Jump to content

Convection oven: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→top: the temperature is usually set lower than for a non-fan oven
m Removing protection templates from unprotected page (more info)
(31 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
[[File:Industrial oven.jpg|thumb|An industrial convection oven used in the aircraft manufacturing industry]]
[[File:Industrial oven.jpg|thumb|An industrial convection oven used in the aircraft manufacturing industry]]


A '''convection oven''' (also known as a '''fan-assisted oven''', '''turbo broiler''' or simply a '''fan oven''' or '''turbo''') is an [[oven]] that has [[forced convection|fans to circulate air]] around food to create an evenly heated environment. The increased air circulation causes a fan-assisted oven to cook food faster than a conventional non-fan oven, which relies only on natural convection to circulate the hot air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convection+oven|title=Definition of CONVECTION OVEN|website=www.merriam-webster.com|date=7 July 2023 }}</ref> Fan-assisted convection ovens are commonly used for baking as well as non-food, industrial applications. Small countertop convection ovens for household use are often marketed as '''air fryers'''.
A '''convection oven''' (also known as a '''fan-assisted oven''', '''turbo broiler''' or simply a '''fan oven''' or '''turbo''') is an [[oven]] that has [[forced convection|fans to circulate air]] around food<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convection+oven|title=Definition of CONVECTION OVEN|website=www.merriam-webster.com|date=7 July 2023 }}</ref> to create an evenly heated environment. In an oven without a fan, natural convection circulates hot air unevenly, so that it will be cooler at the bottom and hotter at the top than in the middle.<ref>{{cite web | last=Martin | first=Jonny | title=Gas Cookers vs Electric Cookers > Gas cooker cons > Less-even heat distribution in the oven| publisher=Which? | date=23 August 2024| url=https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/freestanding-cookers/article/gas-cookers-vs-electric-cookers-axJxK6t7cGGU }}</ref> Fan ovens cook food faster, and are also used in non-food, industrial applications. Small countertop convection ovens for household use are often marketed as '''air fryers'''.


When cooking using a fan-assisted oven, the temperature is usually set lower than for a non-fan oven, often by {{cvt|20|C-change|sigfig=1}}, to avoid overcooking the outside of the food.
When cooking using a fan-assisted oven, the temperature is usually set lower than for a non-fan oven, often by {{cvt|20|C-change|sigfig=2}}, to avoid overcooking the outside of the food.


==Principle of operation==
==Culinary convection ovens==
Convection ovens distribute heat evenly around the food, removing the blanket of cooler air that surrounds food when it is first placed in an oven and allowing food to cook more evenly in less time and at a lower temperature than in a conventional oven.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ojakangas |first=Beatrice |title=Cooking with Convection: Everything You Need to Know to Get the Most from Your Convection Oven |date=2009 |author-link=Beatrice Ojakangas}}</ref>
Convection ovens distribute heat evenly around the food, removing the blanket of cooler air that surrounds food when it is first placed in an oven and allowing food to cook more evenly in less time and at a lower temperature than in a conventional oven.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ojakangas |first=Beatrice |title=Cooking with Convection: Everything You Need to Know to Get the Most from Your Convection Oven |date=2009 |author-link=Beatrice Ojakangas}}</ref>


=== History ===
== History ==
The first oven with a fan to circulate air was invented in 1914 but it was never launched commercially.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/technicalworldma21chicuoft/page/403|title=Adding Pressure to Heat in Cooking|magazine=Technical World Magazine|date=May 1914|page=403}}</ref>
The first oven with a fan to circulate air was invented in 1914 but it was never launched commercially.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/technicalworldma21chicuoft/page/403|title=Adding Pressure to Heat in Cooking|magazine=Technical World Magazine|date=May 1914|page=403}}</ref>


