HOW TO CALIBRATE YOUR OVEN TEMPERATURE
A properly calibrated oven can help ensure that you get consistent results when making your favorite meals and desserts. There are many things you can do with your oven, but calibration is a simple process that can help you power through mealtimes.
If you are using a new oven or if you notice your dishes coming out over or undercooked, or if your oven isn’t baking evenly, you might need to calibrate it. Read this guide to learn more about how to calibrate an oven whether it is digital or analog and get answers to your questions about your oven’s calibration.
CALIBRATING AN OVEN WITH ANALOG CONTROLS
Calibrating your oven with analog controls is a simple process you can do yourself with just a kitchen thermometer and a screwdriver.
TOOLS
Oven thermometer
Phillips head screwdriver
STEP 1: POSITION THERMOMETER AND RACK
The first step in oven calibration is to place a rack in the center of the oven. Then, center your oven-safe thermometer on the rack and close the oven door.
STEP 2: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Set the oven temperature to 350° F. Keep the thermometer in the oven with the door closed. Do not open the door during this step to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.
STEP 3: CHECK THERMOMETER
When your oven indicates that it has preheated to 350° F, check the temperature on the thermometer by looking through your oven window or quickly opening the door. If your thermometer reads a temperature 15° F above or below 350° F, your oven is in need of calibration.
STEP 4: REMOVE THE KNOB AND TURN THE SCREWS
Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. It should have one or two screws on the back. If the oven is running cold, you will want to turn the screws counterclockwise, and if it is running hot, you will want to turn them clockwise. Turn them gradually, about an eighth of a turn each time. Keep in mind that even a slight turn can change the temperature drastically.
STEP 5: RETEST AND REPEAT
Retest the oven’s calibration using these steps and repeat the calibration process, if necessary.
CALIBRATING AN OVEN WITH DIGITAL CONTROLS
Calibrating an oven with digital controls is a simple process that is most likely explained in your oven’s use and care guide. Follow the steps below to help you.
TOOLS
Oven thermometer
STEP 1: POSITION THERMOMETER AND RACK
Place a rack in the center of the oven and center your oven-safe thermometer on the rack. Then close the oven door.
STEP 2: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Set the oven temperature to 350° F. Keep the thermometer in the oven with the door closed. Do not open the door during this step to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.
STEP 3: CHECK THERMOMETER
When your oven indicates that it has preheated to 350° F, check the temperature on the thermometer by looking through your oven window or quickly opening the door. If your thermometer reads a temperature 15° F above or below 350° F, your oven is in need of calibration.
STEP 4: CHECK YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL
If your oven needs to be calibrated, check the owner’s manual for instructions.
STEP 5: ADJUST TEMPERATURE
Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to adjust the temperature accordingly. Some oven models will use arrows while others will use menu prompts to assist you in making the adjustments.
STEP 6: SAVE THE CALIBRATION
Save the setting by pressing Start or following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY OVEN NEEDS CALIBRATION?
Your oven may need to be calibrated if your food is coming out under or over cooked. You can test it by preheating it to 350° F with an oven thermometer centered on the middle rack. If it reads 15° F higher or lower than it should when it reaches the 350° F level, it may need calibration.
CAN ALL OVENS BE CALIBRATED?
All ovens can be calibrated. If your oven is electric with analog or digital controls or gas with digital controls, you can use the steps above to help you calibrate it. If your oven is gas with analog controls, it may require more expertise. If this is the case, contact a certified technician to assist you.
You can conveniently schedule a certified Maytag® repair person online, if necessary.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CALIBRATE MY OVEN?
The oven only needs to be calibrated if you feel the temperature is not accurate or if it is cooking faster or slower than you prefer, and you’d like to adjust it to your preferences.
HOW DO I ADJUST MY OVEN TEMPERATURE WITHOUT A THERMOMETER?
To test oven temperature without a thermometer, bake refrigerated biscuits on a shiny cookie sheet. Follow the instructions on the package closely, including oven rack placement. If you’ve baked them for the correct amount of time and they aren’t evenly browned, your oven may need calibration.
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