Convection or Not for turkey... need help please

13 years ago

I got my first convection oven last spring, and still do not really know how to use it. Basically right now I just use the oven without turning on the fan.

I have read that convection works great to roast meat, as it gives it a nice crispy crust. My thoughts were I could try to use it for the turkey next week. Upon consulting my friend Mr Google, I have found conflicting opinions regarding using convection for turkey, but have not really gotten any details.

For folks who have a convection oven, do you use it to roast your turkey? How are the results as compared to not using convection? Are there any special techniques required? or do I just roast it the same as I normally would and turn the fan on?

on another note, what do you use the convection fan for??

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Comments (18)

pfmastin
13 years ago
I use convection to speed the cooking time of of almost anything that has a lot of surface exposure to the heat....cookies and baked goods, casseroles, etc. My manual has instructions for roasting a turkey with convection, but I usually do mine in cooking bags so I'm not much help there.
beachlily z9a
13 years ago
DH and I love turkey breast and I cook it year around. If it's cooked inside, I use convection. If outside, it's grilled. I've linked to convection instruction from Butterball. These are the instructions I used when I started cooking in a new convection oven years ago. Convection roasts the turkey in very little time, and the turkey comes out moist and golden. There is no downside. However, since our weather is lovely, I'll be grilling this Thanksgiving.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Butterball convection instructions
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greenmulberry
13 years ago
I always use convection for meats, especially turkey and chicken. Keep an eye on it as it will cook faster.

I cook everything with convection except baked goods, only because I am a terrible baker and I don't want to blame my failures on the convection.
ann_t
13 years ago
I roast turkeys using the high heat method (500ÃÂ°F) so I never use the convection setting.

Ann
arlocat
13 years ago
30 years ago my oven broke right before Thanksgiving. I had guests coming and needed an oven quickly. I bought a counter top convection oven and have used it nearly every year since to accommodate large numbers of quests. I put the whole turkey in the "regular" oven and 2 turkey breasts in the convection oven. It does cook faster but I'd say the quality is the same. 5 years ago we remodeled and put in a convection oven. I do everything with the dial set to convection and with the fan blowing. I used to rotate various things in the oven to get even browning but that is not an issue with convection.
loves2cook4six
13 years ago
My Miele oven has a Master Chef program for roasting turkeys. You place the temp probe in the same place as you would place a thermometer to check the temp (you know, between the thigh and the body but not touching bone).

You place the turkey in a cold oven, plug in the weight and the oven does all the work so I am not at all sure what it's doing or whether or not it uses convection but I do have to say I now "make" the best turkeys I've ever tasted!
trixietx
13 years ago
I have an Electrolux that does the same as loves2cook. I think it starts out regular oven and then switches to convection, or other way around.

I have to agree, it does make the best turkey.
triciae
13 years ago
I love my convection for roasting all types of beasts & especially poultry. We don't like turkey but roast many whole chickens. They are picture perfect, evenly golden & crispy skin, & moist on the inside. I do not like convection for cakes, cookies, muffins, tarts, or pies. Some yeast breads, yes. Other yeast breads, no. It depends on what type of crust I'm trying to obtain. I have a 7 year old Kenmore Elite Gas-on-Glass range with an electric oven. The oven has a function similar to loves2cook's. Roast Beast is a one button setting. There is also a button for convection Cakes & one for convection Breads. So, I've never had to figure out the difference in cooking times or temperatures. Because the oven has a icon that lights up when the convection in operating I do know that the fans cycle on/off during the roasting/baking process.

/tricia
rachelellen
13 years ago
I have not used a convection oven. But, my best advice would be, as it always is when considering the use of some new gadget or method for a special occasion dinner is to try it first!!!

You may not want a turkey before Thanksgiving, but you could roast a good sized chicken and at least the result would give you an idea.
bopfletch
Original Author
13 years ago
Hey Ann, what is the high heat method? Can you really roast a turkey at 500F?
lsr2002
13 years ago
I use Ann's high heat method with the convection setting in my oven for turkeys and chicken. Be prepared to use the cleaning cycle that night.

I agree, try a chicken first - high heat roasted chicken is fast and good.

Lee
beachlily z9a
13 years ago
I've tried the high heat and chickened out when smoke billowed out of the oven. Not a good experience!
ann_t
13 years ago
Beachlily, next time use a shallow roasting pan that is just big enough for your turkey/chicken/etc.. I never have a problem with smoke because I use the right size pan.

Ann
beachlily z9a
13 years ago
Ann, there's not going to be a next time. I love grilled turkey. If the weather is rotten, then regular convection is easy and fast. Glad you like your high heat stuff, but it's not for me.
lorijean44
13 years ago
I use the high heat roasting method, too. I never have a problem with smoke. Ann's right. The wrong size pan will have you calling the Fire Dept! :D

Lori
beachlily z9a
13 years ago
Well the only large piece of meat I do is turkey. We don't eat beef and we don't do whole chickens. Just breast (or half breast) of turkey. I'm not dissing what you do. Enjoy your cooking and have a wonderful meal!
bopfletch
Original Author
13 years ago
Can someone please direct me to a place where I can see the high heat method?
sushipup1
13 years ago
Just Google "high heat turkey roasting" and you'll get a ton of websites.

It's the only way to go!

Here is a link that might be useful: High heat turkey

Convection or Not for turkey... need help please

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