A system includes a first unit configured to generate and apply radio frequency (RF) energy to a load positioned in the first unit during a first time period, wherein the load is at a first temperature at a start of the first time period and at a second temperature different from the first temperature at an end of the first time period, and a second unit configured to receive the load at the second temperature and to cause heat transfer by convection to the load during a second time period different from the first time period, wherein the load is at a third temperature at an end of the second time period. First and second time periods together is less than or equal to a time period for the load to change from the first temperature to the third temperature from convective processing and without application of the RF energy.