So you have decided to treat your family with some baked goodies this weekend, but you are confused about how long it takes for an oven to cool down? You are not alone! Like you, most people find it tricky to determine the heating and cooling time of their ovens.
Well, the brief answer is – 40-90 minutes is the average time an oven takes to cool down, depending on its size, type, temperature, etc.
Want to know more, then stay tuned! Because in this article, we will explain to you how long it takes for an oven to cool down, the factors that determine the same, will food will still cook when your oven is off, and much more!
How Long Does It Take For My Oven To Cool Down?
Generally, ovens may take between 40-90 minutes to cool down, considering their temperature, size, model, and many other factors. However, since most dishes require a temperature of 450F and above for cooking, 60 minutes is the average duration required for an oven to cool from these temperatures.
Ask why. Because most electric ovens contain metal parts that retain heat. This heat is trapped in these parts for an extended time before the oven is at room temperature.
Therefore, you must never use your oven until it has reached room temperature or leave it on. Otherwise, the electric components of your oven might get damaged and even catch fire. Moreover, if you have a gas oven, it could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Factors Determining The Heating And Cooling Time Of An Oven
The factors affecting the heating and cooling time of an oven are:
Size
Have you ever noticed how your biscuits or cupcakes take less time to cook in a small oven? There’s a law of physics behind this.
According to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, a large surface takes more time for heating or cooling.
Therefore, small ovens have less surface, so they heat up and cool down faster than bigger ovens.
Type
Certain types of ovens, such as gas ovens, take less time to cool down as the heat is cut off quickly when you turn the gas knob.
However, electric ovens, on the other hand, cool down in stages since it has many electric parts or panel that retain heat.
Outside Temperature
It takes more time for an oven to cool down if the outside temperature is high.
For example, If you set your oven at 450F, it would take at least an hour to get back to room temperature.
Ramp Down/Cancel Button
If you press the ramp down or the cancel button on your oven shortly after switching it off, the heat will escape faster, and it will take less time to cool down.
Stirring:
Stirring means incorporating air into your oven. The more air you add, the hotter your oven will get due to heat retention.
Therefore, if there is less air and the dish has cooled down, there will be less hot air inside the oven.
Warming up:
When you warm up/preheat your oven, its temperature goes up around 40-degree Fahrenheit. So if your oven cools down and stays at this temperature after usage, it will take more time to cool down completely.
Heating Temperature:
If you raise the temperature of your oven too high, it might take more time to drop. Also, even after you try to cool down your oven, the temperature could still be around 50-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Time:
If you use your oven for a longer time for cooking, the temperature inside will go up, and it will take longer to cool down. Therefore, the more the temperature inside our oven, the more time it will take to cool down.
Fans:
Nowadays, convection ovens come equipped with small fans. These fans allow heat to spread rapidly through the oven and improve the flow of hot air, giving better cooking results.
Such ovens take less time to cool down since fans increase air circulation, and the warm air leaves the oven quickly.
What Happens To The Temperature When The Oven Is Turned Off?
When you turn off an oven, its heat starts to evaporate quickly. However, its temperature doesn’t drop immediately, and it will cool down slowly.
The reason behind this is that the oven’s walls, racks, and other components are still hot and need time to cool.
Also, the time taken to cool down depends on the type of oven. For instance, electric ovens comprise many small electric parts which parts retain heat. Therefore, it takes more time to cool down compared to gas ovens.
In addition, convection ovens require the least amount of time to cool because they are equipped with small fans. These fans remain on for approximately 10-15 minutes even when you turn off the oven, thereby improving air circulation and reducing the temperature of the oven.
How Can I Make My Oven Cool Down Faster?
One of the best methods of cooling down a hot oven is opening its door. This will make the warm air leave the open, and the cool air from the surrounding environment flows into it.
However, you need to keep in mind that the hot air from your oven can increase the temperature of your kitchen, especially if you have a small kitchen.
Moreover, in summer, keeping your oven door open can make your kitchen warm and humid.
Which Temperature Level Indicates That Your Oven Is Cooled Down?
Most of the dishes require you to preheat your oven for better results, so it doesn’t have to be at room temperature.
A temperature level of around 200° Fahrenheit indicates that your oven has cooled down.
Therefore, you can safely touch your oven when its temperature has dropped to this temperature level and start cooking your favorite dishes.
Is It Ok If I Leave The Oven Door Open To Help It Cool Down?
Consider your oven type before deciding to leave its door open. Electric ovens are equipped with delicate electronic parts such as temperature dials which can get damaged if you leave the door open since they require more time to cool down. Moreover, if you have small children or a pet in your house, then it’s not a safe idea to leave the oven door open.
Tip: Be sure to open your kitchen window when warm air leaves the oven so that there is no lingering aroma of food.
Will Food Continue To Cook If Oven Is Turned Off?
Yes, even if you turn off your oven, your food will keep cooking for 10-15 minutes because its temperature remains high for a while as the heat reduces slowly. This is known as residual heat.
You can use this residual heat to can add moisture to your baked foods such as cakes, cookies, and bread. You can also tenderize your steaks and roasted chicken with the residual heat.
However, if you are cooking pasta, vegetables, or lean meat in your oven, then we recommend you not to let them stay inside after you switch off your oven.
But why!? Because these foods can get overcooked and lose moisture if you don’t take them out immediately after turning off your oven.
FAQs
1. How long does an oven take to cool down from 450?
An oven can take around 40-60 minutes to cool down from 450. However, your oven’s type also determines how quickly it drops its temperature to 450. For example, small electric ovens cool down more quickly than conventional gas ovens.
2. How much time does it takes an oven to cool down from 450 to 350?
It will take around 10-15 minutes for an oven to reach a temperature of 350 from 450.
Just turn down your oven to 350 and reach your desired temperature.
3. Do all ovens come equipped with cooling fans?
Nowadays, most convection ovens come equipped with inbuilt cooling fans. The purpose of these fans is to allow the circulation of hot air in the oven. This reduces the cooking time as the heat gets transferred into the food more quickly and efficiently.
4. Why do electric ovens take a long time to cool down?
Electric ovens take a long time to cool down because they have different components that work together to heat the oven. Therefore, when you turn off your electric oven, it cools down in stages only when these components reach room temperature.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, 40-90 minutes is the average time it takes for an oven to drop its temperature. However, many factors, such as size, brand, temperature, etc., can also affect the heating and cooling time of your oven.
Nevertheless, if you are in a hurry, you can leave the doors of your open to make it cool down faster, of course, considering the temperature outside.
We hope this article was helpful for you. If you have any more questions, type them in the comment section below. We will reply shortly. Until then, have a happy and safe baking experience!