Convection ovens have been rising in popularity over the past few years. Not only do they take up less space, but they cook food much more quickly than a conventional oven, making it a great appliance for busy moms. With so many different options, features, and accessories to look at, it can be hard to choose the best convection oven for you. This is where we come in.
In this article, we’ll go over how these incredible kitchen gadgets work, how to use them, and how to choose the best convection oven for your kitchen.
How Convection Ovens Work
Convection ovens are sometimes referred to as “fan-assisted ovens” because they use a fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air and then vents it out. Because your food is surrounded by air, it’s able to be cooked more quickly, and the heat is distributed more evenly.
One beautiful thing about convection ovens is how compact they are and usually do not take up much space in your kitchen. They work great for cooking smaller meals more quickly than if you used a conventional oven.
Uses of Convection Ovens
- Roasting: Roast meat and veggies more quickly. You’ll also get a crispier skin and better caramelization.
- Baking desserts: The convection technology steams fast, allowing your dough to rise more quickly when baking pies and pastries. You can also easily bake cookies without needing to rotate during the process.
- Making casseroles: Casseroles can take a while to bake in an oven, which is why it can be better to use a convection oven. Just be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
- Toasting: If you want to remove any moisture from food, a convection oven can come in handy with toasting or dehydrating.
Advantages of Using Convection Ovens
Aside from how compact convection ovens, they also have other advantages you may not have thought of.
Cooks Evenly and More Quickly
In most standard ovens, there can be hot spots depending on where you place your food. With convection ovens, the way the heat circulates allows the food to be cooked evenly.
Convection ovens blow the hot air directly on the food, not just the space surrounding it. You can expect your food to be done 25% faster than using a standard oven.
Better Moisture and Browning
When cooking thick cuts of meat, you’ll get a nice browning on the outside while the inside remains juicy. In regular ovens, air tends to be humid because the moisture doesn’t vent out. However, with the convection oven, the excess moisture will be pushed out for better caramelization and browning.
Saves Energy
Not only do these amazing ovens cook your food more quickly, but they also conserve energy. Because they cook fast at lower temperatures, it takes 20% less energy to operate than a regular oven.
Choosing the Best Convection Oven For You
Although convection ovens have a lot of the same attributes, there are some different factors to consider if you want to choose the best convection oven for you.
Size
One of the first things you want to consider is the size of the oven you choose. Not only do you want something that will fit nicely in your kitchen, keep in mind that the size of the oven affects the cooking capacity and energy consumption.
Temperature Range
Knowing the foods you plan to cook in your convection oven ahead of time can help you to determine the temperature range you’ll need. Some ovens cook up to 550 degrees and as low as 140 degrees, while others may range from around 200-500.
Accessories
Different convection ovens have various accessories that allow you to cook different types of meals in different dishes, such as rotisserie, pans, and racks.
Added Features
Each oven has its own unique features. Some features to look for are an internal light, crumb tray, non-stick interior, or a countdown timer.
1. KitchenAid KCO253BM 12-Inch Compact Convection Countertop Oven
KitchenAid is a trusted name known for producing high-quality kitchen appliances. This compact convection countertop oven may be small, but it’ll get the job done. Whether you want to roast veggies or bake desserts, you can expect your food to get done quickly and cooked to perfection.
Because it is so small, it heats up even faster to get your food done quickly and easily. Additionally, it’s size makes this convection oven, especially energy-efficient. The versatile cooking space allows you to cook a variety of dishes. You can position the two racks at six different heights, depending on what you want to make.
The stay on feature allows you to warm up or even slow-roast foods for up to 4 hours. Even if you forget, there is no need to worry. It’ll automatically turn off once the cooking cycle is finished. You can time your food yourself, or utilize the preset settings that include broil, bake, toast, and warm.
