A convection oven is one of the best appliances to have in the kitchen. It has a fan that allows the circulation of hot air, and hence, cooking food faster. Speed and efficiency are two of its biggest benefits compared to a traditional oven. All of these benefits, however, will be apparent only if you choose the right product.
Wondering about what is the best convection oven that is available in the market? In the rest of this post, we will briefly tackle some of the best options you might want to consider. We will also look at some of the most important considerations that will be critical in making the right decision.
Benefits of a Convection Oven
Still not convinced that you need to invest in a convection oven? Below are some things that could possibly give you a change of mind:
- Speed: One of the best things about cooking in a convection oven is that it saves time. This is because it is equipped with a fan that aids in the circulation of hot air inside the oven. Compared to traditional oven, it is believed that convection ovens can cook food in a manner that is 25% quicker.
- Energy-Efficient: Time is not the only thing that you will be able to save with a convection oven, but also energy. It preheats and cooks food quickly, which means that it can be used without using too much electricity.
- Versatility: You will also love convection oven because of the multiple functionalities that they can deliver. You can use them not only for reheating, but even for roasting, baking, toasting, and broiling, among other things.
Choosing the Best Convection Oven
To easily narrow down the possibilities, the following are some of the most important factors you have to take into consideration:
- Price: Start by setting a budget in mind, which will allow you to limit the options based on what is suitable for how much money you have. However, do not make the mistake of choosing one product only because it is the cheapest in the market.
- Reviews: To evaluate the good and the bad about each product, take time to go online and search for feedbacks from other users. With their experiences and insights, you will learn about different products and what you can anticipate with their use.
- Size: Consider your countertop space to decide what size of oven is the best for the kitchen. Also, think about the members of the household or the quantity that you will often cook to decide on the appropriate size.
- Ease of Use: The convection oven must be filled with features that will make it user-friendly. There should be controls that are easy to access. A timer will also be convenient. It will also be good if there is a digital display. A transparent door is also better since it will make it easy to monitor the progress of cooking.
- Interior Construction: Take a look at the materials that are used in the interior. Aluminized steel is the most common and affordable. Porcelain will be beneficial in the reduction of bacteria. Meanwhile, stainless steel is durable and can resist corrosion.
- Versatility: Choose a versatile convection oven, which will allow it to do more. In a single appliance, a convection oven must be able to perform other functions, such as broiling, baking, and roasting, among other things.
- Ease of Cleaning: Through the years, it is inevitable that the oven will show signs of wear and tear. Pick one that will be effortless to clean and maintain. Having a drip tray is good to minimize mess. Also, the exterior and interior should be non-stick and should be easy to clean even with just a cloth.
- Ease of Cleaning: Through the years, it is inevitable that the oven will show signs of wear and tear. Pick one that will be effortless to clean and maintain. Having a drip tray is good to minimize mess. Also, the exterior and interior should be non-stick and should be easy to clean even with just a cloth.
- Style: Do not forget to consider the aesthetics of the oven that you will choose. This is one appliance that is often exposed in the kitchen, which is why it is important to make sure that it is stylish and will complement the look of the entire space.
- Warranty: What if the product becomes defective after a few months? What if some parts require a replacement? It will be good if there is an extensive warranty coverage, which can provide you with peace of mind.
Tips in Using your Convection Oven
To make the most out of your convection oven and to achieve the best outcomes all the time, below are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- One of the most important is to use the right cookware. This will ensure the even distribution of heat in the food. Shallow utensils are the best. The low sides of the pans will improve the circulation of air.
- It is also important to lower the temperature by as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because it is highly-efficient, and hence, the temperature is already naturally high compared to conventional oven.
- If you are baking breads, it will be good to place a pan filled with water in the center of the oven. This will create steam. In turn, the latter will create a crispy and thin crust that crackles with every bite.
- On the other hand, if you want to roast, dry brine and refrigerate the meat before putting it in the convection oven, which will help to optimize its flavor.
Below is a short video that shows more tips on how to use a convection oven:
Top Picks for the Best Convection Oven
Below are five of the products that can provide the best bang for the buck. To help you decide, we will also look at some of the features that give them an edge above many others in the marketplace, as well as their pros and cons.
Black and Decker TO1303SB Toaster Oven
Value for money – this is what you can expect from this product. This is also perhaps its greatest asset. At such an affordable price, it has excellent features. Although pretty much basic, they will be more than enough for the needs of most people.
