Is your oven not cooking as it should, leaving you with overdone or undercooked meals? It might be time to recalibrate! Over time, ovens can lose their calibration and drift away from the set temperature. Irritating right? Fortunately, recalibrating your oven is a simple process that can bring it back to accuracy and improve your cooking results. Let’s walk through the steps on how to recalibrate your oven.
What You’ll Need:
- An oven-safe thermometer
- Your oven’s owner’s manual (for specific instructions)
Step 1: Check Your Oven’s Current Temperature Accuracy
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to a common temperature like 350°F
- Insert the Thermometer: Place the oven-safe thermometer in the center of the oven, preferably on the middle rack for the most accurate reading.
- Let the Oven Heat: Allow the oven to fully preheat (this usually takes around 10-15 minutes), then check the thermometer reading. Note the actual temperature versus the set temperature.
- Record the Difference: If your thermometer reads higher or lower than the set temperature, this tells you how much your oven is off by—whether it’s running hotter or colder than the setting.
Step 2: Recalibrate Your Oven
Depending on your oven model, recalibrating can be as simple as adjusting settings via the control panel or using manual adjustments.
For Digital Ovens:
- Consult the Manual: Check your oven’s manual for specific instructions on recalibration. Most newer models have a feature that allows you to adjust the temperature from the control panel.
- Adjust the Temperature: Enter the calibration mode by following your manual’s instructions. Typically, you can adjust the temperature in increments (usually 5°F or 10°F) to match the actual temperature reading you got from your thermometer.
- Test the Oven: After adjusting, retest the oven by setting it to a temperature and checking again with the thermometer. If the two temperatures align or are closer, your oven is calibrated!
For Older Ovens with Knobs:
- Remove the Knob: On older ovens, you’ll need to remove the temperature knob from the front of the oven. This can usually be done by pulling it straight off.
- Find the Calibration Screw: Behind the knob, there’s often a small screw that allows for mechanical calibration.
- Adjust the Temperature: Using a screwdriver, turn the screw slightly to adjust the temperature. A small turn will increase or decrease the temperature by a few degrees.
- Test the Oven Again: After adjusting, replace the knob and test the oven’s temperature with the thermometer to ensure the calibration worked.
Step 3: Test Again for Accuracy
After making adjustments, set the oven to another temperature and test with the thermometer again. If the temperature is within 10°F of the set temperature, your oven is properly calibrated. For most cooking and baking, this margin of error is sufficient. If your oven is STILL overheating, check out our other tips and tricks here.
When to Call the Experts
If your oven continues to overheat or underheat after recalibration, there may be a more complex issue at play, such as a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional repair service like All Area Appliance to diagnose and resolve the problem. We specialize in oven repairs and can quickly get your appliance back to optimal performance. Call us 24/7 at 770-707-1600 or shoot us a message to schedule a service or learn more about how we can assist with your oven and other appliance repair needs!
Thank you for choosing All Area Appliance, where we’re dedicated to keeping your home running smoothly!
