Using a convection microwave is very simple. Before you begin, make sure the appliance is plugged in, the turntable is in place, and the timer and power level settings are correct.
To use a convection microwave, you first need to choose a cooking option. Most models come with auto-cook, defrost, grill, and bake settings to choose from. For each setting, different power and temperature levels can be set.
Next, place food inside the microwave. With most convection microwaves, larger dishes can be cooked with the crisper function. The crisper function allows the food to be cooked from both top and bottom.
When the food is ready, carefully take it out of the microwave and allow it to cool. Make sure to use the appropriate tools for the task to avoid getting burned or the food over-cooking.
Convection microwaves can also be used to warm leftovers, reheat meals, cook popcorn, and more. Again, it is important to check the settings to make sure they are appropriate for the item you are cooking.
For best results, refer to the owner’s manual and cook times in order to ensure optimal performance and safety while using a convection microwave.
When should you use the convection setting?
The convection setting should be used when baking or roasting at temperatures over 375°F. This setting circulates hot air around the food to help cook it more evenly and at a faster rate. The convection setting is particularly effective when baking or roasting food items that require a crisp exterior, like chicken and roasted potatoes.
Additionally, when using a convection setting, foods may require up to 25% less time to cook, compared to when cooking without the convection setting. When using a convection setting, oven racks should generally be placed in the lower and middle positions to ensure the heat is evenly distributed.
Additionally, baking dishes should be two inches apart from one another, and when possible, the food should be turned at least once throughout the cooking process.
Is convection mode in microwave same as oven?
No, convection mode in a microwave oven is different from that of a conventional oven. A conventional oven utilizes regular heat produced by an element or a flame, that circulates through convection, the hot air produced by the element or flame.
In a microwave oven, convection mode uses microwave radiation along with a fan to circulate heated air placed in the oven. This creates an even distribution of heat, helping to cook food faster with more even results.
While both ovens are capable of convection, they operate differently.
What are the pros and cons of convection microwave ovens?
Pros
1. Faster Cooking Times: Convection microwave ovens cook food much faster than traditional ovens as they combine both convection heating and microwave heating technologies.
2. Increased Versatility: While traditional ovens are limited to baking, roasting, and broiling, convection microwave ovens offer multiple cooking functions, like grilling and steaming. This means you can cook a wider variety of dishes without having to switch between appliances.
3. More Even Cooking: The fan in the convection microwave oven helps to distribute the heat more evenly, leading to more consistent results.
4. Energy Efficient: Compared to traditional ovens, convection microwave ovens are usually more energy-efficient, as they take less energy to heat up and less energy to cool down.
Cons
1. Initial Cost: Convection microwave ovens tend to cost more than traditional ovens because of the extra features they offer.
2. Noise and Vibration: The fan in the convection microwave oven is quite loud, which may be an issue for those who find this kind of sound bothersome.
3. Limited Capacity: Due to their smaller size and shape, convection microwave ovens have limited capacity and may not be suitable for larger families or large-scale meals.
4. Special Care Needed: Convection microwave ovens require special cleaning and maintenance – something that might be too time-consuming or difficult for some people.
Which is better convection oven or microwave?
It depends on what purpose you intend to use the oven or microwave for. Generally, convection ovens cook food faster, more evenly, and more efficiently than microwaves. Convection ovens tend to give a uniform crispy texture, while microwaves tend to make food soggy.
In addition, convection ovens generally offer more settings than microwaves, such as fan-assist, top browning and more. Convection ovens are also ideal for grilling, roasting and baking, whereas microwaves are best for reheating food and light cooking tasks such as boiling and defrosting.
However, microwaves tend to be a more cost effective option and are much easier to store when compared to convection ovens. Ultimately, it will depend on which features you value most, and which type of cooking you plan to do.
Can a microwave oven be used to warm food?
Yes, a microwave oven can be used to warm food. A microwave oven utilizes electromagnetic waves to heat food by applying energy directly to the molecules of the food. To warm food in a microwave oven, the user should place the food either in a microwave-safe dish or in plastic wrap or wax paper, and then heat it on a low or medium heat setting.
It is important to begin heating at low or medium settings since high heat settings can cause the food to burn. Furthermore, it is recommended that the user rotate or stir the food halfway through the heating cycle to ensure that it heats evenly.
Additionally, the user should make sure that the liner in the microwave oven is clean to avoid unexpected splatters.
Is there an oven that is also a microwave?
Yes, there are ovens that also function as microwaves. These hybrid appliances are often referred to as “speed ovens. ” Speed ovens combine convection and radiant heat with microwave technology to quickly cook food.
This type of cooking is much faster than traditional ovens, so users can have a full meal ready in a fraction of the time. Speed ovens provide the same capabilities and functionality of both types of cooking devices, making them a great choice for people who don’t have the time or space to install both a microwave and an oven but still want the ability to cook a variety of foods.
Most models offer precise temperature and cooking time settings, so you’re sure to get consistent results.
What can be cooked in microwave oven?
Microwave ovens can cook a wide variety of foods, including convenient pre-cooked meals such as frozen pizzas, burritos, nuggets, and other frozen foods. Microwave ovens are also great for heating up leftovers, such as hot sandwiches and soups.
Most microwaves will also have a setting for defrosting meats, and some more advanced microwaves might even include a convection oven feature.
Almost anything can be microwaved, from hotdogs, to popcorn, to pasta dishes. Additionally, there are several microwavable recipes that can be created with special microwavable dishes and ingredients, including cupcakes, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, Shepherd’s pie and much more.
Some microwaves also have a grilling feature, which will allow you to cook kebabs, burgers, and other meat dishes.
What containers can be used in convection microwave?
Convection microwaves are essentially combination microwaves and ovens. This means you can use almost any type of container in them as you would in a conventional oven. Containers that are safe to use in a convection microwave include ceramic, glass, and heat-safe plastic containers such as silicone containers.
Avoid using metal containers or aluminum foil as they can cause sparks that can damage the microwave. When using plastic containers, make sure to check the label for any warnings about exposure to heat, as some plastics may not be safe for use in the microwave.
For best results, use containers that are labeled as microwave-safe. Lastly, always be sure to follow the container manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
Does a convection oven dry out chicken?
Yes, a convection oven can dry out chicken. The dry heat from a convection oven can quickly evaporate the moisture from the chicken, leaving it dry and tough. To prevent this, it is important to lower the oven temperature a bit and to use a roasting bag or foil to help keep moisture in.
Additionally, cooking the chicken for a shorter period of time and avoiding a very hot oven can also help reduce the risk of drying out. If you are unsure how long to cook the chicken, it is best to use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it is done.