Best Convection Oven Range – Prices, Ratings & Buying Guide 2024

Best Convection Ovens- Comprehensive Reviews and Buying Guide

Convection ovens work like a professional chef, ensuring even and fast cooking. Unlike conventional ovens that rely on radiant heat, convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, leading to faster, more even results.

Top Budget-Friendly & Best-Rated Convection Ovens

These ovens offer a range of features catering to different needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the BLACK+DECKER is excellent for basic use. For more versatile cooking options, the Ninja Foodi or Breville Smart Oven are well worth considering for both domestic and small business needs.

For specialized functions like rotisserie or air frying, models like the Toshiba and Cuisinart TOA-60 perform well in smaller kitchens. The Panasonic HomeChef is a great choice for those looking to incorporate steam cooking.
What is a True Convection Oven?

What is a True Convection Oven?

A convection oven circulates hot air inside using a fan and exhaust system, which helps with even cooking on multiple racks. It’s an ideal feature for gas and electric models, making cooking more efficient. A true convection oven adds a third heating element, ensuring your dishes cook faster and more evenly.

What is a Conventional Oven?

A conventional oven is a traditional model with heating elements at the bottom and top to cook your dish. It lacks a fan to circulate hot air, meaning food closest to the heating elements cooks the fastest. People feel comfortable using it since it’s familiar and doesn’t require adjusting for air circulation like a convection oven.

What is a Conventional Oven?

Read More: Is a Convection Oven Electric or Gas? Get Expert Insights

How to Cook with a Convection Oven vs Conventional Oven

Best Convection Oven Buy

This table includes ovens from Best Buy, Amazon, and other global retailers such as Lowe’s and Samsung.com. It offers options suitable for different needs—whether you’re looking for a high-end, feature-rich double oven like the LG Smart Slide-In Double Oven or a more budget-friendly, versatile choice like the Tovala Smart Oven.

Best Convection Wall Oven

These ovens are available at popular retailers like Best Buy, and Home Depot, and directly from manufacturers like Whirlpool, Miele, and Thermador.

Convection Ovens vs Conventional Ovens: Which One is Right for You?

FeatureConvection OvensConventional Ovens
Heating MethodUses fans to circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cookingRelies on heating elements at the top and/or bottom; heat rises naturally.
Cooking SpeedCooks food faster (about 25% faster) due to the even heat distribution​Slower, especially with larger or denser dishes​
Energy EfficiencyMore energy-efficient as food cooks faster, saving both time and energy​Less energy-efficient due to longer cooking times​
Best ForBaking, roasting, air frying, browning, crisping, multi-rack cooking​Baking delicate items like soufflés, cakes, and casseroles
Temperature ControlOften requires reducing temperature by 25°F (or cooking time by 25%)​Standard temperature settings, no adjustment needed
CostTypically more expensive due to advanced technology and features​Usually more affordable than convection ovens​
Even CookingVery even due to the circulating air, reducing cold or hot spots​Can have uneven heating, especially with large dishes​
Cooking VersatilityGreat for multi-layered dishes, crisping, and roasting​Better for traditional baking methods, like slow-roasting​
Learning CurveMay require adjustments to temperature and timing for best resultsSimple and familiar, easy for most users
Where to BuyAvailable in most kitchen appliance stores and online retailers​Widely available in all kitchen appliance retailers​
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How to Cook in a Convection Oven: Key Techniques & Tips

What Are the Basics of Convection Oven Cooking?

Cooking with a convection oven primarily revolves around its hot air convection system. This air circulation ensures consistent cooking by spreading heat evenly, which allows food to cook faster and more uniformly. For optimal results, lower the temperature by about 25°F compared to a conventional oven—this adjustment helps avoid overcooking due to the convection settings. Using ideal cookware is also crucial; metal and lightweight pans promote efficient heat distribution, creating a crisp crust while helping foods retain moisture and even browning.

How to Set the Cooking Times for Different Foods?

