What Is a Convection Microwave Oven?

The term "convection microwave oven" might raise the question, is it a microwave oven or a convection oven? The answer is both! A convection microwave oven successfully combines the convenience of a microwave oven and the practicality of a convection oven. The combination of these two appliances into one smaller unit has made cooking and baking much more efficient and easy for cooks of all skill levels.

What Is a Convection Microwave Oven?

A convection microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that combines the cooking ease and speed of a microwave with the benefits of traditional oven cooking. For example, imagine cooking a turkey in a microwave? The results would not be pretty, but cooking a turkey in a regular oven could take hours. A convection microwave oven combines the best of both worlds---faster cooking time at the touch of a button and the ability to "brown" foods such as turkeys. A convection microwave oven is designed to actually bake/cook foods, as opposed to simply heating and reheating like a microwave.

Convection microwaves have the same controls as a conventional oven, but they also have the functions of a microwave, so you can easily reheat something without having to set the oven to a specific temperature.

How Does It Work?

Instead of using waves to cook food as in a microwave, a convection microwave circulates heated air with a fan to cook the food. The heated air moves around the food, cooking it more quickly than a conventional oven. The circulated air holds a steady temperature better than a regular microwave so food comes out crispy, browned and thoroughly cooked to perfection. Convection microwave ovens also operate at lower temperatures than conventional ovens.

All sorts of foods can be cooked or baked in a convection microwave that would not otherwise be suitable for a microwave: cakes, pies, roasts, pizza, cookies and many other things.

How Big Are Convection Microwave Ovens?

Convection microwave ovens come in various sizes, depending on where they will be used. For example, an industrial kitchen will have a larger unit than a smaller residential kitchen. It is not uncommon for newer or remodeled kitchens to have a convection oven built into or in place of a conventional oven. If a residential kitchen already has a traditional oven, a countertop convection microwave oven is a good alternative to replacing the traditional oven.

Why Choose a Convection Microwave Oven?

There are several reasons to choose a convection microwave. Perhaps the most compelling is the fact that it can be used for both microwave-fast and convenient cooking as well as having the ability to bake or cook things typically not suggested for a microwave.

The reduction in cooking time alone is a huge bonus, as well as the overall ease of use. Two appliances in one package can't be beat!

How Much Do Convection Microwave Ovens Cost?

As of 2009, smaller convection microwaves can start as low as $230, whereas larger, more powerful models can cost upward of $550. Depending on what the consumer will use the oven for, there is a model in everyone's price range.