Ovens

Conventional, convection, microwave, and combination are the choices you have for your new oven. What are they and what are the differences?

What is Conventional?
A conventional oven heats mainly on electromagnetic waves that radiate from the sides of the oven. The heat radiates through the oven naturally - warm air rises and is replaced by cooler air, which then rises and is replaced. This is the lowest cost oven with an average cost of $850. The problem with this type of oven is that if you do much baking, you will find that the heat does not distribute equally causing the food on the lower rack to cook quicker than the food on the top rack.

What is Convection?
A convection oven cooks faster than conventional. It works basically the same as a conventional oven, but uses a fan to circulate the heat evenly. This results in more even and faster cooking on all racks. The odors and tastes of different foods will not mix in a convection oven, so you can cook different foods together. Since the air circulates for even distribution you will not have to move things around in the oven to get even cooking. You will have to get used to the oven cooking faster though. Recipe times will need to be adapted. Some new conventional ovens come with a chart you can refer to. Some have an auto adjustment on their digital display that will reset the appropriate time for you when you put the recipes conventional oven time in. The average convection oven cost is $1300.

The innovative Polara(tm) refrigerated range combines cooling and cooking in one appliance. So you can keep dinner cool until you're ready to cook-while you're still miles from your kitchen.

How does a Microwave cook?
Microwaves cook by getting water molecules in the food moving in a rapidly alternating electrical field. In order to cook effectively it is recommended that your microwave operate on 750 to 1,000 watts. Most microwaves come with programmed buttons for specific foods, which is helpful since microwaves cook food much faster than ovens. Microwaves are usually used as a cooking accessory to heat side dishes and warm-up leftovers. They do not cook to the same taste and texture that an oven does. Depending on the size and brand, a microwave can cost from $100 to $500.

What is a Combination oven?
Combination ovens combine the advantages of different types of ovens. Some examples are conventional oven with convection option, microwave that can be used as a halogen light cooker for quicker cooking time, and convection oven that can also be used as a microwave to brown food to look like it was cooked in a conventional oven. Combination ovens allow for quicker cooking options, but are more expensive. These ovens start around $1500.