Looking for the difference between roasting and baking in a convection oven?
- Roasting and baking are often used interchangeably
- Roasting is generally for food with solid structures like meat and vegetables
- Baking is generally for food that will rise and experience a chemical reaction as a result of heat
- Roasting is generally at higher temperatures than baking and requires a third heating element
- Roasting and baking are both dry heat cooking methods that a conventional oven will have
The convection oven is a really versatile appliance – and in case you haven’t tried it out yet, you might be missing out on its benefits.
Not only does it allow you to bake and cook about 80% of the things you were able to cook and bake in the traditional oven, but you can also save energy, save space, and still benefit from features such as roasting and dry heat cooking.
If you’re new to convection ovens and you’re possibly considering buying a top-of-the-line best countertop convection oven – this post will help you learn the difference between convection roasting and convection baking in a convection oven.
We’ll also talk about a couple of other convection cooking options that come available with convection ovens.
We hope that this article will allow you to make a great choice and possibly learn something that could change the way you bake or cook.
How Does a Convection Oven Work?
The convection oven works on the same basic principle that a conventional oven works at. However, it has one key difference that sets convection baking apart from a traditional oven.
The biggest difference is that convection ovens typically have additional heating elements and also have a fan and exhaust system to circulate heat properly.
This air circulation and escape along with the additional heating elements mean that the air inside the convection oven stays high, dry, and gets circulated throughout the oven.
This is ideal for baking pies and cakes, great in order to dehydrate food, and anything else that requires precision.
You will also find that a convection oven has very similar functions to a conventional oven, even though they’re a lot smaller – they still offer plenty of cooking and baking options.
Convection ovens give you a choice of function, a choice of temperature setting, and a timer setting you can set.
Depending on the model, there might be additional functions – however, every model will come with these basic functions.
The operation is very similar to a conventional oven and that’s why you will be able to cook and bake about 80% of the food you are usually cooking and baking inside the regular oven.
However, keep in mind that due to the smaller size and different air circulation and heating system – you might need to adjust the temperature and timing.
It’d be ideal if you could find the same recipe for the meal you’re looking to cook or bake that is ideal to be used with a convection oven.
It’s also possible to find a conventional oven that has a convection setting. So convection baking or convection roasting is possible in a “regular oven”.
Benefits of a Roasting Heating Element
The convection roast setting is one of the biggest advantages of convection ovens. Even though traditional ovens typically have baking, roasting, and broiling just like convection ovens have, the convection roast setting is a little different.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of the roasting function inside a convection oven:
- Rapid circulation of preheated air
- Fast removal of cold air (not cold or hot spots)
- Faster and even cooking due to circulating air
- Roasting temperature doesn’t need to be as high
- Roasting time is reduced due to numerous heating elements
- Food browns better
- Cooks food evenly
You will save time, energy, and even some money on the bill due to the energy-saving realities of a countertop convection oven.
And you can even still benefit from this feature the convection bake functions that come with most convection ovens.
However, keep in mind that not every convection oven comes with the convection roast setting.
If you’re looking for a convection oven with a roasting ability – you will have to pay special attention throughout the selection process.
Difference Between a Convection Bake and Convection Roast in Convection Ovens
As mentioned earlier, not every convection oven will come with a roast function. However, every convection oven will come with a bake function.
The main difference between baking and roasting is the temperature choice. Also, roasting happens without a pan and is often equipped with a rotation function that helps ensure even browning and flavorful crust.
On the other hand, baking happens inside a baking pan at lower temperatures than roasting, and in some cases, the pan is covered.
But how do you know which food can you roast and which one to bake? This one is easy. With a simple look at the available recipes, you’ll know exactly what you can roast.
Most recipes online will be clear about what the best method to cook the dish is. So if the recipe calls for roast, then you’ll know exactly what to do!
However, the general rule is to roast meats and most root or bulb vegetables. One of the most popular meats to roast is chicken which usually fits the rotisserie well, having the ability to spin well and achieve an even roast.
And how do you notice the difference between a roasted and baked meal? It’s easy – you will definitely notice it by tasting the texture. Roasting always gives better results when it comes down to the crispiness of the outside layer of meat.
However, in some cases, baking provides a bit juicier results which are really ideal for white meat specialties. This is why people bake chicken breasts in traditional ovens (not just sweets and baked goods).
What is Dry Heat Cooking? Baking!
This is one of the types of cooking methods that you likely use the most. It’s when no moisture, steam, water, or any other liquid is being used or needed. It’s baking!
Baking is one of the best-known hot-air dry cooking methods. But the real question you’re after is – what is convection bake like inside of a convection oven?
In a convection oven, you can do broiling and baking – and convection ovens do it better than traditional ovens. This convection setting gives the best results due to the specific heating and air exhaust system.
How does convection bake work?
Convection bake using a heating element similar to a regular oven setting, except that the convection bake setting means that hot air will circulate the entire oven while baking.
Within the convection oven, there’ll be a fan that you’ll hear turn on. This fan blows air around and an exhaust valve pulls out cold air.
This is what the convection bake setting is. It’ll ensure that your dough will rise properly, that your baked goods will cook faster and cook evenly.
That’s what makes convection ovens unique. Two heating elements combined with blowing air will ensure that your convection bake and convection roast will cook food evenly and cook faster than regular ovens.
Conclusion – Difference Between Roast and Bake in Convection Oven
Whether you’ve seen a convection oven at your friend’s house or you’re just looking into purchasing one – rest assured that a convection oven won’t limit your abilities or skills.
Instead, you can actually benefit from being able to cook food faster and cook food quicker.
All ovens have bake and broil settings, but only convection ovens have the ability to circulate hot air in the same way, ensuring that food cooks evenly.
So when you’re looking at convection ovens, make sure to inspect the features it provides.
Some high-end convection ovens come with very modern features that could easily replace your regular oven in no time.
So no matter what oven you’re looking for, we hope that understanding the difference between roasting and baking in a convection oven will help you make the best-informed choice possible.
Feel free to leave a question or comment down below and I’ll do my best to help whenever I can!
