You’ve probably heard of a convection oven before. But are they really any different from conventional ovens? This article will give you the key differences between a conventional and a convection oven. As you browse through different appliance stores, you should be able to find a variety of models that cater to your needs and budget.
Let’s start off with what a convection oven is.
What is a Convection Oven?
A convection oven has a fan at the back of the oven that circulates hot air. Since this air is distributed throughout, food that’s baked in this type of oven is cooked more evenly. This advantage is a big deal for cooking enthusiasts–you won’t have to worry about having your pastries being burnt on the top with the bottom undercooked. Your roast meats will be evenly browned with a bit of a crispy skin for added flavour and texture.
On the other hand, a conventional oven has one heating source located at the bottom of the oven. Since the heat rises to the top, items on the top rack usually cook faster than those on the bottom. When you have multiple racks of food in a conventional oven, you should expect to see the top rack to be cooked better than the ones on the bottom.
How do Convection Ovens Work?
Convection ovens use regular heating methods, but it’s the airflow feature that differentiates it from regular ovens. As mentioned earlier, this type of oven has a fan inside the cooking area that helps to circulate the hot air. Both radiant heat and heated air work together to cook your food. It distributes the heated air constantly and allows food to cook quickly—faster than a conventional oven could. Even when a convection and conventional oven are set to the same temperature, a conventional oven is usually about 25-30 degrees cooler.
With that said, using a convection oven for the first time might take a little time to get used to. Since this appliance is so efficient, you’ll most likely have to lower the temperature for your dishes and recipes. Lower it by 25-30 degrees and keep an eye on your food.
The Benefits of Convection Ovens
Now that you know the difference between these two types of ovens, it’s time to learn why so many people like using convection ovens. After learning about some of the advantages, you might even pop into one of the appliance stores to look for one just in time for your next dinner party.
- They distribute heat evenly so food is cooked properly all over, and not just in some spots
- They’re more energy efficient because they require less time and heat when in use
- They’re a time-saver as you can fill the oven with multiple batches that will all cook evenly
- They’re quick and easy to clean since they’re not as bulky and have fewer components
- They provide a healthier cooking method (compared to frying)
Convection ovens are great tools for people that like cooking.
These ovens come with many benefits that would greatly enhance all of the dishes requiring baking, roasting, or broiling. They’re useful appliances to have in your kitchen to help you save time and cook mouth-watering meals. Anyone who loves to cook or bake would appreciate having this oven in their kitchen.