Oven Temperature Guide

Fan vs Conventional Ovens

Fan oven (convection): a fan circulates air, distributing heat evenly. Cooks approximately 20°C cooler at the same setting. Set fan oven to 160°C for what conventional oven achieves at 180°C. Reduces cooking time approximately 10-15%. Better for: even browning, multiple shelves, baking sheets of biscuits or pastries. Conventional oven: heat from elements at top and bottom (no fan). Hotter areas near elements, cooler in middle. Better for: delicate sponges and meringues (gentler heat). Soufflés (

Gas Mark Conversions

British gas marks (each mark = approximately 14°C step): Gas Mark ¼ = 110°C (225°F) = 90°C fan. Gas Mark ½ = 130°C (250°F) = 110°C fan. Gas Mark 1 = 140°C (275°F) = 120°C fan. Gas Mark 2 = 150°C (300°F) = 130°C fan. Gas Mark 3 = 160°C (325°F) = 140°C fan. Gas Mark 4 = 180°C (350°F) = 160°C fan. Gas Mark 5 = 190°C (375°F) = 170°C fan. Gas Mark 6 = 200°C (400°F) = 180°C fan. Gas Mark 7 = 220°C (425°F) = 200°C fan. Gas Mark 8 = 230°C (450°F) = 210°C fan. Gas Mark 9 = 240°C (475°F) = 220°C fan.

Oven Accuracy and Calibration

Most domestic ovens are NOT accurate to set temperature. Typical variation: ±10-20°C from indicator. Old or poorly insulated ovens: variation ±30°C or more. Test your oven: use an oven thermometer. Set to 180°C, leave 30 minutes, check actual temperature. Adjust recipes accordingly. Common issues: temperature spike — oven heats above set point initially, then settles. Wait 15 minutes after preheat indicator before baking sensitive items. Hot spots — different areas of the oven bake at different

Temperature for Different Foods

Bread: hot oven 220-240°C. The high heat creates oven spring (rapid initial rise) and good crust. Often start higher (240°C for 10 min) then reduce. Pizza: as hot as possible — domestic ovens 250-275°C. Pizza stones improve crust by preheating to oven temp before pizza touches it. Cakes: gentle 160-180°C. High temps overbrown outside before centre cooks. Roast meat: 180-200°C for fan oven roasting. Sear at high heat first if desired. Pavlova/meringues: very low 110-120°C — drying out, not cookin

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