Having an oven temperature gauge, also known as an oven thermometer, is not strictly necessary for baking, but it can be a helpful tool to ensure more consistent and accurate results in your baking endeavors.
Many ovens come with built-in thermostats to regulate temperature, but they are not always perfectly accurate. Over time, the internal thermostat of an oven can become slightly off, leading to temperature discrepancies between what the oven displays and the actual temperature inside. This variation can impact the quality of your baked goods.
Using an oven temperature gauge allows you to monitor the true temperature inside your oven and make adjustments accordingly. If you find that your oven's internal thermostat is inaccurate, you can compensate by setting the temperature slightly higher or lower, depending on the discrepancy, to achieve the desired baking temperature.
Using an oven temperature gauge can be particularly important for delicate baked goods that require precise temperatures, such as macarons or soufflés. It can also be helpful when following recipes that are sensitive to temperature variations.
While a thermometer can be beneficial, many home bakers have been successful without one by learning their oven's quirks and adjusting baking times and temperatures accordingly. If you're just starting with baking and don't have an oven thermometer yet, you can always rely on your oven's built-in thermostat, but keep in mind the possibility of slight temperature variations. As you gain more experience and precision becomes crucial, investing in an oven thermometer can be a wise decision.