When it comes to cooking, the type of oven you use can make a big difference in the quality of your food. There are two main types of ovens: convection and conventional. In this blog post, we’ll explore the main differences between the two and help you decide which one is best for your cooking style.
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What are convection and convention(traditional) ovens
First things first, let’s define what we mean by convection and conventional ovens. A conventional oven uses a heat source, such as heating elements or gas burners, to heat the air inside the oven chamber. The heat then radiates from the top and bottom of the oven, cooking your food from the outside in.
A convection oven, on the other hand, has a third heating element and a convection fan that circulates the hot air inside the oven. This results in faster and more even cooking.
Benefits of Convection Oven
One of the benefits of convection ovens is their faster cooking time. Because the hot air is circulated around the food, it cooks more quickly and evenly. This is especially useful when cooking large items like roast chicken or baking quick breads. Convection ovens are also great for achieving crispy skin on meats or a nice browned crust on baked goods.
Another benefit of convection ovens is their more even heat distribution. Traditional ovens can have hot spots and cold spots, which can result in uneven cooking. With a convection oven, the heated air is circulated evenly throughout the oven chamber, resulting in less variation in temperature and fewer cold spots.
Convection ovens are also a good option if you’re looking to cook with less energy. Because they cook more quickly and at a lower temperature, they use less energy than a standard oven. This can be especially useful if you’re trying to reduce your energy bill or have a smaller kitchen.
However, there are also some cons to using a convection oven. Because the air flow can be quite strong, it’s important to keep an eye on your food to prevent it from drying out. You may also need to adjust your cook time and temperature when using a convection oven, as they can cook more quickly than a regular oven.
Benefits of Conventional Oven
One of the benefits of conventional ovens is that they are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking styles, from roasting and baking to broiling and toasting. They are also generally less expensive than convection ovens, making them a more accessible option for many home cooks.
However, conventional ovens can have some drawbacks as well. Because the heat radiates from the top and bottom of the oven, they can have hot spots and cold spots, which can result in uneven cooking. This is especially true if you’re cooking at a higher temperature or with a full oven. Conventional ovens also tend to take longer to cook than convection ovens, as they rely on the heat radiating from the top and bottom to cook the food.
What to look for in convection oven
When you’re shopping for a convection oven, there are several key features to look for that can help you find the right one for your needs. Here are some things to consider:
- Type of oven: Convection ovens come in a variety of styles, including wall ovens, countertop ovens, and ranges with built-in convection settings. Consider which type of oven will work best for your kitchen and cooking needs.
- Convection fan and heating elements: Look for a convection oven with a fan and third heating element that will help circulate the heated air evenly throughout the oven chamber. This will help eliminate hot spots and cold spots and provide consistent, even cooking.
- Cooking options: Look for a convection oven with multiple cooking options, such as convection bake, convection roast, and convection broil. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to cooking different types of dishes.
- Air flow and exhaust system: A good convection oven will have an efficient air flow and exhaust system that will help circulate the heated air and prevent excess moisture from building up inside the oven.
- Cook time and temperature control: Look for a convection oven with accurate temperature control and cook time settings, as this will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature.
- Additional features: Some convection ovens come with extra features like air fryers, steam ovens, and true European convection. Consider which additional features will be most useful for your cooking style and needs.
- Size and capacity: Make sure you choose a convection oven with enough space to accommodate your favorite recipes and baking sheets. Consider the size and height of the oven chamber, as well as the number of racks and their adjustability.
Some Affordable Convection Oven Brands Worth Looking
There are many affordable brands for convection ovens available on the market. Here are a few examples:
- Black + Decker – They offer a variety of affordable countertop convection ovens that are perfect for smaller kitchens or for those on a budget.
- Oster – They offer a range of affordable convection toaster ovens that are perfect for baking, broiling, and roasting.
- Hamilton Beach – They offer a range of affordable convection ovens and countertop models that are perfect for baking and roasting.
- Cuisinart – They offer a range of convection toaster ovens that are affordable and perfect for those who want to cook with convection.
So, which oven is better?
When it comes to choosing between a convection and conventional oven, it really depends on your cooking style and needs. If you bake a lot of cakes or other delicate items, a conventional oven may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking to take your cooking to the next level and want faster, more even cooking, a convection oven may be the better option.
There are also different types of convection ovens to consider. Some ovens have a convection feature that can be turned on and off, while others, such as true convection ovens or fan convection ovens, have a dedicated fan for air circulation. There are also countertop convection ovens, convection wall ovens, and steam ovens to choose from.
If you do decide to invest in a convection oven, it’s important to read the user manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the convection bake settings. You may also want to experiment with different types of pans and cooking options, such as using parchment paper or placing a sheet pan on the bottom rack to create a drier environment.
In summary, the main difference between convection and conventional ovens is the way they cook your food. Convection ovens use a convection fan and third heating element to circulate heated air around your food, resulting in faster and more even cooking. While they do have some cons, such as the potential to dry out your food, convection ovens can be a great option for achieving better results in less time. Whether you’re a home cook or run a commercial kitchen, a convection oven may be worth considering to take your cooking to the next level.
