Like any technology, a microwave oven is fraught with not only benefits, but also harm. That is why many seek to replace it with some other device and choose another, no less affordable, fast, but safe way to heat food or drinks. Of course, it’s up to you to believe the myths or not. But in order to certainly not receive additional radiation, not to change the composition of the dish being heated, and not to multiply microbes during defrosting, give preference to the usual methods of heating.
Microwave radiation – how strong is it?
We heat up “hot” food: water, tea, coffee, soups
What can easily replace a microwave when heating drinks is a boiler. To quickly bring the drink to the required temperature, just lower the immersion boiler and connect it to the network.
Immersion boiler
If you need boiled water, give preference to a flow-through electric boiler.
Spacious thermal bag for storing food.
Another forgotten method in which you can minimize the amount of use of a microwave is a regular thermos or thermal bag.
Its volume makes it possible to keep your first dish or drink hot throughout the day. This saves time and eliminates the need to use the microwave for heating.
Do not boil water in the microwave in a container with a narrow neck. There is a high chance of getting burned.
Another simple way to heat up liquid is to use an electric kettle. Although you can’t warm up milk there, you can easily warm up tea or compote. Some even manage to cook dumplings in it.
Dumplings from a teapot
Warming up baby food, food for children
Most parents prefer not to use microwave ovens to heat food for children. You can use these methods.
- Baby formula or milk can be easily reheated in warm water. The same can be done if you need to defrost any liquid or drink as soon as possible, but you don’t want to resort to the “defrost” function.
- If there are hot radiators in an apartment or house, the food quickly reaches room temperature on the heating device. True, it will not be possible to bring the food to a hot state, but it will not remain cold either.
- You can also use a gas or electric stove for heating.
How to replace the plate (mica) in the microwave
In recent years, microwave repairers have been actively using plastic as an alternative to mica. Replacing a mica plate with a food-grade plastic part has the following justifications:
A heat-resistant part made of food-grade plastic is more durable. This part is considered more durable than one made of mica.
Despite the obvious advantages, this is not the most common method, since plastic is a more expensive material, and there may also be problems with purchasing it.
What does “heat in a water bath” mean?
Another equally inventive and popular analogue of a microwave is the technology of heating in a water bath without boiling. This is the most useful method of heat treatment of foods when you need:
- prepare a decoction;
- make cream;
- mix the sauce;
- melt butter or chocolate;
- heat puree, soup;
- prepare side dishes and drinks.
This also includes steaming (or heating) dishes using a double boiler.
The principle of its operation is that there is a reservoir of water, when it boils, evaporation occurs, and the steam is evenly distributed over all levels of the device.
Among the manufacturers of steamers that are popular are:
- Bomann;
- Brown;
- Clatic;
- First;
- Magnit;
- Mystery;
- Philips;
- Polaris;
- Sinbo;
- Smile;
- Tefal.
For a price you can purchase a model from 900 rubles, which is plastic tiers with a mechanical type of control. In the more expensive segment, it is worth noting such advantages as power, large bowls, and electronic control. At the same time, the price range of such steamers ranges from three to 15 thousand rubles.
What other equipment can be used instead of a microwave?
Since in a modern kitchen you can find a large number of different appliances, it should be noted that food can also be heated in some other “cooking gadget”.
These include:
- multicookers;
- air fryers.
A multicooker performs a large number of functions - from baking to cooking soup; even the most inexpensive models usually include heating food among the functions.
Compact multicooker as standard
In addition to minimal harm from the multicooker, the device has many advantages:
- non-stick coating of the bowl;
- quick heating without the use of oil or fat;
- possibility of heating in the “steam” or “steam” mode;
- automatic shutdown;
- Possibility of delayed start.
An air grill is a good alternative for those who don’t have time to wait for lunch: you just need to put everything you need, heat it in a bowl, or put it on the grill (if it’s steaks, sausages or whole potatoes) and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.
