| Are you doing a kitchen renovation and are | | | | cook well at the regular temperature but are ready |
| wondering what kind of oven you need, or have you | | | | 20% quicker. |
| recently bought a convection oven and are unsure | | | | Roasting pans need to allow for air flow - Low sides |
| how to use it? One kitchen appliance we tend to | | | | are best. Keep 2-3 cm clear around your pan, and |
| take for granted is the home oven, yet many don't | | | | don't cover the oven racks with foil. Deep pans and |
| yet realise how convection technology has | | | | casserole dishes block the flow of air; if using them, a |
| revolutionised its use. | | | | conventional oven is best. |
| Once you understand how to get a beautifully moist | | | | What Type Is Right For You? |
| and succulent roast dinner from your convection | | | | Convection ovens come in various sizes, from the |
| oven, you may never go back to using a | | | | commercial-sized ovens right down the bench-top |
| conventional oven. | | | | turbo models (like the Australian-made Easy Cook). |
| How Do They Work? | | | | For a large family, a full-size range or wall oven would |
| Convection ovens contain a third heating element, | | | | be a good choice. Some units even have a |
| usually located near the oven fan to ensure the air is | | | | self-cleaning function, another great time-saving |
| heated to a uniform temperature. | | | | feature. There are many models and manufacturers - |
| This type of oven cooks around 25-30% faster than | | | | talk to your local home applicance specialist about |
| a conventional one, as the hot air forced all around | | | | your needs. |
| the food seals the surface quickly, retaining moisture | | | | The bench-top model is perfect if you are cooking |
| and nutrients. | | | | for a small family, a couple or yourself; they are |
| Why Is A Convection Oven Better Than a | | | | extremely energy-efficient compared to the full-sized |
| Conventional One? | | | | models, and perfect for camping or motorhome |
| The benefits of using a convection oven include: | | | | holidays. |
| Shorter cooking times -- Great for today's | | | | Quick Recipe Ideas |
| time-starved families, who need to to get good food | | | | Cream Puffs - Use your favourite choux pastry |
| on the table fast. Roasts cook more quickly and with | | | | recipe with your oven at 190°C. Cook for 35-45 |
| less attention than in conventional ovens. | | | | minutes until golden brown. The puffs will cook |
| Moist, flavoursome roasted meats -- By sealing the | | | | evenly all over and there is no need to swap trays or |
| surface quickly, much of the moisture is locked in, | | | | poke the puffs, as some recipes suggest. |
| resulting in tender, tasty roasts. | | | | Roast Pork With Crackling - Use a 1kg pork loin roast. |
| Consistent temperature -- There are no hot spots | | | | Score the skin before rubbing with generous amounts |
| and cold spots. The hot air is distributed evenly | | | | of olive oil and salt, and roasting on a rack (to |
| around the oven and the meat cooks properly all the | | | | maximise the airflow around the roast) in your |
| way through, without the need to turn or baste it. | | | | convection oven at 220°C for 20 mins, then |
| Energy efficiency -- With reduced cooking times and | | | | 180°C for another 40 mins.Allow to rest for at least |
| or temperatures, energy consumption is reduced by | | | | 20 minutes before carving. |
| around 20%. Most efficient are the turbo table-top | | | | Fried Chicken - Oven fried chicken is fabulous. Roast |
| models, which can cook with up to 80% less energy | | | | your prepared chicken at 180°C in your convection |
| consumption than a conventional oven | | | | oven for 30-35 minutes for wonderfully moist chicken |
| What is Different about Cooking In A Convection | | | | with the lovely crusty coating. |
| Oven? | | | | Garlic and Parmesan Toasts - Yes, toast! Drizzle olive |
| Don't be afraid to make some changes to your | | | | oil over slices of French or Italian loaf, sprinkle with |
| regular method. Remember: | | | | garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese and cook |
| Shorten cooking times - If cooked at the same | | | | in a fairly hot oven until the edges are browned and |
| temperatures as a regular oven, roasts cook 20-30% | | | | the cheese is golden (about 5-7 minutes). |
| faster. | | | | Once you understand how and why convection |
| Adjust existing recipes to suit - Feel free to | | | | ovens work so well, you can snap one up and dazzle |
| experiment. Some roasts, especially larger ones, do | | | | your family and friends with the perfect roast. Bon |
| well if the temperature is lowered by 25 degrees for | | | | appetit! |
| some or all of the cooking time.Smaller cuts usually | | | | |