I applaud all of you who thought the problem with your cooking disasters was the oven temperature and actually pulled out the owner’s manual to see how to adjust the temperature. I, on the other hand, figured my overcooked blunders were a result of my lackluster cooking skills. And then one day, after popping off the knobs of my gas stove for a thorough cleaning, I discovered the grail of oven temperature regulation. There is a gauge on the back of the knob. The words “make cooler” and “make hotter” created a eureka moment.
How to determine if your gas stove temperature is correct
You will need an oven thermometer, which is available at the grocery store or hardware for less than $10. Place the oven rack in the center of the oven and attach the thermometer as directed on the thermometer package, which may say to hang the device from a one of the rods of the oven rack. Turn the oven to a commonly used temperature, like 350 degrees. Allow the oven to heat for at least 15 minutes and then jot down the temperature reading on the thermometer. Five minutes later, check the thermometer again. Check the thermometer one last time after another five minutes. Add those three temperatures and divide by three to determine the average temperature. If the results are close to the setting you chose on the oven knob, like 10 degrees above or below, that average temperature is probably close enough because a regular oven cannot maintain a constant temperature. If the average is off more than 10 degrees, then the temperature can be adjusted. Leave the oven on.
How to adjust the oven temperature
First, let’s get the concept correct. This change adjusts the oven knob to more accurately choose the desired temperature, not the thermostat or any other inter-oven fixtures. Use the fingers of both hands to pop the oven temperature knob off the oven. The back of the knob has two screws that hold the face of the knob (the degree markings) in place. Note where the gauge on the back currently points, which may be in the center. Use a screwdriver to loosen both screws. The objective is to twist the face of the knob to reposition the numbers to match the temperature in the oven. Relocate the pointer on the back of the knob one mark (or half the distance between marks, which is what I did) on the gauge hotter or cooler, tighten the screws and then reattach the knob to the oven. Set the temperature again to 350, wait 15 minutes and check the temperature. Repeat twice more at five minute intervals and calculate an average. You may need to adjust the knob again. You most likely will not achieve an exact setting so error to the lower side as you fine tune the setting. It’s better to return a casserole to the oven to cook a bit longer than to have the temperature too high and burn the food.
More from this contributor:
Kitchen Cabinets Harbor Hidden Decorating Secrets
Difference Between a Stove and Oven
Do-It-Yourself Kitchen Remodel: Choosing Colors for Flooring, Cabinet and Countertop