What Are the Benefits of a Combo Convection Microwave Oven?

Typical Microwave Benefits

• First and foremost, the convection microwave is still a microwave. It has all of the benefits of a regular microwave and more. It will reheat leftovers in seconds, cook frozen prepackaged dinners in just a few minutes and will boil liquids in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop.

Baking

• One of the most impressive benefits of the convection microwave is its ability to replace the conventional oven for baking purposes. A heating element inside these appliances will raise the temperature of the cooking compartment to nearly 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The circulating air within the oven allows for convection baking ideal for cakes, breads and pastries. Anything that can be baked in a traditional convection oven will also cook in a convection microwave. Many models of the convection microwave will also complete baking in less time than other convection ovens.

Browning and Crisping

• The original microwave can heat food, but only a convection microwave is capable of browning or crisping meats. The air circulation cooks the foods evenly without leaving hot and cold spots and will form a crisp brown surface on meats and breads.

Moisture Retention

• The microwave is known for cooking the moisture out of food. The result of over-microwaved items is a tough, dry and chewy food that is unlike the foods cooked in more conventional ways. This complaint does not apply to the convection microwave. Its even cooking ability retains nutrients and moisture in the foods. Meats remain juicy and vegetables become tender.

Versatility

• The convection microwave is a more versatile cooking instrument than the original microwave. While "microwavable" foods were somewhat limited with the microwave, the convection microwave oven can cook almost anything. This oven will properly prepare roast beef or chicken, bake dinner rolls, toast sandwiches, cook perfect al dente pasta, bake pies and other deserts as well as pizza and even steam vegetables and fish, according to the Computer and Technology Update website.