Convection ovens are less common kitchen appliances than conventional baking ovens. While the two types of ovens may seem similar, their key difference is how they distribute heat.

A standard oven has two heat sources at its top and bottom. However, a convection oven includes a third heat source and a fan, which help distribute the heat throughout the oven.

That airflow helps the entirety of the convection oven reach a more consistent temperature and promotes fast and even cooking, making the device ideal for baking on multiple racks.

On the other hand, the food's distance from the upper or lower heat source in a standard oven affects how fast it cooks, which can lead to some parts cooking faster than others.

If you aren't sure whether you have a conventional or convection oven, you can look for the convection setting and fan mechanism, both of which a regular oven won't have.