Types of convection oven cookware
A convection oven uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat inside the oven, cooking the food evenly and quickly. Convection oven cookware is designed to make delicious, easy meals in a convection oven. There are various types of convection oven cookware, including stainless steel, cast iron, glass, stoneware, silicone, and ceramic.
Convection oven cookware comes in different materials. Each one has its own benefits and is ideal for specific uses. Convection oven pots and pans made of stainless steel are strong and durable. They are resistant to scratches and won't rust with proper care. The cookware is available in a wide range of styles, from modern to classic. Plus, it can be used in a regular oven, on the stovetop, and under the broiler. However, stainless steel convection oven cookware may not be suitable for convection ovens with exposed heating elements.
Cast iron convection oven cookware provides excellent heat retention and distribution. It is super sturdy and gets better with age. The grill and pan can last for decades if properly seasoned and maintained. Similar to stainless steel pots and pans, this type of cookware can be used in the oven, on the stovetop, and under the broiler. On the downside, uncoated cast iron cookware may react with acidic foods like tomatoes. It also requires more work to maintain.
Glass convection oven cookware is much lighter compared to ceramic dishes. It is made from tempered glass that can withstand very high temperatures, up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The cookware is non-porous and scratch-resistant. So, it won't hold on to any stains or odors. In addition to this, glass dishes are ideal for cooking, baking, serving, and storing food. Before using any glass cookware in a convection oven, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines.
Convection oven cookware comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles. It includes bakeware, such as pie pans, cake pans, baking dishes, and cookie sheets, as well as dinnerware and casserole dishes. Stoneware convection oven dishes distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots. As a result, food is cooked thoroughly. Like ceramic cookware, stoneware is suitable for roasting, baking, broiling, and serving meals.
The great thing about silicone cookware is that it is heat resistant and flexible. This makes it easy to use silicone bakeware to create a variety of well-shaped muffins and cookies.
Features and functions of convection oven cookware
When buying enameled cast iron cookware or any other kind of cookware for convection ovens, it is essential to know its features and functions. This will help buyers know what kind of cookware their customers will need for their particular convection oven usage.
- Cookware designed for convection ovens: Not all cookware is compatible with convection ovens, which have specific requirements. Convection oven cookware has features that enable it to function optimally in the convection oven.
- Easy cleanup: Convection oven cookware is usually easy to clean; some pieces are even dishwasher-safe. Cookware that is easy to clean will save time and reduce stress in the kitchen.
- Versatile: Convection oven cookware is versatile, meaning it can be used to prepare different types of meals. It is also compatible with other kitchen appliances, such as the stovetop, microwave, and grill. Some dishes can be transferred from the oven to the table, doubling as serving dishes.
- Clad or nonstick surface: Cookware for convection ovens has either a clad or nonstick surface. The clad surface is usually stainless steel and provides even and consistent heat throughout the cookware. Nonstick surface has one or two layers of nonstick coating that reduce the amount of oil needed when cooking. The cooking surface is also easy to clean and helps food release easily.
- Heat resistant handles: Convection oven cookware has heat-resistant handles made of stainless steel, silicone, or rubber. These handles stay cool to the touch even when the cookware is placed in the oven.
- Oven-safe lids: Cookware for convection ovens has oven-safe lids that can withstand high temperatures. These lids allow food to cook evenly while retaining moisture and preventing spattering.
- Lightweight: This cookware is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver, handle, and store.
Usage scenarios of convection oven cookware
In the last decades, convection ovens have become widely popular among home chefs because they cook food more evenly and reduce cooking time. They are handy and versatile. As a result, there is an increased demand for convection oven cookware that is suitable for use in such cooking appliances. Many businesses see this as a profitable opportunity and have started selling more cookware for convection ovens.
Conventionally, one would use a stovetop or regular oven to prepare meals. However, with more innovative ideas, convection oven cookware is now used in various industries:
- Restaurants: Cooks use convection oven pots to prepare food in large quantities for different customers daily. Convection ovens have become an essential part of any restaurant kitchen due to their speed and efficiency.
- Bakeries: Most bakeries use convection ovens to mix, bake, and roast various breads and pastry items. Bakery owners invest in high-quality cookware to achieve the best baking results.
- Catering services: Many catering companies use convection oven-safe cookware to prepare food at events. The ability of the cookware to retain heat while keeping food fresh is an essential factor for catering business.
