Microwave Convection Facts

Microwave Oven

• When you want to heat or cook food quickly, the most effective method is a microwave oven. Invented in 1955, the process harnesses the power of microwave radiation, which exists on the frequency spectrum between radio and infrared waves, so that it passes through food, heating it in the process. The key to the design's success is when water, fat and other substances' molecules absorb the radiation and vibrate. The vibration causes nearby molecules to vibrate as well, resulting in a buildup of heat energy and cooking.

Convection Oven

• Brought to market in 1945, a convection oven cooks food by moving hot air quickly past the food, allowing it to cook in less time and at a lower temperature than traditional kitchen ranges. Some people believe a convection oven is a superior method of cooking when compared to a conventional oven, which heats from only the bottom or top. The movement of hot air throughout the cooking cavity ensures even heating of food and eliminates cold spots. Convection oven cooking also provides energy savings. When preparing a recipe designed for a regular oven, reduce a convection oven's heat setting by about 25 F.

Combination

• The advantage of a microwave convection oven is that it essentially allows you to switch back and forth between the two technologies, using either according to your cooking needs. A normal microwave oven defrosts and heats quite well but is a terrible place to try to bake a cake. On the other hand, a convection oven is perfect for such a culinary task. The bottom line is that a microwave convection oven overcomes the limitations of each individual technology by packaging them together.

Considerations

• A microwave convection oven is ideal for small kitchens or other areas without much space. You could do away completely with a conventional oven and open up more space in your kitchen for storage or a additional counter-top inches by having a microwave convection oven instead. The appliance's dual design extends its usability beyond a simple box within which to reheat food.