How to choose and correctly install a thermometer for a gas stove oven

Oven thermometer: what is it?

An oven thermometer is a device that controls the conditions inside the cabinet and also guarantees high-quality cooking. It is a device with a bimetallic plate that can be deformed under the influence of heat. Thus, it changes the position of the arrow relative to the scale.

The device helps housewives and cooks in public establishments to accurately measure the temperature of an electric or gas stove. You don’t have to worry about the error, because it is only 0.1 degrees.

Gas stove oven temperature: calculation methods

People who have had gas stoves for many years often do not even intend to change this equipment to something new and technologically advanced. The main advantage of the devices they have is the ease of working with them and the availability of household gas.

And the question often comes up about determining the indicators in the ovens of long-used stoves, since many modern recipes involve cooking at certain temperatures, and these devices do not have a thermometer, there is only a gradation with sectors.

Comparison of measuring scales

Traditionally, Soviet stoves and units produced in Eastern Europe use a thermometer located inside. It is divided into eight parts and the designations on the scale are 1-8.

And here a dilemma arises: how many degrees in the oven according to these data? Since the highest parameter in household ovens does not exceed 360 degrees, under such conditions you can make calculations yourself.

How to determine? The steps are as follows:

1. It should be noted that even at the initial stage of combustion the heat reaches 150 C.
2. For high-quality baking, 200-220 C is required. These are designations 4-5. Biscuits can be cooked at mark 3.
3. The lowest heating temperature suitable for drying meringues or creating dried fruits is in the range of 70-90 C. It is formed in conventional ovens only with control of a small space between the door and the main zone of the oven.

More accurate information can be found in the technical documentation of the stove. But long-term operation of the stove is often reflected in its own way on the current level of heating. It is better to identify it experimentally.

Varieties

Home appliance stores offer a wide range of models. They differ from each other primarily in their action. It is worth familiarizing yourself with each representative in more detail. Analogue devices are most in demand among the population. They remind everyone of a familiar dial with a arrow on it. There are budget and expensive options, and on some models the scale only indicates the limits of the values. This makes it difficult to determine the temperature in the oven. Gas ovens often have thermometers installed to monitor the heat inside the appliance.

Digital analogues are considered the most modern. The principle of their operation is based on a thermocouple. Thanks to this, the user can set a more accurate temperature. In addition, there are several types of this type of thermostat.

1. Standard temperature probe. The thermometer consists of a plastic body equipped with a long metal needle - probe . To check the temperature, the cook must lower the probe into the dish being prepared. The value is displayed on a special screen.
2. Wired type temperature probe. It is equipped with a probe needle. Using a cable, the needle is attached to the recorder unit, so it can be used inside the oven.
3. Non-contact electronic oven thermometer. The device receives temperature readings thanks to an infrared element. That is, it does not need to be immersed in dishes. However, it has one significant drawback - a fairly large error in measuring the mode. It all depends on the distance at which measurements are taken.

Popular models

To purchase a high-quality, reliable thermometer, you need to trust trusted brands. The list of the most popular models includes:

1. Gefu Scala. A temperature probe with a 15 cm needle is designed to measure temperatures in the range -40–+200º. The device is suitable for liquid and solid products, characterized by high accuracy.
2. Polder THM 515. The analog thermometer is ideal for preparing desserts, pastries, and pies. Reflects temperatures from 40º to 200º.
3. Generic TD-45. The product can be used in both gas and electric ovens. The device consists of stainless steel, the range of available temperatures is 0–300º. It is compact in size, light in weight, and equipped with a hook.
4. Endever Smart-05. Allows you to determine not only the degree of roasting of meat, but also its appearance. The device operates in 20 different modes for different products. Displays indicators within 0–250º.
5. Cason. An infrared device allows you to clarify data from a distance. The available range is from -32º to +380º. The device is equipped with a 9 V battery, which is designed for 16 hours of uninterrupted operation.

A modern oven is designed for cooking a variety of dishes: meat, fish, pastries, desserts. To ensure that your food is tasty, healthy, and most importantly of high quality, you need to use a special thermometer. The devices display the temperature inside the stove or in the product and prevent food from burning and drying out. The devices are useful not only in professional kitchens, but also at home.

Gefu Scala

Polder THM 515

Generic TD-45

Endever Smart-05

Cason

How to choose a quality oven thermometer

There are several nuances that should be taken into account when choosing a device for determining the temperature of various types of ovens. Knowledge of these details will allow you to choose the optimal model in Moscow.

