Oven temperatures    Autumn 2007

Baking a Rich Fruit cake (particularly the larger sizes) is a significant investment in both time and ingredients. Concern has recently been raised about the accuracy of some modern ovens when cooking at low temperatures, particularly gas mark 1. Reports suggest that in some cases, a setting of gas mark 1 produces temperatures significantly lower than the correct level of 275°F (140°C). More than one customer has contacted us with tales of large iced cakes being sliced open to reveal uncooked centres!

We recommend that before baking at gas mark 1, you should invest in a good oven thermometer. These typically cost under £5.00 and are available from most cookshops. Though inexpensive, the readings produced are generally more accurate than built-in thermometers. If you do find your oven is inaccurate, simply adjust the temperature using the thermometer as a guide. Remember to allow the temperature to settle before taking a reading.

It's important to remember that the temperature within a gas oven will vary from the top (hottest) to the bottom (the coolest part). Please be sure to temperature test and bake in the same shelf position, or on the middle shelf if no particular position is specified.