The first convection oven in wide use was the Maxson Whirlwind Oven, invented in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.air-n-water.com/articles/convection-ovens-air-fryers.htm|title=Everything You Need to Know about Convection Ovens & Air Fryers|website=Air & Water|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094548/https://www.air-n-water.com/articles/convection-ovens-air-fryers.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The first convection oven in wide use was the Maxson Whirlwind Oven, introduced in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.air-n-water.com/articles/convection-ovens-air-fryers.htm|title=Everything You Need to Know about Convection Ovens & Air Fryers|website=Air & Water|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094548/https://www.air-n-water.com/articles/convection-ovens-air-fryers.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Design ===
== Design ==
A convection oven has a fan with a [[heating element]] around it. A small fan circulates the air in the cooking chamber.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smeg.com/faq/ovens/what-s-the-difference-between-fan-and-fan-assisted-ovens/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507034832/http://www.smeg.com/faq/ovens/what-s-the-difference-between-fan-and-fan-assisted-ovens/|archive-date=2013-05-07|title=What's the difference between fan and convection ovens?|website=SMEG.com|access-date=20 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://service.hoover.co.uk/advice-centre/built-in-appliances/ovens/troubleshooting/|title=Ovens Advice Centre|website=Hoover Advice Centre|access-date=20 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320183020/http://service.hoover.co.uk/advice-centre/built-in-appliances/ovens/troubleshooting/|archive-date=2013-03-20}}</ref>
A convection oven has a fan with a [[heating element]] around it. A small fan circulates the air in the cooking chamber.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smeg.com/faq/ovens/what-s-the-difference-between-fan-and-fan-assisted-ovens/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507034832/http://www.smeg.com/faq/ovens/what-s-the-difference-between-fan-and-fan-assisted-ovens/|archive-date=2013-05-07|title=What's the difference between fan and convection ovens?|website=SMEG.com|access-date=20 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://service.hoover.co.uk/advice-centre/built-in-appliances/ovens/troubleshooting/|title=Ovens Advice Centre|website=Hoover Advice Centre|access-date=20 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320183020/http://service.hoover.co.uk/advice-centre/built-in-appliances/ovens/troubleshooting/|archive-date=2013-03-20}}</ref>


One effect of the fan is to reduce the thickness of the stationary thermal [[boundary layer]] of cooler air that naturally forms around the food. The boundary layer acts as an insulator and slows the rate that the heat reaches the food. By moving the cool air (''convecting'' it) away from the food the layer is thinned, and cooking occurs faster. To prevent overcooking before the middle is cooked, the temperature is usually reduced by about {{cvt|20|C-change|sigfig=1}}. In addition, because the air gets well mixed, the oven has a very even temperature.
One effect of the fan is to reduce the thickness of the stationary thermal [[boundary layer]] of cooler air that naturally forms around the food. The boundary layer acts as an insulator and slows the rate at which [[Heat transfer|heat is transferred]] to the food. By moving the cool air (''convecting'' it) away from the food the layer is thinned, and cooking is faster. To prevent overcooking before the middle is cooked, the temperature is usually reduced by about {{cvt|20|C-change|sigfig=2}} below the setting used for a non-fan oven. In a non-fan oven the temperature varies significantly in different places; a fan distributes hot air evenly for a uniform temperature.


Convection ovens may include additional [[radiant heat]] sources at the top and bottom of the oven, which provide immediate heat without the warmup time of a (natural or fan-assisted) convection oven.
Convection ovens may include radiant heat sources at the top and bottom of the oven, which improves heat transfer and speeds cooking from initial cold start. On the other hand, some ovens have all the heating elements placed in an outside enclosure and hidden from the food. This reduces the effect of radiant heat on the food; however, the walls of the oven will also be heated by the circulating hot air, and though the resulting temperature is much lower than that of a radiant heat source, it is still hot enough to provide some heating of the food by radiation from the walls.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}


=== Effectiveness ===
== Effectiveness ==
A convection oven allows a reduction in cooking temperature compared to a conventional oven. This comparison will vary, depending on factors including, for example, how much food is being cooked at once or if airflow is being restricted, for example by an oversized [[baking tray]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}} This difference in cooking temperature is offset as the circulating air transfers heat more quickly than still air of the same temperature. In order to transfer the same amount of heat in the same time, the temperature must be lowered to reduce the rate of heat transfer in order to compensate.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}
A convection oven allows a reduction in cooking temperature compared to a conventional oven. This comparison will vary, depending on factors including, for example, how much food is being cooked at once or if airflow is being restricted, for example by an oversized [[baking tray]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}} This difference in cooking temperature is offset as the circulating air transfers heat more quickly than still air of the same temperature. In order to transfer the same amount of heat in the same time, the temperature must be lowered to reduce the rate of heat transfer in order to compensate.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}


== Variants ==
== Variants ==
Another form of a convection oven is called an impingement oven.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5934178A/en|title=US5934178A — Air impingement oven|via=Google Patents}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Commercial Ovens |url=https://vanrooy.com.au/history-of-ovens/}}</ref> This type of oven is often used to cook pizzas and lightly toast bread in restaurants, but it can also be used for other foods. Impingement ovens have a high flow rate of hot air from both above and below the food. The air flow is directed onto food that usually passes through the oven on a conveyor belt.


Another form of convection oven has hot air directed at a high flow rate from above and below food that passes through the oven on a conveyor belt; it is called an impingement oven.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5934178A/en|title=US5934178A — Air impingement oven|via=Google Patents}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Commercial Ovens |url=https://vanrooy.com.au/history-of-ovens/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Science of Impingement: How it can speed up your cook time | publisher=Marlen |year=2022 | url=https://marlen.com/the-science-of-impingement-how-it-can-speed-up-your-cook-time/}}</ref> This cooks, for example, breaded products such as chicken nuggets or breaded chicken portions faster than a fan oven, and yields a crisp surface texture. Impinged air also prevents "shadowing" which occurs with infrared radiant heat sources. Impingement ovens can achieve a much higher heat transfer than a conventional oven.
⚫
Impingement ovens can achieve a much higher heat transfer than a conventional oven, and fully enclosed models can also use dual magnetrons,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US8893705B2 |title=Speed cooking oven}}</ref> like a microwave oven. The most notable manufacturer of this type of oven is TurboChef. The differences between an impingement oven (with magnetrons) and a convection microwave oven are cost, power consumption, and speed. Impingement ovens are designed to be used in restaurants, where speed is essential and power consumption and cost are less of a concern.


⚫
Fully enclosed models can also use dual [[magnetron]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US8893705B2 |title=Speed cooking oven}}</ref> as used by microwave ovens. The most notable manufacturer of this type of oven is TurboChef. The differences between an impingement oven with magnetrons and a convection microwave oven are claimed to be cost, power consumption, and speed. Impingement ovens are designed to be used in restaurants, where speed is essential and power consumption and cost are less of a concern.
⚫
There are also [[convection microwave oven]]s which combine a convection oven with a [[microwave oven]] to cook food with the speed of a microwave oven and the [[browning (chemical process)|browning]] ability of a convection oven.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11055563B2 |title=Heating cooker, cooking system, arithmetic device, and cooking support method}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://reviewed.usatoday.com/microwaves/content/ge-pvm9179sfss-over-the-range-microwave-review |title=Here, GE should stand for "General Excellence."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/dot-recs/breville-combi-wave-3-in-1/|title=Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 takes versatility to a whole new level|first=Jaime|last=Carrillo|date=10 June 2021|website=The Daily Dot}}</ref>


⚫
There are also [[convection microwave oven]]s which combine a convection oven with a [[microwave oven]] to cook food with the speed of a microwave oven and the [[Browning (chemical process)|browning]] ability of a convection oven.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11055563B2 |title=Heating cooker, cooking system, arithmetic device, and cooking support method}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://reviewed.usatoday.com/microwaves/content/ge-pvm9179sfss-over-the-range-microwave-review |title=Here, GE should stand for "General Excellence."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/dot-recs/breville-combi-wave-3-in-1/|title=Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 takes versatility to a whole new level|first=Jaime|last=Carrillo|date=10 June 2021|website=The Daily Dot}}</ref>
⚫
A [[combi steamer]] is an oven that combines convection functionality with [[superheated steam]] to cook foods even faster and retain more nutrients and moisture.

⚫
A [[combi steamer]] is an oven that combines convection functionality with [[superheated steam]] to cook foods even faster and retain more nutrients and moisture{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}.


=== Air fryer ===
=== Air fryer ===
[[File:Airfryer.jpg|thumb|An air fryer]]
[[File:Airfryer.jpg|thumb|An air fryer]]


