What Does Medium-High Heat Mean? Here’s How to Understand Your Stove Settings

These days, it feels like there’s a gadget for every kitchen task—air fryers, multi-cookers, toaster ovens, and more! While an air fryer can take over the role of your oven and a multi-cooker can do the job of several appliances, your stovetop remains absolutely essential. Whether found above your oven or range, or as an induction cooktop in kitchens with wall ovens, your stovetop is where you cook with pots and pans using direct heat. Ideal for boiling, sautéing, searing, steaming, stir-frying, and much more, stovetops come in two main types—gas and electric—based on the heat source that powers them. While boiling water might seem straightforward, cooking with a stovetop can be tricky. Following recipes with instructions like 'cook over medium-high heat' can be confusing, especially when the knobs are vague or unmarked. What does medium-high heat really mean? Here’s an explanation of heat levels and some other useful tips for mastering your stovetop.

What Does High Heat Mean?

When a recipe calls for a certain heat level, it’s referring to the temperature of the heat source, whether you're using gas or electric. High heat typically falls between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, though some stoves can even reach higher temperatures. If you don’t have a thermometer handy (and most of us don’t), there’s a simpler way to follow these instructions without overcooking your food. Many stoves feature a 10-point dial, where 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest. Other stoves may have a 6-point dial, or no numbers at all, just labeled as 'Lo' and 'Hi.' To use high heat on a 10-point stove, set it between 9 and 10; for a 6-point stove, set it between 5 and 6. If the stove simply shows 'Hi,' turn the knob close to or at its maximum setting.

What Does Medium-High Heat Mean?

Medium heat generally refers to cooking temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, set your stove’s knob to the middle. On a 10-point stove, this corresponds to about a 5; on a 6-point stove, it’s between 3 and 4. Now, what about medium-high heat? It’s the temperature range between medium and high—roughly 400 to 450 degrees. For a 10-point stove, set the knob between 7 and 8; for a 6-point stove, set it between 4 and 5. If your stove has no numbers, just turn it three-quarters of the way up.

What Is Medium-Low Heat?

If high is the highest setting, low is the lowest. Cooking on low heat is easy to do—just set the knob to 1 or 2 on either a 6- or 10-point stove, which will maintain a temperature between 250 and 300 degrees. Medium-low heat falls between low and medium, typically ranging from 300 to 350 degrees. On a 10-point stove, set the dial between 3 and 4; on a 6-point stove, it’s between 2 and 3. If your stove doesn’t have numbers, turn the knob about one-third of the way up.

What Is an Electric Stove?

In the U.S., electric stoves dominate kitchen setups. Over two-thirds of households use them. These stoves operate by heating up burners with electricity instead of a flame, and thus need a power source. The burners themselves can be metal coils, though newer models often feature smooth, flat surfaces made from a mix of glass and ceramic. The advantages of electric stoves include their lower purchase and installation costs compared to gas models, plus potential rebates if you switch. As for performance, flat electric stovetops offer a sleek look, a stable surface for cooking, and are easier to maintain. Some even heat up faster than gas stoves. However, they also have some drawbacks. Electric stoves require more energy to operate, making them less efficient than gas stoves. Additionally, they won’t work during power outages, and the glass surfaces can be prone to cracks or damage from harsh cleaning products. The biggest issue is their lack of responsiveness compared to gas stoves, which can make cooking less precise.

What Is a Gas Stove?

If you enjoy cooking shows, you’ve likely seen professional chefs favoring gas stoves. Cooking over an open flame offers a certain satisfaction and gives chefs superior control over temperature. Plus, gas stoves continue working even during power outages. Known for their precision and responsiveness, gas stoves are also easier on your utility bills.

But why aren’t gas stoves as popular as they once were? They require a gas line in addition to an electric outlet, and the combustion process produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), raising both environmental and safety concerns. In some places, these stoves are even banned. Despite this, many home chefs continue to prefer gas stoves. If safety is a concern, cracking a window, using an air purifier, or turning on the ventilation system can help mitigate the risks.