.. because 90% of the time it is right!

For the longest time I have told myself I need to buy an oven thermometer.. what are they, like $4? We rent an apartment, and our oven is always messing things up. It doesn't even have a WINDOW!!

My little boys birthday party is tomorrow, and I was making 'simple' cupcakes because last year I almost killed myself over a 3 tier cake. I wanted 3 flavors.. strawberry shortcake, s'more, red velvet. The first go around I burned the vanilla cupcakes. Then I ruined the graham cracker crust. I tried the s'more again, and it wasn't AS bad, but not great. Then I went to my trusty red velvet recipe, and burned those. 8 dozen cupcakes later, I ran out of some ingredients and had to run to Walmart. While I was there, I bought a oven thermometer, and hurried home to see if it worked. And it worked alright... 50 DEGREES HOT! I have been baking at 400 degrees for over a year now

Now its 12:55am, and I am starting over fresh... as for the first batch of cupcakes? My husband is taking them to work frosting free, and whoever wants them, can have them.

In my case, I have told myself to buy a level to check the oven racks. When I try to make a cake larger than 10 in or half a sheet I notice that there is more bread on one side than the other after it bakes. Still...I keep forgetting to get one and end up wasting a big chunk of cake. (Note to self: need a level ASAP!) You also make a good point on the oven temperature. All ovens are different and they may be off and you wouldn't know it unless there is a major difference on how things bake like in your case. I guess it takes something like this to happen when you finally realize you definitely need an oven thermometer or in my case, a level. This could have saved us all that wasted time and cake. lol.

well I have both & NEVER check my oven **shame on me** I KNOW I need to double check the level, but the thing is new, so I just haven't......BUT every time I make "thin" brownies for the family (in a cookie sheet pan) one side is thinner too!

I hate that you've had a LONG night of it & I totally understand NOT wanting to overdo yourself with a huge cake (just done that for my daughter). Happy Birthday to your son!

Not only was my poor old oven running high, it would get hotter the longer it was on! After an hour, it would be 75 degrees hotter than the setting. It became extremely difficult to bake large cakes with long bake times. Finally, the poor thing died. My new oven runs about 10 degrees hot, but it's blissfully dependable!!!!

sweetheart, good luck with the new cupcakes and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your son!

I know the pain! I dont have a thermometer either, however I have learned to not cook at 350 degrees. I have reduced my temp down to 275 and although it may take a little longer - the cakes come out great. I live in a rental home and it was totally frustrating in the beginning. I think I may just have to buy a new one and tote it with me wherever I go! LOL

How frustrating!

My oven is brand new well, 3 years old, and a convection oven. It SHOULD cook everything wonderfully even but it doesn't. Ever.


I think I got a bum one.