The convection microwave and toaster oven are two essential kitchen appliances. They serve as heating appliances and can enable you to prepare a range of meals.
So, having both appliances in the kitchen would make sense. But if space is an issue, you might want to consider getting only one.
Most people may choose a convection microwave in place of the toaster oven. But here’s the question. Can a convection microwave replace a toaster oven? Is it something worth doing?
Yes, a convection microwave has what it takes to replace a toaster oven. It can do the same job as a toaster oven. But can it do it better? No! A toaster oven delivers better toast than a convection microwave. But the latter can make toast much faster.
Nevertheless, a convection microwave is a wise choice if you’re dealing with a countertop space issue.
Keep reading as we discuss more on convection microwave and toaster oven.
Is a Convection Oven The Same as a Toaster Oven?
Understanding what differentiates a convection oven from a toaster oven will make choosing the right option a breeze for you. It will help you avoid unnecessary bills in the future.
Let’s answer the question above.
Is a convection oven and toaster oven the same? No, they’re not. The only similarity they have is that both are heating appliances. In other words, they are useful for cooking.
So, what’s the difference between a convection oven and a toaster oven? It’s simple.
The convection oven boasts fans that help circulate air when cooking or heating foods. The air circulation is the reason this oven can cook foods evenly.
The ability to cook food evenly makes a convection oven a wise choice for baking. And what’s more, the large size makes this oven ideal for full-scale cooking. In other words, it can handle a huge amount of food at once.
But the huge size means gas or electricity bills (depending on the type of convection oven) will be on the high side. In other words, you may spend more on gas or electricity bills to run this oven.
Additionally, convection ovens are difficult to install. In-cabinet installation requires carpentry skills. Thus, you may have to hire a professional to do a neat job.
But in the area of maintenance, a convection oven is the winner. It is much easier to clean.
What’s it about a toaster oven?
Well, the toaster oven is the opposite of the convection oven. It heats quickly. Thus, you can get food cooked as fast as possible.
The toaster oven is difficult to clean up but a breeze to install. This oven is also small, affordable, but it doesn’t have fans like a convection oven.
This oven is most suitable for preparing toasts and reheating leftovers since it cooks at much lower temperatures.
However, if you have limited countertop space and want either a toaster oven or a convection oven, making the right decision should be easier.
Toaster ovens’ small size makes them a wise choice for kitchens with limited countertop spaces.
Is a Convection Oven The Same as a Microwave?
No, that’s the short answer. The cooking approach of both appliances differentiates them.
The convection oven (whether gas or electric) uses a fan to circulate heat. That’s how it operates. But the reverse is the case for a microwave.
The microwave oven uses radio waves to heat food. Thus, foods cooked in a microwave take longer than in a convection oven.
Can Convection Microwave Grill Also?
Yes, it can. Convection microwave can grill, bake, crisp, roast, and brown foods. It can perform the entire solo functions microwave does and more.
The only thing many may consider a turn-off is the price point. A convection microwave is a bit expensive. But is it worth buying? Well, it all depends on your preference.
In other words, what you prefer cooking and will be cooking now and then should influence your decision on whether to get a convection microwave or just a microwave.
If you’re only looking to bake, crisp, roast, or brown smaller portions of foods, a microwave should be enough. But if you plan on grilling, in addition to other cooking operations, a convection microwave is the ideal option.
Can We Bake in a Convection Microwave?
Yes, you can, and with great results. Convection microwaves combine some of the features or cooking approaches used by two kitchen appliances. These include the microwave and convection oven.
Now, what makes convection microwave a wise choice for baking? The answer is simple. It boasts features that will enable you to bake cakes evenly.
The convection microwave boasts an additional heating element together with fans that help to circulate heat throughout the unit. Thus, it can bake, roast, and perform other functions.
Can You Put a Convection Microwave in a Cabinet?
Yes, you can build your convection microwave in a kitchen cabinet, just like a normal oven.
However, the appliance needs to have a ventilation kit for you to build it into your kitchen cabinet. This kit usually comes with the required clearance to discourage heat buildup.
Can a Convection Microwave Be Used as an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use most convection microwaves as an air fryer, especially if the appliance boasts the appropriate mesh basket.
Most people prefer using a convection microwave to the air fryer since it offers more room. The larger space makes the air fryer a considerable amount of food at once, making it an ideal option for preparing large meals.
Using a convection microwave to an air fryer will produce a similar result as an air fryer itself. The reason for this is simple. The convection microwave and air fryer boast fans that help to circulate heat.
The fan makes it possible to cook foods evenly. It helps circulate the heat throughout.
Can Convection Microwave Bake Cakes?
Yes, it can. You can bake any cake you want in a convection microwave. And the result would be great.
However, it’s important to acquaint yourself with using the convection microwave for baking cakes. You don’t want to bake a cake that will become overcooked or super hard.
So, how do you bake a cake using a convection microwave? Follow the step below.
Step#1: Preheat your oven:
The first thing to do is to preheat the oven. That’s how to prepare it to bake your cake.
Find out the temperature for the recipe and try to lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. But if the cake you’re baking is big, consider removing an additional 10 or 5 degrees Fahrenheit from the recipe’s temperature.
Step#2: Get your cake batter into the clean cake pan:
Let’s assume you have already prepared your cake batter at this point and cleaned your pan. Now pour the batter into the cake pan and place it in the oven.
If you’re baking multiple cakes at once, consider leaving two inches of space between each cake pan. Why? This will cause air to circulate properly and cook the cake evenly.
Furthermore, remember you don’t have to cover the cake with tinfoil.
Step#3: Keep the convection microwave door closed:
There is no point in keeping the oven door open. Doing so will cause the appliance to lose a considerable amount of heat, which will affect cooking time.
Step#4: Check for doneness before the suggested time.
You have to be vigilant when baking a cake because failing to turn off the oven when you should is disastrous.
It is advisable to check for cake doneness 10 minutes before the actual time. The exact time, in this case, refers to the time the recipe suggests.
A Handy Tip: You can check if your cake is done by dipping a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Just remove it from the oven and give it time to cool down before removing it from the cake pan.
However, if the toothpick dipped into the middle of the cake comes out stained, then your cake is not yet ready.
Can Convection Microwave Toast Bread?
Yes, you can toast bread with some convection microwave. However, some can only roast and bake. They cannot grill or toast.
So, if you’re interested in toasting bread, then getting a convection microwave that offers such will be a wise idea. Therefore, endeavor to read product features before splashing the cash. You have to be certain the microwave can do what you’re buying it for.
Conclusion: Can a convection microwave replace a toaster oven?
Yes, it can. But if countertop space or money isn’t an issue for you, adding a toaster to the appliances in your kitchen won’t be a bad idea.
We also answer a question comparing convection oven to toaster oven. For the records, both aren’t the same. The convection oven uses a fan to circulate heat and cook foods more evenly. The toaster oven doesn’t use a fan.
You can also learn how to use the convection microwave for baking cake at home. We shared tips on that here, so check it out.
