Are you in the market for a new microwave oven? The question is whether you are prepared to settle for a conventional microwave or get adventurous and go for a convection microwave oven?
To help you decide, let’s look at the features of each type of oven, their benefits/drawbacks and what each has to offer you to meet your needs.
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A conventional or solo microwave is pretty basic and easy to operate.
Owners mainly use it to reheat pre-cooked foods, such as freezer-to-table meals. In the absence of a kettle or a stovetop, water or milk can be heated to make a cup of your favorite hot drink.
Frozen, unusable butter can be melted to spread on your bread or pastries. Cook in the bag popcorn is a breeze in the conventional microwave. Even rice comes out fluffy and perfectly cooked. However, if you cook meat in a conventional microwave, the food cooks from the outside in, resulting in uneven cooking and it’s often raw in the center.
This leads to the necessity for further microwaving which results in the outside being over-cooked and chewy.
Not great!
However, your conventional microwave oven comes in two variants, the solo AND the grill. Here we have the basic functions of the solo together with the advantage of being able to grill foods such as chicken, fish, steak, and chops.
This not only gives the food a lovely color, but it also tastes delicious. And, the food cooks pretty evenly. However, you may still find that the results are a little ‘dry’ as the cooking process sucks the moisture out of the food.
The Convection Microwave
If the conventional microwave does not suit your needs, you can consider the convection microwave. This combines the solo/grill conventional microwave and the convection microwave into a powerful cooking tool.
It is more complicated to operate, and you will have to read the manual to get the best out of it, but the great thing is that you dramatically expand the range of what you can cook, and the methods. Now you can reheat, bake, roast, grill, and the results are moist and tender. No more unevenly-cooked or rubbery food.
Necessity or Luxury?
You have to ask yourself, do I need a convection microwave? This depends on your needs.
If you already have a conventional oven and an electric or gas stovetop, then the chances are that you will tend to use the more conventional cooking methods these appliances provide. However, if you have limited space, an all-in-one like the convection microwave will save you space, money, time, and is very convenient.
No more burnt offerings as the cooking guides ensure that your food is cooked perfectly and looks delicious, with that just-out-of-the-oven appearance.
If you don’t have the space for conventional cooking appliances, convection microwaves are ideal for vacation cabins, motor homes, university dormitories, and small apartments, as undoubtedly these spaces will not support a full oven; a convection microwave can expand your culinary options. You can even use the convection microwave when you are camping.
Cost is a factor here. Basic microwave ovens are much less expensive than their much more sexy and capable cousin. It boils down to what your needs are and what your budget will allow.
Conclusion
Conventional microwave ovens can’t do everything but, in conjunction with conventional cooking appliances, are an ideal and cost-effective addition. They’re great for any space where an oven isn’t the best option.
However, convection microwaves provide an integrated cooking solution for people from all walks of life, from the busy home executive to the college student.
Between the convenient, compact design, the nearly-universal functionality, and the ease of use, the convection oven is multi-functional and quick in comparison with conventional ovens.
I hope this quick guide to microwave oven options has helped you understand the pros and cons of these handy appliances. Please consider supporting us by checking out our other useful articles.
Enjoy your journey to find what best suits you.