Timing can vary based on the type of food you’re cooking in a convection oven. Generally, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time by about 25% for many dishes compared to conventional ovens. Here are some estimated adjustments:

Baked Foods: Keep an eye on items like cookies and pastries, as they brown faster.
Meat: Check the internal temperature early for doneness.
Vegetables: Lower times help retain nutrients and crispiness.

Can You Use Multiple Racks Effectively?

One of the best aspects of a convection oven is the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Thanks to the circulating hot air, you can use more than one rack without uneven cooking. Place dishes strategically, avoiding overcrowding. Keep sufficient space between each pan for effective airflow, leading to consistent results across all racks.

Should You Preheat Your Convection Oven?

Preheating is important even for a convection oven since it quickly brings the oven to the desired temperature, ensuring consistent cooking results. Though convection ovens heat up faster, preheating allows food to start cooking at the correct temperature, especially for baking pastries and roasting meats, where accuracy is essential for texture and flavor.

Significant Benefits of Convection Oven

Circulating air helps your dishes cook evenly on multiple racks, making it perfect for baking or roasting.
You don’t need to keep rotating the pans, and it promotes browning and crisping of your food faster.
Fast-moving hot air can accelerate the cooking process, so you can enjoy a quicker meal prep time.
With quick preheating, its highly recommended for cooking meats, vegetables, casseroles, and even cookies.
Compared to conventional ovens, you might need to adjust temperatures and timing since the air circulation is different.

Cooking Time Comparison: Conventional Oven vs. Convection Oven vs. Microwave Convection Oven

Convection Cooking Time Chart: Key Differences
Convection Oven: Reduces cooking time by circulating hot air evenly, making it faster than a conventional oven.
Microwave Convection Oven: Uses a combination of microwave energy and convection, reducing the time even further, especially for smaller dishes.

Types of Convection Oven

Fan-Assisted Oven (or Fan Oven)

1. Fan-Assisted Oven (or Fan Oven)

How it works: A fan is used to circulate the hot air around the oven, but it does not have a separate heating element. It relies on the main heating elements of the oven (top and bottom) to produce heat.
Best for: General baking, roasting, and cooking. The fan helps to distribute heat more evenly compared to traditional ovens without fans, but the temperature control might not be as precise as in true convection ovens.
Common use: Found in many home ovens, offering better heat distribution than conventional ovens but without the advanced heat consistency of a true convection oven.

2. Regular Convection Oven (or True Convection)

How it works: A fan and an additional heating element (often located at the back of the oven) work together to circulate the heat evenly throughout the oven. This creates a more consistent and controlled temperature compared to fan-assisted ovens.
Best for: Precision cooking and baking, especially when cooking multiple dishes at once. True convection ovens provide more even cooking results since the fan and dedicated heating element maintain a uniform temperature throughout the oven.
Regular Convection Oven (or True Convection)
Fan-Assisted Oven: Only uses the main heating elements with a fan for air circulation. It’s a simpler form of convection oven but still provides better heat distribution than traditional ovens.
True Convection (Regular Convection Oven): This oven has a fan and a separate heating element, offering more precise and consistent temperature control for professional-level cooking.
A true convection oven offers a superior convection cooking experience by circulating only hot air, while a fan convection oven may circulate both hot and cold air. This makes the true convection oven a better purchase for those seeking even cooking results, as the fan convection oven may not cook food evenly.

What are the Different Variations of Convection Ovens Out There?

Countertop Fan Ovens

1. Countertop Fan Ovens

Countertop fan ovens are useful convection ovens for small spaces like busy food trucks, concession stands, or convenience stores.
They’re efficient, with wattage ratings up to 7700, and come in quarter-size, half-size, and full-size models. Plus, they’re easy to install and save floor space.
These ovens are portable, making them a versatile option for temporary setups or catering services that require mobility.

