Convection Oven Tips
When you first buy a convection oven, you may need some convection oven tips to help you get started with your new appliance. In many ways, using a convection oven is very similar to a conventional oven. However, there are a few key differences that can cause problems for the unwary.
Below, you will find a few tips to help you get the most of your convection oven.
Cooking Temperature and Time
The most important of any convection oven tips you will read is very simple. The cooking time and temperature is not the same between a convection oven and a conventional oven. If you are using a conventional recipe for your meal, plan around that. Use a conversion chart to ensure that you are using the right temperatures and time for your food.
The reason behind this is simple. A convection oven uses a series of fans inside the oven that circulate air through the oven while food is being cooked. A conventional oven does not do this. This is so important because of the fact that the circulation of heat prevents a protective barrier of cold air from guarding the food. The removal of this barrier results in faster cooking times and a more even browning.
Differences in Flavor
It may come as a bit of a surprise that foods may taste slightly different when cooked in a convection oven versus a conventional oven. This is due to the fact that meats and other foods react different when exposed to different temperatures. Take turkey as an example. Turkey is more likely to come out juicy and endure less shrinkage if cooked at lower heats. However, in a conventional oven, it is dangerous to cook turkey at low heat, as the meat may not be thoroughly cooked. This problem is avoided in a convection oven. You can cook turkey at a lower heat for the same duration and get a juicier bird as a result.
Difference in Price
While unfortunate, in many cases, it is much more expensive to get a convection oven. Conventional ovens are still the most common type, especially when you consider full sized ranges. However, convection ovens are typically available as counter top appliances, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds, if you're willing to maintain two different types of ovens. It is sometimes very convenient to have one of each type in your kitchen.