Difference between Solo and Convection Microwave Oven
Microwaves are a staple kitchen accessory that is used in almost every household today. They come in various types and technologies and provide different properties in terms of speed, versatility, and advancement.
The more adaptable in terms of design and features, the more expensive the microwave will be, and so the latest models are much more expensive in comparison to the previous ones! The top two types of microwave ovens that are popular in the market today are solo ovens and convection ovens.
And in this article, we will help you understand the difference between solo and convection microwave ovens so that your shopping process becomes much easier!
What is a Solo Microwave Oven?
To put it simply, a solo microwave is the most basic microwave oven available. It performs simple, day-to-day tasks like defrosting, reheating and cooking, that are easy yet essential.
Its pros include the fact that it’s one of the least expensive models on the market and includes all necessary functions too. Microwave-proof glass and plastic utensils can also be used in a solo microwave oven, making it accessible.
Its con is the fact that it cannot perform an extensive range of functions, such as baking and roasting. Moreover, metal utensils cannot be used, and so users have to stick to microwave-proof options.
1. How Does A Solo Microwave Oven Work?
The magnetron is the key element of the microwave oven when it comes to the heating process. A cavity magnetron is the type of magnetron utilized in a solo microwave oven. The cavity part of the magnetron derives from the magnetron’s internal chambers or cavities.
A huge magnet runs beneath the magnetron, circulating electrons from an anode to a cathode. They pass over these small cavities as they zoom around, forming waves.
These waves pass through a waveguide before arriving in the oven’s cooking chamber. The microwaves are reflected by the cooking chamber’s walls and penetrate the food. These waves produce friction by causing the water molecules to vibrate. As a result of the friction, heat is produced.
2. Solo Microwave Oven Uses
A solo microwave oven performs a number of functions- especially basic day-to-day functions such as reheating and defrosting food.
The best part is that the cooking process can be timed according to you and your recipe’s needs. It can more or less do all the heating tasks that do not require too much technique such as roasting or baking.
3. Benefits of Solo Microwave
- You can hear microwave-proof glass as well as plastic utensils without any tension in a solo microwave oven.
- It performs all necessary day-to-day functions such as reheating, cooking, and defrosting- quickly and efficiently.
- It has a timer that can be programmed according to you and your recipes’ needs. You can set it to turn on and off according to your convenience!
- Moreover, despite being able to perform these functions- a solo microwave is one of the most affordable options on the market and is cheaper in comparison to a convection microwave.
Best Solo Microwaves
| Product | |
|---|---|
| 1. LG 20 L Solo Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 2. Samsung 23 L Solo Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 3. IFB 25 L Solo Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 4. Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 5. Bajaj 1701 MT 17L Solo Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
What is a Convection Microwave Oven?
A convection microwave oven is a two in one kitchen appliance that not only provides to you the benefits of a kitchen microwave but also of a convection oven.
It allows you to reheat and defrost food whereas at the same time lets you bake and roast dishes as well. So, to sum it up, a convection oven is a more advanced version of the solo microwave oven that comes with a range of features that the first one can’t offer.
Its cons include its small size. Since it is compact in nature, it’s unlikely that you will be able to cook more than a single dish at a time. Moreover, convection microwaves are a little difficult to get a hang of, and so involve a significant learning curve!
1. How Does A Convection Microwave Oven Work?
Convection is a method of heat exchange based on the principle of natural air movement. When cold air is heated, it rises, and the upper layer of air cools, becomes heavier, and flows downward. The heating process in a convection microwave oven is generated through the circulation of hot air.
In addition to the normal healing process, this oven contains heating elements and a fan. The electricity drawn by the oven’s transformer was directed to the oven’s heating element. The heating element then transforms electrical energy into thermal energy.
As a result, the heating element’s heat was transferred to the cooking chamber. The fan, which is fixed at the back of the cooking chamber, rotates and evenly distributes the hot air in the cooking chamber.
Which is why, convection microwaves can bake and roast dishes that would otherwise be cooked too fast and insufficiently in a regular microwave.
2. Convection Microwave Oven Uses
A convection microwave oven can perform all the essential day-to-day functions including warming, reheating, and defrosting. Great for cooking items such as pies and cakes, or traditonal Indian snacks such as Moong Dal, Kale Chips & Khichdi. A convection microwave oven can also perform a plethora of other functions such as baking, roasting, and grilling.
The hot air that a convection microwave oven provides helps you cook dishes that require constant caramelization, blowing, and crispness. You can also use metal utensils, along with microwave-safe glass and plastic dishes.