Pros
- The non-stick interior and removable crumb tray makes cleaning a breeze
- Automatic shut off in case you forget
- Adjustable racks that provide space for a variety of dishes
Cons
- No interior light
2. Hamilton Beach Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, 6-Slice, with Bake Pan and Broil Rack, Black
Hamilton Beach is another household name known for a variety of incredible kitchen appliances, including this convection oven. Although this is one of the most affordable options on our list, it comes with a variety of features that give you a lot of bang for your buck.
The large glass door allows you to grab your foods with ease. The back is slightly curved, giving you a bit more extra space for your dishes. It comes with a rack that can be adjusted in two different heights. This convection oven only has a 30-second timer, but if you need to cook your food a little longer, you can simply choose the stay-on function.
You can expect this small oven to preheat quickly and cook your foods in 30% less time than a standard oven. It has temperature settings from 150 degrees Fahrenheit up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is a model made for those on a budget, it doesn’t have as many fancy features as some of the other items on this list. However, for standard baking and broiling, it’ll get the job done.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- The large glass door makes accessing food easy
- Has a curved back for extra room
- Greater temperature range than some of the other options
Cons
- Not good for toasting
- Only four cooking options
3. Oyama TRO-110C Turbo Convection Oven, 12 L, White
For another budget-friendly option, consider trying the Oyama TRO-110C Turbo Convection oven. This is probably one of the most unique ovens on the list because of its shape. Unlike the other options on this list, this is a compact oven that can easily be stored in your cupboard and taken out when needed.
Rather than the conventional design most convection ovens have, this one has a 12-liter tempered glass bowl that sits inside a protective frame. Simply place your food in the bowl, put on the lid, and choose your cooking options. Its cover has a thermal heating mechanism that essentially turns this glass bowl into an efficient little oven.
You can bake, grill, steam, or roast with this appliance. There is plenty of cooking space inside, along with two racks that can be adjusted.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Has an automatic turn off feature
- Simple instructions and easy to use
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Smaller than the other options on this list
4. COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Convection Roaster with Rotisserie & Dehydrator
If you need a convection oven that offers a variety of features, then you may fall in love with the COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Convection Roaster that also doubles as a rotisserie and dehydrator. It has a whopping 12 built-in presets that allow you to cook just about anything to your liking.
Not only does it have the standard baking, broiling, and toasting options, but you can also use it as an air fryer, rotisserie, and dehydrator for full versatility. It also comes with quite a bit of accessories, and even a recipe book to help you get started cooking delicious new foods.
Whether you want to have a pizza night, bake some muffins, or air-fry your favorite foods in a healthier way, there is a cooking option for you. As one of the largest models on our list, you can get away with cooking just about anything!
Pros
- Large enough to cook most foods
- Has 12 built-in presets
- Comes with accessories and recipe book
Cons
- Can be confusing to use at first with all of the different features
5. Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven
This convection oven from Oster is a larger model that’s easy to use for just about anyone. Although its got lots of room and features, you won’t be breaking the bank to purchase this model. Whether you roast, broil, bake, or toast, you can expect evenly heated and cooked foods.
With its large interior, you can easily fit two pizzas, a full family-sized chicken, or even 18 slices of bread at once. It has a 90-minute timer and automatic shut off feature. It comes with two adjustable racks, a baking pan, and a broiling rack.
You can cook just about anything in this, so you and your family can enjoy all of your favorite foods without relying on your conventional oven.
Pros
- Large interior allows space for most dishes
- Has an auto shut-off feature and multiple heat settings for versatility
- Comes with two adjustable racks and other accessories
Cons
- Only five settings
6. Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air, Brushed Stainless Steel
The first convection oven was invented in 1946, and Breville has taken the technology to a new level. Breville is the first to introduce smart oven air technology, and this particular oven has another impressive feat called “Element IQ technology.” Simply put, this impressive convection oven heats the food you put in precisely, and automatically gives more power when needed.
You can maximize airflow with the high heat setting, perfect for air frying your favorite foods as a healthier alternative. It also has a low heat setting for dehydrating as well as options for roasting or baking.