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First of all, you should look at the oven - is it gas or electric, since a specific thermometer is purchased for different types of ovens. For example, removable devices are purchased for gas stoves. They are mounted in any convenient place - on glass, grilles, side walls. After use, the devices are removed and cleaned.

Option for gas oven

For electric oven

As for electric ovens, manufacturers often immediately install thermostats there. Therefore, there is no need to buy a new one. But housewives and cooks still prefer more accurate instruments for measuring temperature, for example, with a probe.

Advice: when purchasing a product, you need to ask the seller for documents and a warranty card.

There are additional criteria by which thermostats are selected.

1. Price. Experts urge not to buy devices at too low prices, because their quality often fails.
2. Dimensions. The device must have a large screen so that the user can view the temperature without opening the door.
3. Maximum indicator. The ideal option is models where the maximum temperature is 300 degrees. Thanks to this, you can prepare a huge variety of dishes.
4. Manufacturer. On store shelves there are various thermometers from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Professionals recommend paying attention to reputable companies, as they guarantee reliability and long service life.

Tips for choosing the best kitchen thermometer

Having decided on the type of model that will be used to control the temperature, you should carefully select a specific model. To do this, you need to pay attention to a number of characteristics:

1. The low cost of a digital device will indicate not the best quality and a large error in the readings.
2. Size. For an oven, it is advisable to choose a device with a large scale so that you can see the temperature even through the glass.

   
   A large, readable dial and a threshold of 300°C are two important parameters when choosing a thermometer

3. Maximum threshold . It is recommended to choose models with a maximum permissible measurement threshold of 300°C, which will allow you to cook a larger number of dishes.
4. Manufacturer. There are a large number of manufacturers on the market, so when deciding to buy a quality device, you should pay attention to well-known brands. Buying a Chinese thermometer will result in the need to quickly replace it.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION! The preparation of some dishes requires the most delicate variability of temperature conditions, so the presence of a large, readable scale will allow for proper control.

How to properly install a thermometer in the oven

Maximum accuracy of the temperature regime, first of all, depends on the correct placement and fastening of the new thermometer in the oven. It should be noted that the fixation method depends on the model. There are devices that are mounted directly on the wire rack next to the baking sheet. Other devices are attached to the side walls or glass of the door using special hooks. They are quite easy to install.

Modern models are complemented by a crossbar or hook. This way they hang on the grille. But if one of these components is missing for some reason, then under no circumstances should it be placed on the surface. The fact is that the body is made of melting materials. Therefore, the installed device will not withstand the first contact with a hot surface.

Some new thermometers are attached to the oven walls using glue. To do this, you can use only heat-resistant compounds that retain their technical characteristics when exposed to high temperatures. Conventional adhesive mixtures are not suitable for this. The best option for glass devices is sealants for the car exhaust system.

The design and principle of operation of an oven thermometer

Many housewives, when preparing a dish in the oven, determine its condition and degree of readiness only by appearance, which is not entirely correct. Famous chefs use kitchen thermometers for these purposes, which allow them to control the entire cooking process.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION! Most modern stoves are equipped with a temperature control system. If the selected model does not have a similar function, you will need to purchase a high-quality thermometer.

The operating principle of the simplest device is entirely based on the physical property of metals to deform when exposed to high temperatures. The basis of the device is a bimetallic plate. As the temperature increases, it gradually deforms, leading to a change in the position of the arrow indicating a specific temperature.

IMPORTANT ! Models of glass oven thermometers are less accurate than options placed inside the oven chamber, since they are located very far from the direct heat source.

Models with a remote probe are convenient because they allow you to control the temperature inside while monitoring the indicators outside

Terms of use

As mentioned above, the thermometer is placed inside the oven. There are several ways to fix it - a crossbar, a hook or glue.

Experts recommend choosing electronic oven thermometers. It is much easier to care for them, because during the cooking process the device becomes covered with plaque, drops of fat and oil, so it will be enough to remove it and wash it.

In kitchens in cafes and restaurants, more demands are placed on food preparation, so more powerful and modern equipment is purchased there. Cooks prefer temperature probes. Using them is quite simple - a device with a liquid crystal display and a steel probe is placed at the required mark. The probe is lowered into the dish, while the device itself remains in the kitchen. The thermostat notifies you when it is ready after a beep. Then the dipstick is cooled and cleaned.

