Molly Ayala
Electric ovens come with a variety of symbols and icons on their control panels, depending on the manufacturer, with each one indicating different functions and settings. While there is no standard set of symbols, most ovens tend to use similar symbols. Understanding these symbols can help ensure that your cooking endeavours are successful. This article will introduce you to the most common oven symbols and explain what they mean.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fan function | A fan symbol, sometimes with a circle around it |
| Convection cooking mode | Straight or curved line at the top and bottom of the symbol |
| Grill-only function | Zigzag lines or a dotted curved line at the top of the symbol |
| Fan and grill function | Zigzag line at the top with a fan symbol below |
| Half-grill function | A single zigzag line at the top |
| Full grill function | Double zigzag line at the top |
| Bottom heating element only | Single horizontal line at the bottom of a square |
| Top and bottom heating elements | Two horizontal lines at the top and bottom of a square |
| Slow cook function | Dashed lines along the top and bottom or an image of a casserole dish |
| Preheat function | Stacked plates, a thermometer, or a line with waves |
| Defrost function | Snowflake or fan symbol with a water droplet |
| Light function | Lightbulb symbol |
| Pyrolytic cleaning function | Capital P, series of dots, arrows, or diamond shapes that increase in size |
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What You'll Learn
- Fan settings: A fan symbol on its own or with horizontal lines above and below it shows the fan is spreading heat from the upper and lower heating elements
- Grill settings: A zigzag line at the top with a fan symbol below means the grill and fan are on at the same time
- Convection cooking: A straight or curved line at the top and bottom of the symbol represents the convection cooking mode
- Pyrolytic cleaning: Symbols for this function include a capital P, or a series of dots or diamond shapes that increase in size
- Defrosting: This is often represented by a snowflake that's dripping, illustrating the defrosting process
Fan settings: A fan symbol on its own or with horizontal lines above and below it shows the fan is spreading heat from the upper and lower heating elements
Fan settings are indicated by a fan symbol on its own or with horizontal lines above and below it. This setting is great for roasting meat, where you want the meat to be tender on the inside and well done on the outside. The fan spreads heat from the upper and lower heating elements, rather than from the back, resulting in even heat distribution throughout the oven cavity. This is ideal for cooking on multiple shelves, as it provides a consistent temperature without any hot spots.
The fan symbol on its own indicates that the fan is working alongside a heating element at the back of the oven. This setting is often referred to as "turbo" and is perfect for most types of cooking. It is worth noting that if your oven's heat distribution is poor, you may need to move your trays around to achieve even cooking results.
The fan symbol with horizontal lines above and below indicates that the fan is working in conjunction with the upper and lower heating elements. This setting is excellent for single-shelf cooking, such as pastries, scones, or a large fruit cake. It is also a good option for roasting meat, as it provides even heat distribution and ensures the meat is cooked evenly on the inside and outside.
The fan symbol is a fundamental part of understanding your oven's functionality. It is important to note that fan settings may vary slightly depending on your oven model and manufacturer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to your oven's manual for specific details regarding the fan settings and their respective symbols.
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Grill settings: A zigzag line at the top with a fan symbol below means the grill and fan are on at the same time
A zigzag line at the top of the symbol box with a fan symbol below means that the grill and fan are on at the same time. This setting is known as fan grilling and is designed to be used with the oven door closed. Food should be placed on a grilling tray a level or two lower than for regular grilling. The fan distributes the heat around the oven, taking some of the intensity out of the grill, which is ideal for cooking thicker pieces of meat or fish without burning the exterior.
Fan grilling is a good option for cooking a lot of food at once, such as sausages and bacon, or for browning off meat or the top of a lasagne. It can also be used to make a large round of toast. The fan assists the grill by spreading the heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures without any hot spots.
The grill function on its own, represented by a zigzag line or dotted curved line at the top of the symbol, produces heat from the entire grill element of the oven. This is perfect for sizzling sausages or bacon, or for anything that requires an even crisp or browning.
The fan function on its own, represented by a fan symbol, circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity. The fan oven setting is good for most types of cooking, especially when using more than one shelf. It is also useful for roasting meat, where you want the meat to be tender on the inside and well done on the outside.
