While convection ovens started appearing in our kitchens as early as the 1970s, the difference between a “regular” oven and a convection oven is still mysterious to many of us! Read on to learn what makes convection ovens unique and how they compare to conventional models.
How Conventional Ovens Work
Let’s start off with the traditional oven. This standard kitchen appliance works via two different heating elements and can be powered either via electricity or gas.
The main heating element is in the bottom of the oven and provides most of the heat for roasting, baking, and other types of oven cooking. The second heating element is at the top of the oven and is most typically used to broil or brown food.
Conventional ovens have done a great job for a long time, but they do require some finessing. Since the oven is heated just from the bottom in most cases, the heat can sometimes be unevenly distributed. Some ovens can even have hot or cool spots where the temperature varies distinctly.
In order to address uneven heating, it’s often necessary to rotate food that’s cooked in a conventional oven. Cooks also need to keep an eye on food to assess if there’s a hot or cool spot that they need to manage by adjusting the temperature, the position of the oven racks, or the position of the food.
Convection Ovens in Action
The primary difference between a traditional and a convection oven is that the latter uses a fan to circulate hot air through the oven. This results in a more consistent temperature, meaning that food cooks evenly without the need to adjust racks or food placement.
Many convection oven models even have a third heating element on the back wall over the oven. This helps the distribution of heat even more as it means that heat surrounds food items on the top, bottom, and sides.
The main thing to be aware of when it comes to using a convection oven is that cooking temperatures and times might need to be adjusted. This is because most recipes are created using a conventional oven. Since convection ovens distribute heat more evenly, they can cook some dishes faster than originally indicated!
Should You Choose Conventional or Convection?
When it comes to making the choice between a conventional or a convection oven, it all comes down to personal preference. Both types of ovens do the same fundamental job. Convection ovens can sometimes be pricier than traditional ovens, but they also are typically more energy-efficient and cut down on cooking time. If you like the familiarity of a standard oven, though, there’s nothing wrong with going traditional!
Whichever side of the oven debate you come down on, you can trust the appliance repair experts at Morris County Appliance Repair to be there for you if you need oven repair assistance. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience providing exceptional appliance repairs in Rockaway and the greater Morris County area. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!