If you’re serious about taking your kitchen game to the next level, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into the world of convection ovens—appliances that are not just about cutting down your cooking time but also about delivering consistent, perfectly cooked meals every single time.
Whether you’re a novice just getting started or a seasoned home chef, these countertop convection ovens will have you whipping up delicious, healthy dishes like a pro. We’re talking about everything from cakes and cookies to pizzas and roasts, all cooked evenly and quickly, thanks to the advanced heating elements and precise temperature control of these ovens.
What is a Convection Oven?
A convection oven comes equipped with a built-in fan that circulates hot air evenly throughout the cooking area, much like an air fryer. This ensures that the hot air doesn’t just sit on top of the food but penetrates deeply, cooking it thoroughly and consistently. With a convection oven, you’re guaranteed a steady temperature across the entire cooking space, leading to faster cooking times and energy efficiency.
5 Best Convection Ovens for 2024
Let’s dive into the top contenders in the convection oven world. We’ll break down the features, pros, and cons of each to help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
1. Breville Smart Convection Toaster Oven
Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Smart Convection Toaster Oven stands out for its Element IQ System and nine cooking functions. With its smart convection settings, this oven can cut down your cooking time by up to 30%. Not to mention, it’s got a sleek, minimalist design that’s all about function and style.
This toaster oven isn’t just a looker; it’s built to perform. The stainless steel exterior is durable and well-insulated to protect your hands from burns. Plus, the magnetic rack that automatically slides out when you open the door—now that’s what I call user-friendly.
Inside, you’ve got a non-stick coating that makes cleanup a breeze. The oven’s spacious interior can handle six slices of bread, six muffin trays, or a 13-inch pizza. However, at around 7.7 kg, it’s not the easiest to move around.
The Element IQ system is where this oven truly shines. It senses where the heat is needed most and adjusts accordingly, meaning quicker and more even cooking. You can also tweak the settings via the large, easy-to-read LCD, which can switch between orange and blue backlights depending on your preference.
The nine cooking presets—ranging from bagel to pizza—make this oven particularly handy for beginners. All the necessary accessories are included: a 13-inch non-stick pizza pan, a 12 x 12 enamel baking pan, and a 12 x 12 enamel broil rack.
Pros
- Element IQ system
- Nine cooking presets
- Large capacity
- Readable LCD
- Non-stick cavity coating
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
2. Wolf Gourmet Elite Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
Wolf Gourmet Elite Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven with Temperature Probe, Stainless Steel and Red Knobs (WGCO150S)
The Wolf Gourmet Convection Toaster Oven is a relatively new addition to the market but comes packed with features. With seven cooking modes and a precision temperature probe, this oven takes the guesswork out of cooking. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want those iconic red knobs in their kitchen?
Wolf has been in the business of reliable kitchen appliances since the 1930s, and this oven is no exception. It allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food with pinpoint accuracy, thanks to the built-in temperature probe. Simply insert the probe, and you can keep an eye on the cooking progress without opening the door.
The oven’s LCD screen makes it easy to set the timer and temperature. Plus, with the “Stay On” feature, you can keep the oven running for up to four hours—a perfect option for slow-cooked dishes.
The seven cooking modes include bake, roast, warm, proof, broil, bagel, and toast. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 9 x 13-inch dish or a 5.5-pound chicken. Cleanup is easy, thanks to the non-stick cavity and a slide-out crumb tray that’s dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Interior lighting
- Seven cooking modes
- Precision temperature knob
- Five-year limited warranty
- Two easy-glide racks
- Five heating elements
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Heavyweight
- The usable internal capacity is 0.7 cubic feet
3. Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven
Oster Toaster Oven, 7-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven, 10.5″ x 13″ Fits 2 Large Pizzas, Stainless Steel
The Oster Countertop Convection Oven is all about versatility. With digital settings for pizza, broil, toast, defrost, and bake, this oven has you covered no matter what you’re cooking. It’s large enough to fit a family-sized chicken, and the easy-to-clean interior makes post-meal cleanup a breeze.
What sets the Oster oven apart from the others is its digital control panel. While some ovens rely on manual knobs, this one gives you the convenience of a digital interface, making it easier to set the time and temperature with just a few taps.
