Are you looking for a microwave oven for your kitchen? Torn between a convection and inverter microwave? Don’t worry; you’ll find the best device to suit your needs soon enough.
In this post, we will compare inverter and convection microwaves by going through their key differences. We believe that after going through the article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on what to go for.
But before that,
What’s an Inverter Microwave?
An inverter microwave oven is a microwave that works by supplying power through an inverter circuit and not via a transformer like in ordinary models.
The inverter circuit provides the exact voltage needed to maintain a certain power level. It doesn’t turn the magnetron on and off like with regular models.
Inverter microwaves work by heating, reheating, and defrosting your food at a constant power level for the entire cooking process. This is made possible by the inverter technology that provides a steady and efficient power supply.
What is a Convection Microwave?
A convection microwave oven is a microwave that comes with a built-in convection fan. This fan helps to distribute the hot air emitted by the microwave.
When it comes to shape, size, and color, convection microwaves are no different from regular microwaves. The only edge is the fan system, which not only improves heat distribution but also promotes uniformity in cooking.
Convection microwaves are 2 in 1 device, Panasonic NN-GN68KS. They can use the convection heat for cooking outside in and the microwave heat to cook inside out.
These microwaves can also grill and bake, just like regular ovens.
Differences between Inverter and Convection Microwaves
Now that you know what these 2 microwaves are, let’s dive into their differences. From power supply to heat distribution and energy efficiency, several factors can help you distinguish between the 2.
Check out the following tips:
1. Power Control
In inverter microwave ovens, power is usually supplied through the inverter circuit. This circuit provides a consistent amount of power during the entire cooking period.
When it comes to convection microwave oven, it supplies power just like any other regular microwave oven, i.e., through the transformer.
In both cases, power from the inverter circuit or the transformer is transferred to the magnetron, the element responsible for producing microwaves that cook food.
Due to the consistent supply of power through the inverter circuit, expect to get better results using an inverter microwave oven.
2. Delivery of Heat
In inverter microwaves, heat is delivered equally and consistently throughout the cooking process. In convection models, heat delivery is enhanced.
And unlike with regular ovens where the microwave cooks inside out (reacts only with water molecules), convection microwaves can cook outside in.
Convection microwaves have both radiation and convection heating methods. This is because these models use a built-in fan as the heat transfer mechanism.
The fan blows the hot air produced by the microwave and delivers it throughout the gadget’s cooking space.
3. Uniformity in Cooking
Both models cook food evenly but through different processes. With inverter microwave ovens, the inverter technology provides a controlled and efficient power supply without cutting in and out. For instance, if you select 100% power, the microwave will deliver 100% power throughout.
Convection microwaves also cook food to even perfection. The built-in fan ensures that heat is transferred to the entire food.
4. Energy Efficiency
Inverter microwave ovens are highly energy efficient. They control the power output and cook faster as a result. This helps to lower the cost of your electricity bills.
Convection microwave ovens are also energy efficient when compared to regular microwaves. This is because the in-built fan distributes heat evenly, making the device cook faster, a process that helps save more power. However, when compared to inverter microwaves, they are not as energy-efficient.
5. General Outcome of the Food
Although convection microwaves can cook food very fast, you need to supervise the whole cooking process if you don’t want to get burnt food in the end. In addition, the fall and rise of the power supply might also affect the flavor of delicate foods.
If you like baking, a convection microwave oven makes a great choice as well. This is because it can practically work as a regular toaster oven.
With these ovens (convection), you can also grill, which is usually impossible with regular ovens.
The general outcome of cooking with an inverter microwave oven is similar to that of regular ovens. The only difference is that they are more consistent in heating.
6. Possibility of Slow Cooking
With a constant heat supply, you are in total control of the power supplied to your food when using an inverter microwave. This microwave, therefore, ensures the possibility of slow cooking, which might not be possible when using a convection microwave.
Slow cooking enables you to enjoy flavorful, tasty, and delicious food without compromising on the texture.
7. Size
Both inverter and convection microwaves come in a variety of sizes. However, they generally range in mid to large sizes.
If interested in a smaller-sized microwave, you need to rethink your options because you can never find one in these two models.
8. Weight
Inverter microwave ovens are lighter than the convection models as they don’t come with a built-in fan. In addition, they are don’t have a transformer which makes regular microwave ovens a little heavy.
9. Cost
Compared to regular microwaves, the 2 models are pretty expensive. So if interested in one, check your budget first. And between the convection and inverter ovens, the latter is more costly.
Which one is Better?
The two microwave ovens are pretty distinct, but both work great. While one has a better power supply system, the other boasts a better heating method.
The advantage of inverter microwave ovens is that they maintain a constant temperature during the entire cooking process. On the other hand, convection microwave ovens are excellent for uniform heating, defrosting, and cooking. In addition, they are ideal for baking, grilling, roasting, and browning food.
Conclusion
Although a little different, both the inverter and convection microwave ovens make an excellent choice for any kitchen. When choosing between the two, be sure to consider your needs and weigh the benefits you get by selecting one over the other.