When you look at your oven and wonder, “What do all these oven symbols actually mean?”, you're not alone. Modern ovens come with a range of oven icons, each representing a unique function — from fan-assisted cooking to grilling and defrosting. Misunderstanding these symbols can lead to uneven cooking or ruined meals.
In this guide, we’ll decode the most common symbols on ovens, explain their uses, and help you cook more confidently.We should mention that there's no standard set of oven symbols, but generally, they look similar across different brands and models. Whether you're using Siemens, AEG, Beko, or any other oven brand, you’ll likely find that the symbols are fairly consistent, even if the exact design varies slightly.
Conventional Oven Symbol (Top & Bottom Heat)
Icon: Two horizontal lines, one at the top and one at the bottom
Meaning: This traditional baking symbol shows that heat comes from both the top and bottom elements, without a fan.
When to use: Ideal for baking cakes, pastries, and casseroles where even top-and-bottom heat is needed.
Lower Heating Element Only Symbol
Icon: A single horizontal line at the bottom of a square
Meaning: This oven icon shows that only the bottom heating element is active, without fan assistance. It provides direct heat from below and is ideal for specific types of cooking where top heat might cause burning or uneven results.
When to use: Use this baking symbol when blind-baking pie crusts, crisping the base of a pizza, or gently reheating dishes that only need bottom warmth.
Fan Oven Symbol (Convection Heating)
Icon: A fan inside a circle
Meaning: This oven sign represents a fan-assisted or convection oven. The fan circulates hot air evenly around your food, reducing cooking times and providing even heat.
When to use: Great for baking multiple trays of cookies or roasting meats evenly.
Fan Grill Symbol
Icon: Fan with a zigzag line
Meaning: This combines the grill element with the fan to circulate hot air around your food for faster, more even grilling.
When to use: Great for roasting chicken or cooking large cuts of meat with a grilled finish.
Grill Symbol
Icon: Zigzag or wavy line at the top
Meaning: This oven grill icon activates the top heating element only, ideal for grilling and toasting.
When to use: Perfect for grilling sausages, cheese on toast, or crisping lasagne tops.
Full Grill Symbol
Icon: A jagged or zigzag line across the top of a square
Meaning: This oven sign indicates that the full-width top heating element (the grill) is activated. It provides intense, direct heat from above, perfect for high-temperature cooking.
When to use: Use this oven grill icon for grilling meat, fish, or vegetables, or for browning and crisping the top of dishes like lasagna, gratins, and casseroles.
Defrost Symbol
Icon: Snowflake or fan without heat
Meaning: The fan circulates room-temperature air to gently defrost frozen food without cooking it.
When to use: Ideal for thawing meat, fish, or desserts safely.
Self-Cleaning / Pyrolytic Cleaning Symbol
Icon: Often a square with small dots, a lock symbol, or a combination of fan and heat elements
Meaning: This oven symbol activates the pyrolytic self-cleaning mode. The oven heats to extremely high temperatures (usually around 500°C) to burn off food residue and grease, turning them into ash that can be wiped away easily once cooled.
When to use:
Ideal after heavy use — especially roasting, baking, or grilling — when your oven has a build-up of grime that’s difficult to remove by hand.
What it does:
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Locks the oven door for safety
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Uses high heat to break down baked-on food
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Leaves a fine ash for easy wipe-down
Child Lock Symbol
Icon: A padlock symbol, often paired with a key or control icon
Meaning: This oven icon represents the Child Lock function, which disables the oven's controls to prevent accidental use — especially by children. It helps ensure safety in the kitchen, particularly when the oven is hot or in use.
When to use:
Activate this oven sign if you have young children in the house or want to avoid accidental button presses while cleaning the control panel.
What it does:
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Locks the control panel or door
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Prevents unintended changes during cooking
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Can often be activated by holding a specific button (check your oven manual)
Tips for Using Oven Symbols More Effectively
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Always consult your oven’s manual to ensure you're interpreting the icons correctly.
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Match the symbol to your dish — for example, use the baking symbol for cakes and pastries.
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If you're unsure, use the fan oven setting for most everyday cooking as it provides even heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the bake symbol on an oven look like?
A: Usually two horizontal lines or a fan with a bottom line — it indicates the best setting for baking.
Q: How can I find out what the different symbols on my oven mean?
A: Start with this guide or check your manufacturer’s manual. The symbols on ovens vary slightly by brand but often follow similar logic.
Q: Is there an official oven logo I should look for?
A: No official “oven logo,” but icons are typically intuitive (fan = airflow, snowflake = cold/defrost, wavy line = grill).
Understanding Oven Symbols & Repairs
Learning the oven symbols meaning isn’t just about decoding strange signs — it’s about using your appliance to its full potential. Whether you’re using the oven grill icon for a perfect crisp, the baking symbol for sponge cake, or defrosting with a snowflake, understanding your oven icons means better cooking results and less guesswork.
If you're in London and are experiencing trouble with your oven or need help with oven repairs or a service. we are here to help! At Exclusive Repairs, we specialize in maintaining all oven brands and models—so whether it's a Siemens, AEG, or Beko, we've got you covered. Contact us today to book a repair and we'll have your kitchen running smoothly again!
