Using the oven The numbers next to the baking tray in the oven are not ordinary symbols. They make baking easier and influence the quality of baked goods. Oven functions

• Discover the secret meaning of the numbers in the oven, which have a key impact on the quality of your baked goods.
• Learn how to properly use each baking level to ensure that each dish is perfectly baked.
• Learn the most common mistakes when baking and see how simple changes can transform your culinary successes!

The numbers next to the baking tray in the oven are not ordinary symbols. This is a hidden feature that makes baking easier

The oven is one of the home appliances without which we cannot imagine preparing meals. It serves us not only in making dinner for the family, but also in baking our favorite cakes. However, in order for the prepared dishes to be successful, i.e. baked evenly and not burnt on the bottom and raw on the outside, you need to know how to use the oven properly. Of course, the user manual included with the equipment when purchased can help us with this. Here you will find detailed rules of its use. But not all of us have time to browse through dozens of pages. And because of this, many of us are not even aware that the numbers visible in the oven at the height of the individual tray settings are not ordinary markings, but have a specific meaning that has a huge impact.

What do the numbers in the oven mean?

The topic of setting was raised on Instagram by @monika_milosz_home, an expert in home cleaning. Level numbers usually start at the bottom and go up. Sometimes they may also be marked with letters. The general rule is that the middle level is most often used for baking cakes, bread and other dishes where even heat distribution is important. In turn, the lower level is good for baking pizza or dishes that require stronger browning from the bottom. We use the upper levels for baking or quick browning from above. In convection ovens, the heat is distributed evenly, so placing the food on any level usually does not have a big impact on the final result. It is often recommended to bake with convection oven on the middle level. Monika Miłosz posted a detailed list of what dishes should be baked on each level.

You have 5 levels in your oven, but do you use all of them? Or just the middle?

1. Pizza, bread

2. Meat, fish

3. Cakes, muffins

4. Vegetables, convection

5. Casseroles, grilling

– notes the author of the post on Instagram.

Mistakes made when baking in the oven

Using the oven seems simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can spoil the dish. One of the most common is insufficient. Always wait until the oven reaches the desired temperature and maintains it for at least 10-15 minutes before placing food in it. Another mistake is opening the door too often, which causes heat to escape and extends the baking time, and in the case of cakes, it may cause them to fall. Also remember not to overload the oven, which hinders air circulation and uneven baking.