To increase the operating temperature of your electric oven by adjusting its calibration, you typically access a special mode by simultaneously pressing and holding the Bake and Broil buttons for 3 seconds, then pressing Bake again to display the current temperature offset, which can then be adjusted using the oven's Plus/Minus or Up/Down keypad. This method is used when your oven consistently bakes food either too quickly or too slowly, indicating it's not maintaining the set temperature accurately.
Understanding Oven Temperature Calibration
Electric ovens are designed to maintain a precise temperature. However, over time or due to manufacturing variations, an oven's internal thermometer might become inaccurate, causing it to run slightly hotter or cooler than the temperature you set. Adjusting the oven's calibration means you are modifying this offset, effectively telling the oven to heat up more (or less) than its default setting for a given temperature input. This is different from simply changing the cooking temperature for a recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Oven's Temperature
Adjusting your electric oven's temperature calibration typically involves a specific sequence of button presses to enter a service mode. Based on common procedures, including those that utilize a "Plus/Minus and Up/Down Keypad" for oven temperature adjustment, here's how to increase your oven's temperature by modifying its calibration:
-
Initiate Calibration Mode:
- Locate the Bake and Broil buttons on your oven's control panel.
- Press both the Bake and Broil buttons simultaneously.
- Hold these two buttons down for a total of 3 seconds.
- You should then observe "SF" appear in the oven's display, indicating you've successfully entered the service function or calibration mode.
-
Access Temperature Offset Display:
- Once "SF" is displayed, immediately press the Bake button again.
- The display will then show a number. This number represents your oven's current temperature offset, typically ranging between 35 and negative 35. A positive number means the oven is calibrated to run hotter than set, while a negative number means it runs cooler.
-
Adjust the Temperature Offset:
- To make your oven run hotter, you will need to increase this displayed number.
- Use the oven's dedicated Plus/Minus or Up/Down keypad buttons to adjust the value. For instance, if the current offset is 0, increasing it to +10 will make the oven run 10 degrees hotter than the set temperature.
- Continue adjusting until you reach your desired increase. Each increment usually represents 1 degree Fahrenheit (or Celsius, depending on your oven's default).
-
Save the New Setting:
- The specific method to save the new setting can vary by model. Often, the oven automatically saves the setting after a few seconds of inactivity, or you might need to press a "Start," "Off," or "Clear" button. Refer to your oven's user manual for precise saving instructions.
Quick Reference Table: Oven Temperature Calibration Adjustment
| Step | Action | Expected Display/Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Enter Calibration Mode | Press & Hold Bake + Broil | "SF" appears in display | Hold for 3 seconds. |
| 2. View Offset | Press Bake (after "SF" appears) | Number between 35 and -35 appears | This is the current temperature offset. |
| 3. Adjust Temperature Up | Use Plus/Minus or Up/Down buttons | Displayed number increases | Increase the number to make the oven run hotter. |
| 4. Save Setting | (Varies by model: wait, press Start/Off/Clear) | Oven exits calibration mode | Consult your specific oven's manual for saving. |
When to Adjust Oven Temperature?
You should consider adjusting your oven's temperature calibration if:
- Food is consistently undercooked: Even when following recipes and recommended temperatures, your dishes come out raw or underdone.
- Food is consistently overcooked/burnt: Your food cooks too quickly or burns before the expected time.
- Using an oven thermometer: A separate, reliable oven thermometer placed inside indicates a significant discrepancy (e.g., more than 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit) between the set temperature and the actual internal temperature over a consistent period.
It's always recommended to consult your specific oven's user manual for the most accurate and detailed instructions, as procedures can vary slightly between manufacturers and models.
