Convection vs. Grill: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on November 11, 2023
"Convection" involves cooking with heated air circulating evenly, while "Grill" means cooking directly over an open heat source.
Key Differences
"Convection" cooking relies on a fan to circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even heating and efficient cooking, unlike "Grill" cooking, which involves direct heat from below, typically creating a charred exterior on the food.
Ovens with "Convection" settings are favored for their ability to cook food evenly and slightly quicker, as the circulating air transfers heat more efficiently. In contrast, "Grill" cooking, often associated with barbecues, is known for imparting a smoky flavor and attractive grill marks.
While "Convection" cooking is versatile, allowing for baking, roasting, and even dehydrating, "Grill" cooking is somewhat limited to foods that benefit from high, direct heat and potential smokiness, such as meats, vegetables, and certain fruits.
"Convection" is ideal for pastries and baked goods due to the consistent temperature, preventing the uneven baking or the formation of hot spots. On the other hand, "Grill" cooking provides a unique flavor profile due to caramelization and the Maillard reaction, which aren't as pronounced with convection cooking.
"Convection" often requires a specific oven setting or an oven with a built-in fan. In contrast, "Grill" cooking can be done with various equipment, including open-flame grills, grill pans, and even certain multi-functional cooking devices.
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Comparison Chart
Heat Distribution
Even, via air circulation
Direct, from below
Flavor Profile
Regular, without smoke
Smoky, with possible char
Typical Use
Baking, roasting, dehydrating
Barbecuing, searing
Equipment
Convection oven
Grill, open flame, grill pan
Cooking Time
Generally quicker and adjustable
May be quick but requires attentiveness
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Convection and Grill Definitions
Convection
Even cooking with circulating air.
Her convection oven roasts vegetables to perfection.
Grill
To cook using direct heat from below.
She decided to grill steaks for a smoky flavor.
Convection
Heat transfer via fluid (liquid or gas) motion.
The weather report discussed the convection currents moving the storm.
Grill
A piece of equipment for cooking food directly over fire.
He cleaned the grill for the weekend barbecue.
Convection
Ideal for baked goods due to even heat distribution.
Her cookies are always perfect, thanks to convection baking.
Grill
A metal grate for cooking food.
He flipped the burgers on the grill.
Convection
A scientific term for the movement of heat in liquids or gases.
Convection currents in the earth's mantle cause tectonic plate movement.
Grill
To broil on a gridiron.
Convection
The act or process of conveying; transmission.
Grill
To torture or afflict as if by broiling.
Convection
Heat transfer in a gas or liquid by the circulation of currents from one region to another.
Grill
(Informal) To question relentlessly; cross-examine.
Convection
Fluid motion caused by an external force such as gravity.
Grill
To mark or emboss with a gridiron.
Convection
(Meteorology)The transfer of heat or other atmospheric properties by massive motion within the atmosphere, especially by such motion directed upward.
Grill
A cooking surface of parallel metal bars; a gridiron.
Convection
(obsolete) The process of conveying something.
Grill
Food cooked by broiling or grilling.
Convection
(physics) The transmission of heat in a fluid by the circulation of currents.
Grill
An informal restaurant or a room in a restaurant where grilled foods are served. Also called grillroom.
Convection
(meteorology) The vertical movement of heat and moisture, especially by updrafts and downdrafts in an unstable air mass. The terms convection and thunderstorm are often used interchangeably, although thunderstorms are only one form of convection. Towering cumulus clouds are visible forms of convection.
Grill
A series of marks grilled or embossed on a surface.
Convection
The act or process of conveying or transmitting.
Grill
Variant of grille.
Convection
A process of transfer or transmission, as of heat or electricity, by means of currents in liquids or gases, resulting from changes of temperature and other causes.
Liquids are generally heated by convection - when heat is applied from below.
Grill
A grating; a grid of wire or a sheet of material with a pattern of holes or slots, usually used to protect something while allowing the passage of air and liquids. Typical uses: to allow air through a fan while preventing fingers or objects from passing; to allow people to talk to somebody, while preventing attack.
Convection
The transfer of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) caused by molecular motion
Grill
The criss-cross pieces that separate panes of glass in a window.
Convection
(meteorology) the vertical movement of heat or other properties by massive motion within the atmosphere
Grill
On a vehicle, a slotted cover as above, to protect and hide the radiator, while admitting air to cool it.