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Convection cooking: A straight or curved line at the top and bottom of the symbol represents the convection cooking mode
Convection cooking is represented by a straight or curved line at the top and bottom of the symbol. This indicates that heat will be generated by elements in the top and bottom of the oven and is spread by natural convection. The fan doesn't come on for this setting. This is a good option for single-shelf cooking of pastries or scones, or something more substantial such as a large fruit cake. It also works well for roasting meat.
The convection setting is also known as the fan oven setting, which is represented by a fan, usually inside a circle. This setting circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, providing a consistent cooking temperature without any hotspots. The fan oven setting is good for most types of cooking, especially when using more than one shelf. It is also useful for roasting meat, where you want the meat to be tender on the inside and well done on the outside.
The convection broil setting is another variation, which is a good option for browning off meat, the top of a lasagne, or for making a large round of toast.
Convection cooking is a useful setting for cooking a variety of dishes, from pastries to meats, and for ensuring an even distribution of heat throughout the oven.
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Pyrolytic cleaning: Symbols for this function include a capital P, or a series of dots or diamond shapes that increase in size
Pyrolytic cleaning is a function offered by some ovens that allows you to clean your oven without the hassle of manually scrubbing it with harsh detergents. This self-cleaning function incinerates burnt-on cooking grime by heating the oven to extremely high temperatures of around 500°C, turning any residue into ash that can be easily wiped off. The pyrolytic self-cleaning function is completely safe, and the oven door locks automatically once the internal temperature goes over 300°C. The cooling fan is also boosted during the cleaning process to ensure that adjacent furniture is not damaged.
The symbols used by manufacturers for pyrolytic cleaning vary and are not consistent. Symbols for this function include a capital P, or a series of dots or diamond shapes that increase in size. Some ovens may use a different symbol, such as "PYR", to indicate the pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
It is important to note that during and after the pyrolytic cleaning process, certain precautions should be taken. For example, small animals, especially birds, should be removed from the vicinity and kept in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, ensure good ventilation in the area, and keep children away from the oven as it becomes very hot, releasing hot air from the front cooling vents.
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Defrosting: This is often represented by a snowflake that's dripping, illustrating the defrosting process
The defrost function on an electric oven is often represented by a snowflake with a water droplet emerging from it. This symbol indicates that the oven will use cool circulating air generated by the oven fan to defrost frozen food within the oven chamber. This process allows food to defrost more quickly than if it were left on the kitchen counter to thaw.
The defrost function is designed to speed up the defrosting process without applying heat to the food. This is particularly useful for defrosting foods that are sensitive to heat, such as meat, poultry, or delicate pastries. By using cool air circulation, the oven gently defrosts the food, preventing it from partially cooking or drying out.
The symbol for the defrost function is typically a snowflake with a drip, resembling a water droplet. This intuitive symbol conveys the idea of melting ice and the transition from a frozen to a thawed state. The dripping snowflake is a widely recognised icon that is easy for users to understand and associate with the defrosting process.
In addition to the dripping snowflake symbol, some ovens may use alternative icons to represent the defrost function. For example, the symbol may simply be a fan with a water droplet, indicating that the fan will be running without heat. This alternative symbol still conveys the essential aspect of air circulation during the defrosting process.
Understanding the symbols on your electric oven is crucial for utilising its full potential. The defrost function, represented by the dripping snowflake symbol, is a convenient feature that can expedite meal preparation by efficiently defrosting frozen foods. By familiarising yourself with the various oven symbols and their functions, you can enhance your cooking experience and make the most of your oven's capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The fan symbol on its own or with horizontal lines above and below it indicates that the fan is spreading heat from the upper and lower heating elements.
A zigzag line at the top of the symbol box means that heat is being produced by the whole grill element. A zigzag line at the top with a horizontal line at the bottom means the grill and the bottom element will both be on.
The lightbulb symbol is used for the oven light function. Ovens that have this function give you the option to turn your oven light on even when the oven is not in use, allowing you to look inside for dirt and other food residue.
The snowflake with a water droplet symbol represents the defrost function. This means the fan will run with no or very low heat, allowing food to defrost quicker than leaving it on the bench to thaw.
