Understanding how ovens work to cook food

While ovens can’t prepare a meal for you, they can make it easier to cook hearty meals for your next family gathering. Whether you’re interested in tackling everyday meals or you love to host formal banquets and events, using your oven can help you conquer the kitchen. Read on to learn more about how ovens work to make the everyday easier in your kitchen.

How do ovens work?

Different types of ovens cook food in their own way, but most ovens generally work by using two separate metal heating elements to cook food. Depending on rack placement and settings, ovens can brown or crisp dishes or gently bake food.

Read on to discover how ovens work and help you prepare meals for your family.

How does a convection oven work?

Convection ovens use an integrated fan within the oven cavity to circulate hot air evenly around multiple racks of food. Convection ovens can also feature a third heating element at the back of the oven to distribute the hot air around your meal to help food cook faster. Both gas and electric ovens offer convection capabilities on select models, but there are a few ways these ovens differ from each other.

How does a gas oven work?

Gas ovens use propane or natural gas-fueled burners to heat food. Gas burners produce a flame on the stovetop of a kitchen range as well as inside the oven cavity for baking, roasting, broiling and more. Gas ovens tend to preheat faster than traditional electric ovens thanks to the easily adjustable open flame.

How does an electric oven work?

Electric ovens use metal heating elements powered by an electrical current to cook food. These heating elements can broil food from above or heat from below. Conventional electric ovens have the benefit of being the standard oven commonly used in most recipes. Additionally, they can typically broil and crisp your favorite foods with slightly drier heat than gas ovens.

How does an induction oven work?

Cooktops or stovetops are the cooking surface of a range that is located above the oven cavity. An induction cooktop and traditional cooktop might appear similar, but there are a few distinct differences to note. Induction cooktops work by using electromagnetic energy via a copper coil beneath the cooktop. When paired with induction-compatible cookware, the process generates heat to cook food.

Induction cooking is a cooktop function, so the oven cavity still functions as an electric oven.

How does a steam oven work?

Steam ovens boil water and release the resulting steam into the oven cavity. This is an effective cooking method that can be as quick as a traditional oven. Some ovens also use steam as a simple method to clean the oven interior.

Where does the heat come from in an oven?

A gas-fueled heat element, located at the bottom of the oven, produces the heat in a gas oven. In an electric oven, the bake and broil elements are heated by an electric current. Find out more about other oven elements, or consult your oven’s use and care guide.

How does an oven broiler work?

An oven broiler is a heating element that provides high, direct heat to cook food—usually directly from above. Broiling provides high temperatures much like a grill, so that it can quickly brown, cook, char or caramelize. Broiling is ideal for these cooking methods that can bring complex flavors and textures to your dishes. 

Explore Whirlpool brand ovens and ranges

Whether you want to introduce exciting new flavors to your family or serve old comforts, Whirlpool brand has the appliance to suit your needs. Conquer the kitchen with helpful features like True Convection Cooking for streamlined multi-rack cooking or Frozen Bake™ Technology on select models to skip preheating and cook frozen foods quicker. Explore our selection of Whirlpool brand ranges, stoves and wall ovens to find the perfect fit for preparing your family’s favorite meals.