Convection
Efficient method reducing cooking times.
Using convection, his turkey was ready 30 minutes faster.
Grill
(UK) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative heat and a means of holding food under it; a broiler in US English
Grill
(US) A cooking device comprising a source of radiative and convective heat and a means of holding food above it; a barbecue.
I put some peppers and mushrooms on the grill to go with dinner.
Grill
Food (designed to be) cooked on a grill.
A packet of frozen cauliflower cheese grills
Grill
A grillroom; a restaurant serving grilled food.
These coupons will get you a discount at Johnny's Bar and Grill.
Grill
(colloquial) A type of jewelry worn on the front teeth.
Grill
The front teeth regarded collectively.
Grill
Deliberate misspelling of girl
R u a grill?
Grill
(obsolete) Harm.
Grill
(transitive) To cook (food) on a grill; to barbecue.
Why don't we get together Saturday and grill some burgers?
Grill
To cook food under the element of a stove or only under the top element of an oven – (US) broil, (cooking) salamander.
Grill
To interrogate; to question aggressively or harshly.
The police grilled him about his movements at the time of the crime.
Grill
To feel very hot; to swelter.
Grill
(transitive) To stamp or mark with a grill.
Grill
To make angry; provoke; offend, incite.
Grill
To terrify; make tremble.
Grill
To tremble; shiver.
Grill
To snarl; snap.
Grill
(obsolete) Harsh, rough, severe; cruel.
Grill
A gridiron.
[They] make grills of [wood] to broil their meat.
Grill
That which is broiled on a gridiron, as meat, fish, etc.
Grill
A figure of crossed bars with interstices, such as those sometimes impressed upon postage stamps.
Grill
A grillroom.
Grill
To broil on a grill or gridiron.
Boiling of men in caldrons, grilling them on gridirons.
Grill
To torment, as if by broiling.
Grill
To stamp or mark with a grill.
Grill
To undergo the process of being grilled, or broiled; to broil.
He had grilled in the heat, sweated in the rains.
Grill
A restaurant where food is cooked on a grill
Grill
A framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate;
He cooked hamburgers on the grill
Grill
Cook over a grill;
Grill the sausages
Grill
To subject to intense questioning or interrogation.
The detective grilled the suspect for hours.
Grill
Cooking method often used outdoors in social settings.
Their family gatherings always involve a grill.
FAQs
Can you "Grill" indoors?
Yes, using a grill pan or an indoor electric grill.
Does "Convection" cooking require special cookware?
No, but pans with low sides are recommended for optimal air circulation.
What foods are best to "Grill"?
Meats, vegetables, and any food benefitting from char and smokiness.
Is temperature conversion needed for "Convection" ovens?
Often, yes; you should reduce the temperature by about 25°F compared to conventional ovens.
What's "Convection" in terms of cooking?
It's a method where hot air circulates evenly around food in an oven.
Is "Grill" cooking healthier?
It can be, as grilling often reduces fat content in meats, but watch for char.
Why does food on the "Grill" have lines?
These are grill marks from the grate, a sign of direct-heat cooking.
Can you "Grill" frozen foods?
It's possible but best to thaw them first for even cooking.
How do I prevent food from sticking to the "Grill"?
Preheat it properly and oil the grates before grilling.
Are there foods you shouldn't cook with "Convection"?
Delicate foods or those that rise, like certain cakes, might not do well.
Can "Convection" ovens fry food?
They can mimic frying by circulating hot air around food, like in "air frying."
Do "Convection" ovens cook faster?
Generally, yes, due to better heat circulation.
Should I cover my food on the "Grill"?
It depends on the recipe, but covering can retain moisture and heat.
Can I "Grill" in bad weather?
Outdoor grilling is challenging in bad weather, but indoor options exist.
Is "Convection" suitable for all baking?
Mostly, though delicate items like soufflés might not fare well.
Does "Convection" affect broiling?
It can, as it circulates hot air, potentially leading to more even browning.
How do I add smoky flavor without a "Grill"?
Liquid smoke or smoked spices can mimic the flavor.
Can "Convection" cooking be used for dehydrating?
Yes, it's excellent due to consistent, dry heat.
Is "Grill" cooking difficult?
It takes practice, particularly in managing temperature and timing.
Why are my "Convection" oven baked goods unevenly cooked?
Overcrowding or improper pan size might obstruct air flow.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
