Convection vs Conventional: What's the difference?

If you’ve ever shopped for a new oven or tried to follow a recipe that calls for “convection bake,” you may have wondered — what’s the real difference between a convection oven and a conventional oven? Understanding how each one works can help you cook more efficiently, bake more evenly, and get the best results from your kitchen.

How a Conventional Oven Works

A conventional oven is what most of us grew up using. It relies on two heating elements: one at the bottom for baking and one at the top for broiling. The air inside the oven stays still, so the heat naturally rises, meaning the top of your dish might cook a little faster than the bottom.

Conventional ovens work great for:

• Baking cakes, muffins, and quick breads

• Roasting dishes that don’t require crisping

• Recipes that already account for uneven heat distribution

However, because the air doesn’t circulate, you may notice that food on the top rack browns faster or that baking times vary depending on where the pan sits.

How a Convection Oven Works

A convection oven includes all the features of a conventional oven, but with one big difference: a fan and exhaust system. This fan circulates hot air evenly around the food, helping it cook faster and more uniformly.

The result? Golden-brown, crispy exteriors and tender, evenly cooked interiors, all in less time.

Convection ovens are ideal for:

• Roasting vegetables and meats

• Baking multiple trays of cookies at once

• Achieving crisp, flaky pastries and pie crusts

Because of the circulating air, convection ovens typically cook food about 25% faster and at lower temperatures (you usually reduce the recipe temperature by about 25°F when using convection).

Key Differences at a Glance

 

When to Use Each Setting

Most modern ovens give you both conventional and convection options, allowing you to switch depending on what you’re cooking.

• Use conventional bake for delicate desserts like cakes or soufflés — the circulating air in convection mode can dry them out.

• Use convection bake for meats, roasted vegetables, and baked goods that benefit from a crisp or evenly browned finish.

Pro Tip

If you’re upgrading your kitchen, consider an oven that includes True Convection, which uses a third heating element behind the fan for even better heat distribution. It’s a great option for home cooks who want professional-level results.

Find the Right Oven for Your Home

Whether you’re a casual baker or a serious home chef, choosing the right oven makes a big difference in your kitchen. At Kelly’s Appliance, we carry a wide range of convection and conventional ovens from trusted brands like Frigidaire, LG, GE, and KitchenAid — all designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Visit one of our showrooms or shop online to explore the latest models and find the perfect fit for your home. We are located in Salem, Corvallis, Eugene and Central Point.