This $8 Oven Thermometer Is the Secret to Perfect Bakes

Knowing the exact temperature of your oven is the real secret. But to uncover that secret, you need an oven thermometer. This simple kitchen gadget is surprisingly affordable (under $8) and super easy to use. Invest in an oven thermometer to help you master golden sourdough bread, the best fudgy brownies and anything else your heart desires!

What Is an Oven Thermometer?

It’s exactly what you think: a thermometer for your oven. Most people rely on the oven itself for reading the temperature, but did you know oven temperature settings aren’t 100% accurate? Your oven’s built-in thermometer is often located in the side or back of the oven; and the temperature in those locations doesn’t always match the center of the oven—where your food is actually baked.

A free-standing oven thermometer placed in the middle of the oven is the only way to know the exact temperature.

How Does an Oven Thermometer Help Make the Perfect Bake?

Here’s a simple formula: accurate oven temperature = perfect bakes. To achieve the perfect oven temperature, you’ll need an oven thermometer. For starters, no one likes undercooked or burnt baked goods. But the oven temperature also controls the color, texture and even the flavor of food as it cooks. This is especially important for homemade bread!

How to Use an Oven Thermometer

Pull out your oven thermometer from the drawer or invest in a brand new one—our Test Kitchen likes this durable Taylor thermometer. Then, use it to test your oven’s temperature accuracy. Set your oven to 350°, then place the thermometer inside. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, and then check the reading. This will tell you if your oven is running too hot or too cold. Be sure to move the thermometer around to the front and back, and left and right sides as well, to check for hot or cold spots.

Soon, you’ll know the quirks of your oven and how to get the perfect temperature every time. For example, if you discover your oven is 20° colder than the actual setting, when a recipe calls for 350° (this is why most recipes do), set it for 370°. Keep the thermometer inside the oven as you bake to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the baking process.

Next: Tackle Our Most Advanced Bread Recipes

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Yogurt Yeast RollsPeople tend to snap up these fluffy, golden rolls, in a hurry whenever I take them to a potluck. It's a nice contribution since rolls are easy to transport, and one batch goes a long way. — Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

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Honey ChallahI use these shiny, beautiful loaves as the centerpiece of my spread. I love the taste of honey, but you can also add chocolate chips, cinnamon, orange zest or almonds. Leftover slices of this sweet challah recipe work well in bread pudding or for French toast. —Jennifer Newfield, Los Angeles, California

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German Chocolate RingThis recipe is modeled after German sweet chocolate cake, which is my favorite, so it's no wonder I enjoy making and eating this sweet-tasting bread! You can make it ahead and freeze to bring out when you need an easy showstopper. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

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Taste of Home

Soft Giant PretzelsMy husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Chocolate BabkaI love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Honey BagelsWho has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Twisted Star BreadSwirled with jam, this sweet beauty may look tricky, but it’s not. The best part is opening the oven to find this freshly baked star bread in all its glory. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Orange Cheesecake Breakfast RollsThese yummy rolls are a nice change of pace from the typical brown sugar and cinnamon kind. They make a nice treat for breakfast or brunch. —Hannah Cobb, Owings Mills, Maryland

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Rosemary Walnut BreadI received this recipe from a friend who was moving into a new apartment. To celebrate, she made this bread to share and now it is served at many of my family functions.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Creamy Chive RingsWhen I brought this savory ring to an extension luncheon, club members let me know how much they enjoyed it. Next meeting I had to bring copies of the recipe for everyone there! —Pamela Schlickbernd West Point, Nebraska

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Cherry Tomato & Basil FocacciaWhen I had 80 pounds of tomatoes, I got creative incorporating them into meals. Sometimes I slice this loaf into squares to make sandwiches with fresh mozzarella cheese and deli meats. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas

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Maple Butter TwistsMy stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana

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Toffee Apple Cinnamon BunsThis recipe was my dad’s favorite growing up. He would sit and watch his mom sprinkle the dough with sweet filling, carefully roll it up and cut it into rounds. The anticipation waiting for them to come out of the oven was almost more than he could bear. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

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Celebration BraidDuring the holidays, I sometimes make a couple of these golden loaves a day to give as gifts. Everyone in our family loves them any time of year. The recipe originated with one for Jewish challah, which I began making over a decade ago. —Marcia Vermaire Fruitport, Michigan

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Glazed Cranberry Swirl LoafThis is one of my favorite recipes to serve during the holidays. Without the filling, it makes a nice soft, chewy bread for any regular day! —Chris Carattini, Chadron, Nebraska

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Maple Twist Coffee CakeIf you like maple flavor, you will love this recipe. It is so pretty with all the twists and is always a hit at bake sales I have brought it too.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota

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Pumpkin Knot RollsThese rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted—and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu, Issaquah, Washington

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Taste of Home

Oma's Marzipan StollenMy German grandma made this stollen for us when we were young. I love its homey taste and how it reminds me of her and the German food she made. I often freeze this sweet bread once it’s shaped into a braid. Then I can pull it out the night before, let it rise on the counter overnight, and bake it in the morning. —Abigail Leszczynski, Beauford, South Carolina

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Bohemian KolachesThis kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois

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Chai-Spiced Star BreadMy chai star bread is great for potlucks or parties because it's easy to share and looks beautiful. Prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, then just pop it in the oven before serving. Try using this recipe with other fruits, too, like persimmons or apples. —Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California

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Hungarian Nut RollsIt isn't officially the holidays until I've made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband's grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

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Chive Pinwheel RollsThese light, pleasant-tasting rolls complement almost any entree. With the chive filling swirled through the golden bread, they're attractive enough for special occasions. —Ann Niemela, Ely, Minnesota

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Pumpkin Spice BagelsEnjoy pumpkin pie flavor with these classic bagels. For a change, adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. —Kristy Reeves, LeRoy, Kansas

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Sour Cream Fan RollsI received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one. -Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah

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Seeded Butternut Squash BraidCrunchy, green hulled pumpkin seeds (better known as pepitas)add a slightly nutty taste to this rich and moist bread. Because of their high oil content, pepitas can spoil quickly. Make sure you store them in the freezer to keep them fresh. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

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Taste of Home

Cardamom BraidsThis is an old recipe that I like to make for breakfast. Slices are splendid for dunking in a cup of coffee. —Walter Dust, Rapid City, Michigan

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Chocolate Chip Caramel RollsAs a teenager, I keep active with sports and friends, but baking is my favorite hobby. My five older brothers eat these delicious breakfast rolls right out of the oven! —Julia Holm, Northfield, Minnesota

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Paska BreadPaska is a traditional Easter bread prepared with lots of eggs, making it much richer than ordinary sweet breads. The beautifully braided top will earn you many compliments. —Millie Cherniwchan, Smoky Lake, Alberta

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Cinnamon Bagels with Crunchy ToppingOnce you get the hang of it, you won’t believe how simple it is to make a delicious cinnamon bagel (or a dozen!) right in your kitchen. —Kristen Streepey, Geneva, Illinois

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Cherry-Go-RoundThis fancy coffee cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. It makes a delightful gift during the holidays or year-round. —Kathy McCreary, Wichita, Kansas

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