When buying a convection oven, there are many things you need to consider first. Choosing the right type of oven and the right model is important and in this following HomeQuicks article, we will give you the criteria that you need to look into before choosing the best model.
Tip
The best way to figure out the perfect cooking time in a convection oven is using the trial-and-error method.
Convection ovens are similar to normal ovens; what sets them apart is the fact that they have a fan fitted inside which helps to circulate warm air throughout the oven, thereby creating a uniform temperature all over. These ovens tend to cook food faster and more evenly at lower temperatures―thus forming a nice brown crust over the surface.
Convection ovens offer certain advantages over conventional ovens. Though convection ovens are more expensive, they use less electric power and thus one can save a lot of money over time. Since these ovens tend to cook food evenly, they save energy as well. The food cooked in convection ovens tends to take 25% less time, and the juices of the meat are sufficiently preserved, which makes these type of ovens a good choice for roasting and baking meats and desserts. In addition, one can cook various types of food items in these ovens at the same time.
There is a huge range of convection ovens available in the market today, and in the following sections of this article, we will give you a list of these types along with their features so that making a choice will become simpler.
Top Products
* Note: The prices are subject to change since last reviewed.
| Calphalon XL Digital Convection Oven #HE700CO
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year |
| Black & Decker Perfect Broil Convection Countertop Toaster Oven CTO4500S
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 years |
| Euro-Pro Convection Countertop Toaster Oven TO176
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year |
| Cuisinart ExactHeat Convection Toaster Oven Broiler TOB – 195 Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 3 years |
| Krups Convection Toaster Oven FBC4
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year |
| GE Rotisserie Convection Toaster Oven 169220 53
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 years |
| Avanti Digital Convection Toaster Oven/Broiler TD-25 Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year |
| Black & Decker Convection Countertop Toaster Oven TO1675B
Why to Buy:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 years |
Types of Convection Ovens
Electric Convection Type
In these, heated air is circulated in a specific way which helps to achieve an even better uniformity. This then helps to cook various types of foods at the same time in a very effective manner. These are basically the stove-top ovens.
Gas Convection Type
In these, instead of electricity, gas is used for power. This helps to save the power bill. These ovens help to prepare delicious dishes without depending on electricity. Another type of oven is the infrared category, which cooks food even faster without creating smoke.
Microwave Convection Type
Microwave ovens cook food by heating it, while convection ovens do so by heating up the air which in turn cooks the food. When these two are combined, you get a microwave-convection oven, which cooks or heats food even faster. One great advantage of convection-microwave oven is that they help to pre-heat the oven before baking.
Toaster Convection Type
These are small-sized ovens which are generally used to only heat food. If you are looking for some compact-sized ovens to heat small meals, then these are ideal.
Besides the above types of ovens, there are professional ovens which are used in restaurants. These are large-sized ovens and use less electricity. On the other hand, there are small portable convection oven units which are easy to pack and can be used for a picnic or camping.
Tips for Choosing
► Take the dimensions of the kitchen space where you will be placing the oven. Also, measure the depth of the counters and existing oven to compare it to the oven depth.
► Decide on the type of convection fans the ovens have. The main types are the dome and flange. Dome types offer better circulation, and have a lesser chance of hot spots.
► Make sure the oven comes with an interior light, most ovens come with this feature. This feature makes the job of cooking easier.
► Decide if you want to go in for a self-cleaning mode, most ovens are fitted with this feature.
► Open and close the door of the oven to check if it well-balanced. It should neither slam shut or fall open.
► Study what electrical requirements the oven has, or if it’s a gas version. If you are going for an electrical one, then make sure your house is equipped to install the oven.
With the reviews provided of these products, the task of choosing a convection oven that fits your requirements should not be difficult to zero in on. Once you get the hang of operating one perfectly, you will be able to cook healthy and tasty food with these.