The primary difference between convection and regular microwaves lies in the way they cook food and the heating method they use.
Regular Microwave (Solo Microwave):
- Regular microwaves use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to heat food. They emit microwaves that penetrate the food, causing the water molecules within the food to vibrate and generate heat. This process cooks the food quickly and efficiently.
Convection Microwave:
- Convection microwaves combine the technology of a regular microwave with the addition of a heating element and a fan. This means they can use both microwave radiation and conventional heating (through the heating element) to cook food. The fan circulates hot air within the microwave, creating a convection current that evenly distributes heat around the food, similar to how a conventional oven works.
Cooking Speed: Convection microwaves generally cook more quickly than regular microwaves for certain types of food and cooking methods. The combination of microwave and convection cooking allows for faster and more even cooking and browning of food. Here's why:
Even Heating: The convection fan helps circulate the hot air, ensuring that the food receives uniform heat from all sides. In regular microwaves, the heating might be less uniform, leading to hot and cold spots within the food.
Browning and Crispiness: Convection microwaves can brown and crisp the surface of food items, such as baked goods, pizza, and roasted meats, more effectively than regular microwaves. This is due to the combined use of microwave radiation and the convection heating element, which can provide the necessary browning and texture that many dishes require.
Faster Cooking Times: Because convection microwaves utilize both microwave energy and convection heating, they can cook certain foods faster than regular microwaves. The added convection feature speeds up the cooking process and can lead to reduced cooking times.
However, it's worth noting that for simple tasks like reheating leftovers or quickly cooking certain foods, a regular microwave can still be very efficient and convenient. The choice between a convection microwave and a regular microwave depends on your specific cooking needs, preferences, and budget. Convection microwaves may be more versatile, but they also tend to be more expensive than regular microwaves.