3. Benefits of Convection Microwave
- It can perform almost every cooking function including warming, defrosting, reheating, baking, roasting, and so on.
- In a convection microwave oven, you can use metal dishes, along with microwave-safe glass and plastic utensils.
- The heat in a convection microwave oven is dispersed uniformly and so there is even cooking.
- The cooking time is drastically reduced because the cavity heats up rapidly and cooks the food fast.
- The pre-programmed options it comes with as well as the various timing settings – make it easy to use.
If these benefits intrigue you and are something you desire from a microwave, you can look at our article on the best convection microwave oven in India 2023.
Best Convection Microwave
| Product | |
|---|---|
| 1. Samsung 21 L Convection Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 2. LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 3. IFB 20 L Convection Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 4. LG 28 L Convection Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
| 5. Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave Oven | Buy Now |
Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwave
| Solo Microwave Oven | Convection Microwave Oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive than solo Microwave Oven |
| Compatibility | Metal utensils cannot be used | Metal utensils can be used |
| Technology | With the help of a magnetron, the Solo Microwave vibrates water molecules, producing heat and preparing the meal. | Hot air is created by fans and circulated around the outer layer of food in a convection microwave oven, which includes a heater on both sides. |
| Heat control | It is not included | It is included |
| Use | Cooking, reheating, and defrosting are just a few of the things you can do with it. | It contains all of the features of a solo and grill microwave oven and can be used for baking, grilling, reheating, defrosting, roasting, and browning in addition to baking. |
| How it works | Heating of the cavity | Cavity heating and hot air circulated by a fan |
| Ideal for | Basic reheating | Advanced cooking or chefs |
1. Working
A solo microwave oven contains a magnetron, which is the key element in the heating process. A huge magnet runs below the magnetron, circulating electrodes from the anode to the cathode. As they pass over the cavities, they create waves.
These waves, after passing through a waveguide, reach the cooking chamber. Here the microwaves are reflected by the cooking chamber’s walls and they penetrate the food. The waves cause friction, which causes heat and warms the food.
Convection involves heating due to air movement. The electricity that is drawn by the transformer of the oven is directed to the oven’s heating element. The heating element converts the heat from electrical energy to thermal energy, which transfers the heat to the cooking chamber.
The fan present in the cooking chamber turns on and uniformly distributes the hot air throughout the cooking chamber. This way, the food is heated and cooked in a convection microwave oven.
2. Cooking Method
A solo microwave oven can perform a number of cooking methods that are needed on a day-to-day basis including warming, defrosting, and reheating.
A convection microwave oven is extremely versatile in terms of cooking methods. It can perform a wide range of functions including the basics such as warming, defrosting, and reheating as well as more advanced functions such as baking, roasting, and toasting.
If you have a particular use in mind for a microwave then there are models that offer extra features and capabilities. For instance, if baking is your passion, you can opt from best baking oven microwave available in market, which includes a convection option. Alternatively, if you enjoy grilling, a microwave with a convection option that is specialized for grilling can help you achieve perfect results with meat, fish, and vegetables.
3. Compatibility
Microwave-glass and plastic utensils are compatible with a solo microwave oven. Metal utensils cannot be used, due to various properties.
A convection microwave oven is extremely accessible and convenient to use in terms of utensils and their materials. Almost every dish material is compatible including microwave-safe glass, plastic, and metal utensils.
4. Cost
A solo microwave oven is usually one of the most affordable options on the market. It is much cheaper in comparison to a convection microwave oven since it also offers limited features. You should be able to buy a good Solo microwave under 5000 rupees.
A convection oven is much more expensive in comparison to a Microwave Oven. It offers a wider range of features and the price increases with an increase in the properties. A decent convection microwave can be available under 10000 rupees.
Also Read:
Solo vs Convection Microwave Oven: Which one to buy?
If you want an answer to the solo microwave vs convection microwave debate, there isn’t an easy one. Both the solo microwave oven and the convection microwave oven have their own pros and cons and are suited to the requirements of different users.
If you are someone who only wants a microwave to perform basic, day-to-day functions such as warming food, reheating dishes, and defrosting items before cooking – a solo microwave is a great and affordable option for you.
However, if you cook more fancy dishes on a daily basis that require baking, roasting, and toasting- a convection oven is the perfect investment for you. So choose the microwave that is right for your lifestyle and check all your boxes!
FAQs
Advika is a talented Indian cook with a passion for sharing her culinary expertise with others. Born and raised in India, she has spent years mastering traditional recipes from across the country, as well as putting her own unique twist on classic dishes. Her recipes are easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for cooks of all levels
