Convection Microwave Ovens: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Microwave ovens have long been a staple in modern kitchens, known for their convenience, speed, and ease of use. However, as technology has advanced, so have the features and functions of these beloved kitchen appliances. One of the most notable innovations in recent years is the convection microwave oven. Offering the functionality of both a microwave and a convection oven, convection microwave ovens have become increasingly popular for their versatility and ability to cook food more evenly than traditional microwaves.

In this article, we will explore what convection microwave ovens are, how they differ from standard microwave ovens, their benefits, and the factors to consider before purchasing one for your home. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether a convection microwave oven is the right choice for your kitchen.

What is a Convection Microwave Oven?

A convection microwave oven is a hybrid appliance that combines the functions of a standard microwave with the added capability of convection cooking. This means that in addition to using microwave radiation to heat food quickly, the appliance also has a built-in fan and heating element that allows for baking, roasting, grilling, and browning. Essentially, you get the benefits of a microwave and a traditional oven in a single unit.

How It Works:
In a convection microwave oven, you can switch between two cooking modes:

Microwave Mode: This works like a regular microwave oven, using electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food from the inside out.
Convection Mode: In this mode, the heating element produces heat, and the fan circulates hot air around the food, allowing for even cooking, browning, and crisping of the exterior, much like a conventional oven.

Some models even allow you to use both functions simultaneously, speeding up cooking times while achieving more even, browned results—a feature that’s especially useful for dishes like roasted chicken, baked goods, or casseroles.

Advantages of Convection Microwave Ovens

Convection microwave ovens offer several advantages over traditional microwave ovens, making them a worthwhile investment for many households.

1. Versatility

Perhaps the most significant benefit of a convection microwave oven is its versatility. It combines the quick-cooking benefits of a microwave with the ability to bake, roast, and grill like a traditional oven. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking a cake, roasting a chicken, or grilling vegetables, a convection microwave oven can handle a wide range of cooking tasks.

For those who live in smaller spaces, such as apartments or dorms, a convection microwave can replace the need for a full-sized oven. This makes it a space-saving solution that offers more cooking options than a standard microwave.

2. Faster Cooking Times

In convection mode, the oven uses a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food, reducing cooking times compared to conventional ovens. When you combine microwave and convection functions, you can cook food even faster, making it ideal for busy households where time is of the essence.

For example, dishes like casseroles, pizzas, and baked potatoes can be cooked more quickly than in a regular oven, while still achieving the crispiness and browning that microwaves often fail to deliver.

3. Even Cooking and Browning

One of the most common complaints about traditional microwaves is that they don’t cook food evenly. You may find hot spots in one part of the dish while another part remains cold. The convection feature solves this issue by using a fan to ensure that heat is distributed evenly around the food. This allows for consistent cooking and is particularly useful for baking, roasting, and grilling.

Moreover, convection microwave ovens can brown and crisp food in a way that traditional microwaves cannot. This makes them ideal for dishes that require a crunchy or crispy texture, such as pizzas, pastries, and roasted vegetables.

4. Energy Efficiency

Convection microwave ovens are generally more energy-efficient than full-sized ovens. Since they cook food more quickly and at lower temperatures, they use less energy to achieve the same results. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, especially if you frequently use your oven for baking or roasting.

Additionally, because they combine two cooking functions in one appliance, convection microwave ovens reduce the need for using multiple devices, further lowering energy consumption.

5. Space-Saving Design

For kitchens with limited space, a convection microwave oven can be a lifesaver. It eliminates the need for both a traditional microwave and a full-sized oven, freeing up valuable counter or cabinet space. This makes it an excellent option for small kitchens, apartments, and RVs where space is at a premium.

Some convection microwave ovens are designed to be built into cabinets or mounted above a stove, further maximizing kitchen space and maintaining a sleek, organized look.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Convection Microwave Oven

While convection microwave ovens offer numerous benefits, they are not without their considerations. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before making your purchase.

1. Size and Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a convection microwave oven is its size and capacity. These ovens come in a variety of sizes, from compact models suitable for small kitchens to larger units that can handle family-sized meals. The internal capacity of convection microwaves is usually measured in liters, and larger capacities allow you to cook bigger dishes or multiple items at once.

Before purchasing, measure the space where you plan to place the oven and ensure it will fit comfortably. Also, consider the types of dishes you typically cook. If you frequently prepare large meals or entertain guests, you’ll need a larger capacity model to accommodate bigger dishes.

2. Power and Wattage

Like standard microwave ovens, convection microwave ovens come in a range of wattages, typically between 800 to 1500 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster and more efficiently the oven will cook your food. However, higher wattage ovens may also consume more electricity.

If you plan to use the oven for tasks like baking and roasting, look for a model with at least 1000 watts of power to ensure optimal performance. Lower wattage models may be more affordable but may not provide the same level of cooking efficiency for more complex tasks.

3. Features and Functions

Modern convection microwave ovens come with a variety of features designed to enhance the cooking experience. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a model:

Pre-set Cooking Functions: Many convection microwaves come with pre-programmed settings for common dishes like pizza, popcorn, baked potatoes, and frozen meals. These can save time and make cooking more convenient.
Defrosting Options: While most microwaves offer defrosting functions, some convection models come with advanced defrosting options that allow for more precise control over the process.
Inverter Technology: Convection microwaves with inverter technology provide more consistent heat levels, ensuring more even cooking and better results, particularly when defrosting or reheating.
Grill Feature: Some convection microwave ovens include a grill function, which is ideal for achieving that crispy, grilled texture on meats and vegetables.
Multi-stage Cooking: This feature allows you to program the microwave to automatically switch between different cooking modes, such as microwaving first and then switching to convection for finishing touches.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning a microwave oven can be a hassle, especially if food splatters or spills inside. Look for models that are designed with easy cleaning in mind, such as those with removable turntables, non-stick interiors, or self-cleaning functions. Some convection microwave ovens also come with a steam-cleaning feature, which helps loosen and remove food particles with minimal effort.

5. Cost

Convection microwave ovens tend to be more expensive than traditional microwaves due to their added features and capabilities. Prices can range from $150 to over $500, depending on the size, brand, and features of the model. While the initial investment may be higher, consider the long-term value and energy savings that a convection microwave can offer.

It’s important to balance your budget with your needs. If you frequently bake or roast and want the added functionality, investing in a higher-end model may be worthwhile. However, if you only occasionally use the convection function, a more affordable mid-range model may suit your needs just fine.

Is a Convection Microwave Oven Right for You?

Ultimately, whether or not a convection microwave oven is the right choice for your kitchen depends on your cooking habits and lifestyle. If you’re someone who loves to bake, roast, and grill but doesn’t want to heat up a full-sized oven every time, a convection microwave oven offers the perfect balance of convenience and versatility.

It’s also ideal for households with limited kitchen space or for those who want to save time and energy in the kitchen without sacrificing cooking quality. The ability to switch between microwave and convection modes—and even combine them—makes these ovens a practical solution for modern cooking.

Conclusion

Convection microwave ovens have redefined what a microwave can do, making them a highly versatile and efficient kitchen appliance. They offer the best of both worlds by combining fast, convenient microwave cooking with the even, thorough results of convection heat. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking a cake, or roasting a chicken, a convection microwave oven can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Before purchasing a convection microwave oven, consider the size, power, features, and budget to ensure you select a model that fits your needs. With the right choice, you can enjoy faster cooking times, more evenly cooked meals, and the convenience of a multifunctional appliance in your kitchen.