The latest hot topic in cooking appliances is, without a doubt, air frying, but while you may be familiar with its countertop relative, there’s still much left to wonder about the difference of Air Fry in an oven. What’s more, how does this buzzworthy feature differ from more traditional oven functions—specifically, convection baking?
The answers can be found here in this buying guide, including the brands to shop, what you should know before buying, and a roundup of the best air fryer convection oven from seven exemplary brands from our catalog.
At a Glance:
Our Best Air Fry Convection Oven Picks
Recommended Air Fry Convection Oven Brands
What is a Convection Oven? What are the Benefits?
It’s simple, but the only difference between a conventional oven and a convection oven is that the latter comes equipped with a fan (or two), usually located at the back wall of the unit. It’s a simple modification, but the results are immensely evident—after all, there’s a reason why this kind of oven is used in professional kitchens.
What kind of results, you ask?
✓ Better heat distribution = no need to flip or rotate cookware
✓ Even heat dispersion = uniform results in less time
✓ Faster cooking times = substantially less chance of roasts and bakes drying out
✓ Temperature & heat conversion = savings in energy costs
That being said, there is a bit of a learning curve to convection baking. Luckily, learning how to use a convection oven is an easy transition if you remember these two tips:
- Subtract 25 degrees from your traditional recipes when converting to convection.
- Adjust the cooking time by 25 percent and check progress ⅔ of the way through.
Are an Air Fryer and a Convection oven the Same?
Technically, the Air Fry setting on an oven and convection baking are the same cooking method. Both use a fan to blow heat throughout the interior, encouraging better contact of hot air and fat on the surface of foods for crispy, golden finishes.
Here’s the catch, though. While you can technically prepare multiple trays using the Air Fry setting, several manufacturers recommend sticking to a single rack for the best results. Users can also bypass the conversion process when selecting Air Fry, since foods prepared using this setting tend to be snack items that whip up in a relatively short time.
Convection baking, on the other hand, is more than capable of handling numerous bakes at a time, but users are highly recommended to give recipes a temperature and time conversion for better success.
Types of Air Fryers & Convection Ovens
The air fryer market has seen a big boom the last few years, quickly becoming the new favorite countertop appliance, rivaling even the old and faithful microwave. That’s precisely what makes having an oven with an Air Fry setting so convenient: taking back scarce countertop workspace. Currently, Air Fry is largely limited to ranges, such as select models from LG and Frigidaire. Still, the gain in popularity of this healthy cooking alternative has brands like GE Profile and its 7000 Series wall oven, as well as Bosch, jumping the wagon on the trend, widening the buying field for shoppers interested in the feature.
On the other end of the spectrum, convection comes in a variety of options, sending a clear message that the traditional cooking method is anything but obsolete. Take a look at the options available:
⊳ Single fan convection: The classic setup; great for low-key baking enthusiasts.
⊳ Dual fan convection: An added fan provides superior heat distribution.
⊳ True/European convection: Enjoy an added heating element installed behind the fan(s) for quicker cook times with professional results.
⊳ Steam convection: Available on luxury wall ovens, like Miele and Dacor, this high-end cooking function combines gentle steam with even convection for succulent results.
Our Best Convection Oven Picks
Best Overall: Frigidaire Gallery 27" Smudge-Proof® Black Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven (GCWS2767AD)
This convection air fry oven from Frigidaire Gallery is a health fan’s dream come true with the power to prepare guilt-free appetizers with less oil, plus a Steam Bake option for an even healthier way to cook foods. Together with the efficiency of convection, this 27-inch built-in wall oven will be your secret weapon to quickly whipping up meals.
Features:
- Air Fry
- Air Souse Vide
- Convection baking
- Steam Bake option
Best Value: LG 30" PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Free Standing Gas Convection Smart Range with Air Fry (LRGL5825F)
Skip the pre-heat and enjoy fried-like foods quicker with the power of this Air Fry oven range and LG’s leading technology. A 30-inch profile is ideal for standard kitchen spaces and provides dual function with a high-output cooktop with up to 20K BTUs, plus True Convection for even baked results, all inside a spacious 5.8-cubic-foot interior.
Features:
- True convection baking
- UltraHeat 20K BTU buner
- InstaView window
- Self-clean setting
- ThinQ Wi-Fi compatible
- Finishes: Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel
Best Luxury: Dacor® Transitional Style 30" Silver Stainless Steel Oven/Micro Combination Electric Wall Oven (DOC30P977DS)
Save even more counter space by installing this Dacor combination wall oven with an upper speed oven that replaces the need for a traditional microwave. The lower air fryer convection oven is the perfect complement to its convenience, offering not just exclusive Four-Part Pure Convection, but the ability to use steam simultaneously for one-of-a-kind results.
Features:
- Four-Part Pure Convection
- Steam Assist function
- 4,400w broiler
- Soft-close door hinges
- Glideracks
- Wi-Fi compatible
Recommended: Fisher & Paykel Series 9 24" Stainless Steel Electric Built In Single Oven (OB24SDPTX1)
Compact luxury is the deluxe styling and top-performing features found on this Fisher & Paykel 24-inch wall oven, complete with 16 bake functions including Air Fry, a dehydrating setting, and so much more. Exclusive ActiveVent and AertoTech technology produce foods that are perfectly moist, while a vibrant touchscreen keeps a repertoire of step-by-step recipes, so you never have to ask what’s for dinner.
Features:
- Air Fry + 15 additional bake functions
- ActiveVent technology
- AeroTech feature
- Guided touchscreen recipes
- Full-extension sliding racks
Recommended: GE Profile™ 30" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Smart Slide In Gas Range (PGS930YPFS)
Discover a classic range setup updated for modern tastes and demands, courtesy of GE Profile and this 30-inch slide in gas range with convection and Air Fry. Its sleek design is complemented by a range of cooking functions, from impressive sears above with a max flame output of 21K BTUs, to True European convection and Air Frying to replicate fried favorites without the overindulgence.