An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven designed to simulate [[deep frying]] without submerging the food in oil.<ref name= Wired-worth>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/air-fryers/|title=Are air fryers worth it?|magazine=Wired|date=2018-05-10|access-date=2019-01-08|archive-date=2019-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319035022/https://www.wired.com/story/air-fryers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Clark" /> A [[mechanical fan|fan]] circulates hot air<ref name= Wired-worth /> at a high speed, producing a crisp layer via browning reactions such as the [[Maillard reaction]]. Some product reviewers find that regular convection ovens or convection [[toaster oven]]s produce better results,<ref>"Wirecutter's Worst Things for Most People", ''The Wirecutter'', ''[[The New York Times]]''
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that is said to simulate [[deep frying]] without submerging the food in oil.<ref name= Wired-worth>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/air-fryers/|title=Are air fryers worth it?|magazine=Wired|date=2018-05-10|access-date=2019-01-08|archive-date=2019-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319035022/https://www.wired.com/story/air-fryers/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Clark" /> A [[Mechanical fan|fan]] circulates hot air<ref name= Wired-worth /> at a high speed, producing a crisp layer via browning reactions such as the [[Maillard reaction]]. Some product reviewers find that regular convection ovens or convection [[toaster oven]]s produce better results;<ref name= Wired-worth /> others say that air frying is essentially the same as convection baking,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Best Air Fryer |work=[[Wirecutter (website)|Wirecutter]] |publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ |date=2022-03-22 |access-date=2021-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926195933/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ |archive-date=2020-09-26 |last1=Sullivan |first1=Michael}}</ref> while still others praise the devices for cooking faster, being easier to clean, and making it easier to produce crispy results than full size convection ovens.<ref name=GH>{{cite web|url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a33403402/air-fryer-vs-convection-oven/|title=Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What's the Difference?|website=Good Housekeeping}}</ref>
[https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/24/smarter-living/wirecutter/black-friday-deals-to-skip.html November 24, 2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126222553/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/24/smarter-living/wirecutter/black-friday-deals-to-skip.html |date=November 26, 2020 }}</ref><ref>"The Best Air Fryer Is a Convection Toaster Oven", ''The Wirecutter'', ''[[The New York Times]]'' [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ September 27, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926195933/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ |date=September 26, 2020 }}</ref><ref name= Wired-worth /> or say that air frying is essentially the same as convection baking.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Best Air Fryer |work=[[Wirecutter (website)|Wirecutter]] |publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ |date=2022-03-22 |access-date=2021-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926195933/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/ |archive-date=2020-09-26 |last1=Sullivan |first1=Michael}}</ref>


The original Philips Air fryer used radiant heat from a heating element just above the food and convection heat from a strong air stream flowing upwards through the open bottom of the food chamber, delivering heat from all sides, with a small volume of hot air forced to pass from the heater surface and over the food, with no idle air circulating as in a convection oven. A shaped guide directed the airflow over the bottom of the food. The technique was patented as Rapid Air technology.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://apds.nl/development-en/what-is-rapid-air-technology/ |title= What is Rapid Air Technology? |website= APDS |date= 10 June 2016 |access-date= 5 May 2023 |archive-date= 20 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220320132512/http://apds.nl/development-en/what-is-rapid-air-technology/ |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=exnovate/>
The original Philips Air fryer used radiant heat from a heating element just above the food and convection heat from a strong air stream flowing upwards through the open bottom of the food chamber, delivering heat from all sides, with a small volume of hot air forced to pass from the heater surface and over the food, with no idle air circulating as in a convection oven. A shaped guide directed the airflow over the bottom of the food. The technique was patented as Rapid Air technology.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://apds.nl/development-en/what-is-rapid-air-technology/ |title= What is Rapid Air Technology? |website= APDS |date= 10 June 2016 |access-date= 5 May 2023 |archive-date= 20 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220320132512/http://apds.nl/development-en/what-is-rapid-air-technology/ |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=exnovate/>


Traditional [[frying]] methods induce the [[Maillard reaction]] at temperatures of {{cvt|140|to|165|°C}} by completely submerging foods in hot [[Cooking oil|oil]], well above the boiling point of water. The air fryer works by coating the food in a thin layer of oil and circulating air at up to {{cvt|200|°C}} to apply sufficient heat to cause the reaction.<ref name= "McGee">{{cite book| first= Harold |last= McGee| title= On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen| year= 2004| publisher= Scribners |isbn= 978-0-68480001-1 | chapter = The Maillard Reaction; Caramelization | pages = 656–57; 778–79}}</ref>
Traditional [[frying]] methods induce the Maillard reaction at temperatures of {{cvt|140|to|165|°C}} by completely submerging foods in hot oil, well above the boiling point of water. The air fryer works by circulating air at up to {{cvt|200|°C}} to apply sufficient heat to food coated with a thin layer of oil, causing the reaction.<ref name= "McGee">{{cite book| first= Harold |last= McGee| title= On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen| year= 2004| publisher= Scribners |isbn= 978-0-68480001-1 | chapter = The Maillard Reaction; Caramelization | pages = 656–57; 778–79}}</ref>


