Is a Convection Oven The Same as an Air Fryer?

Posted on 2.24.23

As technology advances, so does the availability of modern cooking appliances that make our lives easier. First came the convection ovens, which quickly grew in popularity; soon after, air fryers took the cooking industry by storm.

These two appliances have continued to grow in popularity in recent years, and there may be some confusion as to whether or not they serve the same purpose. Keep reading to explore the differences between convection ovens and air fryers and discover which appliance best fits your cooking needs.

Differences Between Convection Ovens and Air Fryers

Cooking Technology

When it comes to cooking technology, they both cook food using a high-powered fan that evenly circulates hot air around the food. This circulation of air allows for the food to be quickly cooked while easily achieving the perfect golden brown crispiness that these machines are known for. However, because air fryers are smaller, they heat up faster than convection ovens, further reducing the necessary cooking time.

Cooking Results

When it comes to cooking, they tend to produce a similar overall result. Air fryers can often achieve an even crispier texture due to the appliance’s small size, which allows them to heat up faster.

Versatility

Convection ovens are more versatile than air fryers, as they can be used for baking, broiling, roasting, and other cooking techniques. Whereas air fryers are designed specifically for air frying your food and can not be used to perform any of the other cooking styles.

Capacity

Convection ovens have a larger capacity than air fryers, which allows them to cook larger quantities of food. Air fryers are smaller and better suited for cooking smaller portions of food.

How to Choose between a Convection Oven and an Air Fryer

When deciding whether to purchase an air fryer or a convection oven, you should consider the following factors to find the best option for you: cooking needs, budget, kitchen space, frequency of use, and family size.

Cooking Needs

Consider what types of foods you will be cooking and what cooking methods you prefer. If you do a lot of baking, roasting, or broiling, a convection oven may be the better option. If you primarily enjoy making healthier versions of meals or preparing crispy snacks, an air fryer may be the better choice.

Budget

Convection ovens are generally higher-end than air fryers; because of this, an air fryer will be the better option if you are on a budget.

Kitchen Space

Consider how much counter or storage space you have in your kitchen. Convection ovens are larger than air fryers and may take up more space in your kitchen. It’s also important to think about the certain look you want to achieve, for example, if you want clean counter space with a luxury built-in look, then a convection oven is a great fit.

Frequency of Use

How often do you plan to use the appliance? If you plan to use it frequently, a convection oven may be the better option, as it is more versatile and can handle larger quantities of food.

Family Size

Lastly, consider how many people are living in your home that you have to cook for. If you have a large family, a convection oven is probably best, as it has a larger capacity. If you live alone or with a partner, then an air fryer will be a great option.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and cooking needs. Based on the factors mentioned above, we recommend that you choose the appliance that best fits your lifestyle and cooking needs.

Benefits of an Air Fryer

• Less Clean Up Required

• Small Size For Easy Storage

• Healthy Cooking Style

• Delivers Perfect Crispness

• Faster Cooking Times

• Energy Efficient

• More affordable

Benefits of a Convection Oven

• Versatility In Cooking Styles

• Larger Capacity

• Fast Cooking Times

• Promotes Browning and Crisping

• Quick Pre-Heat

• Less Rotating Dishes Between Racks

• Circulating Air Helps Dishes Cook Evenly On Multiple Racks

Top Recommendations

KitchenAid 27" Built In Microwave Oven with Convection Cooking

If you are looking for an appliance that has the versatility and style of a convection oven with the convenient size of an air fryer, then this Kitchenaid microwave oven is a great option. Built with modern convection cooking technology, it also has a Crispwave feature that is specially designed to deliver fast and precise results each time.

Top Features:

• Crispwave

• Sensor Steam Cycle With Steamer Container

• 1.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity

• Broil Element

JennAir NOIR 30" Single Wall Oven with V2 Vertical Dual-Fan Convection

If you are wanting a convection oven to easily prepare meals for a large family, this Jennair NOIR single-wall oven is a top-of-the-line option in both design and function. Featuring cinematic lighting, remote access, and high-tech V2 vertical dual-fan convection technology, this appliance will easily upgrade your kitchen and cooking experience.

Top Features:

• Remote Access

• JennAir Culinary Center

• 7 Inch Full Color LCD Display

• V2 Vertical Dual-Fan Convection

KitchenAid 30" Combination Wall Oven with Even-Heat True Convection

This KitchenAid combination wall oven with even-heat true convection is a foolproof option for anyone with a large family or who loves to entertain and host. Offering a lower oven with immense space for you to conveniently cook up your favorite meals and a smaller top oven with convection cooking for when you are short on time. It even has a self-clean option to make cleaning up a breeze!

Top Features:

• Microwave Convection Cooking

• Easy Convect Conversion System

• 5.0 Cu.Ft. Capacity (lower oven)

• 1.4 Cu.Ft. Capacity (upper oven)

• Temperature Probe

Shop The Best Kitchen Appliances

Head on over to any of our store locations in Bellingham and Burlington, Washington, to browse the best selection of kitchen appliances such as convection ovens, ranges, cooktops, hoods, and more. We offer the top brands in the industry to ensure our customers have a great variety of appliances to choose from when it comes to building their dream kitchen.

We strive to offer the best customer service, which is why our appliance experts are always happy to answer any questions or assist you in finding the right appliance from start to finish. For all of your kitchen appliance needs, head on over to DeWaard & Bode, the best kitchen appliance store near you!