2. Built-in Convection Ovens

A built-in convection oven can fit anywhere in your kitchen, whether it’s floor-standing or on a countertop. It becomes an integral part of your kitchen design, offering flexibility and style.
Built-in models provide a seamless look and often include more advanced features like multiple cooking modes and self-cleaning options, making them a favorite for modern kitchens.
Built-in Convection Ovens
Double Convection Ovens

3. Double Convection Ovens

A double convection oven is perfect for a kitchen with high output demands. It fits double-digit cooking racks inside the oven, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
These ovens are bigger than other types, so ensure you have enough space. They often come with independent controls for each oven compartment, providing flexibility to cook different dishes at varying temperatures.

4. Steam Fan Ovens

A steam convection oven uses two cooking modes to deliver optimum results. Inside the oven, a reservoir filled with water ensures the oven works properly by allowing the movement of hot air for consistent heating and perfect browning. The added steam provides moisture at the right time and in the right amount.
These ovens are especially ideal for baking bread, cooking vegetables, and creating dishes that need to remain moist while achieving a crisp finish on the outside.
Steam Fan Ovens
Microwave Convection Ovens

5. Microwave Convection Ovens

A microwave convection oven combines a fan and an additional heating element to circulate heat inside the cavity. These additional features make it great for baking, broiling, and roasting just like a regular oven, with faster results.
They are particularly convenient for smaller kitchens or those who need a multi-functional appliance that saves space without sacrificing performance.

6. Commercial Fan Ovens

A commercial convection oven uses high-speed internal fans to circulate hot air efficiently. These ovens are larger than those made for domestic use, making them ideal for busy kitchens.
Commercial fan ovens are durable and built to handle continuous, heavy-duty cooking, with some models offering programmable controls for greater precision in large-scale cooking operations.
Commercial Fan Ovens
Halogen Convection Oven

7. Halogen Convection Oven

A halogen convection oven uses a halogen lamp as the main heating element. This type of oven heats up quickly and provides efficient cooking for a variety of dishes.
It’s ideal for cooking meats, vegetables, and baked goods without needing excessive preheating, and it often comes with a transparent lid so you can see your food as it cooks.

8. Infrared Fan Ovens

An infrared convection oven uses infrared radiation to cook food faster than conventional convection heating. This method ensures even cooking, providing efficiency and consistency for various dishes.
Infrared technology allows for rapid heat penetration, reducing cooking times while maintaining food moisture and crisping surfaces effectively.
Infrared Fan Ovens
Convection Toaster Ovens

9. Convection Toaster Ovens

A convection toaster oven is like a standard toaster but with a built-in fan for better heat distribution. They come in smaller convection toaster ovens for compact spaces or full-sized convection toaster ovens for larger cooking needs.
These ovens are perfect for small households or individuals who need a multi-functional, space-saving appliance for baking, roasting, and reheating.

10. Air Fryers

Air fryers work like a convection cooker, using a fan to circulate hot air for an even finish. The main difference is the air fryer’s smaller size, which helps create a crispier finish for your food.
They are popular for their ability to mimic deep-frying while using little to no oil, making them ideal for health-conscious cooks who want a fried texture without the extra calories.
Air Fryers
Rotisserie Convection Ovens

11. Rotisserie Convection Ovens

Rotisserie convection ovens are perfect for cooking meats like chicken, lamb, or beef, ensuring even cooking by rotating the food while circulating hot air. This combination delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy skin, making it ideal for roasting. 
These ovens are commonly used in restaurants but are also available in home kitchen versions for food lovers who want to enjoy professional-level rotisserie at home.

12. Pizza Convection Ovens

Pizza convection ovens are designed to cook pizzas at high temperatures. They use a fan to circulate hot air evenly, ensuring crispy crusts, perfectly melted cheese, and well-cooked toppings in a shorter time than regular ovens.
Often found in commercial pizza kitchens, these ovens have also become popular in homes for those who want to create authentic pizza with professional results. Some models even feature stone baking surfaces for that extra-crispy, authentic finish.
Pizza Convection Ovens

Best Convection Oven for Bakery

Key Considerations:

Blodgett XR8-G
is an excellent choice for large commercial bakeries due to its high capacity and rotating rack system, ensuring even baking for large batches of bread and pastries.

Vollrath 40703 Cayenne is a budget-friendly option ideal for smaller bakery setups that need reliability without sacrificing quality.