An example of heating a dish in an air fryer
The disadvantage of using an air fryer instead of a microwave is that it cannot heat liquid foods and drinks. Otherwise, this device is capable of completely replacing the microwave.
What can you use to heat up a ready-made dish?
Of course, no device can cope with heating as quickly as a microwave oven specialized in this. But some of them can still help out of a difficult situation.
Multicooker
It is intended for cooking, so manufacturers do not recommend using the device for frequent heating. However, some multicookers have 2 useful functions - “Reheat” and “Reheat”. The first is designed to maintain a constant temperature of the finished dish, i.e. It works on the principle of a food warmer, and it is not recommended to heat food in this mode. But the second one is intended specifically for warming up.
If the multicooker does not have a “Reheat” mode, it is better to use any other, for example, baking or stewing, but set the operating time to a short time.
Roaster
Perhaps the most modern and functional device. This is a mini-oven that can replace not only a microwave, but also a toaster, oven, bread maker, sandwich maker and partially a stove. Its main functions are cooking, reheating and defrosting.
Heating is carried out thanks to one or two heating elements. More advanced models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to maintain the set temperature of the dish for a long time, eliminating the need for reheating. Some roasters are equipped with a fan and operate on a convection principle.
In a mini oven you can heat up any dish in a matter of minutes and even get a delicious crispy crust. Unlike a microwave oven, it directs hot air onto the dish from both sides, which promotes more even heating.
Manufacturers of multifunctional appliances advise following the heating recommendations specified in the instructions. Especially when heating infant formula.
Electric oven
Same roster, but larger. Equipped with a thermostat and 10-15 modes, one of which is heating. The food is heated from below, from above and even from the sides, which ensures the same temperature throughout its entire area.
Some electric ovens are equipped with a microwave function, making them an ideal microwave replacement. But such devices are much more expensive.
Among the disadvantages of heating food in an electric oven, one can highlight only the time, which will take several times longer.
Double boiler
A double boiler is no less common than a microwave oven, but you can quickly and easily heat up almost any dish in it. And even “refresh” stale baked goods and pastries.
When heating in a double boiler, cover the container with foil, greased with a small amount of oil, place the product on it and wrap it. It will take no more than 5 minutes to warm up.
Sprinkle stale bread with water, wrap in foil and place in a steamer for 5 minutes. Cover liquid dishes (sauces, soups) with cling film to prevent condensation.
Air fryer
An excellent device equipped with a heating function. Main advantages: quick heating, preservation of the crust on fried foods and the additional “Wash” function.
When reheating crusty dishes, place them at the very top of the device and set for 10 minutes and 220°C. Below you can place a side dish and a first course.
Stove for heating food
A microwave can also be easily replaced with a conventional stove: electric, induction or gas.
The principle of electric operation is based on the fact that the burners warm up to the required temperature, and after that the cookware itself and its contents begin to heat up.
The induction device immediately heats the bottom of the pan and the food. At the same time, the burners themselves do not heat up, but are only “charged” with heat from the dishes.
The principle of operation of a gas stove is well known. The main disadvantage of heating on the stove is the need to constantly monitor the food, otherwise the dish will inevitably burn or boil over.
Reflection of the operating principle of an induction cooker.
Despite the different principles of their operation, they all perfectly replace a microwave oven. At the same time, they will save energy, allow you to heat a large amount of food at once, and give the dish a delicious aroma and a golden crust when fried.
Tips for using the stove to heat food:
- Try to heat only the amount of food you will eat at a time;
- Do not heat over high heat;
- Do not boil the same water in a kettle more than once;
- Try to use as little oil as possible;
- When heating food for children, try to use a steam bath or heat the food in a frying pan, adding regular boiled water instead of oil.
We replace the microwave with other household appliances
Surely in your kitchen, in addition to the microwave, there are other appliances that have a heating function. Try to use them in everyday life, because most cope with the main task with a bang, and it will take a minimum of time to warm up.
