Understanding Your Oven
Getting to know your oven can be the secret to better baking
If you have followed a recipe to the letter and waited patiently to open the oven door to your masterpiece only to find a sunken cake, burnt biscuits or exploding cupcakes, your oven could be the culprit.
Understanding how your oven works - whether it is gas, electric or fan-assisted - can make the difference between success and baking something that even the birds turn their beaks up at.
Let's look at different types of oven and how you can make sure they work with you to become a better baker.
Cooking on Gas
Gas ovens heat up quickly and provide a nice moist baking environment thanks to the humidity created. However, they tend to have hot spots and inconsistent temperatures which mean
Your cakes may brown more on one side
They are excellent for moist bakes like custards and cheesecakes
Preheating may take less time but temperature fluctuations can happen
But don't panic, there are ways to avoid problems
Use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature matches that on the dial
Rotate your cakes and bakes halfway through to prevent uneven browning
If baking something delicate, such as macarons, use an insulated baking sheet to prevent over-browning on the bottom.
Electric Ovens
Electric ovens provide a more steady even heat, making them more predictable for baking. However they tend to be drier inside, which can effect certain types of recipe. So what's the lowdown?
The heat is generally more consistent than in gas ovens
Dry heat can be great for crisping cookies or getting a golden crust on bread
It might take longer to preheat (it is essential to wait for the correct temperature to be reached) but once at temperature, it remains stable.
Here are a few tips to avoid potential issues when using an electric oven
If you find your cakes are coming out a bit dry, place a small ovenproof dish of water on the lower rack of the oven to add a bit of moisture.
Pay attention to the top and bottom heating elements - some electric ovens bake more from the bottom, while others focus more on the top.
Be mindful of where you place your baking tray, the middle shelf is usually best for even heat distribution.
Fan-Assisted Ovens
It will come as no surprise that fan assisted ovens use a fan to circulate the hot air and create a constant temperature throughout. This means bakes cook faster and more evenly but can also dry out more quickly. Want to know more?
They are excellent for achieving an even bake without having to rotate the tray
They bake around 20% faster than conventional ovens, so you will need to either adjust the time or temperature.
They are great for crisp pastry, cookies and roasting, but can be a bit harsh for a delicate cake.
To get the best from your fan oven you should
Reduce the oven temperature by about 10-20 degrees centigrade compared to conventional ovens - a lot of recipes will advise you on this
Keep an eye on your bakes - things do cook faster!
Shield the top with baking parchment to avoid the top over browning when making delicate bakes.
Getting up close and personal with your oven
No two ovens are the same, even if they are the same model, here are some tips for testing and understanding yours better:
Use an oven thermometer, they are relatively cheap but worth every penny - very few ovens will run at the temperature shown on the dial, an oven thermometer will tell you the real temperature
Find hot and cool spots - place a tray of sliced bread or a baking sheet of sugar in the oven and see which areas brown first - ta da! those are your hot spots
Experiment with shelf positions - the middle shelf is often the best for cakes, but the lower might be better for crusty bread and the top for quick browning
Preheat properly - many ovens beep when they 'think' they have reached the correct temperature, but err on the side of caution and allow another five or 10 minutes.
Getting to know your oven is like getting to know a new friend - once you understand its quirks, strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to bake with confidence. No matter what type of oven you have, taking a little time to familiarise yourself will avoid your bakes from being just ok to consistently amazing. So go on, make a date with your oven and do some beautiful baking.
