Are you getting the most out of your oven? Modern ovens come with a variety of cooking symbols and settings that help you achieve reliable results. But what do oven symbols mean?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common oven signs and their meaning so you can confidently select the best function for any dish.
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.
Heat from Above and Below / Conventional Cooking Symbol
This setting represents heat from both the upper and lower heating elements. It’s the most conventional oven cooking symbol, ideal for roasting meats or baking cakes that require even cooking. If you’re using an electric oven, this symbol is key to achieving consistent results.
Lower heating element only
The lower heating element-only setting directs heat from the bottom of the oven. This is perfect for making pizzas, as it helps create a nice crispy base, or for slow-cooking stews and casseroles. Look for this symbol when you need focused heat at the base of your dish.
Oven fan
If the fan symbol is surrounded by a circle, it indicates that the oven's fan has its own heating element. This function allows for faster and more even cooking, particularly when using multiple shelves. On some models, you’ll see the fan symbol with a line either above or below it—this means the fan is circulating heat from the top or bottom element, useful for dishes like blind-baked pastry or casseroles that need a crispy top and a moist center.
Fan with Grill
This setting combines the grill with the fan, allowing the heat to be distributed more evenly throughout the oven while grilling. It’s perfect for grilling meats, vegetables, or even fish, as it ensures a crispy, golden exterior while cooking the food evenly on the inside.
Half grill
A half grill is indicated by a single zig-zag line at the top of the square. This generally means that only one part of the grill, generally the centre will get hot, perfect if you just want to grill a couple of slices of bacon. Just make sure that what you're cooking is directly underneath the active part of the element.
Full grill
Indicated by a double zig-zag line the full grill provides you with a larger cooking area. Apart from using your grill for bacon, sausages or toast, it's also useful to brown off the top of a lasagne, pizza, or any other dish that needs a bit of colour to make it look done.
Defrost
Not all ovens come with a defrost function, but when they do, it’s highly useful for speeding up the thawing process. The fan circulates cold air around frozen food, helping it defrost more quickly without applying heat.
Self-Cleaning / Pyrolytic Cleaning
A self-cleaning oven can reach up to 500°C to burn off food residue, reducing it to ash. While this function saves time, frequent use can strain your oven’s components. Avoid using the self-clean feature just before a big event when your oven needs to be fully operational.
Child Lock
The child lock function prevents the oven from being accidentally turned on or having its settings changed by curious hands. This is particularly useful for families with young children, ensuring their safety around the appliance.
Plate Warming
The plate warming function gently heats your plates before serving, ensuring your food stays warm for longer. This setting uses low, steady heat to warm the plates without overheating them. It's a great feature for dinner parties or when serving meals that are best enjoyed hotUnderstanding Oven Symbols & Repairs
Understanding oven cooking symbols can transform how you use your appliance, whether it’s an electric or a conventional oven. From getting the perfect pizza base with the lower heating element to baking with even heat using fan-assisted modes, the right symbol can make a huge difference in your cooking results.
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!
