Modern ovens come equipped with a variety of symbols and settings designed to simplify cooking and deliver perfect results. However, these oven symbols can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re using a new appliance or trying a different cooking method. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common oven symbols, explaining what they mean and how to use them. With this knowledge, you’ll unlock the full potential of your oven and cook with confidence.
Fan Oven Symbols
What it means:
This symbol indicates that both the fan and heating element are in operation. The fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven, ensuring consistent cooking on multiple shelves.
When to use it:
- Roasting vegetables or meats
- Baking cookies, cakes, or pastries on more than one shelf
Conventional Heating (Top and Bottom Heat)
What it means:
Heat is generated from both the top and bottom of the oven. This traditional method provides steady, even heat.
When to use it:
- Baking bread, cakes, or pastries
- Cooking casseroles or gratins
Grill Symbol
What it means:
The top heating element is activated, similar to a broiler. This setting delivers intense heat from above.
When to use it:
- Grilling meat, fish, or vegetables
- Toasting bread or cheese
Fan with Grill
What it means:
The grill and fan work together, circulating hot air while grilling from above. This ensures thorough cooking for larger or thicker cuts of meat.
When to use it:
- Grilling chicken, lamb, or pork chops
- Cooking larger fish fillets
Bottom Heating Symbol
What it means:
Only the bottom heating element is activated, directing heat upwards.
When to use it:
- Baking pizzas, quiches, or tarts for a crispy base
- Reheating pies or casseroles
Defrost Symbol
What it means:
The fan circulates air at room temperature to gently defrost frozen food.
When to use it:
- Defrosting meat, fish, bread, or cakes
- Avoiding the microwave for delicate items
Fan with Top and Bottom Heat
What it means:
Combining traditional top and bottom heat with the fan ensures even heat distribution throughout the oven.
When to use it:
- Roasting meats evenly
- Baking multiple trays of cookies or biscuits
Pizza Setting
What it means:
The fan and bottom heating element work together, creating a crispy base while ensuring the top is cooked through.
When to use it:
- Baking pizzas or flatbreads
- Cooking focaccia or savoury pies
Keep Warm Symbol
What it means:
The oven maintains a low, consistent temperature to keep food warm without overcooking.
When to use it:
- Holding dishes until serving time
- Keeping leftovers warm for second servings
Pyrolytic Cleaning Symbol
What it means:
The oven locks itself and heats to an extremely high temperature, burning off food residue. This process turns grime into ash, which can be wiped away easily.
When to use it:
- Cleaning after heavy use
- Maintaining a hygienic cooking environment
Steam Cooking Symbol
What it means:
This setting uses steam to cook food gently, retaining moisture and nutrients.
When to use it:
- Steaming vegetables or fish
- Baking soft, moist bread
Light Symbol
What it means:
This symbol turns on the oven light without generating heat, allowing you to check on your food without opening the door.
When to use it:
- Monitoring cooking progress
- Reducing heat loss by keeping the oven door closed
Oven Symbols – Conclusion
Understanding oven symbols is essential for making the most of your appliance and achieving the best cooking results. Whether you’re baking a cake, grilling a steak, or defrosting dinner, selecting the correct oven setting can save time and improve your food’s quality. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with your oven’s features and enjoy stress-free, successful cooking every time.
Cook smarter, not harder, with a better understanding of oven symbols! For more tips read our other Blog Posts!
