We are all familiar with the traditional oven, with coil or ceramic tops, but there are many more available; steam ovens, microwaves, speed ovens, air fry ovens, and true convection. Some ovens combine several cooking methods. In this article, you will learn about the different types of ranges and what sets each one apart.
Ranges come in several configurations. Conventional ovens are the most basic and use uses two heating elements - a bake element on the bottom and a grill element on the top, all of these cook by emitting radiant heat. Fan Convection ovens use a fan at the rear of the oven cavity to force air around the food, cooking it faster. True convection, also called European Convection ovens have a third element with the convection fan, distributing the heat more evenly in the oven cavity.
Convection ovens are the best choice to achieve crispy brown baked goods and offer a faster sear on roasted meats and poultry, keeping the juices in, and it also gives the benefit of faster preheat times. Think of three sheets of cookies, all done at the same time and all the same degree of doneness. This is the power of true convection baking.
Steam ovens cook with vapor. Water comes from a canister inside the oven or a water line directly to the stove. The water is pumped into the boiler and turns into steam. Steam reduces the need for oils, which can be a healthier way to prepare food. Steam helps retain the nutrients and vitamins as well as the natural flavors of the food. Steam ovens are the ideal choice for cooking vegetables, grains, and are best suited to more delicate baked goods like cakes and cookies where a softer top is desirable.
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy to move particles in the food around rapidly, creating thermal energy to cook food. Microwave ovens are great for thawing food, reheating leftovers, and preparing microwave-ready meals.
Air frying is a new technology that produces a deep-fried effect, without actually dipping your food into a vat of oil. Air Fryers use a convection fan but with much higher fan speed to force air around the food. Air Fry ranges from Frigidaire are available in conventional ceramic top configuration as well as induction models.
More creative home chefs might want to have separate ovens for cooking different foods at different temperatures. With this in mind, several manufacturers make double oven ranges, offering the most in cooking flexibility. It is also worthwhile to look at combination ovens, like speed ovens, which combine microwave technology with a convection oven for the added versatility.
The latest in cooking technology is in Advantium ovens. Advantium cooking offers the flexibility of 4 ovens in 1 cooking - Speedcook, True European Convection, Sensor Microwave, and Warming/Proofing ovens - and comes in several different configurations to fit any kitchen design. Foods cook up to four times faster than a conventional oven, with no preheating required. Just think of being able to serve a perfectly browned, crispy-skinned chicken in under 30 minutes! Meal planning just got way easier!
Come in and let us help you in selecting the right range for your cooking needs.