Convection in the microwave: what is it, how to choose

The microwave oven has already become quite firmly established in the homes of almost all families. We are used to using it to heat and defrost food. Now advertising and all the stores present us with: a microwave oven with convection, grill and many more new functions. So what is convection in a microwave oven and is it really necessary, or is it just another marketing ploy? Below we will try to understand this issue.

What is this function and how does it work?

Convection is a function that promotes uniform heating of air and its distribution throughout the chamber of the device. Heating elements installed in the chamber produce heat. Using a fan (convection), the heated air is evenly distributed over the entire area of the chamber. This way the food is cooked evenly both inside and outside.

A microwave with convection is currently, if not a full-fledged 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, golden brown chicken in it. A microwave with convection significantly expands the list of microwave recipes. You can bake pies and pastries in it, cook soups and bake the main course, and so on.

Most often, a microwave with grill and convection is of interest to housewives who do not have the opportunity to install an oven in the kitchen (small space or rented housing), but want to cook complete and tasty food.

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 they are just right for a small kitchen.

How is convection used in microwave ovens?

So, what is convection in a microwave? To carry out this process in microwave ovens, two devices are needed: a heating element and a fan. The first generates heat and heats the air, and with the help of the second it circulates throughout the chamber. Most often, manufacturers choose the back wall of the microwave to locate the fan.

Another question that is much more interesting for ordinary people is how does cooking in a microwave with convection affect dishes, what is it for? For uniformity! Compared to older ovens (without convection), they have more uniform:

heating dishes;
crust color and spread;
baked products.

There are a lot of dishes for which such an option is simply vital. You can forever forget about black burnt marks in those places that are located closer to the heating elements, while the bulk is still damp. This problem is especially relevant for furnaces with a small internal volume.

In the video, the host of the popular program simply and clearly explains the principle of convection. The example of the movement of cardboard over a hot incandescent lamp demonstrates the fact that hot air rises upward, which is the essence of this phenomenon. With the help of the mentioned fans, the air movement becomes more orderly.

Microwave oven with convection - how to “make friends” with it?

So, we figured out what convection is and why it is needed. Now let's look at how to handle it.

Not all containers can be used for convection cooking. Usually the instructions for the device indicate which dishes are suitable for this.
It is best to cook in small portions. Then the dishes turn out very tasty.
Be sure to use a special stand with legs, it is usually included in the kit. The need to use a stand is to ensure access of heated air from all sides of the dishes, including from below.
If you like golden brown crusts, you need to use the combined grill + convection mode. Only in this case will the baked goods be golden.
Also, its use significantly reduces cooking time, and therefore saves electricity.
You should also use preheating of the chamber - most modern models are equipped with this function. Just 7-10 minutes is enough, and you can safely add the dish. It is advisable to set the heating temperature to 150 degrees.

If you follow these recommendations, you will quickly “make friends” with your new assistant, and cooking even complex dishes will become a joy.

How to use convection mode correctly

When using a microwave with a convection function, follow these simple tips:

Not all cookware is suitable for the microwave. Metal containers should not be used for heating or cooking food. Only glass and ceramic dishes can be used.
To get a crispy and tasty crust, you need to combine microwave and grill modes. This will also cook the food faster.
To improve the quality of food, it is advisable to prepare dishes in small portions. Be sure to use a special stand, which is usually included with the microwave.
Some models have a preheat function. It should be turned on approximately 10-15 minutes before cooking begins.

Choosing a convection microwave - what to look for

We have already figured out what convection in a microwave is, why it is needed and how to work with it. If you understand that you need such a useful device, it’s time to understand how to choose it correctly.

In addition to the fact that when choosing, we always focus on user reviews, we also need to take into account our own capabilities and needs.

So, modern microwave ovens with convection can combine three main functions:

microwaves (defrosting, heating food);
grill;
convection.

Devices with the maximum range of functions are, accordingly, more expensive and more efficient. In addition, all modern microwave ovens can be divided according to the type of heating element. There are two of them:

heating element - a spiral with an internal heating element. Widely used in grill ovens, in some models it is movable;
quartz is a more compact and convenient heater to use and maintain. It is fixedly mounted on the top of the chamber.

Otherwise, the choice of displacement, set of functions, as well as the brand of the device is yours.

More modern and expensive models have a number of cooking programs. Here you just need to select a product or dish, and the device will select the cooking time on its own. Even an inexperienced housewife can cope with such a task.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of convection mode:

You can select several cooking modes at the same time.
Significant savings of your time and effort.
Most of the nutrients in the dishes are retained.
Possibility to select automatic mode.
Availability of a varied menu.