It is worth remembering that for each dish in the cabinet a certain temperature is set. There is a big difference in cooking poultry and biscuits, and vegetables are baked at a different temperature than fish.

Temperature probe

There are also electronic thermometers, for example, temperature probes. This device is equipped with a steel probe, which is connected to the LCD display via a heat-resistant cord.

How to use a temperature probe correctly? There is nothing complicated about this:

1. Set the temperature needed to cook the dish.
2. Place the probe into the product.
3. We monitor the temperature of the dish on the screen.

A temperature probe can be useful for more than just cooking in the oven. It can also be used when frying food in a frying pan or open fire.

How to find out the temperature in the oven by marks

Many users are interested in this question, because not all thermostats have a clear temperature scale. That is, temperature values ​​from 1 to 9 points are indicated. Some thermometers only have five divisions. Several tables will help you accurately determine the temperature regime.

On a five-point scale:

On a seven-point scale:

On an eight-point scale:

On a nine-point scale:

In order not to forget the value on the scales, experienced housewives and professional chefs print out a table with a breakdown of the values ​​and hang it near the stove or above the work surface.

Based on the tables, we can say that one division means 20 degrees.

To cook meat or poultry dishes, you need to set the temperature to 200-220 degrees, that is, close to the maximum. Biscuits and cakes are baked at 180 degrees. Therefore, the handle should be opposite the number 3 or 4, depending on the division and type of device.

Tip: It is impossible to set the temperature below 150 degrees, but it is needed for drying herbs, fruits or crackers. In this case, you can set the temperature to a minimum and open the door slightly.

It should be noted that the above parameters apply to most devices. But over time, changes in operation may occur due to long-term operation of the equipment. Therefore, the heat level may be higher or lower.

Characteristics

When choosing a thermometer, you should pay attention to several parameters:

• To determine the accuracy of readings, you should use instruments made of heat-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures. They can be placed inside the oven.
  

  Thermometers whose body is made of stainless steel and whose glass is made of quartz, which can withstand high temperatures, are popular.

• Depending on the manufacturer, degree values ​​may be expressed in Fahrenheit or Celsius, and sometimes both. This does not affect the operation of the device itself, but it does matter for your own convenience.

Advice. Choose a thermometer that will help you and not cause difficulties when using it.

Among the large number of devices, preference is given to mechanical devices due to their simplicity of design and ease of operation. If desired, such a device can be made with your own hands from scrap materials.

Methods for determining temperature without using a thermometer

Not everyone can use a thermometer for some reason. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to determine the exact temperature regime without the use of simple means. They are always at hand, and checking will not be difficult. You don't have to look through the glass door.

Paper

A piece of paper is also a great thermostat. Just place it on a baking sheet and adjust the temperature knob on the stove to your liking. Next you need to navigate by the resulting color.

1. Ten minutes later, the paper began to turn yellow - the oven heated to 125 degrees.
2. The leaf acquired a light brown tint - 180 degrees.
3. In three minutes, the paper became a rich brown color - 225 degrees.
4. It immediately darkened - 275 degrees.

Sugar

Sometimes you need to determine the temperature inside the oven while cooking. There are problems with baked goods: they brown ahead of time. Experienced housewives use one very simple method - add a few pieces of refined sugar. It is placed on foil or a wire rack. The main thing is that it is located close to the biscuit. If it starts to melt, then the temperature in the oven has reached 180 degrees or higher. This technique is suitable mainly for cakes and pies; 180-200 degrees is the optimal temperature for them. The dough does not burn and bakes well. If refined sugar is not available, you can use granulated sugar. It has exactly the same properties, and there is not much difference.

Flour

Flour is the most versatile product used in cooking. In addition, it helps determine the degree of heating. It is very easy to find out the degree of heating. Just pour a tablespoon of flour onto a baking sheet and wait half a minute. If it turns yellow gradually, then the temperature inside the oven has not reached 200 degrees. A sharp darkening indicates heating at 250 degrees. Black flour indicates 250 degrees. You should not pour too much, otherwise the result will be inaccurate.

Gas control repair manual

If the gas on the stove goes out, then the problem may lie not only in the thermocouple. However, most often this is precisely the problem.

The main sign of problems with gas control is that after igniting the burner and releasing the handle or button to open the “blue fuel”, the flame immediately goes out. This occurs due to the valve closing, since the thermo-EMF to keep it open is absent or insufficient.

The reasons for the noise of gas stove burners are described in detail in the article, the useful information of which is worth reading.

