Oven Functions: What Do All Those Symbols Mean?
The oven functions on your built-in oven determine how heat is distributed — and that directly affects the result. Choose the wrong setting and a cake can dry out, or the base of your quiche may stay undercooked.
Most built-in ovens have four to six basic settings. Below we explain each function and tell you when to use it.
Overview of the Most Common Oven Functions
- Conventional heat (top/bottom) — Classic heat from both above and below. Ideal for bread, cakes and casseroles where you want even cooking without drying out.
- Fan-assisted (convection) — A fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity. Suitable for cooking multiple dishes at once, crispy baked goods and faster preparation.
- Bottom heat only — Heat from below only. Useful for a crispy tart or pizza base when the top is already nicely browned.
- Top heat / grill — Intense heat from above. Use it for gratinating, browning and grilling meat or vegetables in the final minutes of cooking.
- Grill + fan — Combines circulating air with the top grill element. Perfect for chicken, ribs or other large cuts that you want crispy on the outside and cooked through.
- Keep warm / lowest setting — Maintains heat without further cooking. Use it to keep dishes warm until serving.
Which Oven Function Should You Use for Each Dish?
Choosing the right setting is easier with a clear overview. The table below gives you a practical starting point — exact times may vary slightly depending on the model and thickness of the dish.
| Dish | Recommended function | Temperature (°C) | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread | Conventional heat | 200–220 °C | 25–35 min |
| Cake / sponge | Conventional heat | 170–180 °C | 30–45 min |
| Biscuits/cookies (multiple levels) | Fan-assisted | 155–165 °C | 12–18 min |
| Pizza | Fan-assisted or bottom heat | 210–230 °C | 10–15 min |
| Quiche / savoury tart | Conventional heat | 180–190 °C | 30–40 min |
| Chicken (whole or pieces) | Fan-assisted or grill + fan | 180–200 °C | 45–75 min |
| Roasted vegetables | Fan-assisted | 190–210 °C | 20–30 min |
| Gratinating / browning | Grill (top heat) | 220–240 °C | 5–10 min |
| Casserole | Conventional heat | 180–200 °C | 30–50 min |
Tip: always use the grill function with the oven door closed and keep a close eye on your dish — browning happens fast.
When to Choose Fan-Assisted and When to Use Conventional Heat?
Fan-assisted is the most versatile of all oven functions: the fan ensures an even temperature throughout, even across multiple shelf levels at once. You can generally set the temperature 10–20 °C lower than you would for conventional heat, which saves energy.
Conventional heat provides a gentler, more humid cooking process. Choose this setting for delicate bakes such as soufflés, cheesecake or custard — dishes that must not form a crust too quickly.
How to Use the Grill Function Safely
- Preheat the grill to the desired temperature (usually 220–240 °C).
- Place the dish on the top or second shelf level, depending on how quickly you want to brown it.
- Slide an empty baking tray onto the lowest level to catch any dripping fat.
- Keep the oven door closed and set a timer — start with 5 minutes and check in between.
- Use oven gloves: the grill makes the handle and the area around the oven extremely hot.
What Is the Right Shelf Position for Each Function?
The shelf position works in combination with the setting you choose. As a general rule:
- Middle — most commonly used, for almost all dishes with conventional heat or fan-assisted.
- Lower third — for bread and pizza when you want a crispy base.
- Top level — exclusively for the grill function, never for long baking.
Does a Built-In Oven Work Differently from a Freestanding Oven?
The oven functions themselves — fan-assisted, conventional heat, grill — work in exactly the same way. The difference lies in the installation: a built-in oven has less free space around it, which means ventilation deserves extra attention. Always make sure the ventilation openings at the front or top are not blocked.
Want to know what to look out for when installing and connecting a built-in oven? Also read the installation tips on the bakeVIA mini ovens page — here you'll find all models with their technical specifications.
Which bakeVIA Oven Is Right for You?
bakeVIA offers a range of built-in ovens, from a compact 25-litre model to a spacious 60-litre oven with rotisserie spit. Which model suits your situation depends on what you cook most often and how much space you have. Browse the full range on the mini ovens overview page and compare models side by side.