10 Best

Convection Microwave Ovens

of November 2023

What is a convection microwave oven?

A convection microwave oven combines the functions of an oven and a microwave. A heating coil and a fan allow the device to do more than just heat and cook. It allows users to do baking, crisping, grilling and even roasting.

How do you choose a convection microwave oven?

You need to have a smart kitchen to cope with the high-paced lifestyle we lead nowadays. A microwave is no longer just a kitchen luxury, but almost an absolute necessity. It is capable of combining speed with versatility as well. They are available in an array of styles, designs, and colors. Do you want to know what is the best microwave oven for your kitchen and your specific needs? If you need an oven that can brown, roast, and grill, then you should go for a convection microwave oven. After analyzing thousands of reviews on-line, we have sorted some pointers to help you in choosing the best convection microwave oven for your kitchen.

What are the advantages of a convection microwave oven?

The following are some advantages of using a convection microwave oven:

• Versatility: Due to its dual functionality, not only will it heat up or cook food thoroughly without hot spots, but you can also evenly bake cookies, muffins, and cupcakes with it.
• Equal heat distribution: Perfect for browning items on the outside and cooking foods to crisp edges and ensures even thawing as well.
• Pre-programmed: Convection microwave ovens also have pre-programmable multistage cooking or pre-set menu options. With this feature, cooking is faster and easier, since there is no need to check the food every now and then to avoid under or overcooking. 
• Safety: Convection microwaves are often equipped with robust safety features such as the auto shut-off function. Whenever the temperature surpasses a certain threshold, the heating element is automatically turned off. Thus, if you forget to shut down the device, there is a much lower risk of fire or other accidents.

What to consider before buying a convection microwave oven?

A microwave oven emits microwaves that usually pass through glass and plastic containers to cook food. Microwaves are available in four major types: counter-top, above-range, drawer, and combination ovens.

There are also a variety of features in the microwave oven. From shortcut settings, automatic power levels, and cooking times, you will have to take care of each and every detail to get the best convection microwave oven.

• Turntable: Most microwave ovens have a revolving glass plate or turntable inside. You put the food on the turntable, which rotates around slowly. This way, the microwaves will cook the food evenly. If a microwave doesn't have a turntable, you might have to operate it several times until the food is completely cooked.

• Interlocks: There are regulations that a microwave must have an interlock system. The interlock system ensures that the oven will stop producing microwaves as soon as the oven door is opened. It will also prevent any microwave emission until the door of the oven is properly closed. The oven should also have more than one lock.

• Variable power controls: Being able to vary the settings allows you to change and adjust the power settings.

• Child lock feature. Childproof doors are a necessity, since dishes may be very hot as you take them out of the machine.

• Sensors: Automatic sensors are useful, as they can help you know whether the food has been cooked sufficiently. You don’t need to set a timer every time.

How to maintain your convection microwave oven?

Here are a few tips to help keep your microwave in good working order: 

• Cleaning: If there are any spills or splatters, wipe them down immediately and clean the machine at least once a week, depending on your usage. Cleaning a weekly basis may only take 10 minutes and can easily be performed with some warm water, liquid soap, a sponge, or a clean cloth. 
• Storage:  When placing your microwave, be sure to leave a distance of at least three inches from the wall and on both sides as the body of the appliance heats as it operates. As the vents on the side also release heat, leave enough space around the microwave to prevent heat damage. Also, be sure that the microwave's wire is within reach of the electrical socket, so it doesn't get pulled out while it is in use. 
• No Metals: Microwaves emitted from the oven bounce off metallic surfaces, so metals in the oven can lead to uneven heating and damage. It is also advisable not to use metal bowls, silver foils, or plastic containers in a microwave oven, because these are not designed for microwaves and may cause the machine to malfunction. 
• Prevent Door Damage: The door latch of most microwave ovens is controlled by three switches that must be closed in a specific way. And if the door is closed roughly, the switches can be damaged. A damaged door or cracked seal can also result in food not being cooked evenly and radiation escaping. For this reason, you should always gently close the door and make sure that the machine is properly sealed.