Before purchasing a new thermocouple, you need to determine the reason for the poor operation of the existing device - perhaps the problem is loose contacts on the valve, then you just need to tighten them

You should independently check, repair and replace the thermocouple in a gas stove with your own hands only when the gas is completely shut off. First you need to close the valve on the cylinder with the gas mixture or the methane pipe, and only then begin any work. Also, do not forget about turning off the power supply if the design contains volatile devices.

The thermocouple tip is located directly next to the burner and gas fire. And in the oven you can find it near the flame divider in the upper part of the oven. This tip should be free of carbon deposits, mineral deposits and any damage.

If the working tip of the thermocouple sensor is covered with scale, it must be cleaned off with sandpaper. The more carbon deposits, the less heat reaches the thermocouple, and the less it accordingly creates an EMF. The resulting millivolts may simply not be enough to open the solenoid valve.

How to check before replacing?

The thermocouple usually has one tip for installation near the fire. But there are also options with two or three temperature control tips. They are usually used in ovens, but it all depends on the specific model of the stove.

Thermocouples with several working tips have a peculiarity - if only one of them is not heated or fails, the solenoid valve will be closed. Therefore, in order to accurately find the cause of the problems, such thermocouple devices will have to be checked especially carefully. Only one of the sensors may be faulty.

A working thermocouple for a gas stove, when heated over a candle, produces an EMF of the order of 15–20 mV after 20–30 seconds - if less, then the sensor must be changed

Another point is that the thermocouple conductors in the area up to the valve must be tensioned or dangling in the body of the plate. At the same time, their connection to the electromagnet must be rigid; a connector hanging “on my word of honor” is unacceptable here.

The devices in question are produced with lengths from 40 to 130 cm. You should choose a thermocouple gas monitoring device based on this indicator very carefully. On the one hand, the conductor wire should not be over-tensioned, and on the other hand, it should not lie on heated surfaces or dangle freely.

How to change the device?

Before replacing a damaged thermocouple in a gas stove, you should inspect the device for:

• the presence of carbon deposits on the working tip (if there is any, it must be cleaned off with sandpaper);
• no burnout of this tip (in this case, only complete replacement);
• the rigidity of the connection between the contacts of the thermocouple sensor and the valve (if necessary, tighten);
• serviceability of the thermocouple itself with the output of an EMF at a level of at least 15 mV when heating.

The device in question should only be replaced when it is definitely faulty. In many cases, to get a gas stove to work again, you can get by by cleaning the tip from carbon deposits and checking the contacts.

To replace the thermocouple, you will have to remove the front panel from the gas stove, and also lift the top cover with the burners on it

The working tip of the thermocouple is rigidly fixed near the burner or burner using a nut. If it cannot be unscrewed due to scale, then you should not put too much pressure on the key. This can only break the fastening. It is better to use a solvent first.

The second end of the thermocouple is attached to the solenoid valve using a threaded connector or two crimp contacts. Removing them doesn't seem difficult. The new thermocouple sensor is installed in a similar sequence - one end of it is attached near the burner, and the other to the electromagnet.

How to make an oven thermometer with your own hands

You don't have to go to the store to buy thermometers. Just look into the box with electronic equipment and buy the missing parts to assemble the thermometer yourself.

The master will need:

• chip;
• plume;
• liquid crystal display;
• cable;
• temperature sensor.

It should be noted that a special circuit is required to determine the temperature of objects. Next, all parts are connected to each other and fixed with a soldering iron. You can test a new device immediately by placing the sensor inside a cabinet or immersing it in a dish.

Pros and cons of oven thermometers

When purchasing a device, you should definitely consider the advantages and disadvantages. The main thing is that the device should not only be beautiful in appearance, but also functional.

What are the positive aspects of thermostats?

1. It is easy and simple to set the desired value.
2. The cooking process is strictly controlled. You can always select a different value if necessary.
3. They make it easier to determine the quality of a dish.
4. When using a temperature probe: the cook monitors the temperature without opening the oven.

Tip: In order for the thermostat to work without interruption for a long time, it needs to be looked after.

All objects and phenomena always have two sides to the coin. What are the disadvantages?

1. Devices from little-known companies show errors in the mode.
2. Branded products are expensive, and not everyone can afford them.
3. Some thermometers are only suitable for certain foods. The simplest device will not help when roasting meat in a gas oven.
4. Illiterate installation can result in rapid failure of the device. In addition, it may fall and even break.