Are you looking for a new microwave oven for your kitchen? Do you want to purchase a new one or replace an older model? Well, there are several options and sizes from which you can choose in the market. There are conventional microwaves and there are convection microwave ovens. What are the differences between these two? Is it advisable to purchase either of them?
This article aims to highlight some of the main features that a convection microwave oven has, as well as a couple of pros and several disadvantages that you will note when you purchase the oven. We will also highlight some of the major differences between convection microwaves and traditional microwaves. In other words, we will help you answer the question, “Are convection microwaves worth the money?”
Difference between Conventional and Convection Microwaves
Before we get into any of the features, let us start with what conventional microwaves can do.
The traditional microwaves have the main purpose of reheating food that has already been cooked and stored. They will boil water for your coffee, melt some butter for your baking recipes, as well as cook freezer meals. Conventional microwaves are of two types. There are solo and grill ovens.
What is the difference?
A solo microwave will provide you with the most basic services, which include defrosting, reheating, or heating. The grill microwave, on the other hand, will give you the same capabilities, except it has an addition of grilling food like fish and chicken.
What about the convection microwave?
A convection microwave can do much more than a conventional microwave can. You have more features to use and you can handle a wider variety of tasks with a convection oven. You can cook in more ways than you would with a conventional microwave. You can bake, grill, roast, crisp, and so much more.
Therefore, it is an amazing appliance to have, whether in your house or your mobile RV.
The Heating Mechanisms
A microwave uses a single heat component known as a magnetron. A magnetron will generate a microwave using electricity. These microwaves will then be absorbed by fats, sugars, as well as water and they will go through your meal, exciting the fat and water molecules. As these molecules continue to rotate, they will bump into each other and create heat as a result. Some parts of the food will get hot and others will not.
A convection oven uses microwave technology, coupled with a heating element, as well as a fan that will continuously circulate the air around the dish you are preparing. The circulation of heat maintains a consistent temperature throughout the microwave. The heat distribution is therefore even and efficient.
Distribution of Heat
The traditional microwave oven will cook the food starting from the outside to the inside through the conduction of heat. The food, however, is not always cooked evenly and there are chances that the meal will suck the moisture out of the food.
The convection microwave will do the same, only that it will have a better distribution of heat, thanks to the fan.
Preheating Capabilities
You can preheat the convection microwaves, but you cannot preheat a conventional microwave.
Capabilities
You can use a convection microwave oven to bake, roast, crisp, or brown. The conventional oven will not do that. It means that you can prepare almost anything from cookies to loaves of bread. You can even have some microwave models that will get you up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The list of things you can cook with a convection oven is endless. You can easily prepare a pizza from scratch. Simply follow the recommended guidelines for the best results.
Features of a Convection Oven
Is a convection microwave worth it considering the features? You should know that the features of convection oven models will vary just like in any other appliance. The features of this post are a general list that most ovens have.
Auto Programmed Settings
When you choose a certain type of food and describe the weight of the food you want to cook, the cooking time will be calculated automatically. You can adjust the timer function so that the process can be quickened or slowed down without affecting the cooking process.
Convection rack
Most models have this rack, which is specifically meant to help the air circulate more effectively around the food. In turn, this will improve the distribution of heat.
The Basic Controls
The controls are not only easy to see but also easy to use. There are no chances of messing up when cooking. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Recessed Turntable
This will maximize the space in the oven. Not only will it increase the space, but also hold more than one meal at a time.
For further reading: 5 Best Over The Range Convection Microwaves
Advantages And Disadvantages
Are convection microwaves worth it? What better way to answer that question than with a set of advantages and disadvantages? These are the main pros you will enjoy when using a convection oven in your kitchen.
Advantages
- + The cooking temperature and cooking times are reduced. That means that the convection microwave will use up less energy to prepare a meal.
- + You will have adequate space to prepare food for a small family. It is also small enough that it will not take up a lot of space in your kitchen or your camper van.
- + You do not need to use the larger stoves. The kitchen will therefore look less congested.
- + It will easily crisp, brown, reheat, or melt whichever food you want. A conventional oven will reheat a pizza and leave it soggy. However, when you decide to use a convection oven, it will be a different case.
- + A convection microwave is a two-in-one appliance. It will be able to defrost, brown, bake, heat, roast, and grill with ease.
Disadvantages
- – You have to clean the interior after each time you use it. The fatty ingredients will leave grease on the walls, which will become harder to remove in the future.
- – Some models do not have a heating element at the top and a convection fan at the rear. The cooking results are therefore not the best.
Conclusion
You should determine the main tasks you want the oven to complete in the kitchen. As you have seen, the convection and conventional ovens are different and they will complete different tasks. Purchase the appliance that will serve you best.
Also Read:
- Difference Between an Air Fryer and Microwave
- What To Look For When Buying a Microwave
- Best Microwave for College Dorm Reviews
Feel free to share your observations with me in the comments section!
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Explain cooking temperature range for baking at 350 in convection for cake cookies meat
When it comes to baking, the cooking temperature range for various items like cakes, cookies, and meat can vary depending on the recipe and desired outcome. However, I’ll provide you with some general guidelines for baking at 350°F (175°C) in a convection oven:
Cakes: Baking a cake at 350°F (175°C) in a convection oven is a common temperature. It allows for even browning and a moist interior. However, it’s important to note that different cake recipes may have specific temperature requirements, so always refer to the recipe for precise instructions.
Cookies: For most cookie recipes, baking at 350°F (175°C) in a convection oven is also a good choice. It promotes even baking and helps cookies develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Again, refer to the specific cookie recipe for accurate temperature and baking time.
Meat: When it comes to meat, the temperature range for cooking depends on the type of meat and desired doneness. While 350°F (175°C) is suitable for some cuts of meat, it may not be appropriate for all. For example, poultry like chicken or turkey generally benefits from higher temperatures to ensure thorough cooking, such as 375°F (190°C) or higher. Red meats like beef or pork may vary depending on the desired level of doneness. It’s essential to consult a reliable meat recipe or cooking guide for specific instructions on the recommended temperature and cooking time for your particular cut of meat.
In all cases, using a convection oven can provide additional benefits, such as more even heat distribution and reduced cooking times. However, it’s still essential to monitor the baking process and make adjustments as needed based on the visual cues and characteristics of your baked goods or meat.