Microwave vs. convection oven: what’s the difference?

When it comes to cooking appliances, microwaves and ovens are widely considered to be kitchen staples that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks. While both of these appliances have similar uses, they have some key differences that can affect how your meals turn out. 

Explore the differences between microwaves and convection ovens, as well as their unique advantages and get a better understanding of which appliance is best suited for your cooking needs.

What’s the difference between a microwave and oven?

Ovens use radiant heat from electric or gas heating elements within the oven cavity to cook food. Microwaves, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves to rapidly heat food and can be more energy-efficient for cooking or reheating small portions of food. A true convection oven introduces a third heating element and a fan that promotes browning, crisping and faster cooking times than a conventional oven. While ovens offer larger capacities and may provide more versatility for cooking a wider range of dishes, they typically have higher price points than a microwave and may take longer to preheat and cook. Ultimately, the choice between a microwave and an oven depends on your cooking needs and budget.

What is a microwave?

A microwave is a kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic waves at a high frequency to quickly cook, heat or defrost food. It works by generating microwaves that penetrate the food, causing the water molecules to vibrate and generate heat. Microwaves are time-efficient and convenient for everyday use, as they can cook food in minutes, making them ideal for reheating leftovers, making popcorn or cooking simple meals. Microwaves come in a range of sizes and styles, from countertop models to built-in options, and can offer additional features such as grill or steam functions. Overall, microwaves are a popular and versatile appliance for cooking and heating food quickly and easily.

What can you cook with a microwave?

A microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance that can quickly and easily cook a variety of foods, from reheating leftovers to steaming vegetables or making popcorn. In addition to these basic functions, some microwaves come with advanced features such as grill and convection cooking settings, which can expand their capabilities even further. With a convection microwave, you can cook not just simple meals like scrambled eggs, baked potatoes and rice, but also pastries, casseroles, crispy chicken breasts, and other baked or roasted foods. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to save time in the kitchen, a convection microwave can be a convenient and efficient addition to your culinary repertoire.

What are the advantages of cooking with a microwave?

Microwaves have several advantages over traditional cooking methods. They're convenient because they typically offer multiple functions, such as pre-heating, defrosting, boiling, steaming and simmering. They're also easy to use, can cook food faster than even a convection oven and are typically more affordable.

Microwaves also take up less space and can be easier to clean than traditional ovens. In addition, microwaves can be more energy-efficient than convection ovens because they don't need to heat up the entire cooking compartment. Instead, they use electromagnetic waves to heat food directly.

What is a convection oven?

A true convection oven uses a third heating element and a fan to circulate hot air and cook most dishes faster than a conventional oven. It works by blowing hot air over and around the food, which helps to seal in moisture and create a crispy exterior. Convection ovens can be used for baking, roasting and broiling and are available in both electric and gas models.

What can you cook with a convection oven?

With a convection oven, you can cook a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, baked goods and casseroles. The even heat distribution across multiple racks and faster cooking time make it a popular choice for roasting meats or vegetables, baking dense, non-yeasted mixtures like quick breads and getting perfectly browned cheese on pizza. Avoid convection settings for yeasted recipes, liquid mixtures like custard and delicate items like souffles.

What are advantages of cooking with a convection oven?

Convection ovens offer several advantages, including faster and more even cooking across multiple racks. They are also more versatile and can generally be used for a wider range of cooking methods than traditional ovens. Convection ovens can distribute heat evenly across racks, which can result in more evenly cooked and crispier foods.

Additionally, convection ovens are typically larger than microwave ovens and can accommodate larger cooking dishes.

Can you use a microwave as an oven?

While conventional microwaves can perform some of the same functions as an oven, such as heating, cooking and thawing, it cannot replace a traditional oven completely. Traditional microwaves use electromagnetic waves to cook food, while ovens use heat from heating elements and offer larger capacities. This means that microwaves cannot brown or crisp food in the same way as an oven can. However, some microwaves like these Whirlpool brand models come equipped with convection cooking, which uses a combination of heat and fan-forced air to cook food more like an oven. Convection microwaves allow you to bake, broil and roast in addition to traditional microwave functions.

Explore Whirlpool^® microwaves and convection ovens

Whirlpool brand offers a range of high-quality microwaves and ovens that can make cooking and baking a breeze. Select Whirlpool brand microwaves come equipped with features like convection cooking and steam cooking, while select ovens offer advanced temperature control and even baking to help upgrade your cooking game.