How Do I Use My Convection Oven Setting?
Ask the Chef | Tips and Techniques
My oven has a “convection” setting. What is it and how do I use it?
-- Question from several LCK’s Cooking Well Readers
Many newer ranges and wall ovens have a “convection” setting along with the traditional bake and broil settings. My new range included! And, here’s the thing… you’re not alone if you don’t really know what it is or how to use it. I am asked about convection settings often, and I had to relearn the details recently.
Many restaurant and bakery kitchens use convection cooking for certain food preparation, and my first exposure was during culinary school. Since my at-home ovens have been older models until recently, I did not have the option of convection cooking in a non-commercial setting. That’s all changed now with the purchase of a new range, so it seemed timely to delve into this topic.
WHAT IS CONVECTION COOKING?
If an oven is outfitted for convection cooking, there is a “convection” setting on the control panel and a fan and exhaust system inside the oven. When in use, the fan and exhaust system circulate the hot air around and over the food in the oven, and vents it out the top or the back. This fan and exhaust system is only engaged when the “convection” setting is used; otherwise, the appliance operates as a normal oven.
BENEFITS
When using the convection setting:
Preheat time is shortened.
Foods cook about 25% faster and cook more evenly.
Less energy is used due to lower oven temperature and shorter cooking time.
Moisture is removed from foods by the air circulation resulting in increased browning and crispier exteriors and coatings.
HOW TO USE IT
When using the convection setting to bake or roast, the oven temperature needs to be lowered 25°F from the normal baking or roasting temperature. Many contemporary residential ovens (like mine) are equipped with an auto-adjust feature that automatically lowers the oven temperature when using the convection setting. So, the biggest question is whether or not the appliance is equipped with this feature. It is best to consult the owner’s manual for your specific appliance for details and use directions.
If the oven has “auto adjust,” set it for the usual baking or roasting temperature, and the appliance will automatically lower the oven temperature by 25°F. For example, when I use the convection setting for a sheet pan dinner of fish and vegetables, I set the temperature to 425°F just as I would for normal roasting. My oven automatically adjusts to the proper temperature for convection cooking.
If auto-adjust is not available, simply lower the temperature manually. For example, if the recipe states baking the cookies at 350°F in a normal oven, lower the temperature to 325°F when using the convection setting.
Here are a few additional guidelines for using the convection setting on your oven.
Allow for air circulation
For convection cooking to work effectively, the hot air needs to freely circulate over and around the food. To maximize airflow:
Choose baking pans and sheets with lower sides.
Avoid overcrowding food on the pans, and placing too many pans in the oven. (This is a good practice when using the normal oven settings, as well.)
Don’t cover oven racks with foil when using the convection setting. It is fine to line pans with foil or parchment paper.
Check for doneness sooner
On average, foods will cook about 25% faster when using the convection setting. Take this into account and begin checking for doneness about halfway through the regularly recommended cooking time.
For example, if the cookies are to bake for 20 minutes in a regular oven, they may be done in approximately 15 minutes (25% less) when using the convection setting. Begin checking them at about 10 minutes (halfway through the regular cooking time).
Foods that work well with the convection setting
There are many foods that benefit from using the convection setting, but not all. Here is a chart that outlines those foods that work well with convection cooking and those that do not.
Thank you for this informative post. I have avoided using the convection setting on my oven because I didn't understand how to use it - now I do!
Susan this info is very helpful. We’ve had a convection oven for about a year and love it.