A Guide to Standard vs Convection Cooking Methods
What is standard cooking?
This is the traditional “radiant heat” style of cooking. You may choose this method of cooking for your tried and true recipes. As with all radiant style ovens, it will be necessary to preheat the oven, especially for baked goods. When roasting meats from frozen to finish, usually preheating is not required. However allow 1/3 to 1/2 more cooking time depending on the size of the cut. To assure desired degree of doneness, use a meat thermometer for meats and poultry.
Note: Bake and Broil elements are independently controlled. Broil element will not turn on when bake element is used.
What is convection cooking?
Convection means conveying. A fan at the back of the oven circulates the hot air thus cooking foods from all sides, sealing in juices. The circulating air penetrates food faster therefore you may want to cook foods for less time at the usual temperature or reduce the temperature by 25 °F/15 °C and cook for approximately 10% less time.
With convection cooking you can cook on more than one rack at a time thus saving time and energy. Occasionally if cooking on multi-levels you may need to remove one pan sooner than the others. You can even cook a complete meal at the same time as long as you choose items that cook at the same temperature, as there is no flavor transfer; however we do not recommend an item that may spatter to cook on the same shelf as a dessert. Be sure to stagger pans if possible on multi-levels so that one is not directly over the other and leave at least 1″ (2.5 cm) of space between the pans. Do not place large pans directly in front of fan, at the back of oven, as this may block the air circulation.
Please Note: When cooking high moisture content foods in the oven on the convection mode, some steam or condensation may be noticed on the outside of the oven door.
What is convection roasting?
This method of cooking uses both hot air and radiant heat, and is similar to rotisserie cooking, where high heat is applied quickly and evenly around the meat, but instead of rotating, hot air circulates around the meat.
Before beginning convection roasting, insert the grease filter at the back of the oven and insert the optional raised roasting rack into broiler pan and rack. Place the cuts of meat or poultry fat side up, uncovered on the raised roasting rack. This allows the air to circulate around the roast, sealing in the juices. Do not use deep roasting pans or baking pans with high sides , as air cannot circulate around the food. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones to accurately determine doneness.
What is standard broiling?
This method of cooking is used to transfer high heat over a short period of time to placed in close proximity to the broiler element. Usually used to brown the surface of food, such as meringues, steaks and roasts. Place meat on the broiler pan (add water to the bottom of the pan to reduce smoking) and place on the third or fourth rack depending on the food and your personal tastes. Please do not leave food being broiled unattended – excessive smoke or burning may occur.
F. Gas Oven Features:
o one cubic foot of warming storage area. And, the warming drawer on the Heartland Classic 48″ Gas Range model includes thermostatic temperature control and sliding humidity control as a bonus feature.
