Bake Theory of Ops (Averaging)

When the user starts a bake cycle for 350°F, the oven does not maintain a perfect 350°F. Whether gas or electric, these heating systems do not regulate themselves. They cycle on and off heat to maintain an average temperature.

So, what is the set temp? It’s an average.

When you set the oven to 400°F, the control activates the heating source and looks to the temperature sensor until the cavity temperature reaches above 400°F – generally 25-50 degrees above the set point, then it cuts the heat source off. When the temperature sensor indicates the temperature dropping 25-50 degrees below the set temp, it kicks the heat back on. And the cycle continues.

Testing

We need to average the Cut On and the Cut Off temperatures over multiple cycles. One cycle is not enough – especially if it’s the preheat cycle.

Place your thermocouple in the center of the cavity. Shut the door. Set the oven to 400°F. Then document the cut off temp and the cut on temp.

To get the average of one cycle, you would add the cut off temperature to the cut on temperature, then divide by two. The larger the range you get, the more precise your average will be. It is always recommended that you get the cycle on and off temps on at least 3-5 cycles.

Use this Averaging Calculator to measure your metrics! It will present you with the inputted metrics that you can screenshot and add to your dispatch notes for future reference.