SMEG Oven Symbol Guide

Help & Advice > SMEG Oven Symbol Guide

Understanding SMEG Oven Symbols & Settings

Modern SMEG ovens come with a range of symbols and settings that indicate different cooking functions. Understanding these symbols can help you achieve the best cooking results, whether you’re baking, grilling, roasting, or defrosting. This guide explains each SMEG oven function, offering practical cooking tips and troubleshooting advice.

ECO Cooking Mode

Simply the word “eco” in capital letters

• Utilises the grill, fan and bottom element, allowing for the cooking of smaller items of food. Energy-efficient cooking mode with optimised heat distribution.
• Best for: Slow roasting meats and casseroles.
• Tip: Uses less energy but may take slightly longer.

Pizza Function

A simple oval shape with small dots, symbolising a pizza or cookie

• Uses the fan and bottom element for optimal pizza cooking.
• Best for: Pizzas, quiches, and cookies.
• Tip: Preheat to achieve a crispy crust.

Top and Bottom Element Only

Two short, arcing lines, one at the top and one at the bottom

• Using both the top and bottom elements, this function cooks items which sit in the centre of the oven best.
• Best for: Baking bread, roasting meats, and cooking casseroles.
• Tip: Preheat the oven before use for consistent results.

Grill Element

An arced line of dashes at the top

• Perfect for quick cooking or browning. Smaller items can be placed higher, while larger items should be placed lower down.
• Best for: Grilling meats, fish, and toasting bread.
• Tip: Place food higher for quick browning, lower for gentle cooking.

Bottom Heating Element Only

Arcing line at the bottom

• Using the lower element, this function is best suited for foods which need more temperature at the base. This will avoid rapid browning of foods and can be used for slow cooking.
• Best for: Pizzas, quiches, and pastry-based dishes.
• Tip: Use this function towards the end of baking to crisp up the base without burning the top.

Top Heating Element Only

Arcing line at the top

• Directs heat from the upper element, ensuring effective browning.
• Best for: Gratin dishes, cheese-topped bakes, or finishing touches.
• Tip: Watch food carefully as it can brown quickly.

Half Grill

Three dashes at the top, forming a short arc

• Perfect for the swift browning of dishes, as with the full grill, smaller items should be higher, while large dishes should be placed lower down.
• Best for: Small portions of grilled food or melting cheese.
• Tip: Ideal for quick meals without excessive heat.

Top Element and Grill

A solid arcing line with a dashed line following the same arc underneath

• Food can be cooked extremely quickly using both the top element and the grill.
• Best for: Cooking food extremely quickly.
• Tip: Ideal for browning meats and crisping toppings.

Circulaire With Top and Bottom Elements

A fan symbol in a circle, with arced lined at the top and bottom outside the circle

• Moves heat from both elements around using the fan.
• Best for: Penetrating cooking, particularly useful for meats.
• Tip: Ensures even cooking throughout large dishes.

Fan With Grill

Fan symbol with an arc of dashes at the top

• Lessening the harsh impact of the grill via the fan, fan assisted grilling is perfect for grilling items slowly with even results.
• Best for: Cooking meats more gently while still achieving crispness.
• Tip: Reduces burning risk compared to traditional grilling.

Fan With Half Grill

Fan symbol with half an arc of dashes at the top

• Functions similarly to the normal fan-assisted grill but suits smaller food items.
• Best for: Cooking smaller portions efficiently
• Tip: Ideal for grilling a single serving.

Snowflake

A snowflake symbol with three water droplets beneath

• This function ensures no heat is produced in the oven, even if the thermostat is turned up.
• Best for: Preventing accidental heating.
• Tip: Useful for storing food inside when not in use.

Fan

A singular fan symbol

• Uses the fan without heat to circulate air. This functions similarly to the snowflake function, but only when the thermostat is at zero.
• Best for: Defrosting food evenly.
• Tip: Place food on a rack to allow air circulation around it.

Fan With Top And Bottom Elements

A single fan symbol with an upper and lower arc

• Utilises the fan with combined elements, but preheating the oven is still required.
• Best for: Baking and roasting multiple dishes at the same time.
• Tip: No need to rotate dishes during cooking.

Circulaire

A single fan inside a circle

• Combining the fan with the circular element, this function needs no preheating and can cook multiple foods at the same time without flavour transfer.
• Best for: Cooking multiple dishes without flavour transfer.
• Tip: No preheating required; ideal for batch baking.

Circulaire With Bottom Element

A fan inside a circle, with an arc underneath

• This function adds the lower element to the circular element, creating an excellent temperature for cooking anything with a base.
• Best for: Baking pizzas and pies.
• Tip: Ensures a crisp base while still cooking the top.

