To kick things off, have you ever wondered what is a convection oven? If you’re looking for a new oven or simply curious about modern kitchen appliances, this guide is for you. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what a convection oven is and why it’s creating a buzz among home chefs and professionals alike.
What Is A Convection Oven Exactly?
Firstly, let’s break it down. A convection oven operates similarly to a conventional oven, with one significant difference: it has a fan. This fan circulates hot air around the food, cooking even faster. Simple, right?
The Science Behind It
Now, don’t get intimidated by the term ‘science’. We’ll keep it simple: when you cook food, hot air rises, and cool air sinks. In a regular oven, this can create pockets of uneven temperature. However, the fan ensures that hot air moves continuously in a convection oven. Consequently, food cooks more evenly and often quicker, too.
Benefits Of Using A Convection Oven
There are numerous advantages to using this kind of oven. Let’s dive into a few of them:
Even Cooking
As mentioned, the circulating air means no more hot or cold spots. You’ll find that your dishes, from roasts to baked goods, come out ideally.
Faster Cooking Times
Because of the even heat distribution, food cooks up to 25% faster. So, you’ll save not only time but also energy.
Better Browning
Convection ovens are a dream come true for those who love a golden crust on their bread or a crispy skin on their roast chicken.
Energy Efficient
With faster cooking times, you can use your oven for shorter periods. This translates to less energy consumption and a reduced electricity bill.
When Should You Use A Convection Oven?
While convection ovens are superb, they aren’t always the best choice for all dishes. For instance, dishes that require slow cooking without a crust, like custards or flans, might not benefit from the circulating air. Yet, they’re ideal for many other recipes, especially where you want a friendly browning or crisping effect.
Some Handy Tips
If you’re transitioning to a convection oven, keep in mind a few things:
Temperature Adjustment
Since food cooks faster, you might need to reduce the temperature by about 25°F compared to traditional recipes.
Check Early
Due to quicker cooking, checking on your dish a bit earlier than the recipe states is a good idea.
Use the Right Cookware
To make the most of the circulating air, use shallow pans or those with low sides.
Is It Worth The Investment?
To decide, consider your cooking habits. If you bake or roast often, you might find a convection oven a game-changer. Moreover, the energy efficiency factor might even save you money in the long run.
Features Unique To Convection Ovens
Besides the fan and exhaust system that distinguishes a convection oven, several other features are noteworthy:
Turbo Mode
Some convection ovens come with a turbo mode, increasing the fan’s speed. This is perfect for dishes that need even quicker cooking.
Twin Fans
While most have a single fan, some advanced models boast twin fans for enhanced air circulation.
Cooling Feature
Interestingly, specific models offer a rapid cooling feature, quickly reducing the temperature inside. This is ideal for bakers transitioning between high and low-temperature baking.
Common Misconceptions About Convection Ovens
They’re Too Complicated: Most people find them just as easy to use as conventional ovens, with the bonus of faster and even cooking.
Only Suitable for Baking
While they do wonders for baked goods, they’re also excellent for roasting, broiling, and dehydrating in some models.
They Use More Electricity
Due to their faster cooking times, they often use less energy in the long run.
Tips For The New Convection Oven Owner
Embracing a new kitchen gadget can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with these tips, you’ll find it’s a breeze:
Rotate Pans
If you’re cooking with multiple pans, rotate them halfway through to ensure an even cook, even though the circulation is better than conventional ovens.
Avoid Overcrowding
To maximise the circulating air, ensure enough space between items.
Maintenance
Occasionally, clean the fan and exhaust areas to ensure they work effectively. Dust and grease can build up over time.
Why Chefs Love Them
Professional chefs around the world swear by convection ovens. The consistent results and reduced cooking times make it an indispensable tool in commercial kitchens. But, even home cooks who have experienced the benefits of a convection oven rarely return to conventional ones.
Our Final Thoughts
Its innovative circulating air feature ensures even cooking, rapid results, and low energy consumption. It may not be ideal for every recipe, but it has found a helpful position in many modern kitchens.