What component circulates air around the food in a convection oven?

The component responsible for circulating air around the food in a convection oven is the blower wheel, also commonly referred to as a fan. In a convection oven, this fan helps to distribute hot air evenly throughout the cooking compartment, which allows for more uniform cooking and browning.

By promoting continuous movement of air, the convection system enhances heat transfer to the food, resulting in quicker cooking times compared to conventional ovens, where heat surrounds food without circulation. This principle of air circulation is what distinguishes convection ovens and makes them particularly effective for roasting and baking.

In contrast, while the heating element provides the heat necessary for cooking, and the thermostat regulates that heat, they do not actively move the air. A probe is typically used for monitoring the internal temperature of the food but does not contribute to air circulation.