KitchenAid Convection Oven Review
Quick Overview
DESIGN
DURABILITY
COOKING FUNCTIONS
COST
Pros
Cons
Convection ovens are one of the most popular modern appliances for food preparation.
These ovens heat and cook food by using fans to circulate air around the entirety of a dish.
The air is super-heated and able to cook food evenly without any burning, cold spots, or unwanted contamination or poor aftertaste.
Out of all of the convection ovens currently on the market, many would agree that some of the best ones are those that are designed by KitchenAid.
In this KitchenAid Convection Oven review, we’ll show you how this model combines the power and durability of a traditional oven with the flexibility and healthy preparation of a standard convection oven.
KitchenAid Convection Oven Review
This particular KitchenAid Convection Oven has been on the market since 2013 and has not undergone any major revisions or changes in the past seven years.
It is available in numerous colors and is easy to clean in addition to offering numerous food preparation options like baking and broiling, making it a popular choice for many families.
The primary material is affordable stainless steel that is scratch-resistant, so users don’t have to worry about the durability of the model.
Who Is This Product For?
This KitchenAid Convection Oven is designed to reach a wide audience.
It is able to cook a broad range of foods, including full meals like roast chicken or quick snacks like frozen pizza, which needs to defrost and heat in a short time.
This oven is ideal for someone who does not have a lot of time for food preparation and little counter space.
The full product dimensions are 18 x 15 x 13.88 inches, and the oven weighs less than 20 pounds, so it sits well on a counter.
This is a moderately expensive oven but is excellent for someone who does not have a regular one available and would still like to be able to make tons of food.
Overall, the KitchenAid Convection Oven is great for college students, apartment living, and those with tiny kitchens.
What’s Included?
There is a lot included in the basic design, which is why this model is so popular.
With each KitchenAid Convection Oven, you receive the oven itself as well as additional cooking implements like a 12-inch non-stick multipurpose pan, a 12-inch broiling rack, a cooling rack, and a non-stick drip tray.
All of these extras are made of durable materials and are easy to maintain and keep clean.
Overview of the Features
There are several features that help this KitchenAid Convection Oven stand out. One of the most important is one which has been mentioned before—the stainless steel design.
Stainless steel is an affordable material for many families and one that is easy to clean because it can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
This helps make this KitchenAid oven an affordable model for many families.
Besides the construction, another great feature is the nine pre-programmed cooking features, which include a broad range of options like baking, broiling, and roasting.
One of the pre-programmed options is the Asado Roast Function, which precisely adjusts the interior of the oven from high sear to an optimal cooking temperature for superior roasting.
Each model comes with a 15-month warranty from the manufacturer designed to cover basic wear and tear as well as manufacturing error (a defect that the product already has when it ships).
Besides these basics, there is a 120-minute timer and a non-stick coating along the interior so that food does not burn or become stuck.
Plus, there are all of the included dishes so that users never have to worry about finding pans that are compatible with the oven.
What’s more, this KitchenAid oven even looks like a traditional oven.
The design makes this model quite easy to use for even those who are not experienced with convection appliances.
So, what about the negatives?
Because this model is similar to a traditional oven, it often gets crumbs trapped along the bottom, which need to be thoroughly cleaned out before food is prepared.
Also, the exterior of this convection oven is made of stainless steel, which will get hot when the appliance is in use.
Lastly, although a warranty is supposed to be included, the brand’s customer service is difficult to reach.
How to Get the Most Out of It
When using a convection oven, there are several things you can do to make sure you get your money’s worth.
These include properly cleaning the appliance, making sure recipes are adjusted to cook properly, and remembering the types of foods that can be made in the oven.
- Thorough Cleaning
This KitchenAid Convection Oven is similar to a traditional oven and needs to be cleaned in the same manner.
For many, this means not using cleaning chemicals inside because it is difficult to remove all residue. Instead, use a damp cloth and carefully wipe away crumbs and any stains or spilled food.
The exterior should also be cleaned with a damp cloth and not a sponge to avoid scratching the stainless steel material.
The included dishes can be washed in a regular manner with soap and water in the sink.
- How to Use a Convection Oven
Individuals often forget they will have to adapt their recipes for regular ovens to the convection model.
The first step is to adjust the temperature to 25 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the traditional recipe calls for.
The food will also finish more rapidly, usually 25% faster than when you use a conventional oven.
The KitchenAid Convection Oven follows this model but also includes some cooking instructions for basic foods like frozen pizza and French fries.
- Types of Food That Can Be Made
The KitchenAid Convection Oven can be used with a broad range of foods, so it is actually difficult to find something it cannot be used to cook.
In general, this model is great for convenience dishes like pizza, French fries, and chicken nuggets. It is also great if you want to bake something small like cupcakes.
Finally, it can be used to roast or bake meat and vegetables without difficulty, which is why it is great for apartment living or enclosed spaces.
Alternatives
If you are looking for something similar to the KitchenAid Convection Oven but would like more or fewer features, there are many alternatives on the market.
All of these options have a similar small oven design and are great for cooking a broad menu, making them great choices for individuals and families of all shapes and sizes.
Breville Smart Oven Pro Convection Toaster
The Breville Smart Oven Pro Convection Toaster is a powerful option that uses the latest technology but is slightly more expensive than the KitchenAid model.
The Breville has 10 preset cooking options and can even toast six slices of bread without difficulty.
It has a non-stick interior coating, a crumb tray, and is easy to control and clean.
Although it is more expensive than the KitchenAid, it is missing some of the most essential features like matching dishes.
However, this oven is far more powerful and can be used with an even wider menu, making it a great choice for families or someone who simply does not have an oven.
Hamilton Beach Countertop Rotisserie Convection Toaster Oven
Something more affordable for people out there is the Hamilton Beach toaster oven.
This model is similar to the one from KitchenAid but has two smaller oven racks that are excellent for preparing an extensive menu and basics like frozen pizza and toast.
The interior comes with a crumb tray and is easy to clean, and the dials are simple and straightforward.
Naturally, because this model is more affordable, it is missing features, like the preset cooking options in other ovens.
However, this model is even smaller and is great for countertops and apartments.
KitchenAid KCO223CU Convection Oven
This is a final option and another offering from KitchenAid.
It is smaller and more discrete than the standard model and is also much more affordable with lower temperature settings and fewer included dishes.
This style is stainless steel and has a 60-minute timer rather than a 120-minute one.
The main problem is the crumb tray is difficult to remove, which can make cleaning a hassle.
Still, this is great for someone who would like a KitchenAid oven but in a smaller size.
Final Verdict
A convection oven is a powerful tool for any kitchen, especially for someone who often does not have enough time to cook using regular appliances.
Out of the many models currently on the market, one of the best is the standard KitchenAid Convection Oven.
This model includes all of the basic features as well as a few surprises, including compatible dishes, an easy-to-clean interior, and a beautiful stainless steel exterior.
This KitchenAid Convection Oven review shows that if you want a convection oven capable of baking, broiling, and roasting without any hassle, you can’t go wrong with this model.
