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Convection Roast vs. Convection Bake: What’s The Difference?

by Fred's Appliance

A roast baking inside a Cafe convection oven

At a Glance:

Convection Roast vs Bake

Convection Roast vs Bake Heat Supply

Convection Roast vs Bake Temperature Range

Convection Roast vs Bake Duration

Convection Roast vs Bake Heating Elements

Why Trust Us?

So you bought your beautiful new convection oven, looked at all of the settings, and are now a little confused. It’s challenging enough to keep track of what separates convection cooking from traditional cooking, let alone all of the differences between different convection cooking methods!

But, it’s okay, we can help you! In this convection oven guide, we’re going to analyze and dive deep to give you the lowdown on the main differences between convection bake and convection roast methods. You don’t have to rely on just the manual—we’ve simplified things for you.

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Flex your pro game in the kitchen by upgrading to a convection oven from Fred's Appliance.

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Differences Between Convection Bake and Convection Roast

Before we can clarify the fine details, let's take a step back: What is a convection oven?

At its simplest, a convection uses an oven heating element and a fan to produce more even heat distribution. Unlike conventional ovens, which use radiant heat, convection baking moves air uniformly within the compartment, so users don't have to flip and rotate trays as much (if at all).

To better understand what separates convection bake and convection roast, let’s look at some of the major differences between the two.

inside view of a convection oven

Heat Supply

If you're asking yourself, "What is the difference between convection baking and convection roasting," the key is how heat is supplied.

The convection bake setting cooks food in a manner similar to that of a conventional oven. A convection bake oven has heating elements on the top and bottom of the oven that work in tandem to ensure that the meal receives uniform heat.

What are the results? Fewer hot spots in the oven, which means less of a chance that items burn. You won’t have to cope with an uncooked center or a crispy shell. This setting is excellent for baking bread or cakes.

On the other hand, the convection roast setting does use plenty of air circulation. As a result, the oven will employ both a fan and a heating element. The air is then heated by the broil element while the fan circulates it throughout the oven’s interior. The circulation adjusts to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the oven. To roast your dish, the convection roast will employ both stagnant and circulating hot air., which is what browns your food. If you’re roasting beef, turkey, or chicken, this setting is ideal.

Learn More: The Gas vs Electric Oven Debate

Man operating convection oven

Convection Roast vs Bake Temperature Range

Both convection bake and roast use different temperature levels. When roasting, the oven is kept at a higher temperature, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the perfect browning. On the other hand, convection baking is done at a somewhat lower temperature, around 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

About Convection Oven Temperature Conversion

Regardless of whether you use convection to bake or roast, there are a few rules to the cooking technique users should follow to get the best results.

  • One rule is adjusting the temperature setting. Simply set the temperature 25 degrees lower than the original recipe bake temperature calls for.
  • Be sure to also adjust meal cooking times by 25% to avoid overcooking entrees. As a general rule of thumb, check about 20 minutes earlier than the normal finish time.
  • Duration

    baked treats getting pulled out of oven

    Another difference to keep in mind is the duration. Dishes baked using the traditional convection method typically take shorter to prepare than foods prepared using the convection roasting method. Ultimately, roast recipes require lower cooking temperatures, while everyday convection recipes for items like entrees and pastries whip up in a fraction of the time.

    With that said, knowing how to cook with convection oven time conversions is as simple as adjusting the temperature. All you need to do is subtract 25% of the cooking time. We also recommend checking your bake regularly until you get a hang of the speed and temperature your convection oven runs at.

    Heating Elements

    woman pulling roasted chicken out of oven

    Both top and bottom heating elements are found in convection ovens, but not all heating elements are used for all cooking settings. Convection baking uses the bottom heating element almost all of the time, whereas convection roasting uses both the upper and lower heating elements.

    What is European Convection?

    Chances are you've come across this term once or twice in your search for the best convection oven. It's an important detail that makes the difference between standard convection and one that is akin to the kind professionals use.

    Also known as true convection, European convection uses an additional heat source for superior heat distribution. That means less flipping and rotating pans and being able to achieve even results for all baked items regardless of rack position. But don't worry—you can operate European convection ovens the same way as regular convection ovens by adjusting their time and temperature by 25%.

    Learn More: Which Double Wall Ovens Have the Best Features?

    Our Picks: Top Convection Oven Models

    Your weeknight meals are about to get even better when you have the help of the best convection oven models from top brands on the market. Take a look at the best oven features these models offer and how they can help simplify mealtime for every occasion.

    Electrolux 30" Stainless Steel Oven/Micro Combo Electric Wall Oven

    Front view of an Electrolux combination microwave convection oven

    Shop This Electrolux Convection Oven

    Every avid home cook dreams of cooking with the latest cooking tools. This Electrolux convection oven makes it a possibility with a range of features for every type of menu. Get fancy with the Air Sous Vide setting for restaurant-style results minus the need for another gadget. Or explore steamed recipes with the steam bake function, game day favorites with the Air Fry setting, and baked classics with Advanced Convection technology. Whichever way you choose to cook in this oven microwave combo, the results are sure to impress.

    ⭐Featured Electrolux ECWM3012AS review:

    “This oven/microwave is perfect fit for our new kitchen remodel. Love the connectivity app which is very easy to use and provides great access. The clean lines on this unit are very attractive and compliment our Electrolux Dual Fuel Range.”

    Frigidaire® 27" Black Single Electric Wall Oven

    Front view of a Frigidaire 27

    Shop This Frigidaire Convection Oven

    This black stainless steel convection oven will draw you in with its sleek presentation and keep your attention with its powerful features, including Fan Convection that moves air throughout the entire oven for even cooking on every rack. Like the 600+ 5-star reviews, we give this wall oven two thumb up for its simple use, modern design, and great cooking performance.

    ⭐Featured Frigidaire FCWS2727AB review:

    “I am a hobby baker, artisanal breads especially. This oven bakes My breads so that the inside is moist with great airspace and the outside has a beautiful crispy texture, almost bakery quality. This is good as any commercial of an I've ever used in the restaurant.”

    Café™ Professional Series 30" Matte White Single Electric Wall Oven

    Front view of a matte white Cafe French door oven

    Shop This Cafe Convection Oven

    The kitchen is a personal place, so why not customize it to reflect your personal style? This Cafe French door oven lets you with a selection of hardware finishes and color options that let you express your true colors. Aside from being a looker, it's also a workhorse, boasting upgrades like convection for baked favorites, an Air Fry mode for game day favorites, and Wi-Fi connectivity to make using this oven even easier. Like many users, we're also fans of the French door design, which makes it easier and safer to handle items, especially heavy and large entrees.

    ⭐Featured Featured Cafe CTS90FP4NW2 review:

    “The oven is amazing. So many great features. I love to bake and this oven loves baking! Highly recommend. I purchased electric appliances as I'm moving away from gas in the home and was concerned it wouldn't perform as well as a gas oven. It's all around better!”

    So, if you’re looking to upgrade your convection oven to a new model, make Member Name your first and last stop! If you have any questions or need more help, give us a call or stop by today!

    Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?

    Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

    When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!

    Shop Convection Ovens at Fred’s Appliance

    If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop wall ovens online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you learn about convection roast vs bake and more. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.

    Learn More: 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Cooking Appliance