Most air fryers have temperature and timer adjustments that allow more precise cooking. Food is typically cooked in a basket that sits on a drip tray. The basket must be periodically agitated, either manually or by the fryer mechanism. Convection ovens and air fryers are similar in the way they cook food, but air fryers are generally smaller and give off less heat.<ref name="Clark">{{cite news| first= Melissa| last= Clark| title= 6 Tips for Using Your Air Fryer| work= [[The New York Times]]| date= April 1, 2019| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/dining/air-fryer.html| access-date= July 10, 2020| archive-date= November 8, 2020| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201108022515/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/dining/air-fryer.html| url-status= live}}</ref>
Most air fryers have temperature and timer adjustments that allow precise cooking. Food is typically cooked in a basket that sits on a drip tray. For best results the basket must be periodically agitated, either manually or by the fryer mechanism. Convection ovens and air fryers are similar in the way they cook food, but air fryers are smaller and give off less heat to the room.<ref name="Clark">{{cite news| first= Melissa| last= Clark| title= 6 Tips for Using Your Air Fryer| work= [[The New York Times]]| date= April 1, 2019| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/dining/air-fryer.html| access-date= July 10, 2020| archive-date= November 8, 2020| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201108022515/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/dining/air-fryer.html| url-status= live}}</ref>


There are several types of air fryers that are on the market today for household use.
There are several types of household air fryer:


====Paddle====
;Paddle
In this type, a paddle machine moves throughout the heating chamber to move the air around more evenly. This is more convenient for the user because other types of air fryers require manual stirring throughout to ensure that all sides are fully cooked. <ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Costa |first=Roja |date=2021-03-11 |title=What Is An Air Fryer? - Types Of Air Fryer - All Kitchen Reviews |url=https://allkitchenreviews.com/what-is-an-air-fryer-types-of-air-fryer/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=allkitchenreviews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In this type, a paddle machine moves throughout the heating chamber to move the air around more evenly. This is more convenient for the user because other types of air fryers require manual stirring throughout to ensure that all sides are fully cooked. <ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Costa |first=Roja |date=2021-03-11 |title=What Is An Air Fryer? - Types Of Air Fryer - All Kitchen Reviews |url=https://allkitchenreviews.com/what-is-an-air-fryer-types-of-air-fryer/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=allkitchenreviews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


====Cylindrical basket====
;Cylindrical basket
A cylindrical basket is a small, single function air fryer that includes a drawer with a removable basket. A fan circulates from the top, and the food is cooked through holes in the basket. It can accommodate {{convert|2.8|L|USqt|abbr=off}} of food or less on average. Because of its compact size, it preheats faster than other types of air fryers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=4 Types of Air Fryers |url=https://kitcheninfinity.com/kitchen/tool/appliance/air-fryer/types/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Kitchen Infinity |language=en-US}}</ref>
A cylindrical basket is a small, single function air fryer that includes a drawer with a removable basket. A fan circulates from the top, and the food is cooked through holes in the basket. It can accommodate {{convert|2.8|L|USqt|abbr=off}} of food or less on average. Because of its compact size, it preheats faster than other types of air fryers.<ref name=4types>{{Cite web |title=4 Types of Air Fryers |url=https://kitcheninfinity.com/kitchen/tool/appliance/air-fryer/types/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Kitchen Infinity |language=en-US}}</ref>


====Countertop convection oven====
;Countertop convection oven
Countertop convection ovens come with an air frying feature that work the same way as basket type air fryers. They usually have multiple trays or racks, so multiple things can be cooked at the same time. It holds {{convert|24|L|USqt|0|abbr=off}} of food on average. They are more versatile than single function type because they have multiple features like baking, rotisserie, grilling, frying, broiling, and toasting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=4 Types of Air Fryers |url=https://kitcheninfinity.com/kitchen/tool/appliance/air-fryer/types/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Kitchen Infinity |language=en-US}}</ref>
Countertop convection ovens come with an air frying feature that work the same way as basket type air fryers. They usually have multiple trays or racks, so multiple things can be cooked at the same time. It holds {{convert|24|L|USqt|0|abbr=off}} of food on average. They are more versatile than single function type because they have multiple features like baking, rotisserie, grilling, frying, broiling, and toasting.<ref name=4types/>


====Halogen====
;Halogen
This type of air fryer cooks food with a halogen light from above. The heat is spread evenly throughout with a fan like other types of air fryers. This type usually looks like a large glass bowl with a hinged lid because the clear glass works as an easy and fast heat conductor. <ref>{{Cite web |author1=Cynthia Lawrence |date=2022-11-26 |title=Air fryer vs halogen oven — which is cheaper? |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/air-fryer-vs-halogen-oven-which-is-cheaper |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Tom's Guide |language=en}}</ref>
This type of air fryer cooks food with a halogen radiant heat source from above. The heat is spread evenly with a fan like other types of air fryers. This type is usually a large glass bowl with a hinged lid.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Cynthia Lawrence |date=2022-11-26 |title=Air fryer vs halogen oven — which is cheaper? |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/air-fryer-vs-halogen-oven-which-is-cheaper |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Tom's Guide |language=en}}</ref>


