What is 170 in the Oven? Understanding Temperature Settings and Cooking Times
When a recipe asks you to set the oven to 170, it almost always means 170 degrees Celsius. This is what people call a ‘moderate’ heat—great for baking cakes or roasting veggies.
If your oven uses gas marks, 170°C lines up with gas mark 4.
Getting the temperature right really helps you avoid burning or undercooking your food. Ovens can be a bit unpredictable sometimes, so I’d recommend grabbing an oven thermometer for better control.
If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of conversions, here’s a handy oven temperature conversion table.
Understanding 170 in the Oven
You’ll see 170 degrees pop up in lots of recipes and on oven dials. It can mean different things depending on the scale, so it’s good to know what your oven is actually telling you.
Getting familiar with how 170 works means you’re less likely to mess up a cake or roast.
What Does 170 Degrees Mean in Cooking?
When a recipe says 170 degrees, it’s usually calling for a low to moderate oven temperature. This is perfect for gentle baking, slow-cooked casseroles, or anything that needs a bit of patience.
At 170 degrees, you’re less likely to burn things. Flavors get a chance to develop, and food tends to cook more evenly.
Delicate cakes, custards, and slow-roasted meats often need this kind of gentle heat.
Temperature Units: Celsius vs. Fahrenheit
Oven temps can show up as Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). Most countries stick with Celsius, so 170°C is pretty standard.
In the US, ovens use Fahrenheit. So, 170°C works out to about 340°F.
| Temperature | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 120 – 150 | 250 – 300 |
| Moderate | 170 | 340 |
| High | 200 – 230 | 400 – 450 |
Fan ovens cook things faster. If you’re using one, you’ll usually want to set it 10-20°C lower than a conventional oven.
How to Identify 170 in Oven Settings
Your oven might have a simple dial, a digital screen, or just some symbols. If it’s a dial, look for the number 170—it might not be exact, but it’ll be close.
If you’re dealing with gas marks, 170°C is roughly Gas Mark 3. But ovens aren’t always consistent, so peek at your manual or a conversion chart if you’re unsure.
Digital ovens are a bit easier—you can just punch in “170.” With fan ovens, remember to drop the temp a bit for the same results.
If you want more info on gas and fan oven conversions, this guide to understanding 170°C in gas and fan ovens is worth a look.
Practical Uses of 170 Degrees in Baking and Roasting
Cooking at 170°F (about 77°C) is handy for anything that needs gentle, steady heat. You can use it to keep food warm, slow-roast something delicate, or just hold dishes at a safe temp without drying them out.
This kind of precision helps keep food moist and the texture just right.
Common Recipes Requiring 170 Degrees
You might set the oven to 170°F for slow-roasting pork or chicken, especially if you want everything juicy and tender. It’s also a go-to for dehydrating or drying foods without risking a burnt mess.
Baking cheesecakes or custards at 170°F works because these desserts can crack or curdle if the oven’s too hot. This temp keeps them smooth and evenly cooked.
If you’re doing a buffet or prepping meals ahead, holding food at 170°F keeps it safe to eat without overcooking. Some ovens can’t go much lower than this, so it’s often the lowest steady heat you’ll get.
Tips for Precision at Low Oven Temperatures
To keep your oven steady at 170°F, grab an oven thermometer. Built-in dials? Honestly, they’re usually off by quite a bit.
Try not to open the oven door too much. Every peek lets out heat and the temp can drop fast.
If your oven won’t stay at 170°F, use a water bath for delicate baking. Covering dishes helps lock in moisture, too.
You could also reach for a slow cooker or some fancy low-temp gadget if your oven just can’t hack it. Keep an eye on the clock—cooking at this temp definitely takes longer than you’d expect.