Fan With Bottom Element/Circogas

A fan symbol with an arc beneath

• For electric ovens this function ensures more thorough cooking in the inside of food. For gas ovens it gives and even cook without flavour transferal.
• Best for: Cooking dense foods evenly.
• Tip: Use when baking thick cakes or roasting meats.

Pyrolytic Cleaning

A large, capital letter ‘P’

• Burns off residue at high temperatures. This function provides cleaning at 500℃ to tackle dirt and build ups.
• Best for: Cleaning the oven without chemicals.
• Tip: Remove excess grease before running this function.

Rotisserie

A through line with a small arc at either end

• Rotates food under the grill for even cooking.
• Best for: Rotisserie chicken or slow-roasted meats.
• Tip: Use a deep tray underneath to catch drips.

Rotisserie With Half Grill

Through line and small arcs at the ends with three dashes in an arc above

• This provides the same function as the normal rotisserie with a half grill setting.
• Best for: Rotisserie chicken with moderate browning.
• Tip: Rotate food midway for even crisping.

Rotisserie With Full Grill

Through line and small arcs at the ends with full arc of dashes above

• Allows the rotisserie function to be used with a full grill setting.
• Best for: Achieving a thoroughly browned finish.
• Tip: Best for large cuts of meat needing uniform cooking.

Rotisserie With Top Element And Grill

Through line and small arcs at the ends with full arc of dashes above and a full arc line on top

• Allows the rotisserie function to be used for rapid food cooking.
• Best for: Faster grilling while retaining juiciness.
• Tip: Monitor carefully to prevent burning.

Eco Circulaire

A fan inside a circle with the word “Eco” above

• Works the same as the normal circulaire function but some models will have a more energy efficient function.
• Best for: Energy-saving cooking.
• Tip: Ideal for slow roasting and prolonged cooking times.

Vapor Clean With Bottom Element

Five Water Droplets

• Uses steam to loosen dirt. Requiring you to spray a small mixture of water and detergent into the oven, the lower element will work with vapour clean to clean the oven.
• Best for: Light cleaning after cooking.
• Tip: Spray water and detergent into the oven before running this function.

FAQs

• What should I do if I can’t find a specific SMEG oven symbol?
  Check your oven manual or SMEG’s website for your specific model’s guide.
• Why is my SMEG oven symbol flashing?
  Flashing symbols often indicate preheating, an error, or a timer setting. Refer to your manual for precise details.
• What is the best SMEG oven setting for baking?
  The Circulaire function is ideal for baking as it ensures even heat distribution.
• How can I prevent my food from burning under the grill?
  Use the Fan with Grill setting for more controlled cooking or place food on a lower shelf.

Taking Care of Your SMEG Oven: Repair and Maintenance Tips

Understanding the symbols on your SMEG oven is a great first step! Just like any kitchen appliance, keeping your oven in top shape is essential. But what happens if something goes wrong? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Keeping Your Oven Running Smoothly

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring your oven functions optimally for years to come. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from turning into bigger problems that could cost more to fix in the long run.

Facing Oven Trouble? Get Expert Help!

If you encounter any problems with your SMEG oven, seeking professional assistance is the best solution. Here’s why:

• Safety: Faulty ovens can pose safety risks. Professionals can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently, ensuring your oven operates safely.
• Optimal Performance: Trained technicians can identify the root cause of the issue and restore your oven to its peak performance.
• Extending Lifespan: Proper repairs can extend the lifespan of your oven, saving you money on a replacement down the line.

Final Tips for Using Your SMEG Oven

• Preheat when necessary: Functions like Circulaire don’t require preheating, but traditional top/bottom heating does.
• Use the right shelf position: The middle is best for even cooking, while the top/bottom provide more direct heat.
• Check SMEG’s official website for updated manuals and cooking recommendations.

SMEG Oven Repair Specialists: Domex

For specialised SMEG oven repairs, look no further than Domex, an approved SMEG service partner. Their team of expert technicians are highly skilled in diagnosing and fixing a wide range of SMEG oven issues. Whether it’s a simple heating element malfunction or a more complex problem, Domex has the expertise to get your oven back up and running quickly.

Need Repairs for Other Ovens? No Problem!

Domex also offers oven repair services for a wide range of brands and models, not just SMEG. Their skilled technicians can handle various issues, ensuring your oven gets fixed promptly and effectively, regardless of the brand.

By taking care of your oven with regular check-ups and addressing any problems that arise, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly and enjoy delicious meals for years to come. Whether it’s a routine check-up or an urgent repair, Domex is your trusted partner for all your oven needs.