How to Compare Prices of Convection Ranges
Comparing convection oven prices depends on whether you are looking at the same oven across multiple retailers or considering different ovens. When considering different ovens, it is important to evaluate the features of each oven in addition to the price. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Comparing Prices
-
For the same range offered through multiple sellers, such as a local appliance retailer, an online store and an auction site, compare the price of the oven plus any applicable tax, and shipping and handling fees. There are sites to help you compare prices at multiple stores, such as Price Grabber, DealTime or NexTag. An alternative method is to research prices at individual retailers, either online or in person.
Key Features
-
There are four key convection oven features: the fan placement, the power source, the type of convection and the oven depth. One important feature is whether the oven has a rear-positioned or bottom-positioned fan. Rear-positioned fans are most common; bottom-positioned fans cause the convection oven to operate more like a conventional oven, but are good with heavy, earthenware or glassware dishes. A second important consideration is whether the convection oven is electric- or gas-powered.
Third, the oven may be a standard convection oven, true convection oven or reverse airflow oven. Standard convection ovens combine the fan with standard bake elements. Also known as European or third-element, true convection ovens place the heating element with the fan so the fan blows pre-heated air throughout the oven. The reverse airflow oven sucks air into the fan rather than blowing it out over the food and is better for multi-rack cooking.
Convection ovens come in a standard 24-inch depth and in a 28-inch depth, which allows greater flexibility in placement of cooking pans.
-
Optional Features
-
Optional oven features that may provide added cooking flexibility include adjustable power levels, a temperature probe, the ability to turn the fan off during cooking, a moisture sensor, an automatic defrost cycle or a gentle bake cycle.
Other features help in the oven's operation. Over the range, convection ovens may double as the range exhaust hood. Touchpad versus standard knob controls may increase the ease of programming the oven. Ease of operating the oven might also be aided by a filter to catch particles or grease, a large observation window, a preheat indicator and interior oven lights.
-
References
- University of Illinois Extension Disaster Resources: Buying Microwave Ovens and Microwave/Convection Ovens
- Whirlpool: Range Performance Buying Guide
- Warners' Stellian Range Buying Guide: What is a Convection Oven and How Does it Work?
- Fine Cooking: Better Cooking Through Convection
- Compact Appliance: Buyer's Guides: Convection Oven Cooking