You can set the temperature between 200F and 450F degrees and the timer for up to 90 minutes. The glass door allows you to monitor your food without opening it, but be careful—the glass can be delicate and should be handled with care.
This oven is a stylish blend of brushed stainless steel and glass, making it a sleek addition to any kitchen. It’s a bit larger, measuring around 24 x 21.5 x 16.7 inches, and can handle two 16-inch pizzas, a whole chicken, or 14 slices of toast.
Pros
- Digital control panel
- Two oven racks
- Includes a crumb tray
- 90-minute timer
- Auto shut-off feature
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Internal lighting
Cons
- Slow toasting
- Exterior gets hot
4. Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection
TOSHIBA 3-in-1 EC042A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Combi., 1.5 Cu. ft with 13.6 inch Removable Turntable for Family Size, Mute Function & ECO Mode, 1000W, Stainless Steel
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection is a multi-functional powerhouse. Not only does it offer microwave and convection capabilities, but it also comes with a smart sensor and a variety of pre-programmed menus to make cooking a breeze.
This compact oven measures around 21.8 x 21.5 x 13 inches, with a 1.5 cubic foot capacity that’s large enough to cook a variety of dishes. The 13.6-inch turntable ensures even cooking, and the stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
With sensor-based cooking and an auto menu, this oven takes the guesswork out of cooking. The three main modes—convection, microwave, and a combo—give you the flexibility to cook whatever you like, however you like. The warm-hold function keeps your dishes ready to serve for up to 99 minutes.
The ten power settings allow you to customize the cooking process, saving both time and energy. The Eco-mode is particularly useful for cutting down on electricity usage by up to 50%.
Pros
- Stainless steel finish
- Pre-programmed sensor menu
- One-touch popcorn button
- Warm-hold function
- Ten power settings
- LED cavity light
Cons
- Bulky
- The convection function dissipates more heat into the surroundings
5. COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 12-in-1 Convection Oven Countertop with Rotisserie, Stainless Steel 32QT/32L, 6-Slice Toast, 13-inch Pizza, 100 Recipes, Basket, Tray(6 Accessories)Included, CO130-AO
The COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is the ultimate multi-tasker. With 12 cooking presets and an additional air fryer function, this oven is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds—crispy, healthy meals with minimal fat and the versatility of a convection oven.
Why choose between an air fryer and a convection oven when you can have both? The COSORI combo offers a generous 30L/32-quart capacity, fitting six slices of toast, a 13-inch pizza, or a 5-pound chicken with ease.
The exterior features a sleek stainless steel finish and a double-layer glass door. The wide handlebar and digital controls make it easy to operate, while the five heating elements ensure even cooking across all your dishes.
It also comes with a variety of accessories, including a crumb tray, food tray, wire rack, fry basket, and rotisserie attachments. While the accessories aren’t dishwasher safe, they can be cleaned with soapy water.
Pros
- 12-in-1 presets
- Large cooking capacity
- LED screen
- User-friendly dial controls
- Internal light
- Includes recipes and other accessories
Cons
- Flimsy dials
- Longer cooking time for bagel and toast mode
How Does a Convection Oven Work?
If you’re wondering what sets a convection oven apart from a regular one, it’s all about that fan. The fan helps circulate the hot air evenly, ensuring your food cooks consistently no matter where it is in the oven. This means the top of your cake or pie won’t get burnt while the inside remains undercooked. Everything gets the same amount of heat, and as a result, you can cook your meals faster and more efficiently.
How to Use a Convection Oven?
Using a convection oven isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all foods are suitable for convection cooking. Delicate desserts like custards or soufflés can get ruined because of the intense airflow. However, for dishes like roasted vegetables, meats, or casseroles, convection is the way to go.
Here’s a simple guide to using a convection oven:
- Use a low-sided dish to allow the hot air to circulate freely around the food.
- Ensure there’s at least two inches of space between racks for proper air circulation.
- Preheat the oven according to the recipe, usually reducing the temperature by 25 degrees compared to a conventional oven.
- Reduce cooking time by about 25%—convection ovens cook faster!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with a versatile appliance that can handle everything from baking to roasting, one of these convection ovens will be a great investment. Not only do they cook your food faster and more evenly, but they also help you save on energy costs. Plus, with their sleek designs, they’ll add a touch of style to your kitchen countertop.
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