Convection oven saves energy?

[ABHanna4d]

Does a convection oven save more energy than q regular conventional oven, or does It just cook fast cause It uses more energy in a shorter amount of time?

 

[Better Half]

Not sure but I don't think they do. I bought one and returned it. It didn't seem to cook that much faster or more evenly. I supposed if they did all ovens would all be convection ovens. I may have just gotten a bad one. Don't remember the brand but at bought it at Sears. I know microwaves use less energy.

 

[Occamstazer]

Hmm interesting thought!
I'll be curious to see what people say about this one...

I unplug big power-suckers like the oven when they're not in use, that helps too. I think some stuff sucks like 40% power even in the resting position.

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

Convection ovens continually circulate heated air, thereby reducing cooking time and using an average of 20% less energy than conventional ovens.

We have one, and I generally have to use 25 degrees less if I want to get it done in the same amount of time as conventional, or if I use the same temperature as conventional, then it's done in about 20% less time.

Either way, uses less energy than conventional.

 

[old fashioned]

We had one (got it used & later went out on me), but it worked more like a regular over & had a switch for the fan to work as convection. I really liked it because I was able to choose if I wanted it as convection or conventional. I usually only used the convection for cooking certain things like a roast or other meat & for dehydrating in the oven. I didn't really like using convection for other things like bread or cakes & stuff like that. So I was glad it wasn't solely convection. (unless of course all convection ovens have the switch, I don't know)

Like BH&G said, a convection probably does save some money & energy because of using a lower temp & sometimes less cooking time

 

[FarmerChick]

I want convection but until my OLD oven dies no way I will replace it yet.

I bought a toaster oven for the counter. it saves me from turning on the big oven....in fact I hardly use the big oven anymore

why heat a big space when a small toaster oven does it for me in a smaller space right?

 

[murphysranch]

Convection ovens have been a staple in all restaurant kitchens for decades. Yes, they cook faster at a lower temperature, by moving the heated air around the interior, vs static heat that is not distributed.

 

[ABHanna4d]

Thank you all so much for your input! That is great advice!
I still cant decide what I am going to do...but since my oven is out I guess there will be no baking until I decide!

 

[ORChick]

My microwave oven is dual microwave/convection. I hate the microwave for many reasons, and seldom use it. And have only used the convection a few times. I like the idea of convection, and I believe it does use less energy. But my oven is noisy - it makes the same noise while convection cooking as it does while microwaving - and I hate it. Microwaving for a minute, with that noise, is one thing; convection cooking for half an hour (or more), with the same noise, is another thing entirely. I don't know if a regular oven/convection oven is as loud, and annoying. I really only use it when I'm making a big dinner (like Thanksgiving), and need the extra cooking ability.

 

[ABHanna4d]

My microwave oven is dual microwave/convection. I hate the microwave for many reasons, and seldom use it. And have only used the convection a few times. I like the idea of convection, and I believe it does use less energy. But my oven is noisy - it makes the same noise while convection cooking as it does while microwaving - and I hate it. Microwaving for a minute, with that noise, is one thing; convection cooking for half an hour (or more), with the same noise, is another thing entirely. I don't know if a regular oven/convection oven is as loud, and annoying. I really only use it when I'm making a big dinner (like Thanksgiving), and need the extra cooking ability.

I never thought about the noise factor...yes I sure hate the sound of my microwave, but when I only need it for 30 seconds its really not a big deal, but for an HOUR I think I owuld leave the house!!