Like any technology, a microwave oven is fraught with not only benefits, but also harm. That is why many seek to replace it with some other device and choose another, no less affordable, fast, but safe way to heat food or drinks. Of course, it’s up to you to believe the myths or not. But in order to certainly not receive additional radiation, not to change the composition of the dish being heated, and not to multiply microbes during defrosting, give preference to the usual methods of heating.
Microwave radiation – how strong is it?
We heat up “hot” food: water, tea, coffee, soups
What can easily replace a microwave when heating drinks is a boiler. To quickly bring the drink to the required temperature, just lower the immersion boiler and connect it to the network.
Immersion boiler
If you need boiled water, give preference to a flow-through electric boiler.
Spacious thermal bag for storing food.
Another forgotten method in which you can minimize the amount of use of a microwave is a regular thermos or thermal bag.
Its volume makes it possible to keep your first dish or drink hot throughout the day. This saves time and eliminates the need to use the microwave for heating.
Do not boil water in the microwave in a container with a narrow neck. There is a high chance of getting burned.
Another simple way to heat up liquid is to use an electric kettle. Although you can’t warm up milk there, you can easily warm up tea or compote. Some even manage to cook dumplings in it.
Dumplings from a teapot
How to replace a microwave to quickly heat up food
Like any technology, a microwave oven is fraught with not only benefits, but also harm. That is why many seek to replace it with some other device and choose another, no less affordable, fast, but safe way to heat food or drinks. Of course, it’s up to you to believe the myths or not. But in order to certainly not receive additional radiation, not to change the composition of the dish being heated, and not to multiply microbes during defrosting, give preference to the usual methods of heating.
Microwave radiation – how strong is it?
We heat up “hot” food: water, tea, coffee, soups
What can easily replace a microwave when heating drinks is a boiler. To quickly bring the drink to the required temperature, just lower the immersion boiler and connect it to the network.
If you need boiled water, give preference to a flow-through electric boiler.
Spacious thermal bag for storing food.
Another forgotten method in which you can minimize the amount of use of a microwave is a regular thermos or thermal bag.
Its volume makes it possible to keep your first dish or drink hot throughout the day. This saves time and eliminates the need to use the microwave for heating.
Do not boil water in the microwave in a container with a narrow neck. There is a high chance of getting burned.
Another simple way to heat up liquid is to use an electric kettle. Although you can’t warm up milk there, you can easily warm up tea or compote. Some even manage to cook dumplings in it.
Dumplings from a teapot
Warming up baby food, food for children
Most parents prefer not to use microwave ovens to heat food for children. You can use these methods.
- Baby formula or milk can be easily reheated in warm water. The same can be done if you need to defrost any liquid or drink as soon as possible, but you don’t want to resort to the “defrost” function.
- If there are hot radiators in an apartment or house, the food quickly reaches room temperature on the heating device. True, it will not be possible to bring the food to a hot state, but it will not remain cold either.
- You can also use a gas or electric stove for heating.
Making hot sandwiches without using a microwave
Using frying pans and pots instead of a microwave
You should not heat eggs in the microwave. There is a risk that they will explode.
The sandwich is easy to prepare on a regular stove. The bun or bread is fried on both sides, after which the filling is laid out. Cover everything with a lid for a few minutes.
What does “heat in a water bath” mean?
Another equally inventive and popular analogue of a microwave is the technology of heating in a water bath without boiling. This is the most useful method of heat treatment of foods when you need:
- prepare a decoction;
- make cream;
- mix the sauce;
- melt butter or chocolate;
- heat puree, soup;
- prepare side dishes and drinks.
This also includes steaming (or heating) dishes using a double boiler.
The principle of its operation is that there is a reservoir of water, when it boils, evaporation occurs, and the steam is evenly distributed over all levels of the device.
Warming up baby food, food for children
Most parents prefer not to use microwave ovens to heat food for children. You can use these methods.
- Baby formula or milk can be easily reheated in warm water. The same can be done if you need to defrost any liquid or drink as soon as possible, but you don’t want to resort to the “defrost” function.
- If there are hot radiators in an apartment or house, the food quickly reaches room temperature on the heating device. True, it will not be possible to bring the food to a hot state, but it will not remain cold either.
- You can also use a gas or electric stove for heating.
What does “heat in a water bath” mean?
Another equally inventive and popular analogue of a microwave is the technology of heating in a water bath without boiling. This is the most useful method of heat treatment of foods when you need:
- prepare a decoction;
- make cream;
- mix the sauce;
- melt butter or chocolate;
- heat puree, soup;
- prepare side dishes and drinks.
This also includes steaming (or heating) dishes using a double boiler.
The principle of its operation is that there is a reservoir of water, when it boils, evaporation occurs, and the steam is evenly distributed over all levels of the device.
Among the manufacturers of steamers that are popular are:
- Bomann;
- Brown;
- Clatic;
- First;
- Magnit;
- Mystery;
- Philips;
- Polaris;
- Sinbo;
- Smile;
- Tefal.
