In today’s hurry up and get it done world, spending a huge amount of time waiting on something to cook is not a high priority. That’s where countertop convection ovens can make a huge difference in the operation of your kitchen. A convection oven can cut cooking time by up to 25 percent. It can cook at a higher temperature, as much as 30 percent higher than a standard radiant oven. A good convection oven cannot only cook your food faster and more thoroughly, but it can also perform a variety of cooking methods, from roasting to just keeping it warm.
See Top 5 Best countertop convection ovens over $400
What is a convection oven?
Convection ovens are named for the circulating effect that internal fans have on the heated air inside the oven. These are commonly referred to as fan ovens. A traditional oven uses heat radiated from the walls and heating elements, either electric or gas powered. A convection oven uses internal fans to spread hot air in a continuous cycle. This cooks food faster by creating a uniform, even temperature over every surface. Because of this, there’s no need to worry about the bottom of food burning before the upper portion is cooked thoroughly.
Advantages of a convection oven
In addition to the even temperature, using a convection oven allows you to prepare any dish that can be done in a conventional oven. Food from a convection oven will have a more natural taste, be crispier and maintain its natural juiciness. Although the initial cost of a convection oven may be higher than a conventional countertop cooker or toaster oven, a convection oven will consume less energy than its counterparts. For cooks who don’t want to give up their traditional larger ranges or wall ovens, a carefully selected countertop convection oven is the solution.
What features are best in a convection oven?
If you’re considering getting a countertop convection oven, there are specifics to consider before making a decision on which oven to buy. Foremost is most consumers’ minds is energy efficiency. Check the unit’s heat and energy efficiency ratings. The top countertop convection ovens should run at a lower wattage rate than wall or built-in ovens, and should produce high maximum temperatures. Measure the dimensions of the oven. Will it fit in the space you’ve allotted on the countertop?
Pay particular attention to the features it offers, such as rotisserie setting and whether it will hold a standard or large sized pizza. Are there multiple racks? Do the racks adjust? If they are in a fixed position, determine if the cookware you have will fit inside the appliance. Adjustable racks eliminate this problem and offer increased convenience. Also, cleanup is a lot easier when the racks are removable.
Cleaning the convection oven is a big deal; rather, the ease of cleaning it. If it isn’t easy to clean, you may want to consider checking out another brand. Check to determine if any of the oven’s parts are suitable for the dishwasher. This is a definite plus. Check the appearance and style of the oven. Will it blend well with the design of your kitchen?
Of course, the discerning shopper will closely scrutinize the price. A convection oven is generally higher priced than a simple toaster oven or countertop baker. Different models carry with them varying retail costs, so price shop around for the best countertop convection oven at the best price.
Breville BOV800XL
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- Shipping: Free!
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 16.2 x 11.2 inches ; 22.5 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Silver
Cuisinart CSO-300
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- Dimensions: 18 x 15.5 x 10.8 inches ; 22 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Silver
KitchenAid KCO273SS
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- Dimensions: 18 x 16.1 x 12.1 inches ; 19.7 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Silver
VonShef 12.5-Quart
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- Bowl External Diameter: 13", Total Height: 13"-15.5". Internal depth: 6"-9" (without/with extender ring)
- Material: Glass
- Color: White
Waring Pro TCO650
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- Dimensions: 14.5 x 17 x 10.8 inches ; 18.4 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
The best countertop convection ovens
If you’re looking for the best bargain in countertop convection ovens for your money, you’ll need to do a bit of shopping around. We offer here a few short reviews to point you in the right direction:
1. Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven
This model is, hands down, probably the best on the market at the moment. It has garnered rave reviews all over the Internet, from Amazon.com’s customer reviews to Consumersearch.com. Professional reviewers and owners alike are quick to sing the praises of this countertop convection oven. From the nine factory pre-set functions to the easily readable blue LCD back-lit screen, this unit is well constructed, sleek, classic looking, and has all the bells and whistles you can want.
The Breville Smart Oven includes Element IQ technology. This innovative feature allows for a more accurate regulation of the heat, which is the key to successful convection oven cooking. Its five quartz heating elements ensure fast preheat and even cooking temperatures, and the three easily positioned racks provide the versatility you want for cooking just about anything.
But it gets even better. The Smart Oven feature means the 1800 wattage can be adjusted to facilitate a wide range of cooking options. The Element IQ system works like an adjustment switch on a light fixture, increasing the wattage or decreasing it as needed with the ease of turning a knob.
The heating elements in the Breville BOV800XL are composed of quartz. This allows the unit to respond more rapidly to a change in the heat requirements, unlike metal elements found in other convection ovens. The interior walls are treated with a nonstick material that makes cleanup a snap. For those who favor a little quirky feature in their appliances there’s the magnetic rack ejection system. This patented gizmo gives you magnets on the sides of the door that pull the wire rack halfway out of the oven when the door opens. This makes it easier to access the interior and prevents those annoying little burns we all get when we remove things from an oven.
