A convection microwave oven allows you to roast or bake in addition to the regular preparation of food. The circulating heated air in the microwave oven helps to speed up cooking time.
But do you know that this microwave oven poses a nightmare for many individuals when it comes to the type of cookware to use in it?
Different pieces of cookware cook at different rates depending on the surface area exposed to heat. To ensure even cooking in this kitchen appliance, you need to get pots and pans that allow hot air to reach every part of your food.
Microwave Safe Cookware
Microwave ovens generate electromagnetic radiation that agitates water molecules in food. These molecules get hot and produce steam that heats the rest of your food.
For this reason, you need to get the right cookware for your microwave. Cookware that won’t repel radiation or get hot as food cooks.
You can, therefore, never use metal pans or flimsy plastic containers in a microwave.
Microwave-safe cookware includes pans that won’t heat up from absorbing microwaves and containers that don’t melt when in contact with hot food.
You should also never use cookware with chemicals/toxins that can leach out when in contact with hot food or steam.
Cooking a Convection Microwave
Unlike microwaves, convection ovens cook by circulating hot air around the food. The process speeds up cooking and roasts or bakes food more evenly.
And since these appliances cook by blowing hot air around the food, the cookware for convection ovens must have low sides for good airflow and even cooking.
Another thing to note is that it’s possible to use metal pans in convection cooking since it doesn’t use radiation like microwaves.
But before using metal pans in your convection oven, go through the manufacturer’s instructions to ascertain whether it’s safe to do so.
Cookware to Use in a Convection Microwave Oven
Do you know that there are pans that are made especially for convection cooking? They come with shallow rims as aforementioned and can be either metal or foil.
These pans enable the oven to circulate heat with ease leading to an even bake. They include:
Cookware with a flat bottom
A flat bottom is crucial for even heating. If possible, get round or oval-shaped cookware to allow the fan to circulate the heat to all corners.
Glass and Ceramic Cookware
Glass and ceramic cookware work perfectly in a convection microwave oven. You, however, need to maintain them according to their unique properties if you want to have them in your kitchen for long.
Rapid temperature changes can cause cracks leading to the “exploding glass pan” effect.
Points to Consider When Choosing Cookware for Convection Microwave Oven
It’s essential for you to get the appropriate cookware for your convection microwave oven. Such materials include glass, ceramic, and stainless steel.
But before you settle for a particular pot or pan for your convection microwave, you need to consider the following.
Size of the pan
The size of the pan to get depends on the food you’ll be cooking in it. While a large stockpot works better for stews and soups, a casserole dish makes the best roasts.
The pan to get is also determined by the size of your family. Go for a bigger pan if you have a bigger family if you don’t want to spend hours cooking in small batches in the kitchen.
Capacity of your microwave oven
You can never purchase bigger pots and pans when your microwave oven has a smaller capacity. It’s therefore very important that you get cookware that fits well in the appliance for the best results.
Have the interior measurements of your oven in mind when going for a cookware shopping spree.
And if looking for a space-saving convection microwave oven with a large capacity, how about trying out this product?
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven, Check latest price on Amazon
This product is an ultimate all-in-one multi oven that functions as a countertop microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven. It has a spacious 1.2 cubic foot interior capacity and comes in a space-saving design.
The oven uses 1000 watts of Panasonic inverter technology for smart, even defrosting, warming, reheating, and cooking. It also features the genius sensor cook, turbo defrost, and other settings for easier cooking.
It comes with a 14.2 turntable that can easily fit a whole chicken and has a stainless steel interior that makes it easier to wipe splatters clean.
Ease of cleaning
Always get cookware that you can clean with ease. If dishwasher safe, the better, but if not, ensure that you purchase pots that are easy to hand wash with soap and water.
Microwave-safe material
Ensure that you get convection microwave-safe cookware, which includes glass and porcelain, and stainless steel.
Some individuals prefer stainless steel cookware as it’s durable without paintings or coatings that wear off with time.
Also, look for pans with no or low rims to allow hot air to flow through and heat your food evenly.
Personal Style and Preference
When shopping for convection oven cookware, keep an eye on your preferences. And since there are lots of designs and styles cropping up from time to time, you’ll find one that suits your kitchen.
Actually, antique and retro designs are becoming increasingly popular by day and hence higher chances of getting beautiful pieces.
So, Can You Put Metal in a Convection Microwave Oven?
You can put any metal, including stainless steel cookware, in a convection microwave oven, but only when using the convection-cooking feature. You can use metal and aluminum foil safely when convection cooking.
Never try to warm an empty metal pan or dish in the microwave, as this can cause overheating and fire. Another thing to note is that metal should never be used in a microwave. It can cause arcing in the oven.
Using metal in a convection microwave oven solely depends on the mode you intend to use when cooking. If using the convection mode, you can use a metal pan. If using the microwave feature, don’t put a metal pan in the appliances as it can cause arcing in the oven.