New range with convection

[windhorse23]

Hi all. I just got a new (electric) range with a convection feature. I understand the process, but I'm looking for some tips about which foods cook best with this method vs. traditional oven.

PS- I never bake if I can help it.

[Dee514]

I have a gas range with convection. Mine will automatically convert the oven temp when the convection roast or convection bake is selected.
I love the convection roast feature for roasts and roasted poultry. The roasts have that nice crust on the outside and the insides stay juicy. Same with turkey and chickens, the skin gets very crisp, insides juicy.
I have found the best way to convection roast is to place the roast/poultry on a rack and place that on a 1/2 sheet pan* (a full sheet pan wont fit most home ovens) to catch the drippings. The low sides of the sheet pan allow the best movement of the air around the roast.
* a sheet pan is also known as a jelly roll pan, it has 1/2 inch high sides.

I do bake, and I don't usually use it for that, as the batters for some cakes can get blown by the fan and come out lopsided, I prefer to bake my yeast breads "conventionally" too. Occasionally I have baked pies using the convection feature but only if I am in a hurry, (they bake a bit faster that way).[/url]

[windhorse23]

Thank you. Will have to try!

[**Tinkerbell**]

Hi windhorse!

Since you don't usually bake, you're going to LOVE the convection option! If you ever find yourself having to bake, avoid using it on anything gluten-free, as the batters are mostly rice flour, and are too lightweight to hold a traditional shape. It can be done (I did it commercially), but not without a lot of trial and error to find the best system of heat and rotation of the pans.

Cookies are great in the convection oven though, so don't be afraid to bake a batch of those once in a while.

When using convection I always have to reduce the oven temp 25° on every recipe, and then adjust the timing, as it will still take less than an electric oven.

Enjoy your new appliance!
*Tink

[KateL]

For an idea as to which recipes do well with convection cooking, I recommend looking at Nuwave - Flavorwave oven recipes, aimed at the NuWave Convection Oven.