====Oil-less turkey fryer====
;Oil-less turkey fryer
These are large, barrel shaped air fryers used to cook whole turkeys and other large amount of meat. It circulates air around the drum to cook the turkey evenly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Costa |first=Roja |date=2021-03-11 |title=What Is an Air Fryer? - Types of Air Fryer |url=https://allkitchenreviews.com/what-is-an-air-fryer-types-of-air-fryer/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |publisher=All Kitchen Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref>
This is a large, barrel-shaped air fryer used to cook whole turkeys and other large pieces of meat. It circulates air around the drum to cook the meat evenly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Costa |first=Roja |date=2021-03-11 |title=What Is an Air Fryer? - Types of Air Fryer |url=https://allkitchenreviews.com/what-is-an-air-fryer-types-of-air-fryer/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |publisher=All Kitchen Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 72: Line 72:


In the United States convection ovens experienced a surge in popularity in the late 2010's and early 2020's with a reported 36% of U.S. households having one in 2020 and an estimated 60% of U.S. households having one in 2023. Food manufacturers have responded by adding air frying instructions on a number of products and pre air-fried products also coming to market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Amelia |date=2023-03-05 |title=Nestle, Tyson and other food giants bet on air fryer boom to grow sales |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/05/nestle-tyson-air-fryer-boom.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Morales |first=Christina |date=2022-01-25 |title=How the Air Fryer Crisped Its Way Into America’s Heart |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/dining/air-fryer.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In the United States convection ovens experienced a surge in popularity in the late 2010's and early 2020's with a reported 36% of U.S. households having one in 2020 and an estimated 60% of U.S. households having one in 2023. Food manufacturers have responded by adding air frying instructions on a number of products and pre air-fried products also coming to market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Amelia |date=2023-03-05 |title=Nestle, Tyson and other food giants bet on air fryer boom to grow sales |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/05/nestle-tyson-air-fryer-boom.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Morales |first=Christina |date=2022-01-25 |title=How the Air Fryer Crisped Its Way Into America’s Heart |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/dining/air-fryer.html |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In the UK, air fryers have surged in popularity since the early 2020's, with a 2024 study revealing that 1 in 5 Brits say that air fryers are their most commonly used cooking device. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-21 |title=Great British Kitchen Culture Index |url=https://ao.com/cooking/get-to-know |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=AO.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Industrial convection ovens==
==Industrial convection ovens==
Industrial convection ovens can be very large-sized and are typically used for manufacturing various items.
Industrial convection ovens can be very large.


[[Hot air oven]]s are used to sterilize medical equipment.
[[Hot air oven]]s are convection ovens used to sterilize medical equipment.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 16:50, 10 December 2024

A tabletop convection oven cooking pork. For slower cooking, the gridiron here has been reversed to place the meat low and far from the main heat source (at the top of the pot), although near the heat of the glass pot's bottom. Flipping the gridiron would raise the meat closer to the main heat source.
An industrial convection oven used in the aircraft manufacturing industry

A convection oven (also known as a fan-assisted oven, turbo broiler or simply a fan oven or turbo) is an oven that has fans to circulate air around food[1] to create an evenly heated environment. In an oven without a fan, natural convection circulates hot air unevenly, so that it will be cooler at the bottom and hotter at the top than in the middle.[2] Fan ovens cook food faster, and are also used in non-food, industrial applications. Small countertop convection ovens for household use are often marketed as air fryers.

When cooking using a fan-assisted oven, the temperature is usually set lower than for a non-fan oven, often by 20 °C (36 °F), to avoid overcooking the outside of the food.

Principle of operation

Convection ovens distribute heat evenly around the food, removing the blanket of cooler air that surrounds food when it is first placed in an oven and allowing food to cook more evenly in less time and at a lower temperature than in a conventional oven.[3]

History

The first oven with a fan to circulate air was invented in 1914 but it was never launched commercially.[4]

The first convection oven in wide use was the Maxson Whirlwind Oven, introduced in 1945.[5]

Design

A convection oven has a fan with a heating element around it. A small fan circulates the air in the cooking chamber.[6][7]

One effect of the fan is to reduce the thickness of the stationary thermal boundary layer of cooler air that naturally forms around the food. The boundary layer acts as an insulator and slows the rate at which heat is transferred to the food. By moving the cool air (convecting it) away from the food the layer is thinned, and cooking is faster. To prevent overcooking before the middle is cooked, the temperature is usually reduced by about 20 °C (36 °F) below the setting used for a non-fan oven. In a non-fan oven the temperature varies significantly in different places; a fan distributes hot air evenly for a uniform temperature.

