Use an Oven Thermometer Because Your Oven Lies

The Problem

Your cookies burn on the bottom. Your cakes sink. Your bread doesn't rise properly. You followed the recipe exactly.

The Hack

Hang a $5 oven thermometer on the middle rack. Preheat to 350°F and check the thermometer. Most ovens are 25-50°F off from their displayed temperature.

Why It Works

Baking is chemistry — precise temperatures trigger specific reactions. If your oven runs 25°F hot, you're essentially baking at a different recipe than intended every single time.

Pro Tips

• Adjust your oven dial to compensate for the difference
• Most ovens also have hot spots — rotate pans halfway through baking
• A single $5 purchase can fix years of baking frustration
• Oven calibration shifts over time — check yours annually