Cooking with Convection Ovens: Your Chef’s Super Tool

Do you often find yourself frustrated with cookies that are too crispy on one side and undercooked on the other? Or perhaps you’ve encountered pies with soggy bottoms? It’s time to bring some kitchen magic into your life with a convection oven. In this article, we’ll take you through what makes a convection oven special and provide you with practical tips on how to use it to its full potential.

Convection ovens are like a secret weapon for chefs. They add an extra touch of skill to your cooking. From beautifully browned roasts to perfectly baked pastries, they can make your meals even more delicious. If you’re curious about what makes a convection oven special and how it can help you cook better, keep reading to learn how it can become your kitchen buddy, ensuring great results every time you cook.

What Makes Convection Ovens Stand Out?

At its heart, a convection oven does what regular ovens can’t: it cooks consistently and efficiently. The key difference is in how hot air moves inside the oven. Here’s why convection ovens are special:

• Even-Heat Everywhere: In a convection oven, a fan circulates hot air around the food, making sure it cooks evenly from all sides.

• Quick Cooking: Because of the even heat, convection ovens can often cook food faster than traditional ovens.

• Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: Convection ovens excel at giving you that crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

• Cook Multiple Dishes: You can cook many dishes at once on different racks, and they’ll all cook equally well.

Whether you’re baking, roasting, or broiling, a convection oven will be your kitchen buddy.

Using Your Convection Oven Like a Pro

Now that you understand why convection ovens are great, let’s talk about how to use them like a pro. Here are some expert tips to make your convection oven work its magic:

1. Preheat for Success: Always preheat your convection oven to the suggested temperature. This ensures even and efficient cooking.

2. Adjust Temperatures: Reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) when using a convection oven, as they cook faster. Check your food a little sooner than you would in a regular oven.

3. Use the Right Cookware: Choose lighter-coloured or reflective cookware like aluminium or glass to ensure even browning. Avoid dark or non-stick pans that can absorb heat.

4. Rack Placement Matters: When cooking multiple dishes, put the larger or denser items on the lower racks and the lighter items on the upper racks. This ensures even cooking on all levels.

5. Ventilate for Steam: For recipes needing a crispy exterior, like roast chicken, leave the oven door slightly open to let steam escape. This stops your food from getting soggy.

6. Keep a Close Watch: Especially when using a convection oven for the first few times, keep an eye on your dishes. The quicker cooking times might mean you need to adjust your recipe to avoid overcooking.

7. Experiment with Baking: Convection ovens are fantastic for baking, but you might need to make some adjustments. For example, reduce the baking time, and if you’re baking multiple trays of cookies, rotate them halfway through for even browning.

By following these tips, you’ll be a convection oven pro in no time.

Conclusion

Convection oven is a game-changer. Its ability to provide even cooking, reduce cooking times, and enhance the texture of your dishes makes it a priceless addition to any kitchen. A convection oven can take your dishes to the next level if you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro.

So, next time you plan a dinner party or just want some homemade treats, remember your secret weapon – the convection oven. Master its use, experiment with your favourite recipes, and soon, you’ll be serving perfectly cooked dishes that will leave everyone asking for your culinary secrets. 

Don’t miss out on the delicious potential a convection oven offers – start creating your culinary masterpieces today. And if you’re in NZ and looking for a new kitchen appliance, consider a benchtop convection oven at Federal Hospitality Equipment to revolutionize your cooking experience.