The microwave oven is already quite firmly settled in the homes of almost all families. We are used to using it to heat and defrost food. Now, advertising and all the shops present to us: a microwave oven with convection, grill and many more new features. So what is convection in the microwave and is it really needed, or is it just another marketing ploy? Below we will try to understand this issue.
Content
What is this function and the principle of its work
Convection is a function that promotes uniform heating of the air and its distribution throughout the device chamber. The heating elements installed in the chamber produce heating. By means of a fan (convection), heated air is evenly distributed over the entire area of the chamber. Thus, dishes are cooked evenly, both inside and out.
A convection microwave is currently, if not a complete replacement, then at least a worthy alternative to ovens.
Previous models of microwave ovens were equipped with a maximum grill, thanks to which it was possible to cook, for example, roast chicken. Convection microwave significantly expands the list of recipes for microwave. In it you can bake pies and pastries, cook soups and bake a second and so on.
Most often, a microwave oven with a grill and convection interests housewives who do not have the opportunity to install an oven in the kitchen (small area or rented accommodation), but they want to cook a full and tasty meal.
Naturally, models with convection and grill are larger in size and, accordingly, more expensive than their non-convection counterparts, but cheaper and more compact than ovens, so just right for a small kitchen.
Microwave oven with convection - how to make friends with it?
So, what is convection and why is it needed, figured out. Now consider how to handle it.
- Not all containers can be used for cooking in convection mode. Typically, the instructions for the device indicate which dishes are suitable for this.
- It is best to cook in small portions. Then the dishes are very tasty.
- Be sure to use a special stand on the legs, it is mainly included. The need to use the stand in providing access for heated air from all sides of the dishes and from the bottom as well.
- If you like golden crusts, you need to use the combined grill + convection mode. Only in this case, the baking will be golden.
- Also, its use significantly reduces cooking time, which means it will save electricity.
- You should also use pre-heating the camera - this function is equipped with most modern models. Only 7-10 minutes are enough, and you can safely lay the dish. The heating temperature is preferably set from 150 degrees.
If you follow these recommendations, you quickly “make friends” with a new assistant, and cooking even complex dishes will be a joy.
Choosing a microwave with convection - what to look for
We have already figured out what convection in the microwave is, why it is needed and how to work with it. If you understand that you need such a useful device, it is time to understand how to choose it correctly.
In addition to the fact that when choosing we always focus on user reviews, we must also take into account our own capabilities and needs.
So, modern microwave convection ovens can combine three main functions:
- microwaves (defrosting, heating food);
- grill;
- convection.
Devices with the maximum range of functions, respectively, are more expensive and more efficient. In addition, it is possible to conditionally divide all modern microwaves by the type of heating element. They are distinguished by two:
- ten - a spiral with an internal heating element. It is widely used in ovens with a grill; in some models it is mobile;
- Quartz is a more compact and convenient to use and care heater. Mounts motionless at the top of the camera.
Otherwise, the choice of displacement, feature set, and brand of the device is yours.
More modern and expensive models have a number of cooking programs. It’s just enough to choose a product or a dish, and the device will choose the cooking time on its own. Even an inexperienced housewife will cope with such a task.
Pros and cons of convection devices
Each item of household appliances has its pros and cons. This is also the case with microwave ovens with grill and convection. To understand if you really need these features, consider the pros and cons of this technique.
The positive aspects include the following:
- such an oven may well replace the oven, taking up less space in the kitchen;
- the possibility of combining various cooking modes;
- built-in programs for some foods and dishes;
- saving time, and with it electricity (in comparison with the electric oven);
- cooking healthy food;
- convenient management;
- multifunctionality.
The negative features include:
- small (if compared with the oven) volume;
- You can not use all the dishes;
- high quality models are expensive.
Here you already need to look at what will outweigh in your case - the pros or cons.
The most modern microwave ovens are equipped with six functions - microwaves, grill, convection, microwaves with steam, they are also with grill and convection with grill. Well, they will cost, respectively, a lot.
Popular models
So, let's see what the microwave oven market offers us.
The most budgetary model at the moment Erisson MWG-20MSG.
The characteristics are as follows:
- volume of 20 liters;
- enamel inside;
- grill;
- convection;
- power is 700 W;
- 30 minutes timer;
- mechanical control;
- from defrosting modes only.
The model is new, there are no reviews about it yet. This unit costs an average of 4,000 rubles.
The most expensive model Kuppersbusch EMWK 6550.0 W1 we will not describe in detail. This built-in microwave oven costs about 112,000 rubles.
But the models and brands that are popular, perhaps, consider.
So the model 23MWC-881T / B-M by BBK.
Characteristics:
- volume 23 liters;
- enamel inside;
- grill;
- convection;
- power is 800 W;
- power levels 5;
- 99-minute timer
- electronic control;
- Three main cooking modes.
The case is stylish, black. Cost in the region of 7,000 rubles.
Next model Samsung MC28H5013AW.
General characteristics:
- volume of 28 liters;
- enamel inside;
- grill;
- convection;
- power 900 W;
- power levels 6;
- 99-minute timer
- electronic control;
- 3 regular and 3 combined modes.
The cost of this device is an average of 10,000 rubles.
Conclusion
A convection microwave is an excellent solution for housewives with a small kitchen. In addition, such a device is cheaper than an oven with the same functionality. For cooks with experience and for beginners who love to bake, this is a great option.
But such a purchase will be superfluous for people with full kitchen equipment (including an oven) and busy people - those who rarely cook anything. Such people are more likely to use a conventional microwave for heating.
In general, there are more than 1000 such microwave ovens - from different manufacturers, in different price categories and so on. In any case, knowing what kind of "beast" this is - microwave with convection - you can decide for yourself whether you need it or not. And this article and customer reviews will help you choose a model.
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| Title | Samsung MC28H5013AW | BBK 23MWC-881T / B-M | Kuppersbusch EMWK 6550.0 W1 | Erisson MWG-20MSG |
| Internal volume | 28 l | 23 l | 35 l | 20 l |
| Inner coating of the camera | bioceramic enamel | enamel | stainless steel steel | enamel |
| Grill | is, tenovy | there is | there is | there is |
| Microwave power | 900 watts | 800 watts | 1000 watts | 700 watts |
| Number of Power Levels | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Price | from 11500 rub. | from 7250 rub. | from 110300 rub. | from 4000 rub. |