Among others, one of the most innovative features of this product is the Even Toast Technology. The latter ensures that heat will be distributed evenly throughout. This means that your bread will be perfect all the time and there will be no burnt spots.
To make it easy to clean, there is a bread crumb tray at the bottom of the rack. This will collect the mess from the bread.
Some people might think that it is quite small. At maximum, it can fit a nine-inch pizza. Its size, however, can be a good thing if you have a small kitchen and if you are looking for a space-efficient appliance.
Lastly, it is also worth noting that the manufacturer is offering warranty that lasts for two years. This is better than the standard one-year warranty that is offered by most manufacturers.
Pros
- Comes with an affordable price
- Removable tray for ease of cleaning
- Comes with a timer
Cons
- Too small for some users
- Exterior can easily get hot
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Oven with Convection (31126)
As this is made by one of the most reputable brands within the product category, you can be confident that it will be hard to rival in terms of quality. It is even made better by the fact that it comes with an affordable price, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
It is compact enough for a small kitchen, yet the interior space is not limited. Based on the technical specifications, this can fit up to six toast slices or a 12-inch pizza.
This is also an excellent choice if you are looking for versatility. Given its multiple functions, it is a nice appliance to have in the kitchen. Aside from reheating, you can use it for toasting, broiling, or baking. For your convenience, it comes with a 30-minute timer.
Another thing that you might love about this product is the roll-top door, which is one of its intelligent design elements. It is space-saving. It is also transparent, which will allow you to monitor progress with ease.
Pros
- Has multiple functions
- Heats quickly
- Effortless to clean
Cons
- Not all parts are made from stainless steel
- Can be a bit noisy
Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ
If you want to achieve a contemporary appeal in the kitchen, this is the oven that you should choose. It is quite large compared to most within the product category. Nonetheless, it has an elegant look that makes it perfect if you want to establish a sophisticated ambiance.
Among other things, the Element IQ Technology is perhaps the best about this product. The latter allows the unit to automatically adjust the power depending on the temperature that it is able to detect. This minimizes effort on your end while providing you with the assurance of the best outcomes.
In a single appliance, you can enjoy multiple functions, which allows the product to provide the best bang for the buck. There are eight pre-set functions, which include toast, bagel, pizza, reheat, cookies, roast, broil, and bake. Just set it and the unit will make automatic adjustments based on the optimal temperature for a specific function.
Lastly, there is backlit LCD that will make it easy to monitor the progress. The display will be easy to see even during daytime.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Heats quickly
- Racks can be adjusted in multiple positions
Cons
- Too bulky
- Rack does not automatically pull out
Breville BOV845BSS Smart Pro Oven Convection Toaster
Although this can be quite expensive, it can offer excellent value for money. Both in terms of form and function, you can expect that this will be a commendable product. After all, this is made by Breville, so you can expect nothing but the best.
This oven comes with a glass door and an interior light. The latter will provide illumination so that you can easily see what is happening inside. It will be easy to see if you toast is already perfectly brown.
When it comes to cleaning, you do not have to complain about this product. One of the reasons for this is the presence of non-stick cavity.
It has 1,800 watts of heating power, which will allow it to finish almost any task in lightning speed. This is even made better by having Element IQ technology. The latter has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer to ensure accurate temperature.
Pros
- Has consistent heating performance
- Made by a trusted brand
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Controls can be imprecise
- Quite expensive
Hamilton Beach 31104 Countertop Oven with Convection
If you are on the lookout for a budget-friendly alternative, this is one option that you should not ignore. Despite its affordable price, it is made by a brand that you can trust. Plus, to make it offer value for money, it is inclusive of accessories, such as cooking racks and baking pans.
The large capacity of this product is also impressive. This can double as a rotisserie, which means that it can fit a whole chicken. You can even cook two 12-inch pizzas at a time.
It has a revolving rotisserie with self-basting function. The latter allows the flavor to be maximized, resulting to a more flavorful meat. You can also bake, toast, and broil with the use of this oven. To offer convenience, there is a timer that you can set up to two hours ahead.
Pros
- Economical price
- Comes with several accessories
- Polished and elegant look
Cons
- No LCD display
- Outside can easily get hot
Conclusion
Indeed, the best convection oven will make an excellent addition to your roster of kitchen appliances. It is versatile, compact, and efficient. It can deliver an abundance of benefits, but only if you choose the right product.
If there is one that stands out from the five products that we have briefly discussed above, it is Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ. It can deliver multiple functionalities and has an elegant design. It is also intelligent as it automatically adjusts temperature based on what is needed.
