How does a convection microwave oven work

Convection microwaves can be a valuable addition to any kitchen. They combine the best characteristics of microwaves and convection ovens, cooking food fast and making it crispy or brown. As a result, many homeowners purchase one to facilitate meal preparation. But are they worth the investment?

To answer this question, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of convection microwaves.

Pros

Multifunctional

The greatest benefit of a convection microwave is that it combines grilling, baking, and regular microwave functionality. Thus, the appliance is convenient, fast, and effective. It also works well for meals that need to be cooked at high temperatures.

Saving space and time

Convection microwaves enable homeowners to save space in their kitchens. The devices are smaller than regular ovens and can be integrated into kitchen cabinets to take up even less space.

They also save people a lot of time. Since they can perform multiple operations simultaneously, cooking dishes is a lot faster with a convection microwave.

Affordability

Convection microwaves are generally less expensive than standard ovens. Moreover, they’re affordable to run and don’t consume as much electricity, making them energy efficient.

Safety features

Many convection microwaves come with robust safety features. One of the most useful is the auto shut-off function. As the name suggests, it turns the heating element off when the temperature gets too high. Consequently, the risk of fires or other accidents is much lower if you forget to shut down the device.

The flavor remains 

Because a convection microwave oven circulates the air throughout the cooking process and has an automatic shut-off feature, they cook food evenly. As a result, the food is flavorful.

Cons

Not as good as a conventional oven for some foods

The most notable disadvantage of convection microwaves is their inability to bake some items as well as standard ovens. For example, biscuits baked in a traditional oven have a better texture than those baked in convection microwaves.

In addition, appliances without a bottom element aren’t practical for dishes that require base cooking, such as pies or pizzas.

Small capacity

Another downside of installing convection microwaves is the limited space inside compared to conventional ovens. For instance, they may be inadequate for baking cakes.

Costlier than regular microwaves

Even though convection microwaves are more affordable than standard ovens, they’re more expensive than traditional microwaves. Still, this disadvantage may be offset by the functionality of convection microwaves. They can perform several operations, unlike a standard microwave that only reheats or defrosts food.

Overall, convection microwaves are a wise investment if you’re looking for a versatile, efficient device that doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen. To safely mount the unit, reach out to a trusted appliance installation company.

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!

A convection microwave combines the standard features of a conventional microwave oven with an additional convection heating element that can help roast, bake and crisp your favorite foods.

Because of this added functionality, convection microwaves are a versatile kitchen tool that can help you multitask and expand your menu. Read on below to learn more about convection microwaves and their benefits to help you decide whether it’s the right match for the way you make.

How does a convection microwave oven work
How does a convection microwave oven work

What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?

The main difference between conventional and convection microwaves is their heating elements. Traditional microwaves cook food using electromagnetic waves, while convection microwaves have an additional heating element and fan to circulate heat throughout the cavity.

Because of this oven-like heating element, you can use a convection microwave to bake, broil or roast smaller portions of your favorite recipes.

What is the difference between a convection oven and a convection microwave?

A convection microwave cooks food similar to a convection oven when the convection setting is activated. Convection microwaves are much smaller appliances than ovens and can be installed as a built-in, over-the-range or simply placed on your countertop.

Convection ovens are larger appliances that occupy more space in your kitchen and can cook multiple dishes and larger portions than convection microwaves.

How does a convection microwave oven work
How does a convection microwave oven work

How do convection microwaves work?

In addition to usual microwave functions, convection microwaves work using a feature that transforms your microwave into a miniature convection oven. A heating element and fan work together to circulate heat throughout the interior of the microwave, allowing you to unlock your culinary creativity with techniques like broiling and roasting.

Benefits of convection microwaves

There are several benefits to adding a convection microwave to your kitchen. 

  • If you currently own a conventional oven, you can still create with convection heat without having to replace a large appliance.

  • You can use convection microwaves as a standard microwave or as a convection oven to broil, bake and roast.

  • Many models come equipped with multiple racks so you can cook more than one dish at a time when inspiration strikes.

When should you not use a convection oven?

Though convection heat is a great option for juicy roasts, bubbly casseroles, crisp veggies and homemade cookies, you may want to avoid using it on more delicate recipes. Cakes, custards and soufflés may rise unevenly and become a bit dry when baked using convection heat.

How does a convection microwave oven work
How does a convection microwave oven work

Can you put metal in a convection microwave oven?

Yes, you can place metals like aluminum foil or small baking sheets in convection microwaves, but only when the appliance is in convection mode. Never use metal inside a convection microwave while it is using traditional microwave heating.

Can a convection microwave replace an oven?

A convection microwave can be a great supplement to a standard sized oven, but you may not want to replace the appliance completely. Convection microwaves are not designed to prepare large portions of food as they simply don’t have the internal capacity.

Shop KitchenAid® Convection Microwaves

You can open the door to new creative possibilities with the help of a KitchenAid® convection microwave in built-in, over-the-range and countertop options. Enjoy standard microwave features and convection heating in addition to innovative features on select models like the Sensor Steam Cycle with Steamer Container that allows precision steaming based on your selected preferences. Browse KitchenAid brand’s entire collection of convection microwaves to find the right fit for your kitchen.

Explore convection microwave & convection cooking

What are the pros and cons of convection microwave ovens?

Pros and Cons of a Convection Microwave.
Multifunctional. ... .
Saving space and time. ... .
Affordability. ... .
Safety features. ... .
The flavor remains. ... .
Not as good as a conventional oven for some foods. ... .
Small capacity. ... .
Costlier than regular microwaves..

Can you put metal in a convection microwave oven?

Metal will not allow microwaves to penetrate the food so any food behind the metal will not be cooked. The metal could also cause arcing in the oven. Metal and foil can be used safely and effectively with the convection cooking feature in a microwave convection oven.

Is a convection microwave better than a regular microwave?

You can expect faster cook times on certain items as the convection element and microwave cook simultaneously, and convection microwaves come with racks that let you microwave multiple dishes at once. Roasting, baking, cooking and crisping are all possible when you upgrade to a convection microwave.

Is a convection microwave like an air fryer?

Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity than a standard air fryer so you can fit more in (one of the downsides of smaller air fryers is that you can't cook a lot of food at once).