Gas mark

Gas Mark

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A vintage gas cooker

The gas mark is a temperature scale used on gas ovens and cookers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries. It is a system that simplifies the process of setting the oven temperature by using a series of numbers, typically ranging from 1 to 9, to represent specific temperature ranges in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit.

History

The gas mark system was introduced in the 20th century as a way to standardize oven temperatures for gas cookers. Before its introduction, cooks had to rely on subjective methods to gauge oven heat, such as "slow," "moderate," or "hot." The gas mark system provided a more precise and consistent method for setting oven temperatures, which was especially useful for baking and roasting.

The term "Regulo" was often used in the past to refer to the gas mark system, as it was a trademark of the New World gas stove company. The name "Regulo" is derived from "regulate," emphasizing the system's purpose of regulating oven temperatures.

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Regulo gas mark dial from 1923

Gas Mark Scale

The gas mark scale is a numerical system where each number corresponds to a specific temperature range. The scale is as follows:

• Gas Mark 1: 135°C (275°F)
• Gas Mark 2: 150°C (300°F)
• Gas Mark 3: 165°C (325°F)
• Gas Mark 4: 180°C (350°F)
• Gas Mark 5: 190°C (375°F)
• Gas Mark 6: 200°C (400°F)
• Gas Mark 7: 220°C (425°F)
• Gas Mark 8: 230°C (450°F)
• Gas Mark 9: 240°C (475°F)

These temperatures are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific oven model and its calibration.

Usage

The gas mark system is primarily used in recipes and cookbooks published in the UK and Ireland. It is particularly common in older cookbooks and those that focus on traditional British cuisine. Modern cookbooks may provide both gas mark and Celsius/Fahrenheit equivalents to accommodate a wider audience.

When using a gas oven, it is important to preheat the oven to the desired gas mark before placing food inside. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired texture and flavor in baked goods and roasted dishes.

Related Pages

• Oven
• Cooking
• Baking
• Temperature