With this oven, you can cook just about anything you want, including a 14-pound turkey! There are 13 total settings depending on what you want to make, so the options are just about endless. It also comes with accessories, including a pizza pan and basket for air frying.
Pros
- 13 preset cooking options
- A 2-speed fan that offers better cooking control
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can be too large for some kitchens
7. BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Countertop Toaster Oven
For another budget-friendly option that offers more than just toasting bread, this convection oven is worth checking out. Note that this convection oven is wider than some of the other models, which is a good thing if you’re looking for more cooking room.
You get three rack slots for more versatility when cooking. Whether you want to cook a pizza, a casserole, or just toast some bread, there are options to get the job done.
Of course, because of the convection technology, you can expect your food to get done more quickly and evenly. Because of the price and features, this convection oven is an excellent option for someone who wants more versatility when cooking but doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Wide interior for more cooking space
- Three rack positions for versatility
Cons
- It takes a long time to roast
8. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
While this oven appears small, it can cook quite a bit of food at once. Whether you want to bake a 9×13 inch cake or a 13-inch pizza, you can do so with this toaster oven. Not only that, but there is a unique dual-option feature this convection oven offers. This means you can prepare two different dishes with separate temperatures.
One special thing about this oven is the speed convection mode. With this, you don’t have to worry about taking the time to preheat the oven. The fan circulates heat, causing the oven to heat up even more quickly so you can get to cooking your favorite foods. You can choose from a total of 15 different cooking settings.
There are four level positions to position the racks on, giving you plenty of options for different sized dishes. Once you’re finished, cleaning it up is a breeze. Because the interior is non-stick, all you need to do is gently wipe (once the oven has cooled down, of course), and everything should slide right off.
Pros
- 15 cooking settings
- Four rack positioning to fit different sized dishes
- Non-stick interior and crumb tray makes cleaning easier
Cons
- Exterior tends to get hot
9. DeLonghi EO241150M Livenza Stainless Steel Digital Convection Oven
With this convection technology from this DeLonghi oven, you get three heating areas that will cook your food much more quickly than a traditional oven. It is designed with a double glass door that provides better insulation and locks the heat inside.
No matter what you’re looking to make, you can be sure that you’ll be cooking it at the right temperature. It has preset options, including bake, broil, toast, roast, pizza, cookies, defrost, and keep warm. You get a rack that can be placed on four different levels to accommodate more dish sizes.
This convection oven is an excellent option for families with smaller kitchens. Don’t be fooled by its size though, however. It may be compact, but it has plenty of space for the food for the family while taking up little counter space.
Pros
- Fits nicely on the counter but can hold a variety of dishes
- Has eight preset settings
- Heat lock system that traps heat inside while emitting 50% less heat on the glass door
Cons
- Only comes with one rack
10. Wolf Gourmet WGCO100S Countertop Oven with Convection, Red
Last and not least, we’re going to include this exceptional oven, the Wolf Gourmet WGCO100S. This one is going to be a little pricier than the other options; however, it’s going to come with all of the benefits. If you don’t have a strict budget in place and want something with all the bells and whistles, then you’re going to love this one!
This special oven has an integrated temperature that probe allows you to check the internal temperature of any meat you cook so it can be adequately done to your liking. With this oven, you can expect food cooked to perfection with no hot spots. This is due to the advanced perimeter convection function. The powerful fan and high-volume airflow vents circulate heated air with precision, keeping your food cooking evenly.
Some oven racks are more like jigsaw puzzles than rack placements. This oven features an easy-glide rack that slides smoothly into place when it comes time to adjust the positioning.
Pros
- Has an internal temperature probe
- No hot spots in food
- Three rack positions and an easy-glide rack
Cons
- Pricier than other options
In Conclusion
With so many different options on the market, choosing the best convection oven that will suit your family’s needs can be an overwhelming task. Once you know what size would work best in your kitchen, then it’s time to consider which features and accessories you’d like your oven to have. We featured a variety of ovens in different price ranges, with different features and different sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect one above.
For the best countertop convection ovens, check out this article.