Here are some microwave alternatives:
- multicooker. Modern models even have special “Heating” or “Warming” modes. All you have to do is pour soup or put food in and turn on the device. Heating occurs evenly, but no harmful magnetic fluxes arise, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the food. This will take 2-3 minutes. The food remains as healthy and tasty as at the time of preparation;
Attention!
If the multicooker does not have a heating option, then use the “Stewing” or “Baking” modes. Just watch the time, it will take 5 minutes to heat up, no more.
- roster If you like sandwiches, hamburgers or sandwiches with melted cheese and sausage in the morning, then this roaster is ideal for this purpose. It replaces a microwave oven if you need to heat something solid. The device has 2 heating elements, due to which the food is heated;
- air fryer. The device is convenient to use when you need to heat several dishes. For example, you can easily heat up meat and rice separately for a side dish if you place the food on different grill levels. It will take 4-5 minutes to heat the food. If heated for a long time, the food will turn out overcooked, so don’t be distracted by other things if you decide to heat something in the convection oven.
- double boiler. One of the longest but safest ways to heat food. Its operating principle is based on the production of hot water steam, which subsequently heats the food. To avoid having to spend 10-15 minutes heating, pour a little water. It will evaporate faster and the food will warm up.
Oven or oven
A traditional oven or electric oven can be an excellent replacement for a microwave. In addition, if the functionality of a classic oven is limited only to stewing, baking, and baking, then with its electric counterparts it is expanded with the following capabilities:
- Warming up food;
- Defrosting;
- Roasting.
Oven - traditional option
Any electric furnace has a compact size, regardless of power, volume, presence of a thermostat and number of modes. Many options and various equipment will delight the hostess and successfully replace the microwave in the kitchen.
Which is better: a mini-oven or a microwave?
The role of the microwave in the kitchen is difficult to overestimate. I need to heat up yesterday's soup - please! I need a hot sandwich, please. You need... well, you get the idea. Despite the constant debate about the dangers of microwaves, they are still actively sold and used by people every day. However, new kitchen gadgets are appearing on the market, representing some kind of alternative. One of them is a mini-oven.
Externally, the mini-oven is very similar to a microwave. It has small dimensions, weight, and the internal usable volume varies in the range of 14-40 liters. There are control buttons on the panel. But according to the principle of operation and functionality, a microwave and a mini oven are completely different devices. In fact, a mini oven is much closer to an oven and toaster than to a microwave.
It is the operating principle that is the main difference. The mini-oven contains heating elements - heating elements. A microwave oven contains a magnetron that emits microwaves. These microwaves cause water molecules (which are always present in food) to rapidly rotate and collide with each other, which is accompanied by the release of heat. This heats the top layer of food, and the heat then penetrates into the lower layers, heating the entire food. Of course, a mini-oven is a little better in this regard, because... here the heat penetrates evenly into all layers of food. In general, you can often observe this effect of heating in a microwave: the food is hot, but some parts of it are cold.
Both the microwave and the mini-oven can defrost food, and they can also maintain the temperature of cooked food. The grill function is also available in certain models of microwave ovens, and here it is implemented thanks to heating elements. Therefore, the microwave is a more versatile kitchen device.
Mini oven – for baking. However, if you need to cook meat or fish, then both compared devices cope with this task quite well. However, food takes much longer to cook in the microwave. Also, some users note that it is not advisable to cook in the microwave, because the food turns out less tasty.
And one more thing: given the possible harm of a microwave, the possibility of which cannot yet be completely ruled out, it is better to cook and heat food in a mini-oven. Therefore, we definitely give preference to a small compact mini-oven, which is a good alternative to a microwave.
As for the price issue, everything is ambiguous here. There are microwaves that cost more than mini-ovens, and there are ovens that cost more than microwaves. It all depends on the specific models.
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