CONVECTION OVENS VS. MICROWAVES: KEY DIFFERENCES

One of the main differences between microwaves and convection ovens is their size and capacity. Microwaves are generally compact and available in various sizes, from countertop models to over-the-range models. Typically, microwave capacities range between 0.5-2.2 cu. ft.

Convection ovens come in a range of sizes, from compact countertop models to the traditional larger models able to accommodate multiple dishes at once. Depending on whether you have a single or double convection wall oven, capacity can generally range from about 2-10 cu. ft.
 

Your cooking needs and space availability should be considered when deciding between a microwave and convection oven. Because microwaves are a smaller appliance, they can only cook smaller portions of leftovers or frozen food at one time, while standard convection ovens can cook multiple dishes at once. You should also ensure, if choosing a full-size convection oven, that the appliance you pick fits the dimensions of your stove or built-in oven space.

The heating methods for a convection oven and a microwave are vastly different. Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food, while convection ovens use a fan and heating element to circulate hot air around the oven cavity.

Microwaves often offer different power levels and settings to help cook or reheat food, while convection ovens have the ability to bake, roast and broil food with the option of convection cooking for fast and even cooking across multiple racks. The different heating methods often create different results in the texture of your food. Convection ovens use various settings to  create crispy, browned skin on chicken, fluffy and moist cakes and juicy roasts, while conventional microwaves typically simply just heat the food through without any surface browning or crisping.

Before you can bake, roast or broil in a convection oven, you have to preheat the oven’s interior. Preheating a convection oven allows you to select your cooking temperature and allow the oven to reach that temperature before you begin cooking. This does, however, affect the time it takes to achieve a finished product.

Standard microwaves don’t require preheating before use, and cooking temperatures are determined by the setting and power level you select.

Microwaves and convection ovens both have unique cooking capabilities. Convection ovens provide a wide range of cooking options, including baking, roasting, broiling and grilling to help you prepare large portions or multiple dishes at once. Select models also offer additional cooking options, such as dehydrating and air frying, depending on the model. Microwaves are ideal for reheating smaller meals or quickly cooking popcorn, mug-cake and frozen meals.

One key difference between convection ovens and microwaves is their power source. While both appliances require electricity to function, a gas convection oven can use gas as a fuel source to heat food and microwaves rely entirely on electricity. This is an important factor to consider when choosing between the two appliances, especially if you have a gas hookup in your kitchen.

Because these appliances use different heating elements, they also have varying levels of energy usage. Convection ovens typically use more energy as they require power for longer cook times. And since microwaves typically heat your food quickly and without preheating, you’re likely to use less energy overall when preparing a meal in the microwave compared to a convection oven.