How to Calibrate Gas Oven Thermostats
If your gas oven is not cooking your food the way you desire, its thermostat may require calibration. Many ovens run at a higher or lower temperature than the user intends, which can be hard to see unless you always check your food with a thermometer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Place an oven thermometer on the center rack of the gas oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees, and let it run for a half hour. Check the oven thermometer to see whether it reads 350 degrees after the half hour is over. If the thermometer is more than 50 degrees off, the oven's thermostat will probably need to be replaced. Minor differences can be corrected by calibrating the thermostat.
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2
Use a flathead screwdriver to lift off the temperature knob from the oven. The thermostat calibration dial will be located on the rear of the knob itself or down at the bottom of the shaft.
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3
If the calibration dial is on the back of the knob, there will be clips or retaining screws locking it in place. Loosen these clips or screws, and adjust the dial as needed to increase or decrease the temperature. These calibration dials are usually quite sensitive, so make small adjustments and then re-test the oven with the thermometer to see the results. Tighten the clips or retaining screws to keep the dial in position.
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4
For gas ovens with the calibration dial in the shaft, you will need a small flathead screwdriver to reach the adjustment screw at the bottom. Turning the screw clockwise decreases the temperature, and turning it counterclockwise raises the temperature. For most ovens, turning the screw a quarter turn will adjust the temperature by 25 degrees.
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5
Place the oven's temperature knob back onto the shaft. Repeat step 1 to test the thermostat's new settings. If the oven thermometer still does not read 350 degrees, adjust the calibration dial again and re-test the oven until it is accurate.
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