Convection Oven and Microwave Oven Q&A

Oven Choices

Q: We would like to buy a convection or a combination microwave convection oven. What are the pros and cons of each type?

A: A convection oven produces more even heat than a traditional oven, thanks to a heating element in the back of the unit and a fan that moves the heated air around and into the food. This locks in juices and makes meats more tender.

You can find small, off-brand convection ovens (basically a toaster oven with a fan) for as low as $120, but to enjoy the real benefits of convection, you'll need to buy a larger model, which costs about $1,000-$2,500.

Although convection models cook foods faster than standard ovens, thanks in part to shorter preheating times, a combination microwave convection oven is what gives you real cooking speed. These units can cook foods up to five times faster than a conventional oven, and allow even browning and crisping that is impossible in a traditional microwave oven.

However, the inside cavity of a combination model is generally smaller in size than a standard microwave oven. So you may want to purchase both a convection oven and a standard microwave oven if you have the space. If not, you can still add cooking flexibility with a combination unit. Prices range from about $300 to $1,500.