What is a Convection Oven?

With their ability to deliver fast, consistent cooking, convection ovens are in high demand. Discover why investing in one today could revolutionise your culinary experience.

Convection ovens can come in a variety of sizes and configurations depending on the manufacturer, including freestanding models, built-in units, and countertop versions.
They are suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, broiling, and reheating. Convection ovens work by using a fan to circulate hot air evenly throughout the cooking chamber, transferring heat more efficiently to the food and resulting in faster and more even cooking compared to conventional ovens.
This type of oven can give your food a crispier finish since the circulating hot air reduces the amount of moisture in the oven.

Convection and conventional ovens are perhaps the most common types of ovens used in homes for everyday cooking. Despite their similar names, they follow different processes, primarily in how they distribute heat during the cooking process. Some of the key differences in the way they operate include the following:

Heat Distribution

• Convection ovens circulate hot air which is distributed evenly throughout the cooking chamber, eliminating hot and cold spots and ensuring more uniform cooking and browning of food.
• Conventional ovens tend to have natural rising heat in the oven chamber, creating hot spots at the top of the oven and cooler areas at the bottom, resulting in uneven cooking and requiring the need for periodic rotation of food in the oven.

Cooking Times

• Convection ovens often have shorter cooking times since heat is transferred more evenly to food, cooking it quickly and thoroughly.
• Conventional ovens usually have longer cooking times, since the heating of foods is more uneven. Large and thick items may take considerably longer to cook.

Temperature Adjustment

• Convection ovens often use lower temperatures, since the constant circulating of hot air helps to distribute heat more evenly. Some convection ovens also have temperature conversion features that automatically adjust cooking temperatures for convection cooking.
• Conventional ovens may require adjustments to cooking temperatures based on the placement of the food in the oven, and the desired level of browning.

Convection ovens bring a number of advantages, some of which include the following:

Faster, Even Cooking

The fan in a convection oven circulates hot air evenly around the food, ensuring that it cooks uniformly, eliminating hot and cold spots. Because the circulating air transfers heat more efficiently to the food, convection ovens typically cook food faster than conventional ovens.

Crispier and Browner Results

The circulating air in a convection oven helps to remove moisture from the surface of the food more effectively, resulting in crispier and browner exteriors. This is especially desirable for foods like roasted meats, vegetables, and baked goods.

Versatility

Convection ovens are ideal for a wide range of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, broiling, and reheating. They can handle a variety of foods, from meats and poultry to casseroles and desserts, making them a versatile appliance for any kitchen.

Lower Cooking Temperatures

In some cases, convection ovens allow for cooking at lower temperatures compared to traditional ovens while still achieving the same results. This can be beneficial for preserving the moisture and texture of delicate foods like pastries and desserts.

Energy Efficiency

Because convection ovens cook food more quickly and at lower temperatures, they tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. This can lead to cost savings on energy bills over time, resulting in a more sustainable environment.

Reduced Need for Preheating

Convection ovens usually require shorter preheating times compared to conventional ovens. This can save time and energy, especially when cooking smaller meals or using the oven for quick tasks.

The convection setting in an oven can be beneficial for certain types of cooking and can produce superior results in a range of situations. Here are some scenarios when you should consider using the convection setting in your oven:

• Even cooking multiple dishes
• Reheating leftovers
• Roasting (such as meats or vegetables)
• Baking (such as breads, pies or cookies)
• Cooking frozen foods (such as frozen pizzas or pre-packaged meals)
• Crisping and browning foods (such as chicken or potatoes)

While convection ovens offer many benefits for home cooking, there are certain scenarios when you may want to avoid using the convection setting, such as the following:-

• Plastic or meltable containers
• Delicate baking (such as soufflés, custards or flans)
• Recipes that require low or slow cooking (such as slow-roasted meats)
• Thin or delicate foods (such as thin-cut meats or pastry dough)

We recommend following these tips to properly utilise your convection oven and maximise your cooking potential.

• Always read your instruction manual to ensure you understand how your oven works.
• Leave space between pans and oven walls to allow for proper air circulation, as overcrowding items can obstruct airflow and lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust cooking times and monitor the food in the oven, as this type of oven tends to cook quicker.
• Be sure to position oven racks before you turn the oven on, as they heat up quickly.
• Use lower cooking temperatures for baking to prevent baked goods from drying out or browning too quickly.
• Avoid using any plastic or meltable items in this oven, since the circulating hot air can cause them to melt or deform.

Are convection ovens more energy-efficient than conventional ovens?

This type of oven is generally more energy-efficient than conventional ovens, due to lower cooking temperatures and faster cooking times.

Will my food cook quicker in a convection oven?

Yes, food typically cooks quicker in a convection oven compared to a conventional oven. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air throughout the cooking chamber, which helps to distribute heat more evenly and efficiently.

Do convection ovens require preheating?

Yes, most convection ovens do require preheating before cooking. Whilst convection ovens may preheat more quickly than conventional ovens due to the efficient distribution of heat, it's still important to preheat them to achieve optimal results.

Do I need different pans for convection ovens?

While you can use the same types of pans in both conventional and convection ovens, certain types of pans are better suited for convection cooking, such as low-sided, stainless steel or light-coloured pans.

Do meats cook better in a convection oven?

Meats can cook very well in a convection oven, often yielding excellent results. Convection ovens can give meats a crispier exterior and a juicier interior, as well as reduced shrinkage.

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