Features:
- Air Fry setting
- True European convection
- 21K Tri-ring burner
- Self-clean oven racks
Recommended: Café™ Minimal 30" Platinum Glass Electric Built In Double Oven (CTD70DM2NS5)
Cooking for a crowd? You need the convenience of this Café double convection oven with a whopping 10 cubic feet of total capacity. The flexibility to create two different meals at once is enhanced by True European convection in both ovens, plus Precision Cooking technology that uses artificial intelligence to adjust the time and temperature for meals according to their progress. Truly luxurious, this smart double wall oven is an all-in-one package made for high-end kitchens.
Features:
- Precision Cooking
- Hot Air Frying
- True European Convection
- No-preheat technology
- Steam clean setting
- Wi-Fi compatible
Recommended: GE Profile™ 30" Smart Built In Convection Single Stainless Steel Wall Oven (PTS700RSNSS)
As leaders in style and innovation, GE Profile never fails to impress. The conversation of this 30-inch single convection wall oven is a unique side-swing door design, which not only provides character, but gives you easier access to the interior. That counts when it comes time for you to present your latest culinary masterpiece using great oven features like no-preheat Air Fry, True European convection, and Precision Cooking Modes that monitor progress for perfect results. Make dinner a showstopper every time with this smart wall oven as part of your kitchen setup.
Features:
- True European convection with Direct Air
- Air Fry setting
- Precision Cooking Modes
- No-preheat technology
- Self-clean with steam option
- Easy-glide racks
- Wi-Fi compatible
Our Selection Process
According to our appliance experts, a good oven with convection or Air Fry keeps encompasses these key considerations:
Oven Fan
The heart of any convection oven or Air Fryer feature is a fan. The function simply cannot exist without the addition of one of these in the oven, so its design plays an important part in separating a good convection oven from a great one. The best convection oven fans are ones that allow cooks to pop items in without the need to bother with rotating items halfway through. While ultimately not on our list, brands that offer exclusive fan designs, like KitchenAid with its patented bow-tie fan shape, are major values that we as product experts think users will enjoy.
Configuration
Both convection baking and Air Fry can be found on built-in wall ovens and ranges alike. That’s why we made it a point to include both on our list as a side-by-side comparison and a way for you to evaluate which suits your needs best. In the end, any configuration with convection or air frying will be capable of multi-level baking for optimum utility—the question becomes which pick from our lot can keep up with the level of baking your household does?
Capacity
We believe no kitchen should be limited to performance just because of its size. With options spanning 3–10 cubic feet of overall capacity, our list of the best air fryer convection ovens features a model for every kind of kitchen layout. Explore convection ovens for casual baking inside a 24-inch wall design, to double wall oven setups for creating a banquet.
Top Convection Oven Brands
For our money, we consider these three brands the most accessible with features cooks from every background will enjoy.
Frigidaire Gallery
With a strong focus on enhancing everyday duties at home, it’s no surprise Frigidaire and its premiere line, Frigidaire Gallery, are all about versatility. The name is one of few brands on the scene to market convection and Air Fry technology on both range and wall oven appliances. Coupled with reasonable price points and sleek designs, we give Frigidaire Gallery our thumbs-up when it comes to considering cooking appliances with convection and Air Fry.
GE Profile
GE Profile joins the list of brands that market Air Fry and convection on both its lineup of ranges and built-in wall ovens. As one of the most trusted names in the industry, with over 100 years of heritage, the GE family of cooking appliances have become a reliable maker that continuously receives praise from reputable names in product testing and buyers like you.
LG
LG appliances regularly top the list of customer satisfaction, continuing the trend with its line of ranges and wall ovens. That’s largely in part to its feature-forward designs that deliver streamlined user experiences that both tech aficionados and lovers of convenience can both appreciate. While we confidently recommend the manufacturer due to its industry-leading innovations, keep in mind the brand currently limits the Air Fry feature exclusively to freestanding ranges.
Convection Oven FAQ
Q. Do all ovens have convection?
Not every oven or range features a convection setting. A good indicator is checking if there is a fan included inside, typically located on the back wall of the oven compartment.
Q. What can I cook with using my oven’s air fry setting?
The Air Fry setting is best at replicating the crispy finishes from deep-frying. Appetizers like onion rings, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, potato wedges, to name a few, all cook marvelously using the Air Fry setting, all while drastically reducing the amount of oil needed for the results.
Why Trust Us?
It wasn’t easy, but we’re proud the be able to say we’re Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer. The secret to our success? Unlike big-box stores, Albert Lee Appliance counts on something even big money can’t afford: time and experience. While the other guys can count on maybe 60 years in the business, our family-owned company spans over 80 years (and going strong), adding new and valuable insight to our day-to-day operations with each new generation.
In other words, we don’t just supply home appliances. We deliver, install, and even service what we sell, allowing us to confidently recommend the right products for our buyers’ needs. Our presence in the Puget Sound area since 1939 has also made us neighbors in your communities, meaning we’re committed to providing the best deals around with quality service on a person-to-person level.
Our product reviews are always conducted with you in mind, so whether you’re shopping on a budget, are seeking the latest in innovation, are all about style, or just want something reliable, we hold true to the qualities our shoppers value in order to recommend on the top-performing appliances in our catalog.
Shop Convection Ovens at Albert Lee Appliance
Albert Lee Appliance is your one-stop showroom for everything home appliances, including the best wall ovens and ranges from trusted brands. Choose from a variety of styles from a wide option of price points for every kind of buyer.
Shop today online or at one of our appliance showrooms across the Puget Sound area, including locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynnwood.