Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

Conventional Oven vs. Convection Oven

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published February 12, 2025

Ovens are a kitchen necessity, and deciding between a conventional oven vs. convection oven can be confusing. Each type has its advantages and understanding how they differ from each other can help you choose the one that best fits your cooking needs.

What is a Conventional Oven

A conventional oven is the traditional oven design found in most households. It uses two heating elements, one at the top and one at the bottom, to heat the air inside. This setup relies on natural heat distribution rather than forced air circulation, which can sometimes result in uneven cooking. However, it remains a reliable choice for many cooking needs.

Types of Conventional Ovens

Conventional ovens come in different designs to suit various kitchen layouts:

  1. Wall Ovens: Built directly into your kitchen wall for a seamless appearance, often paired with a separate cooktop.
  2. Freestanding Ovens: The most common type features a cooktop and oven in one unit. These are easy to install and versatile. Freestanding Ovens offer a balance of function and style.
  3. Slide-in Ovens: Designed to slide between cabinetry for a sleek, built-in look without the need for custom installation.

Pros of a Conventional Oven

  • Simple and Easy to Use: Conventional ovens don’t require special settings or adjustments. They often come with basic temperature controls, making them ideal for people who prefer a no-fuss cooking experience.
  • Great for Traditional Baking: The gentle and steady heat of a conventional oven is perfect for baking classic recipes like cakes and bread. The heat from the top and bottom elements creates the ideal environment for recipes that need a slower, consistent cooking process to bake evenly.
  • Affordable Option: Conventional ovens are typically less expensive than convection ovens, making them a choice for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, since they don’t have the extra fan and exhaust systems of convection ovens, they’re often more affordable to maintain and repair.

Popular Widths for Conventional Ovens

Conventional ovens are available in multiple sizes to fit different kitchen spaces

  • 30-inch: The standard size for most households, offering ample cooking space.
  • 36-inch: Provides additional room for larger cookware.
  • 38-inch: A less common size, ideal for specialized spaces.
  • 60-inch: Perfect for large kitchens or professional-grade cooking needs.

What Is a Convection Oven?

A convection oven is an advanced version of the traditional oven that enhances cooking efficiency by using a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air inside. This consistent air movement allows food to cook faster, more evenly and often at lower temperatures. A convection oven is a versatile choice for roasting, baking or preparing multiple dishes at once. It offers modern features that make cooking even more convenient.

Types of Convection Ovens

Convection ovens are available in similar styles to conventional ovens:

  • Freestanding Ovens: Combines a convection oven with a cooktop, offering flexibility in kitchen placement.
  • Slide-in Ovens: Fits snugly between cabinets, creating a built-in look while incorporating convection features.

Pros of a Convection Oven

  • Faster Cooking Times: The fan circulates hot air evenly around your food, speeding up the cooking process. This feature is perfect for working families or anyone who wants to prepare meals quickly, whether it’s roasting a chicken or baking cookies.
  • Even Cooking Results: With consistent airflow, convection ovens ensure even cooking and browning. This is especially helpful for roasting meats, where all sides are cooked uniformly or for baking pastries that come out evenly golden.
  • Energy Efficiency: Convection ovens use less energy by cooking faster and often at lower temperatures.
  • Versatility with Advanced Features: From steam cooking to air frying and temperature sensors, convection ovens provide a wide range of settings that make it easy to prepare a variety of dishes perfectly.

Popular Convection Oven Widths

Convection ovens are available in these standard sizes:

  • 24-inch: Great for smaller kitchens or secondary ovens.
  • 30-inch: The most popular size, suitable for the majority of households.
  • 36-inch: Provides more room for larger cookware or high-volume cooking.
  • 38-inch: Offers additional flexibility for diverse cooking needs.
  • 48-inch: A spacious option ideal for large families or serious home cooks.
  • 60-inch: Designed for professional-grade kitchens with extensive cooking requirements.

Conventional Oven vs. Convection Oven

While both oven types are designed for cooking, baking and roasting, the difference between convection and conventional oven significantly impacts performance.

The side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

An image explaining the difference between Conventional Ovens and Convection Ovens.

Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between a conventional and a convection oven, consider the following factors:

1. Cooking Habits

Choose a conventional oven if you bake occasionally, prefer simplicity or prepare traditional recipes like cakes and casseroles.

Opt for a convection oven if you enjoy experimenting with recipes, frequently roast or bake or want faster cooking times.

2. Kitchen Space

Both ovens are available in various sizes, so ensure the model you select fits seamlessly into your kitchen layout.

3. Budget

Conventional ovens are generally more budget-friendly, while convection ovens may require a slightly higher investment for advanced features.

4. Cooking Volume

If you often cook large meals or host gatherings, a convection oven's multi-rack capabilities will save time and energy.

Related Tags: