Kitchen

[soonersis]

My oven (build-in wall style) is not working properly and I'm thinking about getting a new one (it's over 20 years old) rather than try to have it fixed.  Many of the new ones have the convection feature which I've never had so want to know from those who have it what you use it for, how it's different from just a regular oven, and is it worth the additional expense.  Thanks. 

[Mz iMac]

Does having a counter top convection oven count?

[chickenbutt]

I have a countertop convection oven (Calphalon - great brand!) and really like it.

I use it for when I'm baking anything that isn't larger than 13x9".   It's like regular baking except that the convection circulates air throughout making it bake a little faster.   

I have/use this because often I might want to bake something small and didn't want to use as much power as it takes to crank up the regular sized oven.  I really love mine!

 I did a lot of research before i purchased this one and there was one other main brand, Brevil or something like that (hadn't heard of the brand but they were everywhere) and there were a lot of problems in reviews that were of great concern to me, so I chose the Calphalon XL Digital Convection Oven.  I've had it for 2-3 years now and could not be more pleased.  

[Carmie]

I Have one and have for many years.  It came with my double oven this time and I wanted a double free standing range so my choices were limited. 

I have never used it enough to justify paying more money for it.  I would not purchase one on purposes but sometimes it is included with other features that are desireable.

[Reba055]

My oven is convection or conventional. I don't use the convection much at all. It does cookies, brads, stuff like that very well, but other than that, I use the normal setting. 

Maybe because mine is combined, I'm not impressed with the convection cooking things like casseroles. It seems to still turn out better the regular ole way. 

[Blk&GoldFan]

I have a dual oven.....conventional and/or convection oven.  I use the convection setting primarily for baking.  My oven has 3 racks and I can do 3 trays of cookies at one time with convection and have even baking.  Really speeds up the process doing it this way.  I also use the setting for Convection Roasting for my chickens/turkeys, etc.  Bottom line...I like the convection, but I don't know if I would pay the additional cost to have it in my oven.  I think getting a separate microwave/convection oven might be the way I'd go in the future.  I'c think about how much you bake and roast and see if the cost difference makes it viable for you.  Good luck.

[Kachina624]

@Blk&GoldFan   I had a microwave/convection oven I got from QVC and liked it a lot.   When I contemplated replacing it when it quit,  I discovered those on the market at that time were rife with problems.   It was hard to find one good review,  so do your homework before buying. 

[Blk&GoldFan]

@Kachina624  Thanks for your input.  Since I only remodeled my kitchen and purchased all new appliances about 3 years ago, I won't be buying any soon (she said with her fingers crossed!).

[sandraskates]

We replaced an ancient built-in oven with a Bosch a few years ago. It has dials! Convection is one of the many choices on this oven and I like it for when I'm making casseroles and roasts as you get a nice browning on the top.

I previously had a microwave oven with a convection option and liked that too.

I don't know how much "extra" cost is added to an oven with convection. I don't think it's much; shop around.

[debic]

I use mine all the time.  One thing is to measure the inside of the oven, there's a big difference in them.  I have a GE Profile, and I can fit a 20x14 cookie sheet in mine.