How to Test Your Oven Temperature Without a Thermometer

• granulated sugar↗
• aluminum foil

  (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°. (186° C.).

2. 2

   Place a small amount of granulated sugar in an oven-proof dish or on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.

3. 3

   Place in oven for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   If your oven is calibrated correctly, the sugar will melt.

5. 5

   If your oven is running cold, the sugar will not melt.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350°. (177° C.).

7. 7

   Follow the same procedure as above.

8. 8

   If your oven is calibrated correctly, the sugar will not melt (although it may brown a little).

9. 9

   If your oven is running hot, the sugar will melt.

10. 10

    Note: ovens do not maintain a constant temperature, but cycle above and below it, so it is possible that the sugar may melt at 350° if your oven is correctly calibrated but has an extreme cycle (15° F, 8° C.).