Many people seem to think that a convection oven is just a bigger version of an air fryer, but strictly speaking, that is not the case. A convection oven and an air fryer are very similar, but they are not the same: while both use hot air circulation for efficient cooking, the differences between them can be seen in their design, functionality, and purpose.
These differences are not small, especially if you are cooking large-scale, like in a commercial kitchen. Buying an air fryer instead of a commercial convection oven would be a big mistake! To make the best decision, you must understand the differences between an air fryer and a convection oven.
What is a Convection Oven?
When we speak of a convection oven, we are talking of an oven with fans that actively circulate the hot air throughout the interior of the oven. Convection ovens work by a process called “convection.” Convection refers to a process where heat is transferred or spread about via a fluid, which can be liquid or gas.
The main advantage of a convection oven over a traditional oven is that hot air is circulated more consistently to every corner of the oven. This ensures that temperatures are consistent throughout the oven, resulting in faster and more even cooking.
Key Features of Convection Ovens
- Large capacity, suitable for families or meal prepping.
- Versatility to bake, roast, and even broil.
- Even cooking, which is perfect for delicate dishes like pastries.
- Convection ovens are a staple in professional kitchens, but they’re equally useful for home cooks who need a reliable, multi-functional appliance.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food. An air fryer is great if you want a healthier alternative to deep frying because it offers the crispy, golden exterior of fried foods while reducing fat content. The main advantage of an air fryer is that it mimics the crispy texture of fried foods without using large amounts of oil.
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer also uses convection cooking—a fan circulates hot air around the food at high speed. This heat ensures that the food cooks quickly and evenly and produces a delicious, crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist.
Generally, an air fryer requires only a small amount of oil (or none at all), which makes it a healthier option for preparing foods like fries, chicken wings, and other kinds of dishes that are traditionally deep-fried.
Key Features of Air Fryers
- Compact in size, making it ideal for small kitchens or quick meals.
- Excellent for crisping foods like fries, wings, and nuggets.
- Healthier cooking with little to no oil required.
- Air fryers are perfect for anyone looking to prepare quick, crispy meals with minimal effort.
Convection Oven vs. Air Fryer: A Side-by-Side Comparison
While the cooking method is the same, there are some key differences between a convection oven and an air fryer. Most of them have to do with size: convection ovens are generally bigger than air fryers, which explains why you are likelier to see them in places like commercial kitchens where food is being cooked in large batches. Beyond that, there are even more differences between the two: let's explore.
1. Cooking Method
While both rely on air circulation, the air fryer’s design allows it to excel at crisping, while the convection oven offers versatility for larger meals.
A convection oven utilizes fans to circulate hot air in a larger cooking chamber, ensuring even heat distribution, while an air fryer uses rapid air technology in a smaller, enclosed space for concentrated heat and faster crisping.
2. Cooking Speed and Capacity
A convection oven is best for large meals or multiple dishes, while an air fryer is unbeatable for quick, single servings. A convection oven fries slightly slower than air fryers but, due to its size, allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
With an air fryer, you can cook faster: the chamber is smaller, and the heat is more intense, but you can only cook a small volume of food at a time.
3. Health and Nutrition
An air fryer is a healthier frying alternative because it requires little to no oil, making it great for crispy foods. A convection oven can also cook with minimal oil, but it is not as efficient at replicating the fried texture as an air fryer.
If reducing oil consumption is a priority, the air fryer is the better choice.
4. Versatility
While a convection oven can handle a wide range of tasks, from baking to roasting and broiling, an air fryer is limited to frying, crisping, roasting, or reheating.
Who Should Choose a Convection Oven?
- You cook for a large family or enjoy preparing meals in bulk.
- Baking is a regular part of your cooking routine.
- You want an all-in-one appliance for various tasks.
Who Should Choose an Air Fryer?
- You love fried foods but want a healthier cooking method.
- You need quick meals for 1-2 people.
- You have limited space and a smaller budget.
Best kitchen appliances for 2024
Convection ovens offer versatility and capacity, making them perfect for families and serious home cooks. The area where a convection oven is better than an air fryer is in a commercial kitchen.
Recommendations From Wilprep’s Kitchen
Commercial countertop Convection Ovens are great because they are designed to fit on the top of a counter, making them ideal if your kitchen is small and you are concerned about space efficiency. Check out these models from Wilprep.
WILPREP 1/4 Pan Countertop Convection Oven
This convection oven features a 0.9 cu. ft. (26 L) cavity and 3 wire racks to accommodate 3 quarter-size sheet pans. It provides ample space and the flexibility required for diverse cooking tasks, from toasting and roasting to baking and broiling.
Main Features- It has a total heating power of 1400W and a sizeable fan to ensure efficient convection. Food cooks faster and more evenly than in conventional ovens, making it ideal for busy individuals or kitchens.
- You can simply turn the knob to set temperatures from 100 to 500°F and durations of up to 120 minutes.
- It has a glass door for easy monitoring. It has a double-pane tempered glass window and built-in LED light, providing clear visibility without disrupting the cooking process.
- This convection oven is sturdy and low-maintenance. Its stainless-steel structure fights corrosion and is a breeze to wipe down. Its thick insulation keeps the heat inside, perfect for all your cooking adventures.
Similar Models to Compare
Wilprep also provides similar countertop convection oven models with similar main features but variable in size. You can check out the bigger Wilprep 1/2 Pan Countertop Convection which has a total space of 1.6 cu. ft. (46 L) and 4 wire racks to accommodate 4 half size sheet pans. This model has a higher heating power of 1600W and you can also adjust temperatures between 100 to 500°F and durations of up to 120 minutes.
Electric Commercial Convection Oven Double Deck
This is the first of Wilprep's double-deck electric commercial convection ovens, designed for large-scale cooking and baking. It offers a spacious 7 cu. ft. chamber with 5 racks that can rest on 11 sets of brackets. You can adjust the rack configurations, from cakes to pizzas, to accommodate your food.
- It reaches temperatures from 150 to 500°F for baking diverse foods. It also operates with an automatic thermostat for reliable precision.
- You can switch the convection fan between 2 modes (cook and cool modes) and 2 speeds (high and low).
- It has a 60-minute timer to provide a quick reminder without cutting off the power.
- The built-in LED lights and glass doors allow clear monitoring of your dishes without releasing hot air.
- The interior is made of porcelain interior and provides a non-porous surface for easy cleaning, The exterior is made of stainless steel exterior and offers maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
Many More!
Another best practice is ensuring the commercial kitchen always acquires top-quality commercial refrigerators. It is no secret that best practices only apply to the quality of the equipment used. Wilprep’s Kitchen is a top provider of reliable commercial kitchen equipment, including refrigerators, food warmers, commercial ranges, and industrial ovens.
Wilprep’s commercial refrigerator collection includes various models, including display refrigerators, reach-in refrigerators, and open-air models, to suit the needs of diverse businesses. Check out Wilprep for the right materials to grow your business and more information on implementing best practices in your commercial kitchen, including a guide on selecting the ideal refrigerator.
