Quick Answer: Common Oven Temperatures
Most searched:
Standard baking temperature
🌬️ Fan oven? Reduce by 20°C (see below)
⚠️ Critical: Fan Oven Adjustment
🔥 Conventional Oven (No Fan)
Traditional gas ovens and standard electric ovens.
- ✓ Use temperature as stated
- ✓ Heat comes from top/bottom
- ✓ Less even heat distribution
💨 Fan/Convection Oven
Modern ovens with fan circulation.
- ⚠️ Reduce by 20°C
- ⚠️ 180°C recipe = set to 160°C
- ⚠️ Cooks faster & more evenly
🎯 Quick Rule: Recipe says 180°C (Gas 4)? Set fan oven to 160°C.
Complete Temperature Conversion Chart
| Description | Gas Mark | °C | °C (Fan) | °F | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Cool | ¼ | 110°C | 90°C | 225°F | Meringues |
| Very Cool | ½ | 120°C | 100°C | 250°F | Slow drying |
| Cool | 1 | 140°C | 120°C | 275°F | Rich fruit cakes |
| Cool | 2 | 150°C | 130°C | 300°F | Cheesecakes |
| Moderate | 3 | 160°C | 140°C | 325°F | Gentle baking |
| Moderate | 3-4 | 170°C | 150°C | 340°F | Cookies |
| Moderate | 4 | 180°C | 160°C | 350°F | Most cakes & bakes |
| Moderate Hot | 5 | 190°C | 170°C | 375°F | Scones, pastry |
| Hot | 6 | 200°C | 180°C | 400°F | Bread, roasting |
| Hot | 7 | 220°C | 200°C | 425°F | Quick roasting |
| Very Hot | 8 | 230°C | 210°C | 450°F | Pizza |
| Very Hot | 9 | 240°C | 220°C | 475°F | Max temp |
💡 Pro tip: Most recipes use Gas Mark 4-6 (180-200°C). For US recipes, see our Fahrenheit converter.
Why Do British Recipes Use Gas Marks?
🇬🇧 Historical Context
Gas ovens became popular in Britain in the early 1900s. The "Regulo" gas regulator marked settings 1-9, which became the standard "Gas Mark" system.
Many British recipes, especially older ones like Victoria sponge, still use this system.
🌡️ Modern Reality
Most UK homes now have electric ovens with Celsius displays, but cookbooks still include Gas Marks for tradition and older ovens.
Fun fact: Gas Mark 4 (180°C) is so common it's called "moderate" - the Goldilocks temperature for baking!
What Happens at Each Temperature
140-160°C (Gas 1-3): Gentle Baking
Proteins set slowly, perfect for custards and cheesecakes. Minimal browning occurs.
Oven Temperature Troubleshooting
🌋 Cake Domed & Cracked
Problem: Oven too hot
Fix: Reduce by 10°C. Check if fan oven (-20°C needed)
🍪 Pale, Undercooked Center
Problem: Temperature too low
Fix: Increase by 10°C or bake longer
🔥 Burnt Bottom, Raw Top
Problem: Bottom heat too strong
Fix: Move to higher shelf, use
double pan
⏱️ Everything Takes Forever
Problem: Oven runs cold
Fix: Get oven thermometer, increase temp by 10-20°C
Common Temperature Questions
What is 180°C in gas mark?
180°C = Gas Mark 4. This is the most common baking temperature, perfect for cakes, cookies, and general baking. For fan ovens, use 160°C.
Do I need to adjust for fan ovens?
Yes! Fan ovens cook more efficiently. Reduce temperature by 20°C. So if recipe says 180°C (Gas 4), set fan oven to 160°C. Also check 5-10 minutes earlier.
What's 350°F in gas mark?
350°F = 180°C = Gas Mark 4. This is why so many American recipes use 350°F - it's the equivalent of the British standard baking temperature! See our F to C converter.
Why does my oven not match the dial?
Ovens can be off by 10-25°C! Causes include age, calibration issues, or altitude. Get an oven thermometer (£5-10) to check actual temperature. For altitude adjustments, see our altitude converter.
Temperature & Baking Tools:
🌡️ Master Any Recipe, Any Oven!
Now you know: 180°C = Gas Mark 4, and fan ovens need -20°C. Never let temperature confusion ruin your bakes again!