- Food processing industries: Large-scale food production industries use convection ovens to dry, roast, and cook various items before packaging. Convection oven cookware plays a vital role in such mass food production.
- Hospitals and nursing homes: These facilities have industrial kitchens with convection ovens where they prepare food for patients. The use of convection oven cookware makes it easier to cook healthy meals in large quantities.
- Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities with cafeterias use convection ovens to prepare food for students. They require durable cookware that can withstand daily use.
- Bakeries: Most bakeries use convection ovens to mix, bake, and roast various breads and pastry items. Bakery owners invest in high-quality cookware to achieve the best baking results.
- Catering services: Many catering companies use convection oven-safe cookware to prepare food at events. The ability of the cookware to retain heat while keeping food fresh is an essential factor for catering business.
- Food processing industries: Large-scale food production industries use convection ovens to dry, roast, and cook various items before packaging. Convection oven cookware plays a vital role in such mass food production.
- Hospitals and nursing homes: These facilities have industrial kitchens with convection ovens where they prepare food for patients. The use of convection oven cookware makes it easier to cook healthy meals in large quantities.
- Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities with cafeterias use convection ovens to prepare food for students. They require durable cookware that can withstand daily use.
How to choose convection oven cookware
When looking for cookware for a convection oven, it is important to have items that are durable, heat-conductive, and safe for use in a convection oven. Before buying, one should also check if the cookware is easy to clean and maintain. The following are some factors to consider when choosing convection oven cookware.
- Material: In most cases, convection ovens use the same heat sources as conventional ovens—electric coils or gas flames—so oven-safe cookware is generally acceptable. However, convection ovens circulate hot air with fans, so cookware should be made of materials that can withstand the equipment's cooking temperatures and resist thermal shock. These include stainless steel, cast iron, and glass
- Food type: The kind of food one plans to cook in the convection oven should determine the choice of cookware. For instance, baking sheets and cake pans are essential if one plans to do a lot of baking. Skillets and roasting pans are ideal for making stovetop-to-oven meals or roasting meats and vegetables.
- Convection oven size: It is important to know the dimensions and capacity of the convection oven before buying any cookware. This helps ensure the items chosen can fit inside the oven without overcrowding and are suitable for the oven's cooking chamber.
- Cookware sets versus individual pieces: Ovenproof cookware sets typically come with an assortment of pots, pans, and baking dishes. These can handle different cooking tasks. On the other hand, some buyers prefer to purchase individual pieces selectively so they can choose high-quality items that suit their specific cooking needs.
- Budget and value: When comparing different cookware options, it's worth checking out their additional features and functionalities, such as heat conductivity, even heating, and durability. At the same time, one should consider the price and value of various cookware materials.
- Utensil compatibility: To preserve the performance and longevity of convection oven cookware, one must choose suitable utensils for use with each material. For example, wooden or silicone spatula should be used with nonstick pans to avoid damaging their coating.
- Hefty handles: Cookware handles can be thick, thin, or somewhere in between. As long as they are made from oven-safe materials, they are suitable for use with convection ovens. However, it's good to buy cookware with stay-cool handles because they are usually constructed of materials that do not conduct heat as readily as others, helping prevent burns and ensuring comfortable and safe handling even at high temperatures.
Convection oven cookware Q&A
Q1: What materials can I use in a convection oven?
A1: Convection ovens use fans to circulate heat. Most oven-safe cookware is suitable for use in convection ovens. This includes metal baking sheets, glass or ceramic dishes, and silicone baking mats. However, avoid using materials like plastic, rubber, or wooden utensils that can melt or burn at high temperatures.
Q2: Can I use the same cookware as in a regular oven?
A2: Yes, convection oven cookware is the same as what one would use in a regular oven. It includes bakeware made from materials like glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone. The key difference is that convection ovens cook food faster and more evenly due to the fan. So, one may need to adjust cooking times or temperatures.
Q3: Is there special cookware for convection ovens?
A3: Not necessarily. Most cookware is suitable for use in convection ovens. However, some people prefer bakeware with features like shields or tabs that promote air circulation. This helps convection heat to contact food more evenly.
Q4: Is there cookware to avoid using in a convection oven?
A4: As mentioned earlier, avoid using convection oven cookware made from materials like plastic or rubber that are not oven-safe. Also, steer clear of glass or ceramic dishes with wooden handles or glued pieces not designed for high heat. Finally, avoid covering pans with aluminum foil as this obstructs air circulation.
