How to Calibrate an Oven

When food doesn't come out right, it might not be you, but your oven.

Did you burn that last batch of chocolate chip cookies, even though you followed the recipe precisely? Maybe that roasted chicken was undercooked, even though you left it in the oven longer than the recipe suggested? The problem may be an oven that is set too high or too low in temperature and needs to be recalibrated.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital oven thermometer
• Screwdriver

1. Install a good-quality digital oven thermometer inside your oven to determine how far off in temperature the oven is set. Set the oven to 350 degrees F. When the oven indicates it is at the proper temperature, usually by dinging, check the reading on the thermometer.

2. Adjust the calibration gauge if it has one on the temperature knob. Once you know how inaccurate your oven is, you can attempt to adjust it. If it does not, call a qualified appliance repair person.

3. Remove the oven temperature knob by pulling it from its shaft.

4. Take note of the current setting, and move the directional arrow in either direction to adjust the temperature up or down. You may have to remove a few screws to do this. Moving the arrow one notch usually adjusts the temperature by 10 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to leave the thermometer in your oven permanently, especially if you bake often.

References

• Appliance 411: FAQ - Oven Temperature
• Dave's Repair: How to Adjust Your Oven's Temperature