What is fan oven temperature?
A fan (convection) oven circulates hot air, so it cooks faster and more evenly. Set it about 20 °C lower than a conventional recipe.
Conventional to fan oven chart
| Conventional °C | Fan °C | °F | Gas mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140°C | 120°C | 284°F | 1 |
| 150°C | 130°C | 302°F | 2 |
| 160°C | 140°C | 320°F | 3 |
| 180°C | 160°C | 356°F | 4 |
| 190°C | 170°C | 374°F | 5 |
| 200°C | 180°C | 392°F | 6 |
| 220°C | 200°C | 428°F | 7 |
| 230°C | 210°C | 446°F | 8 |
| 240°C | 220°C | 464°F | 9 |
The 20 °C rule is the simple version. Some ovens only need 10–15 °C; check your manual. Or keep the conventional temperature and cut baking time by about 10%.
Why the difference? A conventional oven heats from elements with still air; a fan blows that heat around, reaching the food faster and browning more — hence the lower setting.
Frequently asked questions
How much cooler is a fan oven?
About 20°C cooler than conventional for the same result.
Is 180°C fan the same as 180°C conventional?
No. 180°C fan is hotter in effect — roughly 200°C conventional. For a conventional 180°C recipe, set the fan to about 160°C.
Should I use fan for baking?
Fan is great for even roasting and batch baking. For delicate cakes, many bakers prefer conventional or fan at a reduced temperature.