Convection ovens may include additional radiant heat sources at the top and bottom of the oven, which provide immediate heat without the warmup time of a (natural or fan-assisted) convection oven.

Effectiveness

A convection oven allows a reduction in cooking temperature compared to a conventional oven. This comparison will vary, depending on factors including, for example, how much food is being cooked at once or if airflow is being restricted, for example by an oversized baking tray.[citation needed] This difference in cooking temperature is offset as the circulating air transfers heat more quickly than still air of the same temperature. In order to transfer the same amount of heat in the same time, the temperature must be lowered to reduce the rate of heat transfer in order to compensate.[citation needed]

Variants

Another form of convection oven has hot air directed at a high flow rate from above and below food that passes through the oven on a conveyor belt; it is called an impingement oven.[8][9][10] This cooks, for example, breaded products such as chicken nuggets or breaded chicken portions faster than a fan oven, and yields a crisp surface texture. Impinged air also prevents "shadowing" which occurs with infrared radiant heat sources. Impingement ovens can achieve a much higher heat transfer than a conventional oven.

Fully enclosed models can also use dual magnetrons,[11] as used by microwave ovens. The most notable manufacturer of this type of oven is TurboChef. The differences between an impingement oven with magnetrons and a convection microwave oven are claimed to be cost, power consumption, and speed. Impingement ovens are designed to be used in restaurants, where speed is essential and power consumption and cost are less of a concern.

There are also convection microwave ovens which combine a convection oven with a microwave oven to cook food with the speed of a microwave oven and the browning ability of a convection oven.[12][13][14]

A combi steamer is an oven that combines convection functionality with superheated steam to cook foods even faster and retain more nutrients and moisture[citation needed].

Air fryer

An air fryer

An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that is said to simulate deep frying without submerging the food in oil.[15][16] A fan circulates hot air[15] at a high speed, producing a crisp layer via browning reactions such as the Maillard reaction. Some product reviewers find that regular convection ovens or convection toaster ovens produce better results;[15] others say that air frying is essentially the same as convection baking,[17] while still others praise the devices for cooking faster, being easier to clean, and making it easier to produce crispy results than full size convection ovens.[18]

The original Philips Air fryer used radiant heat from a heating element just above the food and convection heat from a strong air stream flowing upwards through the open bottom of the food chamber, delivering heat from all sides, with a small volume of hot air forced to pass from the heater surface and over the food, with no idle air circulating as in a convection oven. A shaped guide directed the airflow over the bottom of the food. The technique was patented as Rapid Air technology.[19][20]

Traditional frying methods induce the Maillard reaction at temperatures of 140 to 165 °C (284 to 329 °F) by completely submerging foods in hot oil, well above the boiling point of water. The air fryer works by circulating air at up to 200 °C (392 °F) to apply sufficient heat to food coated with a thin layer of oil, causing the reaction.[21]

Most air fryers have temperature and timer adjustments that allow precise cooking. Food is typically cooked in a basket that sits on a drip tray. For best results the basket must be periodically agitated, either manually or by the fryer mechanism. Convection ovens and air fryers are similar in the way they cook food, but air fryers are smaller and give off less heat to the room.[16]

There are several types of household air fryer:

Paddle

In this type, a paddle machine moves throughout the heating chamber to move the air around more evenly. This is more convenient for the user because other types of air fryers require manual stirring throughout to ensure that all sides are fully cooked. [22]

Cylindrical basket

A cylindrical basket is a small, single function air fryer that includes a drawer with a removable basket. A fan circulates from the top, and the food is cooked through holes in the basket. It can accommodate 2.8 litres (3.0 US quarts) of food or less on average. Because of its compact size, it preheats faster than other types of air fryers.[23]

Countertop convection oven

Countertop convection ovens come with an air frying feature that work the same way as basket type air fryers. They usually have multiple trays or racks, so multiple things can be cooked at the same time. It holds 24 litres (25 US quarts) of food on average. They are more versatile than single function type because they have multiple features like baking, rotisserie, grilling, frying, broiling, and toasting.[23]

Halogen

This type of air fryer cooks food with a halogen radiant heat source from above. The heat is spread evenly with a fan like other types of air fryers. This type is usually a large glass bowl with a hinged lid.[24]

Oil-less turkey fryer

This is a large, barrel-shaped air fryer used to cook whole turkeys and other large pieces of meat. It circulates air around the drum to cook the meat evenly.[25]

History

Convection ovens have been in wide use since 1945.[26]

