Oven Temperatures

Our answer

To date, the recipes in Nigella's books and on the website give oven temperatures that are for conventional ovens. Generally you will find that most published recipes give these temperatures, unless they specifically state that the temperature is for a fan oven. However there has ben a marked increase in use in fan ovens in recent years and in her forthcoming book, AT MY TABLE, Nigella will give temperatures in centigrade for both conventional and fan ovens.

Fan (and convection) ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around the oven cavity. This gives a more even temperature throughout the oven but the movement of the air also causes most foods to cook more quickly. As there can be a risk of the outside cooking too quickly, it is normal for the temperature on a fan oven to be adjusted downwards. Usually the reduction in temperature is 20C (about 50F). However we strongly advise to check instructions in the manual for your oven for specific guidance on your model, as ovens can vary. In addition foods can still cook slightly more quickly even after the temperature adjustment is made so it is a good idea to keep and eye on the cakes and check slightly before the end of the recommended cooking time, until you become accustomed to how quickly or slowly your own oven cooks.