I've grown for many years and can't understand why people have such a hard confusing time about germinating seeds..... Ive been doing it the same way for over 10 years... here's my exact method.
I use a gas stove for the perfect temp setting (the older ones with the pilot)... I don't turn it on, the pilot light keeps the oven the perfect temperature...
I take a shot glass, fill it with sterile water at room temp, place my seeds in (they should float),
I then place the shot glass on a cookie sheet , then place a coffee mug over the shot glass (to keep it dark) and place it into the oven for 24 hrs.
I then check them in 24 hrs..Most of them should be cracked showing taproots. (it's that simple)
I take the ones with taproots and plant them, the ones not cracked I put back in the oven and check them evry 4 to 6 hrs until they crack.
This method gives me an almost 100% success rate...
I use to do the paper towel method but found the water method much much easier and 10 times better results... You don't have to use the oven, As long as you can find a warm spot, your good to go.. I wish the paper towel method would just go away...lol...