How to Adjust Oven Temperatures

Updated: Jun. 30, 2017

Recalibrate using a simple oven thermometer

FH10NOV_OVENTS_02-2Family Handyman
If your oven cooking times are off, recalibrate your oven temperature to match an accurate oven thermometer. The procedure is in your oven's instruction manual.

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Adjust your oven temperature setting

Photo 1: Set a thermometer in the oven

Set an oven thermometer on the center shelf and let the oven heat to a constant temperature.

Photo 2: Adjust the temperature setting

On this GE oven, you press the “bake” and “broil” buttons simultaneously, and then press “bake” to enter the temperature-adjusting mode. Then you keep pressing the “+” or “- ” button to coordinate the thermostat with the actual oven temperature.

If the temperature in your oven doesn’t match your temperature setting, or if your new oven just doesn’t cook like your old one, you can recalibrate the temperature setting. The instructions for adjusting the temperature are in your instruction manual. If you don’t have a manual, ask the manufacturer to send you one or go online and search for a downloadable version. Enter your oven’s model number along with the words “instruction manual” in the search box and you’re sure to find what you need.

You’ll need a good-quality oven thermometer to see if your oven is heating accurately (Photo 1). (We show an OXO brand). Check local retailers (kitchen and department stores tend to carry good ones) or buy one online. Place the thermometer on the center shelf and wait for the oven to maintain a constant temperature. Then use the procedure outlined in your manual to match the temperature setting to the thermometer reading (Photo 2).