What is convection in the microwave

The advancement of technology has resulted in the abundance of kitchen appliances that significantly simplify the lives of contemporary housewives. One such appliance is the convection microwave oven. These models enable the use of the microwave oven not only for reheating food or defrosting meat, but also for cooking porridge, various dishes, and desserts.

Let us delve into the concept of convection, its significance in microwave ovens, and how these microwaves differ from other appliances.

What is convection

So, the process of transferring thermal energy in the form of jets and clouds is called convective heat transfer.

There are two types of convective heat transfer: natural and forced. Natural convective heat transfer occurs in natural conditions, while forced convective heat transfer is implemented in various devices and units. Essentially, this process involves the movement of air or water in a circular motion.

The application of forced convective heat transfer has resulted in the expansion of the functionality of the microwave oven.

In the previous generation of microwaves, you could quickly cook grilled chicken. However, with the next generation of ovens, equipped with convection, we can confidently say that it is a full-fledged oven with all the inherent features, but smaller in size.

How the convector works in microwave

The convector is a cylindrical heating device that is designed to be placed on the rear wall.

It is equipped with a fan to circulate warm air, ensuring even distribution and thorough baking of the products.

The design includes holes on the back wall to allow only atmospheric air to pass through. This prevents microwave waves from reaching the back wall in cases where both microwave and heated air are used for cooking.

As the air is circulated, it gets heated up to 200°C. The electrical circuit of the appliance includes temperature sensors that automatically turn off the power when the desired temperature is reached. Once the chamber cools down, the sensor triggers the power supply to turn on and reheat the air.

Why microwave convection

The presence of a microwave with such a feature greatly enhances its functionality.

In appliances that have a hot medium that is forcibly circulated, you can use them for baking, cooking chicken, vegetables, and more.

Some individuals may question whether it is necessary to have an air mixer installed, as they view it as an unnecessary component. They may feel that baking pies in such a unit is inappropriate. However, to be completely honest, the dishes cooked in this type of oven are not much different from those prepared in traditional ovens.

For reference, a meat pie cooked in a microwave with convection will only take 20 minutes, compared to an hour in a traditional oven.

All of this is made possible through the forced circulation of the hot medium.

Capabilities of microwaves with convection.

• The microwave generator and air heater can be used to fry potatoes, bake chicken, fish, and meat.
• For those who are constantly baking cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts, the hot environment inside the chamber helps to achieve perfect results.
• Those who enjoy cooking food with a tender crust will also appreciate this device.
• When used properly, microwave products with a convector can significantly reduce the time required to cook a dinner with multiple dishes.
• Microwaves with convector also stand out for their small size compared to traditional heat cabinets, making them a popular choice for small apartments that still have old gas stoves with only 2 burners.

How to properly use the convection mode in a microwave oven

Now that it is evident that the forced movement of the medium serves as a highly advantageous function, it is vital to comprehend how to utilize it correctly.

• Not all types of cookware are suitable for use with a microwave. It is strongly advised against using dishes made of metal. It is acceptable to employ only cookware crafted from specialized glass or ceramics.
• In order to ensure the quality of the food, it is pragmatic to cook it in small portions. Don’t forget to utilize a special stand, which is provided in the package of any such device.
• In order to achieve a crispy exterior, it is recommended to simultaneously activate both the microwave generator and the grill. This combination allows for a reduced cooking time for the food items.
• Some models are equipped with a preheating option, which should be activated approximately 10-15 minutes prior to cooking.

The necessity of such equipment in the household depends on the cooking preferences of the homemaker. If she is fond of baking, then it is highly recommended to have it.

In the market of kitchen appliances, there is a wide variety of equipment available that incorporates a built-in system for blowing heated air onto the products.

When selecting the suitable device, it is essential to determine its installation needs. This will help in deciding whether a built-in or stand-alone oven would be more appropriate. If it can fit seamlessly into the kitchen interior, then purchasing a built-in model is advised. However, if it doesn’t blend well, then a freestanding equipment can be purchased. In this scenario, it becomes important to consider the dimensions right away.

What factors should be guided when buying

Power

This is likely the primary feature of a household device. The quality of food is affected by the power that is provided to the convector.

Note! Certain manufacturers may only indicate the power of the microwave itself on the label.

Thus, if the microwave generator and the thermal unit are turned on simultaneously, the power limit will be lower than the stated power. As a result, the efficiency of using such equipment will decrease.

Functionality and working methods

The inner lining of the quality product chambers is covered with a ceramic or bioceramic layer, which provides excellent resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Moreover, these surfaces are also highly resistant to grease, soot, and other substances that can easily penetrate them. Additionally, the coating is designed to be easy to clean and durable, making it highly resistant to mechanical damage.

Contemporary ovens come with integrated recipes, along with automatic cooking activation.

From the control panel, you can pick the desired recipe and set it in motion. Interestingly, certain manufacturers include a specially designed cookbook for microwave ovens with such a feature in the product bundle.

Control panel

The finished product can be made cheaper by using a mechanical remote control, which can be in the form of a push-button, touch, or ordinary mechanical.