In 2006, Groupe SEB introduced the world's first air fryer, under the Actifry brand of convection ovens in the French market.[27][28][29][30]

In 2010, Philips introduced the Air fryer brand of convection oven at the IFA Berlin consumer electronics fair.[31][32][20] By 2018, the term "air fryer" was starting to be used generically.[33]

In the United States convection ovens experienced a surge in popularity in the late 2010's and early 2020's with a reported 36% of U.S. households having one in 2020 and an estimated 60% of U.S. households having one in 2023. Food manufacturers have responded by adding air frying instructions on a number of products and pre air-fried products also coming to market.[34][35]

In the UK, air fryers have surged in popularity since the early 2020's, with a 2024 study revealing that 1 in 5 Brits say that air fryers are their most commonly used cooking device. [36]

Industrial convection ovens

Industrial convection ovens can be very large.

Hot air ovens are convection ovens used to sterilize medical equipment.

References

  1. ^ "Definition of CONVECTION OVEN". www.merriam-webster.com. 7 July 2023.
  2. ^ Martin, Jonny (23 August 2024). "Gas Cookers vs Electric Cookers > Gas cooker cons > Less-even heat distribution in the oven". Which?.
  3. ^ Ojakangas, Beatrice (2009). Cooking with Convection: Everything You Need to Know to Get the Most from Your Convection Oven.
  4. ^ "Adding Pressure to Heat in Cooking". Technical World Magazine. May 1914. p. 403.
  5. ^ "Everything You Need to Know about Convection Ovens & Air Fryers". Air & Water. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  6. ^ "What's the difference between fan and convection ovens?". SMEG.com. Archived from the original on 7 May 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Ovens Advice Centre". Hoover Advice Centre. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  8. ^ "US5934178A — Air impingement oven" – via Google Patents.
  9. ^ "Commercial Ovens".
  10. ^ "The Science of Impingement: How it can speed up your cook time". Marlen. 2022.
  11. ^ "Speed cooking oven".
  12. ^ "Heating cooker, cooking system, arithmetic device, and cooking support method".
  13. ^ "Here, GE should stand for "General Excellence."".
  14. ^ Carrillo, Jaime (10 June 2021). "Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 takes versatility to a whole new level". The Daily Dot.
  15. ^ a b c "Are air fryers worth it?". Wired. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 19 March 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  16. ^ a b Clark, Melissa (1 April 2019). "6 Tips for Using Your Air Fryer". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  17. ^ Sullivan, Michael (22 March 2022). "The Best Air Fryer". Wirecutter. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What's the Difference?". Good Housekeeping.
  19. ^ "What is Rapid Air Technology?". APDS. 10 June 2016. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  20. ^ a b "History of the Air Fryer". exnovate.org. Archived from the original on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  21. ^ McGee, Harold (2004). "The Maillard Reaction; Caramelization". On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribners. pp. 656–57, 778–79. ISBN 978-0-68480001-1.
  22. ^ D’Costa, Roja (11 March 2021). "What Is An Air Fryer? - Types Of Air Fryer - All Kitchen Reviews". allkitchenreviews.com. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  23. ^ a b "4 Types of Air Fryers". Kitchen Infinity. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  24. ^ Cynthia Lawrence (26 November 2022). "Air fryer vs halogen oven — which is cheaper?". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  25. ^ D'Costa, Roja (11 March 2021). "What Is an Air Fryer? - Types of Air Fryer". All Kitchen Reviews. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Everything You Need to Know about Convection Ovens & Air Fryers". Air & Water. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  27. ^ lsa-conso .fr/produits/friteuse-actifry-seb,133832
  28. ^ lesechos.fr/2008/07/seb-defie-la-conjoncture-avec-linnovation-493611
  29. ^ federactive.com/histoire-du-groupe-seb.html
  30. ^ journaldunet. com/economie/industrie/1169062-actifry-smart-seb/1169706-8-millions-d-actifry-vendues-dans-le-monde
  31. ^ "Philips debuts the Airfryer – crispy fries without the fat". New Atlas. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  32. ^ Morales, Christina (25 January 2022). "How the Air Fryer Crisped Its Way Into America's Heart". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  33. ^ "Has airfryer become a generic trademark?". genericides.org. Archived from the original on 24 April 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  34. ^ Lucas, Amelia (5 March 2023). "Nestle, Tyson and other food giants bet on air fryer boom to grow sales". CNBC. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  35. ^ Morales, Christina (25 January 2022). "How the Air Fryer Crisped Its Way Into America's Heart". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Great British Kitchen Culture Index". AO.com. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Convection_oven&oldid=1262289304"