The traditional oven has been a staple in kitchens for decades, providing a reliable and consistent source of heat for baking, roasting, and other cooking tasks.
However, in recent years, convection microwaves have gained popularity as a potential replacement for ovens. These appliances combine the quick cooking capabilities of a microwave with the even heat distribution of a convection oven, making them a versatile option for those looking to save space and streamline their cooking process.
In this article, we will explore the question: Can a convection microwave replace an oven?
What is a convection microwave oven?
There’s almost no difference between a convection microwave oven and a regular microwave. They both cook and heat up food alike.
The only difference is that in addition to heating up your food and defrosting, a convection microwave allows you to bake, grill, roast, and do anything else you can think of.
A convection microwave oven, otherwise known as a combination oven is an all-in-one package. It combines two different technologies into a single appliance, giving you two cooking modes-a microwave(for cooking and reheating) and a convection mode(for baking, grilling and the likes)
This means that with a convection microwave oven, you can heat and defrost food just like a regular microwave. When you feel like baking or roasting, or doing just about anything else that a regular oven does, you can easily switch to a convection mode.
The convection mode sets the heating elements in motion, warming up the air inside the food compartment. The in-built fan then circulates the heat throughout the appliance to ensure even distribution.
Can a convection microwave replace an oven?
Whether a convection microwave can replace an oven has been a controversial discussion.
A section of culinary experts believe that a convection microwave can, in most cases, be used in place of an oven. To support their claims, they argue that the in-built fan that circulates the air inside the chamber unifies the temperature inside the appliance, making it ideal for a number of cooking tasks, inclusive of baking and roasting.
On the other hand, some believe that a convection microwave cannot replace an oven. They argue that it is a huge inconvenience when it comes to baking and roasting large volumes of food at a go, in different trays.
Additionally, there is a possibility of uneven cooking with convection microwave ovens. The fan circulates air around the food that’s inside the chamber. This means that the outside of the food will likely cook faster than the inside, resulting in burnt outsides and undercooked insides.
So, if you’re still wondering if a convection microwave can replace an oven, the answer is YES and NO. it all depends on what you are cooking, how sizable it is and how you want the end results to look like.
Convection microwave oven pros.
A Microwave oven is considered a must-have kitchen appliance. Why is that? Why should you get yourself a convection microwave oven?
- Versatility. A convection microwave is an all-in-one appliance with the ability to multifunction. It allows you to heat and defrost your food using the standard mode and also bake, roast and grill using the convection mode
- Speedy cooking times. A convection microwave combines microwave and convection technology to cook food faster. The appliance can also perform multiple operations simultaneously.
- Pocket-friendly. Unlike standard ovens, a convection microwave is a cheap way of baking and roasting. The appliances also run on less electricity making them energy efficient.
- Saves on space. A convection microwave oven is relatively small to fit on a benchtop. Additionally, its versatile aspect eliminates the need for multiple appliances.
- Automatic cooking. Some models feature pre-programmed menus that you can simply select based on what you desire to eat.
Convection microwave oven cons.
- More expensive than regular microwaves. Convection microwave ovens tend to be costly as compared to regular microwaves.
- Limited capacity. Unlike standard ovens that can roast a whole turkey, convection microwaves are not as spacious as most of us would like. This limits the quantity of food you can cook or bake.
- No matter how good convection microwave ovens are, they are not as good as standard ovens. They are limited to some type of food they can cook.
- There is a possibility of uneven cooking as the hot air circulates around the food, cooking the outside first before the inside.
Convection microwave oven–who is it for?
A convection microwave ovens are absolutely for anybody who literally enjoys cooking and baking their own food.
If you have limited kitchen space, you might want to consider installing a convection microwave. It’s an all-in-one appliance that combines features of different appliances, eliminating the need for multiple purchases.
For bachelors who are frequently strapped for time and rarely eat at home, this can be your long-waited solution. Convection microwaves are fast and efficient.
A convection microwave oven can also be a great benefit for traveling families. Their small size makes them flexible to carry them around from place to place.
Conclusion.
- A convection microwave oven makes use of two different technologies to combine features of two appliances into one. Microwave, for heating and defrosting and convection, for baking and roasting.
- Depending on what you are cooking and how you anticipate the final results, a convection microwave can be used in place of an oven. All it takes is the right kind of settings.
- Some of the major advantages of a convection microwave is their versatile aspect. They are able to simultaneously perform multiple functions. Their all-in-one nature and small sizes also saves on space, eliminating the need for multiple appliances.
- Convection ovens are for those of us with small kitchens. They are multifunctional and small enough to fit on a benchtop. Additionally, if you are frequently out of time to cook, a convection microwave oven can be an added advantage.