Disadvantages of convection mode:

This type of microwave oven is smaller in size than a conventional oven, which means you cannot cook a large amount of food at the same time.
Only certain containers are allowed to be used.
Consumes a lot of electricity.
High prices for quality goods.

The latest new product that you can see in the store is a model that combines conventional microwaves, steam air circulation, a grill function, and direct convection.

Pros and cons of convection devices

Each piece of household appliance has its own pros and cons. The same is true for grill and convection microwave ovens. To understand whether you really need these features, let's look at the pros and cons of this technique.

The positive aspects include the following:

such a stove can easily replace an oven, taking up less space in the kitchen;
the ability to combine different cooking modes;
built-in programs for some products and dishes;
saving time, and with it energy (compared to an electric oven);
preparing healthy food;
convenient control;
multifunctionality.

Negative traits include:

small (compared to an oven) volume;
Not all dishes can be used;
high quality models are expensive.

Here you need to look at what exactly in your case will outweigh the pros or cons.

The most modern microwave ovens are equipped with six functions - microwaves, grill, convection, microwaves with steam, also known as grill, and convection with grill. Well, they will cost, accordingly, a lot.

What factors to consider when purchasing

Power

This is probably the main characteristic of a household appliance. The power supplied to the convector affects the quality of the food.

Important! Some manufacturers indicate on the label only the power of the microwave itself.

As a result, when the microwave generator and thermal unit are turned on simultaneously, the maximum power will be lower than declared. Therefore, the efficiency of using such equipment will decrease.

Functionality and operating methods

The chambers of high-quality products are covered from the inside with a layer of ceramics or bioceramics.

These surfaces are resistant to temperature changes. And they calmly accept the ingress of drops of fat, soot, etc. The coating is easy to clean and withstands mechanical damage.

Recipe selection

Modern ovens are equipped with built-in recipes, as well as automatic cooking.

You can select the required recipe and put it into use from the control panel. By the way, some manufacturers also include a book of culinary recipes in the delivery package of the finished product, specially designed for microwave ovens with a similar unit.

Popular models

So, let's see what the microwave oven market offers us.

The most budget model at the moment is Erisson MWG-20MSG .

The characteristics are:

volume 20 liters;
enamel inside;
grill;
convection;
power 700 W;
timer for 30 minutes;
mechanical control;
The only modes available are defrosting.

The model is new, there are no reviews about it yet. Such a unit costs an average of 4,000 rubles.

We will not describe the most expensive model Kuppersbusch EMWK 6550.0 W1 This is a built-in microwave oven that costs about 112,000 rubles.

But let’s consider the models and brands that are popular.

So, model 23MWC-881T/BM from BBK .

Characteristics:

volume 23 liters;
enamel inside;
grill;
convection;
power 800 W;
5 power levels;
timer for 99 minutes;
electronic control;
three main cooking modes.

The case is stylish, black. The cost is around 7,000 rubles.

Next is the MC28H5013AW model from Samsung .

General characteristics:

volume 28 liters;
enamel inside;
grill;
convection;
power 900 W;
6 power levels;
timer for 99 minutes;
electronic control;
3 normal and 3 combined modes.

The cost of this device is on average 10,000 rubles.

What you need to know for cooking

To prepare a delicious dish, you need not only to understand what convection is in a microwave oven, but also to follow several rules:

Use only containers made of fire-resistant glass.
Cook in small batches to achieve maximum even baking.
Before starting work, you should install the container on a special stand. This ensures complete distribution of circular flows, and your dish will be cooked from all sides.
To obtain a crust, turn on both the conventional and grill functions at the same time.
Before baking complex dishes, preheat the microwave.

What is convection in a microwave oven

When using household appliances, as a rule, not all of its functionality is used. Consequently, not the full potential is used. We will tell you how to use convection microwave ovens, which have replaced conventional ones. What is convection in a microwave and why is it needed? Let’s look at it below.

How convection works

Convection is heat exchange that occurs as a result of the transfer of energy by flows and streams of air. Many may ask: what does this mean? And what does convection have to do with microwaves? In microwave ovens, air flows move in a circle, evenly distributed throughout the chamber. For this purpose, two elements are built into the device: a convector and a fan. The first heats the air, the second distributes it evenly.

Most often they are placed on the back wall or on top. The temperature inside can reach 200 degrees, sometimes more. As soon as the set temperature is reached, the convector stops heating. When the temperature starts to drop, it turns on again.

Why is convection needed?

The principle of convection has significantly increased the functionality of a microwave oven. In addition to heating food and defrosting food, you can cook, bake, stew, and bake in it. If it is also equipped with a grill, then baked dishes will have an appetizing crust.

