One of the most convenient kitchen appliances you can get for your home is a convection microwave oven. It is versatile, cooks food fast, energy-efficient, cooks food evenly and is easier to clean.
If you love your meat crispy, you’ll love having a convection microwave in your space.
However, just like with a standard microwave, you can’t just place any cookware in a convection microwave.
Some, like plastic containers, can melt and leach into your food and intoxicate it. Others, like paper plates, can even cause a fire.
Before placing any utensil in the microwave, always check the manufacturer’s instructions on whether it’s microwavable.
So, can you use metal trays in a convection microwave? The answer is yes. You can use metal trays in a convection microwave in the convection mode.
What Is a Convection Microwave?
A convection microwave is a microwave reinforced with heating elements to work like a standard microwave and a convection oven.
It has heaters, a fan and a magnetron that produces electromagnetic waves. It has 2 working modes (microwave only and convection) that allow it to be versatile.
You can use it for cooking various meals, including liquid and baked food. To customize the cooking process, you only need to switch between the modes.
Can You Use a Metal Tray in a Convection Microwave?
Most convection microwave ovens can handle metal when in the convection mode. So, yes, you can use a metal tray in the microwave.
In convection mode, hot air is forced to circulate in the oven evenly instead of slowly building up. Therefore, a convection microwave oven cooks up to 50 percent faster than standard microwave ovens.
This air should be able to circulate freely around your metal tray, heating your food from all sides.
Do You Need Special Cookware for a Convection Microwave?
Although you can use many kinds of cookware in a convection microwave, you still need to be on the lookout for some things.
For instance, if you have to use a metal pan, ensure that it’s coated with an enamel lining to prevent a metallic taste in your food.
Also, if your glass pan comes with metal handles, ensure that they are made of stainless steel or any other non-reactive metal.
What Type of Cookware Should You Use in a Convection Microwave?
Cookware made from glass, aluminum, ceramic or stone is suitable to use in a convection microwave oven. However, before purchasing any utensil, ensure that it’s manufacturer labeled as ideal for use in a convection oven.
It’s also important to note that the thicker a material is, the less effective it’ll be in convection cooking. In such a scenario, use the bottom-heating element to heat your pan and assist in more even cooking.
What Should You Consider When Buying Cookware for a Convection Microwave Oven?
Buying cookware for a convection microwave is never an easy task. There are tons of brands manufacturing these utensils, the reason behind the different varieties in the market.
Listed below are the factors to look out for before paying for a convection microwave oven cookware.
- Material
The cookware you get for the oven should be made of sturdy material. It should not only be durable but also retain heat efficiently.
The material shouldn’t allow condensation to form between its layers as this can cause overheating, which leads to fire.
- Safety
When buying cookware for your microwave, you must ensure that it’s safe and convenient. It should be made from food-safe material that won’t leach into your food when cooking.
- Size
Ensure that you choose cookware with an appropriate size to fit in your convection microwave oven.
Also, try to determine the intensity of use. For instance, if you cook a lot, invest in a larger set with a variety of utensils so you can diversify your cooking skills.
In addition, ensure that the cookware leaves at least one-inch room on all 4 sides. This should also be the case on the top and bottom between the walls of your oven and the pan.
- Non-stick coating
Always choose cookware with a non-stick coating for your convection microwave oven. The coating prevents food from sticking to the pan’s surface, making it easy to clean.
Nobody likes spending a lot of time in their kitchen doing dishes, right?
- Easy to use
The cookware should be user-friendly. Be on the lookout for features like handles for easy handling of your food while in the oven. It should also have vents to prevent steam buildup.
Conclusion
When cooking in the convection mode, you can safely use a metal tray in a convection microwave oven. Never try to use metal in the microwave mode, as the food behind your metal pot or pan won’t be cooked.
Metal can also cause arcing in the oven.
For the durability of your microwave and your safety, it’s important that you always check whether the cookware you intend to use in the convection microwave is convection oven-safe or not.