Convection Oven vs. Conventional (Normal Oven): What’s the Difference?
What is a Convection Oven?
You may be wondering: how does a convection oven work? Or perhaps you want to know how a convection oven is different from the conventional oven you’re probably most familiar with? When you bake in a conventional oven, the dish closest to the heating element on the bottom rack cooks the fastest. But in convection baking, a fan circulates hot air around the cavity, eliminating hot spots and helping to cook dishes evenly — on every rack. A true convection feature adds a third heating element in addition to the fan to help foods cook faster.
But should you stick with what you might be most familiar with? Since most recipes are written for conventional ovens, people often feel more comfortable with those models because they don’t need to adjust time and temperature to account for hot air circulation and faster cook times. So which oven will best help you whip up after-school snacks, make cookies for the bake sale or get dinner on the table between soccer practice and ballet class? Whirlpool brand can help you decide.
What Are the Benefits of a Convection Oven vs. a Conventional Oven?
Both convection and conventional ovens have their distinct advantages. Learn more about how they can help you care.
The benefits of a convection oven
- More even baking
- Less rotating
- Improved browning, crisping and roasting
- Faster baking and roasting1
The benefits of a conventional oven
- More familiar functionality
- Most recipes are written for these models
Adjusting time and temperature
If you’re using a convection oven, check the recipe to see if you need to adjust the time/temperature. A good rule of thumb for fan convection is to simply subtract 25°F from the temperature listed.2 For true convection, multiply the listed time by 0.75.2 Check your owner’s manual for exact instructions. Still, ovens can vary, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what’s cooking.
How to use a convection oven
Follow these simple steps for cooking, roasting and baking with your convection oven.
Step 1: Convert Recipes For Convection Ovens
- If you’re cooking with a convection oven, check the recipe to see if you need to adjust the time/temperature. While most recipes are written for conventional ovens, some recipes provide recommended times and temperatures for convection cooking and baking.
Step 2: Adjust Temperature
- A good rule of thumb for fan convection is to simply subtract 25°F from the temperature listed. Time and temperature adjustments can vary by oven cavity, but if your favorite brownie recipe tells you to preheat to 325°F, adjust to 300°F.
Step 3: Adjust Time
- For true convection, multiply the listed time by 0.75.2 For example, if your brownie recipe calls for 40 minutes, adjust to 30 minutes. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for exact instructions regarding time and temperature adjustments. Ovens can vary, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on what’s cooking.
Step 4: Preheat
- Preheat your oven to the adjusted temperature. An added bonus – convection ovens preheat quickly.
Step 5: Cook, Roast or Bake
- Set your timer for the adjusted time and place your dishes on the oven racks for consistent heat and even cooking. Use the convection roast setting for a brown, crispy outer layer on meats.
Find Your New Whirlpool® Range
Now that you know the difference between convection and conventional ovens, what are you waiting for? Check out our top picks below or learn more about our ranges and wall ovens.
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1. Compared to a traditional thermal-bake cycle on the same model.
2. Time and temperature adjustments can vary by oven.
What, exactly, is a convection oven?
How is a convection oven different from the conventional oven you’re probably most familiar with? In a conventional oven, the dish closest to the heating element on the bottom rack cooks the fastest. But in a convection oven, a fan circulates hot air around the cavity, eliminating hot spots and helping to cook dishes evenly — on every rack. A true convection feature adds a third heating element in addition to the fan to help foods cook faster.1
But should you stick with what you might be most familiar with? Since most recipes are written for conventional ovens, people often feel more comfortable with those models because they don’t need to adjust time and temperature to account for hot air circulation and faster cook times. So which oven will best help you whip up after-school snacks, make cookies for the bake sale or get dinner on the table between soccer practice and ballet class? Whirlpool brand can help you decide.
