Yahoo News Experts share what your oven symbols really mean and how to use them while cooking
For those always rushing and reaching for the same oven setting out of habit, it could be time to expand your culinary expertise as appliance gurus have revealed what some of the most common ones mean.
Ever used the same programme for everything from a tray of chips to a hearty casserole? Well, consumer champions at Which suggest taking a moment to crack the oven code could elevate your dishes to new heights of deliciousness.
Their latest TikTok video does just that, giving you the lowdown on those mysterious signs you've likely overlooked, the Daily Record reports.
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Captioning the informative clip, they said: "Oven symbols can be tricky to decipher, and without understanding them, your cooking might suffer. But most ovens tend to use similar symbols, so once you've learned what to look for, you should be able to navigate your way around most you come across."
Starting with the classic fan symbol, the specialists point out it's perfect when you're employing using multiple shelves, ensuring an even cook through and through.
The experts explained: "In this case, heat only comes from the bottom, good for gently cooking stews and casseroles, and crisping up the base of a pizza or pastry."
They specified that the same symbol but with an additional line at the top is ideally suited for single-shelf cooking of items, such as pastries or scones, or 'something substantial' like a sizable cake.
According to the professionals, this setting can also be used for roasting meats.
If you spot an oven symbol with two jagged lines across the top, then you're looking at the grill function. They advise that in some ovens, when grilling, it might be necessary to leave the door open to prevent smoke buildup - it's wise to consult your oven's manual if available.
The experts advised: "Place your food close to the grill but with a little space in between so that it's not touching. The grill is great for anything that sizzles, like sausages and bacon. Also handy for browning off meat or the top of a lasagne."
Moreover, they noted that grilling with the fan on - depicted by the fan symbol with jagged lines above - helps distribute the heat more evenly and is ideal for thicker cuts of meat.
For dishes requiring a crispy base and browned top, such as pies, pizzas, and pastries, they recommended selecting the symbol with both the grill and line at the bottom.
For the half-grill option, look for the symbol with a single jagged line at the top. This means only one part of the grill element will heat up, so make sure your food is positioned directly under this section.