For a price you can purchase a model from 900 rubles, which is plastic tiers with a mechanical type of control. In the more expensive segment, it is worth noting such advantages as power, large bowls, and electronic control. At the same time, the price range of such steamers ranges from three to 15 thousand rubles.
What other equipment can be used instead of a microwave?
Since in a modern kitchen you can find a large number of different appliances, it should be noted that food can also be heated in some other “cooking gadget”.
These include:
- multicookers;
- air fryers.
A multicooker performs a large number of functions - from baking to cooking soup; even the most inexpensive models usually include heating food among the functions.
Compact multicooker as standard
In addition to minimal harm from the multicooker, the device has many advantages:
- non-stick coating of the bowl;
- quick heating without the use of oil or fat;
- possibility of heating in the “steam” or “steam” mode;
- automatic shutdown;
- Possibility of delayed start.
An air grill is a good alternative for those who don’t have time to wait for lunch: you just need to put everything you need, heat it in a bowl, or put it on the grill (if it’s steaks, sausages or whole potatoes) and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.
An example of heating a dish in an air fryer
The disadvantage of using an air fryer instead of a microwave is that it cannot heat liquid foods and drinks. Otherwise, this device is capable of completely replacing the microwave.
We replace the microwave with other household appliances
Surely in your kitchen, in addition to the microwave, there are other appliances that have a heating function. Try to use them in everyday life, because most cope with the main task with a bang, and it will take a minimum of time to warm up.
Here are some microwave alternatives:
- multicooker. Modern models even have special “Heating” or “Warming” modes. All you have to do is pour soup or put food in and turn on the device. Heating occurs evenly, but no harmful magnetic fluxes arise, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the food. This will take 2-3 minutes. The food remains as healthy and tasty as at the time of preparation;
If the multicooker does not have a heating option, then use the “Stewing” or “Baking” modes. Just watch the time, it will take 5 minutes to heat up, no more.
- roster If you like sandwiches, hamburgers or sandwiches with melted cheese and sausage in the morning, then this roaster is ideal for this purpose. It replaces a microwave oven if you need to heat something solid. The device has 2 heating elements, due to which the food is heated;
- air fryer. The device is convenient to use when you need to heat several dishes. For example, you can easily heat up meat and rice separately for a side dish if you place the food on different grill levels. It will take 4-5 minutes to heat the food. If heated for a long time, the food will turn out overcooked, so don’t be distracted by other things if you decide to heat something in the convection oven.
- double boiler. One of the longest but safest ways to heat food. Its operating principle is based on the production of hot water steam, which subsequently heats the food. To avoid having to spend 10-15 minutes heating, pour a little water. It will evaporate faster and the food will warm up.
Stove for heating food
A microwave can also be easily replaced with a conventional stove: electric, induction or gas.
The principle of electric operation is based on the fact that the burners warm up to the required temperature, and after that the cookware itself and its contents begin to heat up.
The induction device immediately heats the bottom of the pan and the food. At the same time, the burners themselves do not heat up, but are only “charged” with heat from the dishes.
The principle of operation of a gas stove is well known. The main disadvantage of heating on the stove is the need to constantly monitor the food, otherwise the dish will inevitably burn or boil over.
Reflection of the operating principle of an induction cooker.
Despite the different principles of their operation, they all perfectly replace a microwave oven. At the same time, they will save energy, allow you to heat a large amount of food at once, and give the dish a delicious aroma and a golden crust when fried.
Tips for using the stove to heat food:
- Try to heat only the amount of food you will eat at a time;
- Do not heat over high heat;
- Do not boil the same water in a kettle more than once;
- Try to use as little oil as possible;
- When heating food for children, try to use a steam bath or heat the food in a frying pan, adding regular boiled water instead of oil.
Oven or oven
A traditional oven or electric oven can be an excellent replacement for a microwave. In addition, if the functionality of a classic oven is limited only to stewing, baking, and baking, then with its electric counterparts it is expanded with the following capabilities:
- Warming up food;
- Defrosting;
- Roasting.
Oven - traditional option
Any electric furnace has a compact size, regardless of power, volume, presence of a thermostat and number of modes. Many options and various equipment will delight the hostess and successfully replace the microwave in the kitchen.
What is a mini oven?
This technique is used for cooking where installing a large stove is not possible. A mini-oven is a small electric oven that performs the functions of a grill, toaster, oven, and can also defrost. A mini-oven, regardless of its small dimensions, allows you to prepare dishes without any problems. This type of equipment is produced in the following types:
- electric;
- gas;
- combined.
Mini oven and microwave - the difference
Unknowing people may think that these equipment are similar, but in fact there are some differences between them. Regardless of the fact that the mini-oven resembles a microwave oven in size, the former uses infrared rays, and the latter uses microwave rays. Unlike a microwave oven, a mini oven does not emit electromagnetic radiation. In addition, you can put metal utensils in it, which is prohibited in ovens with microwaves.