Such multifunctional stoves are an excellent alternative to ovens and stoves.

Food cooked in a convection oven does not lose its beneficial properties. And it will take much less time to prepare it compared to other household appliances. Circular circulation of heat allows food to cook evenly - both inside and outside. So you don’t have to worry that the pie will burn around the edges and the middle will remain raw.

Convection microwave ovens will appeal to many people. They can easily replace a couple of kitchen appliances. Why buy a multicooker, a new hob or oven when you can buy a modern microwave oven? This way, the space will not be cluttered, and cooking will not take much time. At the same time, the process of preparing new dishes will become a pleasant, educational experience.

How to use the mode

If you have a modern convection oven, it will be useful to know how to use this feature. The following are the basic rules and tips:

When preparing food, use only utensils specifically designed for this purpose. Information about this is in the operating instructions. Also take a look at the page “What dishes should not be heated in the microwave.”
Prepare meals in small portions. This ensures the food heats evenly.
Use a special stand with legs to allow hot air to flow under the bottom of the pan.
Preheat the oven before starting cooking. Ten minutes of preheating at 150 degrees will be sufficient.
For a golden crust, additionally use the “Grill” function.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before purchasing a hot air stove, decide whether you need it and how often you intend to use it. If you have an old oven in which everything burns or, on the contrary, does not bake completely, then a microwave oven is a suitable option for replacement. However, you should study the advantages and disadvantages of the device.

Pros of convection microwaves:

Multifunctionality;
Availability of several modes with the ability to combine them;
Programs for cooking;
Convenient control;
Save time.

However, there are also disadvantages:

Small chamber volume compared to an oven;
Requires special utensils;
High energy consumption;
High price.

How to choose a stove

If you decide to purchase a convection oven, the following information will help you choose the right model. Please note the following points:

What is the design of the device - built-in or free-standing.
What is the power of the stove? Not only the speed of preparation, but also the quality depends on it.
Internal coating. The best options are ceramics or bioceramics. Such coatings are easier to clean and more resistant to scratches.
Chamber volume. The large chamber allows you to cook food in large portions. This is an important criterion for a large family.

In addition to microwave ovens with convection and grill, there are also more modern devices. For example, the Panasonic NN-CS596S microwave provides 6 cooking methods. In addition to convection, grill, and microwaves, there is also the option of cooking with microwaves and steam. Two more methods are a combination of grill with microwaves and grill with convection.

A special feature of the model is the principle of its operation. It consists in the use of inverter technology, which ensures continuous, uniform heating of the product.

At the same time, the ingredients retain maximum nutrients, and the prepared dish has an appetizing appearance.

Other manufacturers of household appliances - such as LG, Samsung - also have something to brag about. In addition to the basic functions, the most modern microwave ovens can provide a number of additional ones.

Let's take the Samsung MC28H5013AW Smart Oven microwave as an example.

The model has the following additional modes:

ECO Mode - saving mode. It reduces power consumption in standby mode.
Deodorization is a function of eliminating foreign odors in the chamber.
Turntable adjustment function. Allows you to place containers of various shapes, as well as make maximum use of the chamber space.
Fermentation technology. Allows you to prepare homemade yoghurts. The cooking mode and cycle time are selected automatically.

In other Samsung models you can find another useful function - steam cleaning. It is applied after the oven has completely cooled. Water vapor helps remove food splashes and stains, making further cleaning easier.

Owner reviews

The opinion of owners of convection microwave ovens should also be taken into account. The reviews below will provide additional useful information before choosing a microwave.

Reviews of the Samsung MC28H5013AK model

Functional, energy-saving model, with good design. It works silently. Has a large chamber volume. Heats food quickly and evenly. I was pleased that there was an odor elimination mode. High quality build. The price is quite reasonable. The downside for me was the lack of a steam cleaning mode, as well as a quick start button.

I've been using the microwave for a couple of months. The stove is quite quiet, multifunctional, with simple controls. But after a month of use, the tray began to rotate jerkily. The service center said that it should be like this. However, this is the only drawback that I found.

Reviews of the Panasonic NN-CS596S model

I've been using the microwave for a couple of years. I'm happy with the purchase. It bakes great, even better than the oven. You can cook almost anything. But, over time, the buttons began to wear out. And so, the device is very good.

I've been using it for about a year, no problems at all. The technical characteristics correspond to the declared ones. The main advantage is the inverter. The price, in my opinion, is too high.

Based on the above, we can confidently say that a convection microwave is a useful device that can replace some other, seemingly irreplaceable ones. But whether it will be useful for your kitchen is up to you to decide.