Convection in the oven – what is it and why is it needed

The content of the article

• What is convection?
• Free and forced convection
• What is convection in the oven for?
• How oven convection works
• Convection gas oven
• Convection Electric Oven
• Convection grill
• Do I need convection in the oven

Buying a new oven is an important decision for every housewife, so it is shown that you are responsible for the choice. Several determining factors. However, the potential buyer should definitely be interested in the question of what is convection in the oven, what exactly is it needed for, is it needed at all.

What is convection?

In the oven, high-quality heating is important, which just contributes to the rapid preparation of dishes. Convection is a special way of heating a small space, in which the oven is additionally equipped with a fan. This ensures a uniform temperature, which is especially important for high-quality cooking. Under the natural regime, the movement of warm air is unevenly distributed, so the appearance of the dish or its taste leaves much to be desired. So the need for a fan is justified.

Free and forced convection

Both of these concepts are interconnected because they characterize the movement of warm air. The free function provides for the unconstrained movement of the gas, provoked by the inhomogeneous density of the medium in the presence of a temperature difference. The forced movement of gas masses is caused by the action of external forces, the homogeneity of the field of mass forces. Therefore, it is called that. Both phenomena are aimed at the cooking process, have corresponding icons on the door.

Free and forced convection are distinguished by the fact that in the second case there is a polar rather than molecular transfer of water masses. The convection mode in the oven is especially important for those housewives who are used to pampering their family with homemade cakes. In such circumstances, when buying, you need to additionally ask about the size and number of baking sheets.

What is convection in the oven for?

In almost all modern oven models, developers decided to incorporate fans to ensure forced distribution of the hot stream. This function is not always used in cooking, however, it is considered simply irreplaceable for creating separate dishes. For example, wondering why convection is needed in the oven, it is necessary to highlight the following points:

• crust formation evenly from all sides;
• high-quality baking of a large piece of meat, fish, dough;
• moderate drying of the juice that is released from products during baking;
• the possibility of using several baking sheets at once to accelerate the technological process;
• minimal moisture evaporation, cooking juicy dishes (wet convection method).

How oven convection works

The essence of this method is the accelerated connection of hot and cold air with the help of special fans, after which the oven’s space is evenly filled. Convectivity allows the hostess not to rearrange the pan during cooking from the lower to the upper position, as it was before – in older models of ovens.

The question of how convection works in the oven has its own characteristics depending on the model purchased. For example, in many ovens Electrolux, Miele, and Neff, several heating elements are provided at once, which supply heat simultaneously from all sides of the dish, provide uniform airflow, and quick cooking. It’s especially important that the pastries rise.

A significant advantage of having a convector in the oven is the steam function, which helps to preserve its useful properties when cooking dishes. There is a special icon on the oven that confirms the presence of this function. Steamed foods are healthy, have a dietary effect, and get rid of harmful substances from their composition. That’s why modern customers choose convection ovens..

Convection gas oven

Since the burner is located in the lower part of the oven in such models, it is more difficult to ensure even distribution of hot air. First you need to turn on the gas oven with convection, then give it some time to spread heat around the entire perimeter. Only after that cook pastry from the dough or any other dish the specified time interval.

A gas convection cooker has several significant drawbacks. Among these, the lack of complete sealing due to the need to remove combustion products. And this significantly prolongs the cooking process, creates additional difficulties. Therefore, the presence of an icon with convection mode is only welcome, making life easier for any housewife.

Convection Electric Oven

In such progressive models, the heating element is located along the contour, so the time to create culinary masterpieces is significantly reduced. A convection electric oven is a real helper in the kitchen, and a characteristic icon with additional functions can only be used if necessary (do not use it again). The only drawback that a convective electric stove has is a dry stream of air, which takes all the juiciness out of the dishes..

Convection grill

Fry the meat, cook it with a delicious crust really, and for this you need to use special functions. On the oven there are symbols, the decoding of which is reported by the instruction for the purchased model. This is an enhanced rapid baking mode, which is often provided by electric stoves. Suitable not only for cooking meat dishes, even homemade pie is crunchy. Convection grills add volume to baking, provide an even flow of hot air.

Do I need convection in the oven

The presence of convection function increases the price of the oven. Therefore, each housewife must decide for herself whether convection is needed in the oven or not. There are many examples where the icon on the stove has never been used. When a lover makes a purchase, the availability of this option is only welcome. So if convection is provided in the oven – what is it, it is better to immediately ask the sales assistant when buying.