What Is 170 C for an Oven? Understanding Temperature Settings for Precise Baking
If you’re cooking or baking and your recipe calls for 170°C, you’ll want to know what that really means for your oven.
170°C is about 338°F—a moderate heat that’s common for cakes and other delicate bakes.
Ovens use Celsius, Fahrenheit, or even gas marks, so converting 170°C to something familiar helps avoid overcooked or undercooked food. For gas ovens, 170°C usually lines up with Gas Mark 3 or 4, which is right in that moderate range.
If you’re not sure how your oven’s settings translate, learning this conversion can save time—and maybe a little frustration. For more details, check out this oven temperature conversion guide.
Understanding 170°C for an Oven
When you set your oven to 170°C, you’re picking a heat level that works for a lot of recipes. It’s useful for both cooking and baking—especially when you want things to turn out just right.
Temperature Conversion: Celsius to Fahrenheit
170°C equals 338°F.
If your oven only shows Fahrenheit, or you’re using a recipe from another country, this conversion really matters. Ovens often adjust in steps of 5°F or 10°F, so you might round up or down a bit—335°F or 340°F is close enough for most dishes.
Here’s a quick look:
| Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|
| 170 | 338 |
You can find more on temperature conversions at the Oven Temperature Conversion Chart.
Heat Distribution at 170°C
At 170°C, your oven gives off a steady, moderate heat.
This temperature is low enough to cook food evenly and gently, so you don’t end up with burnt edges or dry centers.
Fan-forced (convection) ovens use a fan to spread heat more evenly. If you’re using a fan oven, lower the temperature by about 20°C—so, set it to around 150°C to match 170°C in a conventional oven.
That gentle, steady heat is great for foods that need to stay moist and tender.
Common Recipes Using 170°C
170°C is a sweet spot for slow, steady cooking.
Cakes, cookies, and casseroles often call for this temperature. It’s also ideal for delicate sponges and fruit cakes, making sure they bake through without burning.
Roasting vegetables and slow-cooking meats at 170°C lets flavors develop without drying things out.
Some classic recipes at this temperature:
- Classic Victoria Sponge cake
- Baked fish fillets
- Roasted root vegetables
For more recipe ideas and tips, check out The Ultimate Oven Temperature Guide.
Best Practices for Cooking at 170°C
Cooking at 170°C means paying attention to both temperature and timing.
Check your oven’s accuracy, and be ready to adjust cooking times depending on what you’re making.
Tips for Accurate Oven Temperature
Ovens aren’t always spot-on with their heat.
Use an oven thermometer to see if your oven actually reaches 170°C. Place it right in the middle—where your food will go.
Try not to open the oven door too often. Every time you do, heat escapes, and your food might take longer to cook.
If your oven has hot spots, rotate your dish halfway through. That way, things cook evenly and you won’t get burnt spots on one side.
Adjusting Baking Times and Results
At 170°C, you’ll usually need to bake things longer than you would at higher temps. Cheesecakes and other delicate desserts tend to cook slower but come out more evenly baked at this temperature.
Keep an eye on your food and start checking earlier than you think. For cakes or quick breads, poke a toothpick in—if it comes out clean, you’re good.
Thicker or denser foods? They’ll take extra time at 170°C. Sometimes you’ll have to tack on 5 to 15 minutes, maybe more, depending on your recipe and how your oven behaves.
With meats, this lower temperature helps lock in the juices and cooks the inside gently. It’s best to grab a meat thermometer instead of guessing—timing alone can be unreliable.
Curious about oven temperatures? Here’s a handy guide if you want to dig deeper.
