Convection Microwave Vs Regular Microwave | Comparison Between Them

Microwave ovens are kitchen superheroes, making our lives easier with their fast cooking and reheating powers. But not all microwaves are the same. There are regular microwaves and convection microwaves, each with its own set of tricks. So can we put a convection microwave vs. a regular microwave?

Regular microwaves are like the sprinters of the kitchen. They zap your food with microwave radiation, warming it up in no time. They’re great for heating leftovers or making a quick snack.

Now, convection microwaves are like versatile athletes. They do everything regular microwaves do, but they can also bake, roast, grill, and even make your food crispy and golden. They’re like a microwave and a mini-oven combined.

Today, we’ll uncover the unique superpowers of these kitchen champions.

Difference Between Convection Microwaves and Regular Microwaves | Explained

While you can basically do the same thing in both microwaves, there are key differences between a convection microwave and a regular microwave. We put them in a chart for your convenience to look at a glance. And then we move on to the explanation. 

Feature	Convection Microwave	Regular Microwave
Heating Method	Combines microwave technology with a heating element and fan for more versatile cooking.	Uses microwave radiation to heat food by vibrating water molecules.
Cooking Capabilities	Can microwave, bake, roast, grill, and brown food for a wider range of dishes.	Primarily for reheating and quick cooking. May not brown or crisp food.
Cooking Time	Can take longer for certain recipes due to preheating and combination cooking methods.	Generally faster for basic microwave cooking tasks.
Size and Design	Similar in size to regular microwaves but may be slightly bulkier due to added features.	Available in various sizes, including countertop and built-in models.
Price	Usually more expensive due to added functionality.	Typically more affordable.
Cooking Results	Offers better cooking results, including browning and crisping, suitable for a wider range of recipes.	May not produce the same quality results as a convection microwave or a traditional oven.

1. Differences in the Heating Process

Regular Microwave: This occurs in a normal microwave oven where microwave radiation heats and cooks food. It puts out microwave radiation that vibrates the water molecules in the food causing the entire item to heat up. This produces speedy and generally even heating (which can lack browning or crispiness on top of foods).

Convection Microwave: Conversely, a convection microwave is built using both microwave technology a heating element, and a fan. It can cook food in a microwave style as with normal microwaves but it also comes equipped with a fan to circulate warm air, as well as a heating element to grill or bake food. It lets it brown, roast, and bake for better oven-style cookability.

2. Power of Cooking

Regular Microwave: A regular microwave is mainly meant for thawing, warming/reheating, and cooking food quickly, that too in minimal time. Although it is capable of cooking a variety of dishes, it may not provide that perfect texture for foods that should be crispy or brown.

Convection Microwave: These microwaves are designed to mimic the traditional cooking experience using convection technology that can bake, roast, grill, and broil. It can lightly brown surfaces on dishes and allows for a lot of versatility in cooking.

3. How Much Time Do Both Need In Cooking

Regular Microwave: Typically, regular microwaves have fast heating and cooking capabilities. They generally do not take as long for general microwave cooking chores compared to of convection microwaves.

Convection Microwave: These models will sometimes need more time to cook things as they generally heat using a combination of microwave and convective heating and sometimes demand preheating. But, they do much faster than conventional ovens in a lot of things.

4. Difference In Their Size And Design

Regular Microwave: There are various types such as countertop and built-in models that are catered for kitchens of different dimensions and requirements.

Convection Microwave: Most convection microwaves (also known as fan-assisted microwaves) are approximately the same size as regular microwave ovens (microwave ovens with built-in microwave oven fan and grill cooking elements.

5. Which One Is More Effective In Cooking

Regular Microwave: While general-purpose microwaves are fine for quick and simple heating or cooking, they can oftentimes not be as effective (or provide the same quality of) baking or roasting as a convection microwave or conventional oven.

Convection Microwave: Convection microwaves cook better, resulting in browning and crisping for a broader variety of dishes.

Relevant Questions

Is a convection microwave better than a regular microwave?

It really depends on what you’re after. If you’re all about versatility and want to do more than just quick heating like going into cooking with your oven, broiling, grilling, baking, and stuff,  a convection microwave is your go-to. But if you’re just looking to warm things up fast, a regular microwave will do the trick just fine.

What’s the downside of a convection microwave oven?

The downside of a convection microwave oven aren’t many. One, it is bulkier due to its structure of build. And it is a bit more expensive than a regular microwave oven. And it takes a bit longer to cook rather than a microwave, which is understandable. 

Can I cook a pizza in a convection microwave?

Sure you can! Convection microwaves are pizza-friendly. They can bake and crisp up the crust, making it a good choice for your pizza-craving moments. Just follow the pizza instructions, and nothing will go wrong. Make sure to preheat your convection microwave beforehand. 

Which microwave is the best fit for home use?

For most homes, a regular microwave is a simple and cost-effective choice. It’s perfect for everyday tasks like reheating and basic cooking. However, if you’re a baking enthusiast or want a kitchen sidekick with more cooking options, consider a convection microwave. It’s the best of both worlds; a regular microwave with the added bonus.

Conclusion

In the end, it boils down to what you want from your microwave. If you’re all about speedy heating, go for a regular one. But if you crave cooking flexibility, a convection microwave is your kitchen buddy. It’s all about your cooking style and what suits your taste.