Just got our first Convection Oven

[IluvKingLouis]

I could sure use some tips on when, and when not, to use the convection feature. I've been reading in the manual concerning meats and roasts, and they have a few baking tips.

Here's what I'm wondering. Can I do a frozen pizza using the convection feature? What about baked potatoes and casseroles. How do you adjust for the time?

Are there any things that are better being baked in the regular baking mode?

TIA!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I really don't use my convection feature much, but my DH absolutely LOVES it for frozen pizza! You just have to watch it carefully the first few times to get the timing right.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I love my convection oven! In fact, I love my range oven so much that when my microwave died, I bought one that also can be used as a convection oven. Cookies are the best! You can bake 3 pans of cookies at a time and they come out crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. YUM! I've cooked just about any kind of meat in mine. I've also baked cornbread. I just don't bake cakes or breads that rise.

As far as cooking times, it varies with your oven. On my range oven, I reduce the cooking time by about 25%. On my microwave oven, it automatically reduces the temperature to keep the cooking time the same as the recipe calls for.

 

[disneyhand]

I love to cook baked potatoes in mine!

 

[Imzadi]

Can convection ovens broil meats? Do they have a heating element at the top of the oven to broil? I usually use my big toaster oven to broil chops, fish & steaks & it works great. When that thing dies, I'd love to switch over to a convection oven, but only if it will still broil chops & fish as well as a regular toaster oven.


BTW, when I used to work for my cousin's catering company, they used to use several portable convection ovens to heat up the hors d'oevers really quickly, so I know they bake & crisp really well.