If you’re faced with the question, “convection or conventional oven for baking cakes,” you’re not alone. This is a common dilemma among home bakers and professionals alike. Knowing which oven type to use can significantly impact your baking results. But don’t worry, this step-by-step guide will demystify the difference and help you make the best choice for your cake-baking needs.
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Convection or Conventional Oven For Baking Cakes
So which one should you use? Convection or conventional oven. Below are the different factors to consider in order for you to decide which is better for you.
Step 1: Understand the Differences Between a Convection and a Conventional Oven
Before you decide whether to use a convection or conventional oven for baking cakes, it’s important to understand the fundamental differences between these two types of ovens. A conventional oven, or regular oven, heats food using elements located at the bottom and top of the oven. It tends to have hot and cold spots.
On the other hand, a convection oven includes an additional feature: a fan. This fan circulates hot air around the oven, resulting in a more even and efficient heating process. It eliminates hot and cold spots and generally cooks food faster than a conventional oven.
Read more articles on convection ovens here – Convection Oven: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 2: Consider the Type of Cake You’re Baking
When choosing between a convection or conventional oven for baking cakes, it’s crucial to consider the type of cake you’re baking. For delicate cakes like sponge or chiffon, a conventional oven is usually the better choice. These cakes can be disrupted by the air circulation in a convection oven, resulting in a less than perfect rise.
However, denser cakes like pound cakes or fruit cakes can benefit from the even heat of a convection oven. The circulating hot air can help these thicker cakes cook more evenly and efficiently.
Step 3: Adjust the Temperature and Time Accordingly
Remember that a convection oven usually cooks food faster than a conventional oven due to the circulated heat. So if you decide to use a convection oven for baking cakes, you might need to adjust the cooking temperature and time. Typically, you should reduce the oven’s temperature by 25°F and check the cake’s doneness about 10-15 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests. Read this article: Convection Bake for Cakes: Your Ultimate Baking Guide to learn how to bake a cake in a convection oven.
Step 4: Experiment and Make Note of the Results
The choice between a convection or conventional oven for baking cakes can also depend on your personal preferences and experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see which type of oven delivers the results you prefer. Make sure to note the results and adjustments made for future reference.