What is a convection oven?

What is a convection oven?

Scientifically speaking, all ovens cook with convection currents (or hot air). Practically speaking, convection ovens are very similar to regular ovens with one major exception—the fan. The addition of a fan improves heat transfer, allowing for more efficient cooking.

 

How does a convection oven work?

Convection ovens cook by blowing preheated air around—and onto the food—as opposed to surrounding food with patchy, irregular hot spots, as happens in a conventional radiant oven. They feature powerful fans that excel in circulating heated air uniformly around the oven interior.

Convection ovens operate with either electric or gas fuel, much like a conventional oven. Some convection ovens operate with dual fuel—a combination of an electric oven with a gas cooktop.

 

Why choose a convection oven?

A convection oven is different from a conventional radiant oven because of the fan that circulates the hot air around the inside of the oven. The fan causes heat to be distributed more evenly than in a conventional oven.

• The evenly circulating hot air eliminates temperature variants that build up inside the oven and result in unreliable cooking.

• The evenness of a convection oven is invaluable for even baking and avoiding burned spots in food.

• Not only does the convection oven create evenly raised breads, cakes and perfectly browned cookies, it also does the job faster—and at a lower temperature—than a conventional radiant oven.

• The convection oven's reduced cooking time, which is up to 25% shorter than that of a conventional oven, results in energy and cost savings.

• Convection ovens work with the broiler setting, exposing food to a higher heat than conventional ovens can effectively handle, without unevenness or patches of burned and uncooked food.

• You can cook more food at once. The circulating air surrounds all of the food’s surfaces so you can use multiple racks and the heat will reach everything.

Did you know? Convection ovens are often combined with microwave ovens. This combines the browning capacity of a regular oven with the cooking speed of a microwave oven.

 

How much will a convection oven cost?

Prices of convection ovens vary widely. In general, a convection oven costs more than a conventional radiant oven. The cost is related to the quality, size and options that come with the model of convection oven.

Restaurant-quality ovens with very large capacities are usually a few thousand dollars. Smaller 30-inch ranges with convection ovens can cost from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand, but it’s really not necessary to spend thousands of dollars for a quality convection oven for home use.

 

How to choose a convection oven?

There are a lot of features to consider before purchasing a convection oven:

• Define your needs. Space, features and cost should all be considered before choosing a convection oven. Note: The typical oven for home use is 30 inches wide, but modern preferences have increased oven widths to 36 inches or more. Be sure you know what size will fit in the space available before purchase.

• Research several ovens. Read reviews and consumer guides. The unbiased opinions of cooks with product experience are invaluable in the decision-making process.

• Comparison shop. Convection ovens vary in price from moment to moment and shop to shop. Whether shopping online or in person, check a few sources to determine the fair cost of the oven you’re interested in buying.

• Choose wisely. Make a selection based on your research. Don’t get caught up in a sales pitch or marketing ploy. If you’ve done your homework, rely on that information.

• Negotiate. Whoever said the price advertised was the price paid? Retailers can change a price, and they do, when they have a knowledgeable customer.

• Ensure proper installation. Have confidence in the individual you choose to install your purchase. Select a trusted, experienced installer.

 

3 most common issues with convection ovens

1. Won't turn on
2. Fan failure
3. Won’t heat

If the oven won't turn on and/or heat you may have a power supply issue or may need a new heating element, temperature sensor or igniter. Find out about more power and heating issues behind an oven not heating. If you need help inspecting and possibly replacing the fan, schedule oven repair service with a qualified professional.

 

Tips:

• Be sure the convection oven is powered by a dedicated circuit. It is common for a convection oven to pull so much electric current that it trips a breaker or blows a fuse.

• For best results, avoid overloading the convection oven with food or oversized cooking pans. Leave ample space for unfettered airflow.