Fan & convection ovens
Fan Oven Converter
Convert a recipe temperature for a fan (convection) oven, or back again, in °C or °F.
− 20°C
Fan oven conversion chart
Tap a temperature to load it into the converter.
| Conventional | Fan | °F | Convection | Gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90°C | 225°F | 200°F | ¼ | |
| 100°C | 250°F | 225°F | ½ | |
| 120°C | 275°F | 250°F | 1 | |
| 130°C | 300°F | 275°F | 2 | |
| 140°C | 325°F | 300°F | 3 | |
| 150°C | 350°F | 325°F | 4 | |
| 160°C | 350°F | 325°F | 4 | |
| 170°C | 375°F | 350°F | 5 | |
| 180°C | 400°F | 375°F | 6 | |
| 190°C | 400°F | 375°F | 7 | |
| 200°C | 425°F | 400°F | 7 | |
| 210°C | 450°F | 425°F | 8 | |
| 220°C | 475°F | 450°F | 9 |
The °F column is the usual US dial setting for that temperature. Gas marks are for conventional gas ovens.
Why fan ovens need a lower temperature
A conventional oven heats from elements at the top and bottom, and the air inside moves slowly. A fan oven blows hot air around the food. Moving air carries heat into food faster, so the same dial setting cooks more fiercely, and the oven is more even from shelf to shelf. Lowering the temperature by about 20°C gives similar results in about the same time.
When to be careful
- Recipes already written for fan. If it says “160°C fan”, set 160°C.
- Ovens that convert for you. Many US convection ovens subtract 25°F automatically.
- Delicate bakes. Moving air can make light sponges or soufflés rise unevenly. If a bake browns too fast, drop another 10°C or move it lower.
- Your own oven. Ovens vary, so check yours with a thermometer if results are often off.
For more detail, read fan vs conventional ovens. You can also convert a recipe for an air fryer.
Common questions
How do I convert a conventional oven temperature to fan?
Take 20°C off the recipe temperature. 200°C conventional becomes 180°C fan, and 180°C becomes 160°C fan. In Fahrenheit, the usual US convection rule is 25°F lower, so 350°F becomes 325°F.
What if my recipe already says “fan”?
Use it as written. Many UK recipes give both, like “180°C (160°C fan)”. Only reduce the temperature when the recipe gives a conventional figure.
Does my oven reduce the temperature automatically?
Some do. Many US ovens with convection modes subtract 25°F for you (often called auto convection conversion), and some European ovens show a recommended temperature for each mode. Check your manual so you don’t reduce it twice.
Should I reduce the cooking time as well?
Usually not if you have already lowered the temperature, but start checking a few minutes early. Some cooks keep the original temperature and shorten the time instead; lowering the temperature is the more common approach.
Why is 20°C not exactly 25°F?
A 20°C difference is 36°F, and 25°F is about 14°C. They are two rules of thumb from two countries, not exact conversions. Both work as starting points, and every oven is a little different.