Get an oven thermometer, learn the quirks of your appliance and be willing to call in the the pros when there are signs of trouble.

This video shows you how to check your oven is calibrated at the correct temperature using chemistry, tin foil and sugar.

Why calibrate an oven? Over time, the temperature you set your oven to using the controls may fall out-of-sync with its actual internal temperature.

You don't need a fancy thermometer or any high-tech gadgets to test your oven as this simple hack relies on chemistry to clue you in on whether your oven is running hot, cold, or just right.

If your oven is at the right temperature, the first sugar sample should still be white, and the second should be golden brown and melty.

Buy and use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature. Look for about 125-130 degrees as a final internal temperate of the center of the meat.

Let the thermometer rest in each location for 10 minutes before moving it to check for temperature changes, and use oven mitts when moving the thermometer.