How to Calibrate an Oven Temperature Range
Ovens can lose their original calibration set at the factory over time. When they do, nothing you cook in the oven will turn out as it should. Cookies that bake too quickly or a roast that browns too slowly may be due to an oven thermostat that needs to be recalibrated. You can calibrate an oven that isn't working properly easily with a common oven thermometer that will cost you less than $10. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check your oven's temperature easily by purchasing an oven thermometer from a hardware, discount or even grocery store that has a selection of household cooking items. Look for a small round metal and glass device that usually has a hook for hanging it on an oven rack.
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Note the temperature of the oven thermometer before placing it into a cold oven. Place the oven thermometer in the middle of the oven on a center rack.
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Set the oven to 350 degrees. After 20 minutes, remove the oven thermometer using an oven hand mitt as it will be hot. Check the temperature of the thermometer. It should read 350 degrees. If you note more than a 10-degree difference, you'll need to adjust your oven's thermostat.
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Remove the oven temperature-control knob. On many ovens, you'll find either a dial under the knob that shows how to reset the temperature or a disc under or on the back on the knob. Follow any manufacturer directions printed there. If none are present, you still can adjust the thermostat easily.
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Loosen the screw with a screwdriver and move the disc counterclockwise to raise the temperature if needed. If the oven is too hot, move the gauge clockwise to lower the temperature. Each notch on the disc represents a 10-degree change. Adjust the oven gauge accordingly, depending on difference between the oven's temperature and the reading on the oven thermometer you purchased.
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Tighten the screw and put the oven knob back on. Let the oven cool down completely. Insert the oven thermometer again in the middle of the oven as before. Set the oven for 400 degrees. After 20 minutes, remove the oven thermometer using an oven hand mitt. Check the temperature of the thermometer. It should read 400 degrees. If not, you'll need to remove the oven knob as before and adjust the oven's thermostat accordingly.
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