Daily Kitchen Note
Built-in oven thermostats are often inaccurate, leading to under- or overbaking. Using an independent oven thermometer allows you to verify the actual temperature and adjust your dial for precise cooking.
How to Check and calibrate
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, such as 350°F.
- Place an oven thermometer in the center of the middle rack.
- Wait 30 to 40 minutes for the oven temperature to stabilize.
- Check the thermometer reading and adjust your oven dial accordingly for future baking.
Why it works
Ovens frequently run hot or cold compared to their dial settings and cycle continuously. An independent thermometer placed where the food cooks provides an accurate reading of the actual ambient heat.
Source
Serious Eats: The One Thing Guaranteed to Ruin Your Turkey (That No One Warns You About)
