When we go to buy a new microwave we usually go to the practical, but if you are thinking of renovating the old one at home you will have noticed that today there is a great variety of models to choose from. Before choosing any device, it is worth analyzing the differences between them to decide which one suits us best for our needs. It is clear that microwave ovens stand out from traditional microwaves because they offer many more functionalities and are more striking in their design, but they also go up in price. How exactly do they differ? Is it worth the investment?
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The traditional microwave: especially for heating
We understand traditional microwaves as typical of a lifetime that our parents already had, that which is not lacking in any kitchen and which is almost always used only for heating. Aesthetically they have not changed too much in recent years, and the truth is that all brands have a very similar design, generally white and similar dimensions.
It was born as a kitchen aid to quickly heat, defrost and cook, albeit with little precision. Cooking is based on the action of microwaves directly heating the central and upper part of the food, which usually causes overheating, leaving cold or raw parts. If we want some uniformity, we must try with short times and stir.
Today most include the grill function, an electric resistance located on the top that allows browning and gratin. With it we can for example melt cheese or brown the top of the dishes, imitating the oven but without achieving the exact same finish. That is to say, it concentrates the action of heating in the upper point, but does not “cook” as such. The great advantage is speed and comfort of use. Depending on the model and the number of watts, the traditional microwave has a range of power levels with which we can play according to what we want to prepare.
The advantages of a microwave with the finish of a convection oven
In a higher range we find microwave ovens, also called convection ovens. The first thing that attracts attention is the superior price, but it is an investment that responds to the greater benefits that they offer us in the long term. The best microwave oven works like a dual-function appliance: the advantages of the traditional microwave add all the possibilities of the convection oven. That is, in addition to heating, they allow us to cook with a real finish, like the one we would get in the oven.
These microwaves are also more powerful and feature a range of cooking functions and modes designed for different foods and recipes. Dishes are baked by convection heat, are more homogeneous and have a more natural and tasty finish, with a crisp, golden exterior. The finish and texture have nothing to do with traditional microwave cooking. This allows cooking and defrosting evenly, achieving a perfect finish in any recipe, from healthy fries with a crisp and golden exterior to braised steamed dishes. By also acting as a convection oven, it allows grilling large foods and also baking pastries and bread, thanks to the multifunction that adapts to all kinds of recipes. If you want know more about home and kitchen appliances then you can visit home appliance reviews websites.