Calibrating Oven

Believe it or not ovens need to be calibrated periodically. If you don't you may not be setting the oven to the temperature you think you are. For example, if you set the temperature to 350, it may be more like 375 or maybe 325. To calibrate you oven here is what you need to do.

1. Go to someplace like Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens N things and get an oven thermometer.
   
2. Make sure your new thermometer is calibrated and reliable. To check this, boil some water. Water boils at 212 F. Hang the thermometer above the waterline (it is NOT waterproof). The steam will also be 212 F as long as you hang it right above the waterline. The thermometer should read 212 F when the water is boiling. Don't touch the thermometer. It is HOT! Wait for it to cool before trying this.
   
3. Now put the thermometer into the oven and set it to say 350 F (or any temperature you can easily read on the thermometer and oven). Once the oven is heated completely, check your thermometer. It should say the 350 F in this case. If it doesn't it means your oven is out of calibration and might be the reason your cooking times are always off.
   
4. To calibrate your oven varies between ovens so check your manual. Many ovens with the turn knobs can be pulled off (pull straight out), and there is likely an adjustment knob on the back. Each tick may be about 10 degrees. If you have an oven with a digital display, you may need check the owners manual to determine how to calibrate it.
   
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the oven and the thermometer show the same temperature.