You Know Your Oven Needs Calibration?
An oven’s temperature accuracy is crucial for achieving consistent and satisfactory cooking results. We have seen that most of the time, ovens show different temperatures than what they actually are inside. It makes you need clarification. This can lead to undercooked or overcooked food, frustration, and potential safety concerns. That’s why our research team collected some points that we mentioned below on how to recognize when your oven needs calibration:
- If your food is always too raw or too cooked, even if you follow the recipe or cooking times. It’s a strong indication that your oven’s temperature is inaccurate.
- If your baked goods are not browning evenly or getting the right texture,
- If you notice that food cooks differently on different oven racks, it suggests that the heat distribution is uneven.
- If your oven is several years old, it’s worth checking its calibration.
- Moving or repairing an oven can potentially affect its temperature calibration.
To confirm whether your oven needs calibration, stay with us and follow the steps below.
Before starting notes, our 5 pre-tips
You have to follow the five tips below because we saw that most users face this problem.
1. Our instructions are based on our research. However, every oven is different. To get the most accurate information for your model, consult the owner’s manual.
2. Using a digital thermometer with a probe is more accurate than a basic oven thermometer.
3. Most of the time, electric ovens work better than gas ovens.
4. Gather the necessary tools below.
- Oven Thermometer: Ensure it’s oven-safe and accurate to within 5°F (3°C).
- Baking Sheet
- Oven Mitts:
- A screwdriver (if your oven has an analog thermostat)
5. Before you begin calibrating the oven, check for any existing problems, like broken heating elements, faulty thermostats, or irregularities inside the oven.
Then you will know the proper way to step by step Calibrate all Oven
How to Calibrate Analog Oven Temperature
We are trying to show this in this image. The thermometer is in the center of the oven. Like this, you should be placed in the center of the oven rack, as close to the center of the oven as possible. This will ensure that the thermometer is reading the temperature of the air in the center of the oven.
Temperature setting
We have shown the time and temperature settings. So this way, just set it 20–25 times (munites) and then set the temperature to 480°F (250°C). This step gives the oven time to reach the desired temperature.
Take the baking sheet and oven thermometer out of the oven carefully. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Read more: What Are the Benefits of Convection and Conventional Ovens?
Check temperature
Check the oven thermometer’s temperature against the oven’s temperature setting. If the temperature setting on your oven is lower than the temperature reading on the oven thermometer, you will need to raise the temperature setting. If the oven thermometer shows a higher temperature than what the oven is set to, you will need to lower the oven temperature. But do you know how to decrease the temperature setting?
Note: We have seen that almost everyone goes to the maker for this little work, and we found many websites suggesting going to the maker. Actually, it’s a simple task. If you don’t know, please look here:
Adjust the temperature setting
Accessing and Adjusting the Thermostat Screw
- Find the cap for the temperature on the oven’s front panel. It usually houses the temperature dial and may have small screws.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the thermostat cover in place.
- After taking out the screws, carefully lift the cover to get to the thermostat.
Accessing and Adjusting the Thermostat Screw
- In the thermostat housing, there is a screw that adjusts the oven’s temperature.
- Insert the screwdriver into the adjustment screw’s slot.
- Turn the screw clockwise to raise the temperature or counterclockwise to lower it.
- Make small, incremental adjustments to ensure precise calibration.
Replacing the thermostat cover and screws
- After setting the temperature, put the thermostat cover back on gently.
- Align the screw holes and use the screwdriver to secure the cover with the screws.
- Tighten the screws gently but firmly to ensure a snug fit.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the oven thermometer reads the same temperature as your oven It might take more than one try to get this right.
After the oven has been set up, you can take the oven thermometer out of the oven.
How to Calibrate Your Electric Oven Temperature
Place the oven thermometer in the center of the oven on a baking sheet-like image. Avoid touching the oven’s sides or top with the thermometer to get an accurate temperature reading. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) by clicking the bake option. This is a standard temperature for baking, so it’s a good starting point for calibration. During its preheating, don’t open the door. Then, set the oven to 10 minutes. The oven will have time to get to the right temperature.
Look at the image; there will be some fluctuation above and below 350. As the heating elements turn on and off to maintain the temperature. So note the temperature after 10,15, and 20 minutes to get a baseline. Suppose the temperature has reached the below number each time in the sequence:
- 376°F
- 324°F
- 399°F
To find the average of three readings, add them together and divide by 3.
Note: If the average is 370 degrees for the baking temperatures of 350, then we’ll want to calibrate and lower the oven temperatures by 20 degrees
On some models, you may need to hold both Bake and Braille until the display shows SF. And then, press the Bake option. Afterward, you can enter how much you want to offset the temperature. This is the most common way to over-calibrate. But check your oven manual for extra steps. Most ovens will only allow an offset of plus or minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note: Unfortunately, if your oven’s temperature is significantly off, then it’s likely that the temperature sensor is faulty.
How to Calibrate a Gas Oven
First, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and put the oven temperature in the middle rack. Before checking the temperature, wait at least 30 minutes for the oven to heat up. If the temperature reading is much higher or lower than 350°F, the oven needs to be calibrated.
You’ll need to take off the oven’s temperature control knob in order to get to the adjustment screw. Carefully take off the knob to show a small screw below. If the oven is reading too low, use a screwdriver to turn the screw a little clockwise. If it’s reading too high, use a screwdriver to turn the screw a little counterclockwise. Make only small changes because even a small turn can have a big effect on the oven’s temperature.
After adjusting, put the temperature control knob back and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) again. If you need to, recheck the thermometer’s number and repeat the adjustment process. As soon as the oven reads correctly, you can be sure your baked goods will cook the same way every time.
Conclusion
You won’t have to worry about unevenly baked goods when your oven is calibrated correctly. Instead, you’ll enjoy perfectly golden crusts, fluffy cakes, and chewy cookies every time you bake. ( we have a post on making the cake) You can ensure your oven always has the right baking temperature by following our team’s guidelines.
Remember, use a calibrated oven to cook food perfectly and avoid health risks. It ensures thorough cooking and eliminates undercooked dishes. Get your oven thermometer, screwdriver, and pliers. Use them to calibrate your oven and improve your baking. Thanks for staying with us!
As a 10 years veteran in the culinary industry, I have developed a passion for all things kitchen. With a deep understanding of food preparation and cooking techniques, I am a true kitchen specialist. My experience working in Khedmot kitchen has allowed me to hone my skills and become an expert in creating delicious and visually appealing dishes.
I am a creative and innovative chef, constantly experimenting with new ingredients and cooking methods to bring unique and memorable dining experiences to my customers. In addition to my culinary expertise, I am also highly organized and able to effectively manage a team of kitchen staff, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
I am dedicated to my craft and always strive to create exceptional dining experiences for my customers. Whether it’s developing a new menu, training my kitchen team, or working with local suppliers, I am always looking for ways to improve and take my kitchen to the next level.
If you’re looking for a skilled and passionate kitchen specialist, look no further. I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and help take your kitchen to the next level.