Moffat Turbofan is perfect for bakeries with high-volume output, offering multiple racks and precise temperature control.

Rational iCombi Pro offers the most advanced features, including smart cooking and multi-functional use, though it’s the most expensive and better suited for professional bakeries.

Bakerlux Shop. Pro is ideal for medium-sized bakeries that need versatility, offering a compact yet powerful option for consistent baking.

These models are available from major suppliers like WebstaurantStore, Blodgett.com, and CulinaryDepotInc.

Best Steam Convection Oven

ModelPriceDimensionsPower RatingWeight
Wolf CSO30CMS Steam and Convection Oven$5,15930 x 18 x 22 inches2,200 watts85 lbs
Miele DGC68051XL Steam and Convection Oven$4,999
24 x 18 x 24 inches2,200 watts90 lbs
Thermador PODS301W Steam and Convection Oven$4,89930 x 28 x 22 inches2,400 watts120 lbs
Cuisinart CSO-300N1 Convection Steam Oven$39918 x 15.5 x 10 inches1,870 watts24 lbs
Robam CT761 Steam Convection Oven$1,29922 x 18 x 15 inches1,800 watts36 lbs
These models are available on major appliance websites like Amazon, Miele.com, and Thermador.com, offering a range of options depending on your needs and budget.
Best Steam Convection Oven

Best Commercial Convection Oven

Best Commercial Convection Oven
ModelPriceDimensionsPower RatingWeight
Vollrath 40703 Cayenne Half-Size Convection Oven$1,89921 x 18 x 15 inches120V, 1440 watts45 lbs
Hakka Commercial Convection Oven$2,49918.5 x 17.7 x 16 inches220V62 lbs
Imperial ICVE-1 Commercial Convection Oven$3,29938 x 30 x 29 inches208V195 lbs
Cadco OV-013 Compact Half-Size Convection Oven$1,14918.75 x 13.75 x 9 inches120V40 lbs
Wisco 721 1/2-Size Commercial Convection Oven$1,49923 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches120V55 lbs
Moffat E28M4 Electric Convection Oven$3,59931.88 x 30 x 26 inches208V/240V177 lbs
Most of these models are available through major restaurant equipment suppliers like WebstaurantStore or Amazon, providing reliable access to the best commercial-grade appliances.

Best Commercial Countertop Convection Oven

ModelPriceDimensionsPower RatingWeight
Avantco CO-14 Quarter Size Countertop Convection Oven$2390.8 cu. ft., 23 x 22 x 15 inches120V, 1440 watts44 lbs
Waring WCO500X Half-Size Countertop Convection Oven$88923 x 23.5 x 18.5 inches120V, 1700 watts62 lbs
Cadco OV-013 Compact Half-Size Convection Oven$1,14918.75 x 13.75 x 9 inches120V40 lbs
Moffat E22M3 Countertop Electric Convection Oven$2,19931.9 x 24.2 x 26 inches208/240V100 lbs
Hakka Commercial Convection Oven$2,49918.5 x 17.7 x 16 inches220V62 lbs

Depending on availability, these ovens can be purchased from retailers like AmazonWebstaurantStore, and CulinaryDepot. Each model is designed to cater to different kitchen sizes and production needs, offering flexibility for small businesses and high-volume operations alike.
Best Commercial Countertop Convection Oven

