When you need to heat food, or bake a cake, the oven is first kitchen appliance that comes to mind. However, in today’s generation, ovens are not just made for reheating cold snacks or baking but also for broiling, grilling, and roasting. These cooking functions are the main purpose of a convection oven.
Compared to a traditional toaster oven, the convection oven works faster and is more efficient. They keep your dishes appetizing and sumptuous by circulating the hot air evenly. Since its popularity has grown, many manufacturers created their own versions of convection ovens.
The many varieties of convection ovens and brands make it difficult to find the right one. It is recommended that you learn more about the different types before making a purchase.
Advantages of a Convection Oven
Cooks evenly
The main difference of convection oven from an ordinary oven is the method of heating. Instead of coils on the top and bottom part of the oven, this item uses a fan to circulate the heat throughout the oven, which allows it to cook food evenly.
Unlike using a traditional oven, where only one side of the food is cooked, the convection oven leaves no portion of the food uncooked. Even if you use two racks inside, the convection oven can still cook evenly.
Less cooking or baking time
Since the heated air is circulating throughout the oven, it creates an acceleration effect that cooks the food faster and at a lower temperature. For example, rather than setting the oven at 350 degrees, you only need 300 to 325 degrees.
Maintains the heating temperature while in use
Some ovens have a tendency to drop temperatures when two or more items are being cooked. This is not a problem with convection ovens.
With this function, you can bake multiple items together, especially if your convection oven has a wide capacity. Even if you use trays, the heating temperature will stay the same from start to finish.
Keeps food look appetizing and juicy
Another beneficial factor to the convection oven is its ability to help meat retain its juices. It can even help the chicken skin get brown quicker. Aside from these, the convection oven is also great for baking goods, such as croissants, pies, and cookies.
Disadvantages of a Convection Oven
Baked goods may not rise well
It is still more advisable to use a traditional oven in baking cakes and bread. Based on some user experiences, the convection oven does not raise the baked goods as well as a traditional oven. In other words, your cakes might not have the fluffy effect you expected.
Fragile
Since the fan does the majority of heating, it is susceptible to damage. The fan can fail and break down if overly used unless it is made of high-quality materials. If you are not careful enough in using your oven, it might not last as long as a traditional oven.
More expensive than the traditional oven
Though some brands are creating cheaper convection ovens, their price is generally higher than the traditional oven, and It could cost hundreds of dollars.
Recipes
The convection ovens are not the usual ovens you use at home. Although it provides consistent results, it could be hard for a first time user who is not accustomed to its process.
It takes time for you to master all the recipes intended for convection ovens. You should practice converting temperature and time appropriate for convection ovens to avoid overcooking.
Care and Maintenance for Convection Ovens
Since your convection oven is not cheap, you need to ensure you are going to use it in the years to come. As with other kitchen appliances, it needs proper maintenance and cleaning, too.
The key to keeping its cooking performance great is preventing it from getting damaged or dirty. So below are the 5-step cleaning techniques you should do regularly to make your convection oven look great and perform at its best.
Step 1
Take the racks from the oven and set them aside. You are going to clean them later.
Step 2
Use a wet cloth or washcloth, combine soap or oven cleaner with water and carefully follow the specific instruction. Wear gloves because the chemicals can be harsh to the skin.
Step 3
Scrub the spills carefully in the direction of the polish lines. Remember to not use too much force or wire brushes to preserve the interior coating. For burnt-on food, place a wet cloth over the spill until it loosens. Scrub it afterward.
Step 4
Rinse the interior using clear water and dry it with a soft clean cloth.
Step 5
Wash the racks and scrub off the spills thoroughly. Dry them clean before putting them back in the oven.
Top Convection Ovens – My Recommendations
Top Convection Ovens – Reviewed
The following products are among the most recommended convection ovens based on other review sites and customer feedbacks. Get to know their features, pros, and cons, to find the best convection oven for you.
BLACK+DECKER CTO6335S Digital Convection Countertop Toaster Oven
This convection oven from Black and Decker offers an array of features that will make you love baking. In fact, it is useful for other methods of cooking, too. Its one-touch feature allows you to switch from one function to another.
These functions include baking, broiling, toasting, making pizza, and even heating frozen snacks. In addition, the easy-to-use control buttons and 120-minute timer provide precision control over time and temperature to ensure that the food you are making won’t get burnt or overcook.
Some ovens are too small to fit your whole casserole dishes and other items however, this is not the problem with this convection oven.
It has a curved interior that provides enough room for you 12-inch pizza, one whole chicken, and 6 slices of bread. The oven is medium-sized and can perfectly fit your countertop.
Aside from these, the powerful convection fan allows faster and even baking as the warm air circulates throughout the oven. The oven is versatile enough to cater to all your everyday cooking needs whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.
When it’s time to clean, just find a cloth and wipe the nonstick interior as well as the removable crumb tray. Coming complete with all the necessary pans and racks, this product is surely a great addition to your kitchen.
Pros
- Easy-to-use buttons and automatic settings
- Has a variety of cooking functions
- Has a powerful convection heating feature for faster and even baking
- Includes 2 rack positions for broil and other cooking needs
- Easy control of time and temperature
- Wide interior for large items such as a 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of bread
- Nonstick interior and removable tray crumb makes cleaning a breeze
- Includes a baking pan, broil rack, and toasting rack
- Reasonable price and comes complete 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Display panel does not have a backlight
- Icons are too small and could rub off easily
- Could get too hot