A convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention. The convention based cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed. An air inlet situated in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for receiving air into the cooking chamber. A heating source configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated. A drafting means that circulates air present within the cooking chamber. An inlet control apparatus that regulates air flow into the cooking chamber via the air inlet. The inlet control allows air to flow into the cooking chamber via the air inlet when the heating source is in the ON state. The inlet control prevents air from flowing into the cooking chamber via the air inlet when the heating source is OFF.