Buying guide
Oven Thermometers: Why Your Dial May Be Wrong
Home ovens often run hotter or cooler than the dial says. How an oven thermometer fixes baking problems.
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If sponges sink, biscuits burn or Yorkshire puddings will not rise, the oven temperature is a likely culprit. Many ovens run noticeably hotter or cooler than the dial shows.
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How to use one
- Hang or stand the thermometer in the centre of the oven.
- Heat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and wait 20 minutes.
- Compare the reading, then check again at another temperature.
- Adjust your dial to match, or note the difference on a label by the oven.
Look for
- Clear markings in °C (and gas marks, if you have a gas oven).
- A hook and a stand, so it can hang from a shelf or sit on it.
- Stainless steel construction that survives high heat.
Hot spots
Move the thermometer to different shelves and corners: most ovens are hotter at the back or top. Turn trays halfway through baking if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my oven temperature?
Put an oven thermometer in the centre of the oven, set the dial to 180°C (356°F) and wait about 20 minutes before reading it. Check again at another temperature.
My oven runs hot. What should I do?
Turn the dial down by the difference you measured, and note it on a label by the oven. If it is far out, ask the maker or an engineer about recalibrating the thermostat.
Should I use the fan setting?
Fan ovens cook faster; most British recipes give a fan temperature about 20°C (68°F) lower than the conventional one.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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Recipes to go with it
Recipe · 1 hr 15 min
Victoria Sponge
The classic two-layer sponge with jam and buttercream, named after Queen Victoria.
Recipe · 4 hr 30 min
Traditional Christmas Cake
A rich, dark fruit cake baked weeks ahead and fed with brandy until Christmas.
Recipe · 1 hr 5 min
Yorkshire Puddings
Tall, crisp Yorkshires: a simple batter, very hot fat, and an oven door kept shut.