Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Digital Convection Toaster Oven

If you want a perfectly browned turkey or an evenly cooked ham, a convection oven is what you need. Let’s look at how a convection oven works and the best applications for it in your cooking.

The difference between a traditional oven and a convection oven is the airflow cycling that the convection features. The hot air is blown around the food and vented out in a convection oven. This creates a dry heat that can crisp the outside without drying the inside of your food.

Like a traditional oven, a convection oven still hosts heating elements that produce the heat, so technically it has radiant heat and forced hot air as cooking sources. This system is very efficient, and you may find you need to adjust the temperature and cooking time of your recipes. It tends to cook faster and more evenly than a traditional oven.

“It’s precision cooking and yes, it makes a huge difference,” says our expert Vicki Liston, host of the award-winning home improvement show “On the Fly…DIY.”

“Have you ever cooked something in the oven, a microwave or a traditional toaster oven and had the item cook unevenly? Or experienced ‘hot spots?’ A convection oven solves these cooking irritations,” says Liston. “It preheats faster than a traditional oven and uses less power to run. In the summer months, it makes cooking much more bearable as it doesn’t heat up your entire house during operation.”

When you first start using a convection oven, it’s smart to pay close attention to the food while it’s cooking. There are certain foods such as bread and cake that need time to rise that don’t do well in a convection oven. If you are cooking a recipe for the first time in the oven, try decreasing the temperature by 25 degrees from the suggested temperature. This will ensure thorough cooking without burning.

Another thing to remember when cooking with a convection oven is the type of pan you use for your food. Shallow dishes do best with convection because it increases the surface area that the heated air touches. Many baking dishes have been adapted for convection purposes but consider updating your bakeware for the best results.

Some convection ovens feature sensors and presets for different foods. The presets should be used as guidelines and can be reliable with some foods. Sensors are not always reliable but can help you gauge how long and what temperature to cook certain foods when you first start out. They should also be used as a guide. Another handy tool to have on hand when first starting out with a convection oven is a thermometer probe. This will come in particular use when cooking meat dishes. Remember to always keep an eye on food in a convection oven since it cooks much faster than a traditional oven.

There are all different styles of countertop convection ovens. From a drop-down door to a French door opening, you will find a style that works in your kitchen. Some models feature stylish knobs for programming the settings. They are all designed with large digital displays so you can see exactly how long and what temperature you’ve set it to.

• According to Liston, convection ovens are “ridiculously versatile.”
  “You could replace several kitchen appliances by getting one,” says Liston. “Many people consider the amount of counter space taken up to be a drawback. However, if you didn’t need an air fryer, a toaster, a microwave, a dehydrator, a slow cooker and even a plate warmer, would you make the switch? In fact, it can save you space in the long run!”
• Adjust temperatures and times of recipes when first starting out with your oven.
• Baked goods that need to rise will not do well in the convection oven.
• Meats that need crispy exteriors will do great in the convection oven.
• Remember to leave plenty of space around your convection oven for the best ventilation.