A convection microwave, also known as a microwave convection oven or microwave oven with convection, combines the features of a microwave oven and a convection oven. It is a versatile appliance that can perform both microwave cooking and convection cooking.
Here's how a convection microwave works compared to other types of microwaves:
Microwave Cooking: Similar to a traditional microwave, a convection microwave uses microwave radiation to heat and cook food. Microwaves emit electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules within the food to vibrate, generating heat. This process allows for quick and efficient cooking, reheating, and defrosting of food.
Convection Cooking: What sets a convection microwave apart is its additional convection heating functionality. It incorporates a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air inside the cooking chamber. This enables the convection microwave to cook food more evenly and with a crispy texture, similar to a conventional oven. It can bake, roast, and brown food, providing a wider range of cooking options compared to a standard microwave.
Combination Cooking: Convection microwaves offer the flexibility of using either the microwave mode, convection mode, or a combination of both. Combination cooking combines the speed of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping capabilities of convection cooking. This feature is particularly useful when you want to achieve a combination of quick cooking and browning, such as when preparing roasted meats or baked goods.
Additional Features: Convection microwaves often come with a variety of additional features, such as pre-programmed cooking modes, sensor cooking, multi-stage cooking, and advanced settings for precise control over cooking parameters. These features enhance convenience and cooking precision.
Overall, a convection microwave provides the convenience and speed of microwave cooking while also offering the added versatility of convection cooking. It's a popular choice for those who want a single appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from reheating leftovers to baking and roasting.