How does convection work in a microwave oven?

What is this function and how does it work?

Convection is a function that promotes uniform heating of air and its distribution throughout the chamber of the device. Heating elements installed in the chamber produce heat. Using a fan (convection), the heated air is evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the chamber. This way the food is cooked evenly both inside and outside.

A microwave with convection is currently, if not a full-fledged replacement, then at least a worthy alternative to ovens.

Previous models of microwave ovens were equipped with a maximum grill, thanks to which it was possible to cook, for example, golden brown chicken in it. A microwave with convection significantly expands the list of microwave recipes. You can bake pies and pastries in it, cook soups and bake the main course, and so on.

Most often, a microwave with grill and convection is of interest to housewives who do not have the opportunity to install an oven in the kitchen (small space or rented housing), but want to cook complete and tasty food.

Naturally, models with convection and grill are larger in size and, accordingly, more expensive than their non-convection counterparts, but cheaper and more compact than ovens, so they are just right for a small kitchen.

Features of a microwave oven with convection

Such microwave ovens have a built-in special device – a convector. This is a round heating element mounted into the back wall. The design of the device requires the presence of a fan responsible for moving heated air. The fan ensures uniform heat distribution and warming up of food.

There are holes in the back wall through which air passes. If a combined cooking method is used (microwave and hot air movement), the waves will not hit the back wall.

During movement, the air heats up to 200°C. The oven electronics contain special temperature sensors. When the specified temperature is reached, the sensor transmits a signal to the control board, which in turn breaks the power supply circuit. When the air cools, the sensor is triggered again and the electronics start heating.

Due to this, a certain temperature is constantly maintained inside the cooking chamber. There are microwaves equipped with multiple fans. This ensures higher quality cooking for many dishes.

Microwave oven with convection - how to “make friends” with it?

So, we figured out what convection is and why it is needed. Now let's look at how to handle it.

1. Not all containers can be used for convection cooking. Usually the instructions for the device indicate which dishes are suitable for this.
2. It is best to cook in small portions. Then the dishes turn out very tasty.
3. Be sure to use a special stand with legs, it is usually included in the kit. The need to use a stand is to ensure access of heated air from all sides of the dishes, including from below.
4. If you like golden brown crusts, you need to use the combined grill + convection mode. Only in this case will the baked goods be golden.
5. Also, its use significantly reduces cooking time, and therefore saves electricity.
6. You should also use preheating of the chamber - most modern models are equipped with this function. Just 7-10 minutes is enough, and you can safely add the dish. It is advisable to set the heating temperature to 150 degrees.

If you follow these recommendations, you will quickly “make friends” with your new assistant, and cooking even complex dishes will become a joy.

How to use convection mode correctly

When using a microwave with a convection function, follow these simple tips:

• Not all cookware is suitable for the microwave. Metal containers should not be used for heating or cooking food. Only glass and ceramic dishes can be used.
• To get a crispy and tasty crust, you need to combine microwave and grill modes. This will also cook the food faster.
• To improve the quality of food, it is advisable to prepare dishes in small portions. Be sure to use a special stand, which is usually included with the microwave.
• Some models have a preheat function. It should be turned on approximately 10-15 minutes before cooking begins.

Choosing a convection microwave - what to look for

We have already figured out what convection in a microwave is, why it is needed and how to work with it. If you understand that you need such a useful device, it’s time to understand how to choose it correctly.

In addition to the fact that when choosing, we always focus on user reviews, we also need to take into account our own capabilities and needs.

So, modern microwave ovens with convection can combine three main functions:

• microwaves (defrosting, heating food);
• grill;
• convection.

Devices with the maximum range of functions are, accordingly, more expensive and more efficient. In addition, all modern microwave ovens can be divided according to the type of heating element. There are two of them:

• heating element - a spiral with an internal heating element. Widely used in grill ovens, in some models it is movable;
• quartz is a more compact and convenient heater to use and maintain. It is fixedly mounted on the top of the chamber.

Otherwise, the choice of displacement, set of functions, as well as the brand of the device is yours.

More modern and expensive models have a number of cooking programs. Here you just need to select a product or dish, and the device will select the cooking time on its own. Even an inexperienced housewife can cope with such a task.

About the working principle

Convection in microwaves is based on the principle of uniform distribution of heat flows throughout the chamber. Water or steam particles move in a circle, transferring heat to each other and forming a closed system.

The convection mode, as many people mistakenly believe, is not an integral part of the grill function in the microwave. However, thanks to its presence, the microwave oven works much more efficiently.

A microwave oven equipped with this function can be placed on the same level as a conventional oven. The main difference from other models is:

• Large size and higher electricity consumption.
• Possibility of completely replacing the oven.

