When it comes to baking, an oven thermometer may be the best $6 you ever spend. It doesn't matter how new or expensive your oven is - there is no way to tell if the dial matches the real temperature without a thermometer.
There can be differences between gas and electric ovens, and some are off at varying temperatures. Many older apartment ovens are notoriously finicky. Our old 1959 oven was a champ - once you adjusted for the 100-150°F variations.
Most oven thermometers are cheap. You can find them in the grocery store, hanging with the tools. They're also tough - ours is splattered and stained but it works. See more on our favorite thermometer below, and tips for getting the most out of it...
the first time I used my oven in my apartment it took me 2.5 hours to make banana bread. Once I bought an oven thermometer I realized that my old, old gas stove need to be set about 150 degrees higher than you think.
view tlinell's profile
Won't try and use the oven without one. Mine is a Farberware (or one of those "wares") that I picked up at the market.
My oven does usually get to the settings that you program it for, but it takes longer than the indicator says - so at least this way I'm not putting stuff in the oven while it's still preheating.
view CDC's profile
i have an oxo oven thermometer, but i didn't realize you should check the temp in different areas of the oven, too. i have it hanging on the end of the top rack. thanks!
view athena's profile
Thanks for posting this! I just ordered a Sunbeam oven therm. from Amazon.
view jbeach's profile