Oven temperatures
Oven settings can be confusing between different scales. Find below the guidelines for the right oven temperatures.
This chart is only a guide. The last column shows the nearest temperature equivalent to the gas numbers, but most ovens give temperatures in units of 25˚ F, 10˚ C or 20˚ C to make the setting easier. The first scale of settings - slow, moderate, hot - are the terms we used in the USA; the second one - cool, moderate, hot - are the popular terms we used in the UK. In most European countries, we used a mixture of both - very cool, cool, moderate, hot, very hot - but the temperature intervals are approximately the same.
| Oven settings | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| very slow (very cool) | 225˚ to 250˚ | 120˚ to 140˚ |
| slow (cool) | 275˚ to 300˚ | 140˚ to 160˚ |
| moderate | 325˚ to 350˚ | 160˚ to 180˚ |
| hot (fairly hot) | 375˚ to 400˚ | 180˚ to 200˚ |
| very hot (hot) | 425˚ to 450˚ | 200˚ to 220˚ |
| extremely hot (very hot) | 475˚ to 500˚ | 250˚ |
Oven temperatures given above are for conventional ovens.
Fan assisted ovens take less time to cook because of the hot air circulation and they usually need a lower temperature, a approximately 20% less (approximately 20° F to 40° F, or 10° C to 20° C, less)
| Gas mark | Temperature |
|---|---|
| gas 1/2 gas 1/2 gas 1 gas 2 gas 3 gas 4 gas 5 gas 6 gas 7 gas 8 gas 9 | 240˚ F - 116˚ C 265˚ F - 130˚ C 290˚ F - 143˚ C 310˚ F – 155˚ C 335˚ F - 168˚ C 355˚ F - 180˚ C 380˚ F - 193˚ C 400˚ F - 205˚ C 425˚ F - 218˚ C 445˚ F – 230˚ C 470˚ F - 245˚ C |
As food heats, its molecules become more volatile, releasing intensified aromas that fill the air and tantalize our olfactory senses, transforming the kitchen into a fragrant sanctuary of culinary delight.