A microwave with a convection function is good because you can cook in it. Dishes cooked in such an oven do not turn out burnt or raw. They are baked evenly on all sides, and you can also achieve an appetizing golden brown crust.

Pros and cons of convection devices

Each piece of household appliance has its own pros and cons. The same is true for grill and convection microwave ovens. To understand whether you really need these features, let's look at the pros and cons of this technique.

The positive aspects include the following:

• such a stove can easily replace an oven, taking up less space in the kitchen;
• the ability to combine different cooking modes;
• built-in programs for some products and dishes;
• saving time, and with it energy (compared to an electric oven);
• preparing healthy food;
• convenient control;
• multifunctionality.

Negative traits include:

• small (compared to an oven) volume;
• Not all dishes can be used;
• high quality models are expensive.

Here you need to look at what exactly in your case will outweigh the pros or cons.

The most modern microwave ovens are equipped with six functions - microwaves, grill, convection, microwaves with steam, also known as grill, and convection with grill. Well, they will cost, accordingly, a lot.

Why do you need convection in a microwave?

The presence of convection significantly expands the functionality of the microwave. Forced movement of hot air allows you to bake, cook chicken, vegetables and other foods.

Some housewives doubt the advisability of buying a stove with a convector. They believe that cooking baked goods and dishes in the microwave is unacceptable. In fact, it is quite difficult to tell the difference between dishes cooked in a convection microwave oven and a conventional oven.

Reference! It takes about 1 hour to cook a meat pie in a classic oven. In a microwave with convection, this will take only 20 minutes.

This result is achieved through the use of forced hot air movement technology.

Features of a convection microwave:

• frying potatoes, baking chicken, meat, fish and preparing other dishes;
• obtaining a tender crust on the surface of the product;
• preparing cakes, cookies, muffins and other baked goods. In such a microwave you can make all kinds of desserts;
• faster cooking compared to conventional ovens. You can cook several full meals in a convection microwave in 1 hour.

Compared to traditional ovens, convection microwaves take up significantly less space. This can be especially true for small kitchens, where there is simply no room to install a conventional oven.

Popular models

So, let's see what the microwave oven market offers us.

The most budget model at the moment is Erisson MWG-20MSG .

The characteristics are:

• volume 20 liters;
• enamel inside;
• grill;
• convection;
• power 700 W;
• timer for 30 minutes;
• mechanical control;
• The only modes available are defrosting.

The model is new, there are no reviews about it yet. Such a unit costs an average of 4,000 rubles.

We will not describe the most expensive model Kuppersbusch EMWK 6550.0 W1 This is a built-in microwave oven that costs about 112,000 rubles.

But let’s consider the models and brands that are popular.

So, model 23MWC-881T/BM from BBK .

Characteristics:

• volume 23 liters;
• enamel inside;
• grill;
• convection;
• power 800 W;
• 5 power levels;
• timer for 99 minutes;
• electronic control;
• three main cooking modes.

The case is stylish, black. The cost is around 7,000 rubles.

Next is the MC28H5013AW model from Samsung .

General characteristics:

• volume 28 liters;
• enamel inside;
• grill;
• convection;
• power 900 W;
• 6 power levels;
• timer for 99 minutes;
• electronic control;
• 3 normal and 3 combined modes.

The cost of this device is on average 10,000 rubles.

What you need to know for cooking

To prepare a delicious dish, you need not only to understand what convection is in a microwave oven, but also to follow several rules:

1. Use only containers made of fire-resistant glass.
2. Cook in small batches to achieve maximum even baking.
3. Before starting work, you should install the container on a special stand. This ensures complete distribution of circular flows, and your dish will be cooked from all sides.
4. To obtain a crust, turn on both the conventional and grill functions at the same time.
5. Before baking complex dishes, preheat the microwave.

Principle of operation

The very concept of “convection” implies the transfer of heat using circular movements of heated air. This method of transferring thermal energy is used not only in household appliances; this method is very relevant in large enterprises and in industry.

Microwaves using the convection method allow you to not only heat or defrost food. In such ovens you can prepare delicious pastries, bake fish or meat.

Many microwave models allow you to use the device in several modes: standard (in which you can only heat or defrost food) or combined (in this mode you can also fully cook or bake food in the microwave).

There is a combined microwave with convection and grill. Quite a functional household appliance. With this oven you can even cook juicy grilled ribs.

Convection Mode Options

The convection mode itself is not regulated. It automatically turns off and turns on when a certain temperature is reached. There may be additional modes, for example, saving, adjusting the turntable, deodorizing. Some models have a combined mode - grill and convection. This way you can reduce the cooking time and give it a crispy, appetizing crust.