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When it comes to high-end kitchens, the convection oven has earned its reputation for boasting advanced features and innovative settings. Read this guide to learn how to cook and bake in a convection oven and unlock your kitchen’s full potential.
Table of Contents
DEFINITION
What is a convection oven?
USES
What is a convection oven used for?
HOW TO
How to use a convection oven
Convection ovens are equipped with an integrated fan that circulates hot air and decreases moisture levels by drying the surface of the food. True convection ovens go a step further by incorporating an extra heating element, which enhances the browning of meats, caramelizes roasted vegetables and helps ensure flaky perfection in baked goods.
Traditional baking relies on heating elements positioned at the top and bottom of an oven, which can result in uneven temperatures inside. Convection ovens employ a fan to help achieve uniform heat throughout the cavity. True convection ovens boast a third heating element at the rear, as well.
Traditional ovens use radiant heat, causing dishes closer to them to cook faster than those farther away. This arrangement can sometimes lead to inconsistencies when cooking multiple dishes on different oven racks, such as burnt edges or undercooked centers.
The fan within a convection oven plays a crucial role in delivering consistent results, as well, by circulating heat evenly throughout the oven and around your dishes.
A simple method to distinguish between a convection oven and a conventional oven is to examine the control panel for convection cooking features. If your oven is of the convection type, you should typically see controls for convection baking functions.
You can also inspect the oven’s interior as long as it is turned off. A fan on the inner back wall indicates that you have a convection oven.
Convection ovens have several uses, from caramelizing meats to roasting vegetables. Common convection oven uses include:
Slow roasting
Convection broiling
Dehydrating
Toasting
Multi-level baking
Flaky, light pastries
Pasta bakes or casseroles
Air frying
Certain baked goods are best prepared using traditional oven settings. Some recipes will suggest regular bake or convection, but as a general rule, don’t use the convection setting for delicate desserts and pastries such as custards, souffle, chiffon and angel food cakes, to name a few.
Using the convection setting on your oven can allow for more even heating, but it’s slightly different than using a conventional oven or a regular bake setting. Continue reading to learn how to cook in your convection oven.
Cookware
Select the convection feature on your oven and the desired temperature. Adjust the temperature in your recipe, if needed, to be suitable for convection. Consider the JennAir® auto convection conversion feature, if your oven is equipped with it, which converts a standard thermal bake cook time and temperature into an ideal cook time and temperature for convection cooking. Also consider the recipe instructions. If you are adjusting the temperature yourself, you will typically want to reduce it by 25°F for convection baking.
Choose oven-safe cookware or bakeware suitable for your specific dish. Opt for pans and baking sheets that allow for proper air circulation and consider using shallow, low-sided or perforated cookware. For easy cleanup, line baking sheets with parchment paper when necessary. Wait until the oven is preheated to place the dishes inside.
Leave space between your dishes and place them in the center of the rack to allow for optimal air circulation throughout the oven cavity. Don’t place them too close to the heating elements, and keep in mind that many recipes benefit from the enhanced browning of convection. Some foods or foods with long bake times may require covering or tenting for best results.
When using the convection feature on your oven or range, check your dishes often as the food may cook more quickly than with a regular bake feature. Leaving the oven light on is a good way to keep an eye on your meal without losing heat by opening the oven door.
With features like the Connected Temperature Probe available on select JennAir® wall ovens, you can easily know when dinner is done. Readings of your food’s internal temperature are visible on the LCD screen or directly from the app.1
1. Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy info, visit jennair.com/connect.
A JennAir® professional-style range can broaden your culinary horizons and elevate your kitchen space. Explore the various range configurations featuring specialized cooking surfaces such as griddles and grills.
You can choose to use your convection oven as a regular oven by simply not selecting the convection feature. Keep in mind, though, that even recipes that don’t call for convection baking can be cooked with convection, and you might even get better results.
Available in two distinct design expressions, RISE™ and NOIR™, JennAir® double, single or microwave combination ovens provide versatility and opulence. Experience the dual counter-rotating vertical fans of V2™ Vertical Convection, working in tandem, helping you wield your cooking prowess with everything from mouthwatering filets to irresistible roasts.
