There's a huge variety of ovens available, each with it's devotees. Personally, I think that an electric fan oven is the way to go. Others can't imagine life without their conventional gas, still others think that a wood-fired range is the best thing since sliced bread. Here's a breakdown of the differences, and what you should be aware of on them.

Let's split them into two main types:

Conventional: A Conventional oven is the normal, classic oven. It may be gas, electric, or some kind of fuel burning. When baking in a conventional oven you need to be aware that the temperature at the top will be higher than the temperature at the bottom and position your trays accordingly. If you're baking more than one thing at once you probably want to switch them around part way through.

Convection: Usually electric (although I've heard rumours that gas versions are available too) these ovens have a fan which circulates the air. This means that the whole oven is at the same temperature. Cooking times and temperatures in a convection oven are usually a little faster/lower than in a conventional oven.

Absolutely clueless? Don't even know how to turn your oven on?

(non-americans, substitute the word 'grill' for 'broil')

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