Best Cookware For Convection Oven

Best Cookware For Convection Oven
CookwarePriceMaterialOven-Safe TemperaturePieces
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware Set$485Stainless Steel (3-ply)Up to 600°F7 pieces
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set$395Ceramic-coated aluminumUp to 550°F7 pieces
Ninja Foodi NeverStick Cookware Set$250Nonstick (anodized aluminum)Up to 500°F10 pieces
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set$90Cast IronUp to 500°F+5 pieces
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set$300Stainless Steel (tri-ply)Up to 550°F12 pieces
GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Cookware$399Ceramic-coated aluminumUp to 600°F11 pieces
Highlights:
>
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel offers superior heat distribution and retention, making it a top choice for professional-level cooking in convection ovens. It’s perfect for browning, searing, and baking.
> Caraway Nonstick Ceramic is a great eco-friendly option with excellent nonstick performance and a sleek design, suitable for both baking and roasting.
> Lodge Cast Iron is a budget-friendly option with unmatched heat retention, perfect for baking bread or roasting meats at high temperatures, though it requires more maintenance.
> Ninja Foodi NeverStick is an affordable, nonstick option designed to withstand high oven temperatures, offering great versatility for baking and roasting.
> These cookware sets are available on major online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and the manufacturers’ official websites. They offer a range of options from high-end stainless steel to budget-friendly cast iron, making them suitable for different needs in convection oven cooking.

What Types of Pans Are Best for a Convection Oven?

Using the right cookware in a convection oven can give you the maximum benefits:

Opt for low-sided or perforated dishes to ensure better air circulation and crispier foods. For baking cookies or roasting vegetables, rimless baking sheets work wonders.
If you’re unsure, stick to microwave-safe pans made of glass, ceramic, or plastic for the convection microwave function. You can also use metal pans, but make sure they’re microwave-safe and have no sharp edges to avoid sparks or damage.
Shiny aluminum cookware or heat-resistant glass are great options for baking dishes, ensuring food cooks evenly.
Avoid using aluminum foil or utensils with metallic trim, as they can disrupt the cooking process. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe cooking and efficient use.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Convection Oven?

Faster Cooking: Circulates air evenly, reducing cooking time.
Even Browning: Ideal for roasting and baking.
Energy Efficient: Uses less energy due to quicker cooking.
Noisy Fan: The internal fan can be a bit loud during operation.
Learning Curve: Takes time to adjust cooking times and temperatures.

How are Convection Ovens Powered?

1. Electric Convection Oven

An electric convection oven is the most common choice for kitchens and other establishments. It uses an existing electric supply, making installation both quick and easy.
Electric Convection Oven
Natural Gas Convection Oven

2. Natural Gas Convection Oven

To install a gas convection oven, you’ll need a pre-existing hookup with the correct connectors. Natural gas is the cheapest option and provides the benefit of heating up quicker than an electric version, though an electric connection is still needed to run the fan at a minimal cost.

3. Liquid Propane Convection Oven

An LP convection oven is ideal for a kitchen that lacks a natural gas connection. Propane heats faster and runs efficiently, but it’s typically more expensive in many regions. You’ll need appropriate tanks, gas lines, and regulators, along with electricity for operation.
Liquid Propane Convection Oven
Which is Better? Gas, Electric, or Propane?

What type of plug comes on a convection oven?

A convection oven usually needs a 240-volt outlet to handle its electricity needs. Most free-standing electric stoves come with a 13a plug that fits into a normal wall socket, while some models already come fitted with this plug.

If you’re buying a commercial-grade convection oven, it requires a high-voltage electrical connection, but this comes with the distinct advantage of no complex preparation needed.
For some ovens, you may also need a gas connection or even a heavy-duty extension cord for installation.
Finding a True Convection gas wall oven might feel a bit awkward, especially when it comes to plumbing or installing one.

What can you cook with a convection oven?

A convection oven is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes like meats, vegetables, and baked goods. With even heat distribution and multiple racks, it saves you time, making it a popular choice for roasting, baking, and handling dense mixtures like quick pieces of bread or pizza with browned cheese. Avoid using it for yeasted recipes or delicate items like custard and souffles.

You can roast meat, bake pastries, and make pies or cookies in large batches. It’s great for cooking covered food like casseroles or stews, and you can also dehydrate or toast food. With this oven, cooking becomes faster and more efficient.

Top Reasons to Choose a Convection Oven: Faster Cooking, Versatility, and Crispy Perfection

1. Versatile Cooking Methods

A convection oven is incredibly versatile, offering a wider range of cooking methods. Whether you’re roasting, baking, grilling, or even toasting, this oven can handle it all. Some models even offer air frying and dehydrating settings, giving you flexibility in the kitchen.

