Convection in the oven - what is it?
When purchasing a new oven, many wonder, convection in the oven - what is it? After all, more recently, there was no convection in the oven. Is this feature useful and is it worth it to overpay? This article is dedicated to the advantages of this magical innovation.
to contents ↑Gas oven
A conventional gas oven has one or two lower burners. You can bake at one of several levels on which the baking sheet is established. In this case, the heating is carried out only from below, and the top of the baking is browned as a result of natural convection, in simple words - due to the arbitrary movement of warm air in the chamber.
to contents ↑Important! More modern gas ovens also have an upper burner, which can be not only gas, but also electric. Thanks to an additional heat source, the baking process is greatly simplified. A similar innovation allows you to cook even grilled dishes.
Electric oven
Modern ovens of an electric sample usually have more than one heating element. They are often placed around the perimeter of the camera. But even in this case, the baking of the dough is uneven, since natural convection is slow and depends on many factors, for example - the width of the pan.
to contents ↑Important! Whatever appliance you use, electric or gas, if the baking sheet covers the entire width of the oven, it is difficult to move the air from the bottom of the oven to the top, and vice versa. This state of affairs will be corrected by the forced convection function. With it, your pastries will be baked evenly.
What is convection in the oven?
Convection in the oven is a swirling flow of hot air that is created by the fan in the enclosed space of the chamber. It contributes to uniform baking warming from all sides. Thus, a burnt black crust will not form either on the bottom of the pie or on top. Instead, the pastries will be ruddy and beautiful.
to contents ↑Important! In gas-type ovens, the fan is located on the rear wall. Includes convection in such ovens separately.
Why do I need convection in the oven?
To fully understand what convection in the oven is, it is enough to evaluate the capabilities of such equipment. Differences between models with this function are as follows:
- The number of dishes that can be prepared if there is convection in the oven is endless. At the same time, dishes are prepared much faster than without it. With it, you can easily bake large pieces of fish and meat, make airy meringues, bake ruddy pies and even dry dill, basil, parsley and other herbs, as well as vegetables and fruits, including citrus fruits.
- Defrosting foods (vegetables, meat from the freezer) is also possible due to this function of the oven. In addition, such a procedure will retain more useful elements in the product than defrosting in a microwave oven.
- Convection in the oven allows you to rationally use the entire volume of the chamber.In such a household appliance, a couple of dishes are immediately and easily prepared. You can bake several cookie sheets at once, cook completely different dishes at several levels of the oven. First, try making simpledelicious cheesecakes.
- The convection function may not be used at every cooking, but you definitely need it to get crisp on all sides of the baking, to dry the juice that has been extracted from the filling, to perfectly bake the carcass of the bird (chicken, goose, turkey, duck) or a large pie.
to contents ↑Important! Another advantage of using the convection mode is the reduction in the amount of oil and salt used for cooking dishes.
What is convection in an electric oven?
What is the principle of the convection system in the electric oven? - It operates according to such an algorithm:
- A simple electric oven with convection mode is served by a conventional fan. He drives the air inside the cabinet, ensuring that he gets into all the "nooks" of the cooking dish.
- A fan is more efficient, surrounded by an additional special-purpose heating circuit. A similar device has more expensive models of electric ovens.
- Some electric ovens have the convenient option of wet convection. When activated, the entire chamber space is saturated with hot steam, which prevents the dishes from drying out during cooking, and the dough will help to rise faster and better. Also, with such convection, dishes are prepared more wholesome, without harmful roasting.
to contents ↑Important! Some ovens have a built-in reinforced fan. They create in the chamber the fastest possible flow of hot air, which accelerates and improves the baking process.
What is convection in a gas stove?
Since gas ovens occupy 80% of all sales, leaving only 20% for electric ones, manufacturers strive to make their products more convenient, functional and useful. And if until recently, gas ovens were equipped with not very convenient forced convection modes, now they are simply impeccable.
Important! Many convection ovens have a grill function. This mode allows you to cook a ruddy dish on top with a juicy and tender center.
The advantage of convection gas ovens:
- Savings on the payment of electricity. On average, gas ovens with a blower function are more expensive than electric ovens with the same function. But the difference in price quickly pays off due to utility bills, especially with frequent use of the oven for its intended purpose.
- Such devices do not require the use of high power wiring with mandatory grounding. Even in old houses it will be possible to install such a device without fear for their own safety.
to contents ↑Important! Many people fear that the built-in fan, which provides convection, will blow out the flames of the fire and there will be a gas leak. Such an opinion is erroneous, because such devices of any manufacturer have their own gas control system and protective shutdown. Therefore, forced-draft gas ovens are as safe as electric ones.
Double convection
There are models that in their design have two convectors located one below the other. Such a device boasts Samsung brand devices. Such a "chip" allows you to distribute hot air through the chamber more efficiently. Cooking on two baking sheets improves, because now every fan blows his own dish.
to contents ↑Important! A double convection oven should be bought only for those people who will use this function when cooking regularly, since the presence of this option significantly increases the cost of the equipment.
Important! When choosing any model, be sure to understand the following:
Types of convection ovens
With what convection in the oven is, in general, you should now understand. Now a little about how this effect is achieved:
- Ovens, depending on the location in the kitchen, can be divided into two main groups: built-in and freestanding.
- Depending on the type of energy consumed, the ovens are divided into gas and electric.
- Also, such devices can include a hob and have one control panel with it or be independent and work autonomously.
- A separate view is freestanding mini-ovens. Their appearance resembles microwave ovens.
Important! In terms of functionality, this oven can be at the same level as a conventional large oven. Its feature is its small dimensions, which allow you to put the device in a place convenient for you.
There are also other criteria for differences that need to be dealt with when choosing. For example, in terms of ease of care, it’s important to understand differences between different oven cleaning systems.
to contents ↑The most useful convection programs
Consider the most popular and useful oven modes with forced convection.
Convection
Such a program is used in the following cases:
- For heating plates for serving dishes for the holiday.
- To raise the dough before baking.
- For drying greens, fruits, berries, vegetables.
- For baking with minimal frying of juicy foods for diet.
- For defrosting a large volume of products that do not fit in the microwave chamber.
Important! Before you take on any recipe, be sure to analyze the condition of your kitchen utensils and recommendations, which is better to use the dishes in the oven.
Convector + bottom heating
The main heat enters the dish below. The fan helps to quickly cook the top of the dish. This program is suitable for making bread, pies, pizza.
Convector + bottom heating + grill
This mode is best suited for the preparation of convenience foods and frozen foods. Dishes are not only baked, but also find a beautiful golden crust on the surface.
Grill turbo
This program uses convector, grill and top heating. It is used for baking large pieces of meat.
to contents ↑Important! It is worth noting that all the described modes involve cooking only on one level. When installing several baking sheets in the oven, the effectiveness of the combinations is reduced.
Stock footage
Now you know what it is - convection in the oven. Definitely it will be useful for any housewife. Forced blowing will not only allow you to quickly cook your favorite dish with a beautiful golden crust, but will also save on the cost of electricity or natural gas.