Convection Ovens Key Terms

Become well-versed in convection ovens key terms

Convection ovens are the latest innovation in cooking faster and more efficiently, but there may be some things about them that you are not familiar with. In order to become knowledgeable about convection ovens and how they work, you should learn everything you can about them in order to utilize them in your restaurant. Here are a few key elements on convection ovens. 

 

Convection

Convection is a term that explains how items become hot. Heated liquids have a lower density so a heated liquid will rise, fall and repeat the process, heating the entire liquid. Convection oven cooking was discovered by Gardner Spring Blodgett in the 1960's but has most recently become a staple of restaurants.
Try: Solar Views offers an excellent tutorial on how convection works.

Single deck and double deck

Single deck and double deck are words used to describe the shelving capabilities on a convection oven. The baking compartments have either one shelf for a single deck or two shelves for a double deck. Depending on your needs, you can choose a space-saving, single-deck convection oven or a double-deck convection oven for more cooking capabilities.
Try: Zesco has detailed information on the differences between the single-deck and double-deck options.

Digital convection

Digital convection is another way of saying convection oven. Both are essentially the same thing, an oven that uses convection to cook foods by using circulated air to heat evenly.
Try: Directory M Articles defines what a digital convection oven is.

BTU

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the amount of energy or heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A convection oven's BTU will tell you its output of energy capabilities. A higher BTU count means more energy and more output. Fewer BTUs may cost you less but will not perform as well in a restaurant that is extremely busy.
Try: Maxwell offers more information about BTUs. 

Heating element

A heating element is found in all ovens, including convection ovens. The electric current within the element meets resistance, resulting in heating of the element.
Try: Wise Geek discusses convection ovens and how the heating element is implemented in cooking.

Proofer oven

A proofer oven provides single-unit cooking. It's perfect for commercial restaurants where multiple items are cooked, such as bread, cakes and pastries. It's especially helpful in cooking items faster by not having to turn pans since everything cooks evenly through convection air.
Try: RMIT University discusses a proofer oven and how it works.

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