2. Crispier Foods

If you love a good crispy finish on your foods, this oven won’t disappoint. Convection ovens are known to produce a crispier exterior while keeping the interior of your food moist.

3. Accommodates Various Sizes

Convection ovens come in different sizes, from small countertop models to full-sized built-in units. This makes them a great fit whether you need a compact solution or more cooking space.

4. Efficient Use of Heat

Thanks to their additional heating element, convection ovens are designed to use heat efficiently. This means you’ll likely spend less time in the kitchen, as they’re faster than traditional ovens.

5. Price Ranges to Suit Every Budget

Depending on the brand, type, and features, you can find a basic convection oven for as low as $100 to $300, while larger models may range from $500 to $2,000. There’s an option for every budget and cooking needs.

Microwave or Convection Oven: Which Suits Your Cooking Needs Best?

Maintenance and Durability

Real-life Scenarios and Recipes

Calphalon Precision  Air fry Convection Oven Reviews

FeatureDetails
Price$180 (Currently discounted to $120)
Power Rating1400 watts
Dimensions18.7 x 15.8 x 11.6 inches
Capacity21 liters (Fits a 12-inch pizza or up to 6 slices of bread)
Cooking FunctionsAir fry, bake, toast, roast, broil, bagel, pizza, defrost
What We LikeHeats 40% faster than traditional ovens, versatile cooking options, compact and space-saving design
What We Don’t LikeTakes time to preheat, can be noisy, front window gets hot during cooking​
Where to BuyAmazon, Best Buy, Calphalon.com

Additional Features:
Intuitive Controls: The oven comes with easy-to-use digital controls and a clear LCD screen, making it simple to navigate between functions.
Accessories: Includes a baking pan, air fry basket, and wire rack for versatile cooking options​.
This Calphalon model is praised for its multi-functionality, allowing you to air fry, bake, and roast in one compact unit, which is ideal for small kitchens. However, some users noted that it can take longer to preheat and that the air fryer function, while good, may not be as fast as standalone air fryers​
For more information or to make a purchase, you can visit Amazon, Best Buy, or Calphalon’s official website.

For specialized functions like rotisserie or air frying, models like the Toshiba and Cuisinart TOA-60 perform well in smaller kitchens. The Panasonic HomeChef is a great choice for those looking to incorporate steam cooking.
Calphalon Precision  Air fry Convection Oven Reviews

Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Convection Oven Reviews

Wolf Gourmet Elite Countertop Convection Oven Reviews
FeatureDetails
Price$499 (Discounted from $599)​
Power Rating1800 watts
Dimensions22.38 x 12.63 x 16.63 inches​
Capacity46.6 lbs​
Cooking Functions7 modes: Bake, Roast, Broil, Proof, Warm, Toast
What We LikeEven cooking with advanced convection, integrated temperature probe, and high-end stainless steel design​
What We Don’t LikeNo interior light, expensive compared to other countertop ovens​
Where to BuyWolf Gourmet website, Amazon, Williams Sonoma

Key Features:
Advanced Convection Cooking: The convection function circulates hot air thoroughly, reducing cooking time by up to 25%, ensuring even browning and faster results​.
Integrated Temperature Probe: Perfect for cooking meats and bread to precise temperatures without needing to open the door​.
Easy to Clean: With a nonstick interior, cleaning is simple, and accessories like the crumb tray and oven racks are dishwasher safe​.
This oven is ideal for home chefs who value precision and versatility in a countertop appliance. You can find it available at retailers like Wolf Gourmet, Amazon, and Williams Sonoma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the true convection oven setting?

Is true convection the same as an air fryer?

Does a Convection Oven Cook Hotter Than a Regular Oven?

What is the Temperature Range of a Convection Oven?

Is a convection oven right for daily meals? 

Why are convection ovens so loud?

Is convection microwaves good for health?

Is true convection worth the money?

What is the difference between a true convection oven and a convection oven?

How do I know if I have a convection oven?

What is a convection oven best for?

Can a convection oven replace a microwave?