Convection oven vs Microwave
Are convection ovens and microwaves the same? In short, no. You can use both appliances to heat food, but their heating methods are different. A convection oven heats food by circulating heated air inside the cavity via a fan. A microwave produces electromagnetic waves to heat food.
The main difference between convection ovens and microwaves is the method of heating. Here are the other notable differences between them.
Size & Capacity
Microwaves are smaller in size and have a capacity of 0.7-1.8 cubic feet. Convection ovens are much larger and have a capacity of 2-5 cubic feet. This is a great advantage when cooking several dishes at once.
Cooking time
Microwaves are known for their speed. The electromagnetic waves heat water molecules in the food. This leads to much faster cooking. Reheating leftovers or cooking small dishes like frozen dinners can take minutes.
Convection ovens are slower than microwaves. They use hot air circulation which is ideal for baking and roasting. This usually takes anywhere between 30 mins to 2 hours.
Food Texture and Color
The differences in food texture and color between convection ovens and microwaves are striking. Microwaves cook food from the inside out. They typically cook food unevenly and fail to brown or crisp the surface. However, they excel at defrosting and quick reheating. Additionally, microwaves have some added features, such as defrosting and reheating.
Convection ovens circulate hot air within them to cook food thoroughly. This makes it easier to achieve a crispier and caramalized exterior and moist interior. They create a desirable texture and color in cooked dishes.
Temperature Control
Convection Ovens offer precise temperature control. Its control ranges from 150°F to 500°F. You can set the exact temperature. This gives you versatility with recipes and consistency with results.
Microwaves so not temperature control. Instead, they use power levels (200-1200 watts) to control the intensity of heat. This method makes it difficult to get exact temperatures, leading to uneven cooking.
Convection oven vs Microwave: Usage
Can a convection oven replace a microwave or vice versa? Unfortunately, no. Both these appliances have their own unique benefits and uses.
Convection ovens are beneficial for those who often cook many dishes at once. If most of your cooking involves browning, roasting or baking, you’ll need an oven. They are ideal for large families or when cooking for crowds.
Microwaves are convenient for quick-heating small portions. They also offer a quick and easy way to defrost frozen food. This makes them suitable for individuals and small families.
Types of Convection Ovens and Microwaves
Types of Microwaves
- Smart Microwaves: These integrate Wi-Fi compatibility to control the appliance through an app or voice assistant.
- Air Fryer Microwaves: Combines the functionality of a microwave and airfryer. They achieve the crisp you desire and you do not have to own an additional appliance.
- Microwaves With Speed Cook: This has the speed of a microwave and resembles a conventional oven.
- Microwaves With Child Lock: This feature restricts access to the microwave’s control panel. This is ideal for households with children.
- 1,000-Watt Microwaves: This has the capacity to quickly heat large amounts of food.
Types of Convection Ovens
- Electric Ovens: They use electric heating elements to generate heat, ensuring consistent temperatures.
- Gas Ovens: They use natural gas or propane for fuel. Open flames provide a more responsive heating experience, allowing for quick adjustments.
- Ovens with Air Fry: This function allows you to prepare fried food in your oven. It’s much healthier than deep frying.
- Self-cleaning Ovens: A special cycle cleans the oven with steam or high heat. It saves you the effort of scrubbing your oven clean.
- Smart Ovens: Wi-Fi compatibility allows you to control oven functions through an app.
The Best of Both Worlds
Each appliance caters to different cooking needs and preferences. You don’t have to choose between a convection oven and a microwave if you need both.
Oven and Microwave Combo
Convection oven and microwave combination units are sold by many brands. They come stacked on top of each other and fitted into the wall. This saves counter space in the kitchen. The appliance will also match in design, making everything look cohesive.
Convection Microwave
A convection microwave combines the functionalities of a microwave and a convection oven. Like a regular microwave, it uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. But it also has a heating element and a fan, much like a convection oven. This allows for even heat distribution and browning of food – something regular microwaves can't do. You can use it for defrosting frozen food (like a microwave), and also for baking (like a convection oven). They're a good option for small kitchens or apartments since they take up less space.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a countertop appliance that works like a miniature oven. It uses heating elements to cook food from the outside in, much like a conventional oven. Toaster ovens provide crisping, browning, and even cooking for smaller dishes. Toaster ovens are primarily used for toasting bread and other bakery items. They can also be used for baking small dishes like casseroles, pizzas, and frozen meals. If you already own a microwave and need a mini oven, a toaster oven may work very well.
Space Saving Solutions
Convection Ovens are large appliances. They can usually be fitted into your wall or can be placed on a countertop. Most ovens are installed below cooking ranges or fitted into cabinetry. You can maximize space by creating storage around your oven. With microwaves, there are a few more options to save space:
- Built-in microwaves come with sleek trim frames that can be installed into a cutout in your wall.
- Drawer microwaves are sleek designs that open like a drawer. Perfect if you like to conceal appliances within your cabinetry.
- Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves come with an inbuilt ventilation system. They are fitted over your stove.
- Low-Profile Microwaves are like OTR microwaves but have a shorter depth. They can be installed beneath cabinets that might hang lower.