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Fan ovens - lower temperature?

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By rtbf 05 Nov 2009 09:35

Fan ovens - lower temperature?

Hi,

Do I still need to knock 20 degrees off the oven temperature given in a recipe if I'm using a fan oven – or are fan ovens now assumed to be the norm, so I just use the temperature in the recipe?

This is particularly for a Delia recipe – indeed, a Christmas cake, so there isn't much room for error!

Help much appreciated.I'm cooking at a friend's house away from my usual gas oven.

rtbf
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By andyc 05 Nov 2009 10:53

Fan over temperatures

I normally work on 10% less time and 10% less temperature. I have cooked Delia's Christmas cake in my fan oven for several years now and I cook it at 120 instead of 140 and 4 hours instead of upto 4 and 3/4 hours. This is a rough estimate of course, and only my experience!! Have fun!
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By Cookie 05 Nov 2009 11:32

Cookie

I have a Zanussi (Electrolux) fan oven. The oven cooking temp' is the same as Delia's. I haven't baked the cake yet (just about to do so) so I'm not sure of the time whether it will be 4 - 4 1/2 hours. Anyway best of luck. I hope yours turns out OK.
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By Sue G 05 Nov 2009 11:35

Fan ovens

I would still lower the temperature.
Also you mentioned cooking a cake in a friends oven, don't forget each oven differs in temperature.

My cakes only take two & half hours and are still cooked on a low temp.

Check your cake after two & half hours and then you should be able to judge how much longer it will cake.
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By ACDC 05 Nov 2009 22:03

Fan Ovens

Can you text or call your friend and ask her? I'd be inclined to lower the temperature.

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By Dolly Doodle 06 Nov 2009 13:03

Fan Ovens

I would err on the side of caution and drop the temperature. Far better to cook it for longer at a lower temperature than to risk burning it and spoiling your cake.

My oven is a fan and I have to drop the temperature by about 20 degrees.
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By rtbf 06 Nov 2009 15:00

The word from Delia's team...

Thanks so much for all your help. I'll see if I can get my friend's oven details!

Incidentally, it's the Creole cake in the new Christmas book. The fruit's now soaking, and I'm baking at the weekend. I'll report back with how it goes.

Meanwhile, I'm impressed to say that I had a message from Noreen on the Delia Online team saying:

"All Delia's recipes are written for conventional ovens. You really need to refer to the manufacturer's handbook for guidance on adjusting it for fan assisted.

Also don't forget to use an oven thermometer, crucial for making the cake as you would be surprised how 'out' even new ovens can be, and very costly if it goes wrong."
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By ACDC 06 Nov 2009 22:07

fan ovens - creole cake

I have made this cake. My Christmas Book by Delia is ten years old and well used.
This cake is really scrumptious. Very rich but really moreish. It's not a difficult cake. The hardest bit is lining the bloomin' cake tin. Enjoy.
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By welsh lamb 07 Nov 2009 06:31

creole cake

I have made this loads of times from the old book - I find in my oven (a Dedietrich) it takes less than the stated time on gas mark 1, 275°F (140°C)so I start checking it with a very fine skewer 30 mins before.