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Convection ovens have been gaining popularity in recent years because they can cook food faster and more evenly than traditional ovens. But not all convection ovens are the same. When it comes to European (true) and American (fan or traditional) convection ovens, there are important differences to consider that can affect the cooking process and results.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between fan convection vs true convection ovens to help you make the perfect choice.
What is the Difference Between Fan Convection vs. True Convection?
When discussing convection ovens, it’s essential to understand the difference between standard convection and true convection. Both use a convection fan to circulate heat, but true convection ovens feature an additional heating element behind the fan. This provides more consistent heat distribution, resulting in faster, more even cooking.
Here’s a better explanation of the two types of convection ovens
European Convection
The specific fact about a European convection typically features true convection, where the third heating element which is located behind the fan. The magic is in the process of a fan blowing hot air on your food inside the oven. With this process, all the food in your oven will be cooked more evenly in comparison to classic or traditional ovens. This is especially useful for convection baking or roasting multiple trays of food, as it eliminates hot spots and uneven cooking.
American Convection
When we speak of an American convection oven, you will see that it has a very similar system but, slightly different. Basically, this is an oven manufactured very similarly to a traditional oven with all its elements, but it contains a fan that is placed behind the oven cavity. This system also provides good circulation of hot air in your oven and within your food, which, therefore, ensures a very nicely and carefully prepared meal.
If you frequently cook large meals or want precise temperature control, opting for a true convection or dual convection oven may be the best choice for your kitchen.
Visualizing the Difference: Airflow in Convection Ovens
In a standard convection oven, hot air is circulated by a convection fan but may not reach every corner of the oven cavity, leading to uneven cooking. This is where true convection ovens stand out. By adding a third heating element, heat distribution becomes more uniform, which is crucial when cooking multiple dishes at once.
If you often find yourself adjusting the convection setting or moving food around in your oven for even results, a true convection oven may solve these issues. Similar to how an air fryer circulates hot air, true convection provides even and thorough cooking.
Practical Benefits of Using True Convection vs. Fan Convection
While both types of ovens offer enhanced cooking speed and heat distribution compared to traditional ovens, true convection provides several added benefits:
- Faster Cooking Times: True convection ovens can reduce cooking time by up to 20%, depending on the dish and the oven temperature. For example, roasted potatoes that typically take an hour in a standard convection oven may only take 45 minutes with true convection—perfect for busy weeknights or holidays when time is limited.
- Even Heat Distribution: Thanks to the third heating element, true convection ovens provide more consistent heat distribution, ensuring that all racks in the oven receive the same amount of heat. This is especially beneficial when baking multiple trays or roasting larger cuts of meat.
- Better Browning and Crisping: True convection's enhanced airflow draws out moisture more effectively, leading to superior browning and crisping—whether you’re roasting vegetables or baking pastries.
Cooking Tips: How to Adjust Your Recipes for True Convection
When switching from fan convection to true convection, a few adjustments are needed to optimize your cooking:
- Lower the Temperature: Since true convection ovens cook faster, it’s a good idea to reduce the oven temperature by about 25°F from what the recipe recommends for a conventional oven.
- Reduce Cooking Time: Alternatively, you can reduce the overall cooking time by around 20% when using true convection, especially for items like roasted vegetables or baked goods.
- Use Shallow Pans: This allows the convection fan to circulate air more effectively, leading to even browning and cooking across the entire dish.
As soon as you master your new oven and make the adjustments to your recipes you will find it hard to go back to regular convection, never mind traditional ovens, after experiencing the efficiency and effectiveness of cooking with true or traditional convection.
Final Thoughts: Which Convection Oven is Right for You?
Both fan convection and true convection ovens offer faster, more efficient cooking compared to traditional ovens, but the choice between the two depends on your cooking habits. If you value even cooking and need an oven that can handle multiple dishes at once, true convection is the better option. It offers superior performance, but keep in mind that it may come with a slightly higher price tag and repair costs.
If you're in the market for your new oven, check out our selection of both traditional and convection kitchen ranges for sale at Town Appliance.