2. Cuisinart CSO-300 combo Steam/Convection Oven
This Cuisinart makes the best countertop convection oven list because of its unmatched steam feature. The application of steam can cook food up to 40 percent faster than a conventional oven. Reviews of this unit focus on its exceptional job of cooking breads, rice and meats. The steam feature is especially good for heating leftovers. It keeps food moist to prevent dryness. It doesn’t match up quite as well to the Breville BOV800XL in the broiling and roasting category, however.
You do have to be careful of where you place the unit on the counter. The steam is vented through the rear of the oven. Whatever is behind the cooker will be streaked with water vapor, like a shower door after a hot shower. Also, the top of the oven gets hot when in use so don’t plan on using the top as a storage space unless you don’t mind clearing it every time you cook something.
But it is an easy unit to use and has a classy, high-end appearance. The size is a nice feature, as well. It will hold a whole chicken, up to about 4 ½ pounds, or accommodate a 12-inch pizza. It will hold up to 47 ounces of water in the removable water reservoir. This provides up to 120 minutes of uninterrupted steam, which is great if you’re steaming fish or vegetables. It includes a baking pan and broiling rack, and there is a drip tray that’s removable for easy cleaning.
To clean, you set it to steam with the unit empty of food. The steam will loosen any food stuck to the sides or racks. You can then simply wipe it clean with a cloth. No mess, no fuss, no fumes from cleaning sprays. You don’t get the auto-eject racks like in the Breville BOV800XL but the racks slide in and out easily.
3. KitchenAid KCO273SS 12” Convection Countertop Oven
This countertop convection oven is made with stainless steel and has a sleek, smart, contemporary look to it. It has nine pre-set factory memory settings that allow variety in your cooking specifications and help get the exceptional cooking results you expect from a convection oven. It includes Asado Roast settings that will adjust temperatures as needed to ensure excellent roasting performance. From pizza crusts that are crisped to perfection to bagels that are golden brown, the baking capability of this convection oven ranks with the best of them.
It features a 12-inch capacity, so it is big enough to handle most cooking needs. It includes a ‘keep warm’ setting and memory settings for reheating. It also includes a 60-minute timer for those more involved culinary undertakings. The interior is coated with a nonstick lining for easy cleanup.
The display is digital, showing temperature and cooking times. The temperature adjustments are knobs that turn easily. When in use, the top does get warm but this can be used as a method of pre-heating dishes before serving. The three racks include a round attachment and there is a handy rack guide for help in selecting the best position for various types of dishes.
4. VonShef Premium Halogen Convection Countertop Oven
This oven is for those who like the more futuristic look to their appliances. This is the round cooker with the dome covering and control unit on top. It is designed to accommodate up to 12.5 quarts. With the application of the included extender ring, this oven can handle up to 18 quarts of your best culinary recipes. It can be used for roasting and baking, broiling and steaming, and even frying. There is a steam feature for fish and vegetables, and a bake setting for breads and pastries.
It also comes with an included introduction manual that is easy to use and a recipe sheet to get you started. The 12 month manufacturer’s guarantee is also a nice feature that gets your attention. It has an easy on-off feature in that the timer switch activates with a twist of the cooker head and a lift of the handle to shut it off. It will not only heat but defrost as well.
Because it uses a halogen bulb, you don’t have to wait for pre-heating to take place before you can start cooking. The halogen bulb works in conjunction with the fully integrated fan to deliver a more concentrated, uninterrupted heat which is circulated to maintain even temperature distribution.
Multiple accessories that are standard include a set of tongs, a low and a high food grill, the oven height extender ring and a lid holder. Probably the best feature by far is its advertised self-cleaning function. To activate this feature, you simply turn the control dial to the wash setting to let the halogen do the cleaning. You just wipe the bowl out when it’s done. This only cleans the bowl, however. The extender rings and racks can go in the dishwasher.
5. Waring Pro TCO650 Digital Countertop Convection Oven
This oven is a bit smaller than some of the other models but don’t be dissuaded by the size: it makes up the difference in performance. Running at only 1500w, it will cut your energy usage over the wall oven or installed stove. It can be set for conventional baking or convection baking. It can also be set for broiling, toasting or pizza preparation. Its smaller capacity will accommodate six slices of bread or up to a 12-inch pizza.
One appealing feature is the fully digital LCD display and touchpad. You simply touch the feature you want to activate, from conventional bake settings to warming a bagel. Then press the start button and you’re in business. It is simplicity at its finest. The digital display is large and easy to read in red numbers. The clear glass front door lets you monitor the progress of your cooking as it goes along. The digital timer gives you up to 60-minutes of cooking time.
There is a drip pan for under the rack and a crumb tray at the bottom. On the downside, there is only one rack, although its positioning is adjustable. The oven tray, baking pan and rack are not dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand. The inside has to be wiped down with a damp cloth since there is no self-clean feature included.
Conclusion
Countertop convection ovens are a welcome addition to any kitchen. The best countertop convection ovens are many and varied. There are multiple brands of excellent quality, and a myriad brands that sacrifice a few features for a lower price. Whatever you’re looking for, there is surely a model out there to fit your needs. We’ve briefly mentioned a few here to get you started.
