At a Glance:
How Does a Microwave Convection Oven Work?
What Can You Cook in a Microwave Convection Oven?
Advantages of Using a Microwave Convection Oven
Convection Oven vs Microwave Convection Oven
Convection Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Convection Microwave Oven Cooking Guide
Recommended Microwave Convection Ovens
A microwave convection oven, also known as a speed oven, combines the convenience of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping ability of a traditional convection oven. This dual cooking technology lets users cook foods quickly without sacrificing texture and taste. But is it worth upgrading the faithful microwave to one that can also bake?
We answer that question and more in this guide to using a microwave as a convection oven. Inside, our appliance experts break down the pros of using a microwave convection oven, how and when to use one, and a few of the top models on the market.
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Shop NowHow Does a Microwave Convection Oven Work?
Let’s cut to the chase: what is a speed oven? A microwave convection oven contains both microwave and convection heating elements. The microwaves quickly heat and cook the food from the inside out while the convection element and fan circulate hot air to brown and crisp the exterior.
Microwave convection ovens are ideal for busy home cooks who want to save time in the kitchen without skimping on quality. A microwave/convection oven has the ability to roast meats, bake casseroles, brown pastries, and cook entrees like pizzas.
Many microwave convection ovens have settings that combine both cooking technologies to provide the best results in the shortest amount of time. For example, you may be able to select a combination mode that uses 80% microwave and 20% convection.
What Can You Cook in a Microwave Convection Oven?
The versatility of a microwave convection oven allows you to cook various foods. If you’re wondering what to cook in a microwave convection oven, here are a few suggestions.
| Type of Food | Why a Speed Oven Works | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Goods | Cakes, cookies, muffins, scones—having a microwave oven with convection is like having a handy sidekick for desserts when the main oven is occupied. Even convection means every level receives even heat for better bakes. | ||
Baked Goods Cakes, cookies, muffins, scones—having a microwave oven with convection is like having a handy sidekick for desserts when the main oven is occupied. Even convection means every level receives even heat for better bakes.
Advantages of Using a Microwave Convection Oven
In case you’re still wondering “what is a convection microwave good for,” there are several benefits of convection microwave oven setups the everyday home cook can take advantage of. Consider the following:
| Feature | The Advantage | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Cooking times are significantly reduced, thanks to the dual cooking technologies. You can have a baked potato, roasted chicken, or batch of brownies ready in a fraction of the time it would take in a regular convection oven. | ||
Convection Oven vs Microwave Convection Oven
While a convection microwave oven has advantages, traditional full-size ovens perform some tasks better. Here’s how they compare side-by-side.
Convection Microwave Oven
✅ Faster cooking times
✅ Suitable for smaller portions of foods
✖ Less energy efficient
Traditional Oven
✅ Cooks more food at once
✅ Better for baking delicate pastries
✅ More energy efficient for large meals
✖ More expensive
✖ Require more kitchen space
For most households, a convection microwave can meet most everyday cooking needs. However, having a traditional oven also allows you to cook larger quantities of food and achieve the best results for specific recipes. Overall, speed oven pros and cons should be measured by how much a household cooks and what it’s cooking. It’s hard to justify a speed oven over a full-size, but in some circumstances, such as working with limited kitchen space, it’s a resourceful alternative. Otherwise, speed ovens are nice companions to main ovens.
Convection Microwave Oven Buying Guide
When shopping for a microwave convection oven, here are some helpful buying tips:
✔ Look for a minimum of 1000 watts of microwave power for efficiency. Higher wattage models heat faster, which helps prevent overcooking.
✔ Convection wattage between 1300-1800W provides good browning and crisping.
✔ Capacities between 1.5 and 2.2 cubic feet offer the most cooking versatility.
✔ Review interior features like racks and pans.
✔ Choose innovative options like automatic cook programs, if desired.
✔ Match the aesthetic to your kitchen décor—fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, matte or gloss finishes, etc.
✔ Buy from reputable brands known for quality and durability.
Convection Microwave Oven Cooking Guide
Here are some tips for achieving the best results when cooking with a microwave convection oven:
- Reduce recipe temperature by 25°F compared to a traditional oven. Convection heat cooks faster than a typical oven.
- Use glass, ceramic, or silicone pans for even heating. Metal is okay in convection mode only.
- Microwave casseroles, pizza, leftovers, etc., until almost cooked, then finish on convection setting to brown.
- Roasts and chicken cook quickly, so reduce cook times by 20-30% compared to traditional oven recipes.
- For small items like baked potatoes, use 100% microwave cooking. More oversized items may need a combination of microwave and convection.
- Let items like cakes and muffins cool completely before removing them from the pan to avoid crumbling.
With the proper techniques, a convection microwave oven can produce delicious results across various recipes while saving you significant cooking time. Take advantage of both cooking technologies for faster, crisper, juicier dishes any night of the week.
Recommended Microwave Convection Ovens
Wondering which brand is best for convection microwave oven models? We’ve done the work for you and reviewed a few of our top-sellers. Take a look to see how their convenient features can help make dinner prep a little easier.
Café™ 30" Platinum Electric Built-In Oven/Micro Combo
Shop This Cafe Microwave Convection Oven
In terms of versatility, it’s hard to outdo this Café speed oven. The magic is its exclusive Advantium technology, a 5-in-1 feature that gives users the agility to swap between five cooking methods. That includes microwaving and true European convection, plus precision cooking for more discerning menu items. The addition of a halogen light means foods cook faster, so rubbery microwaved foods are a thing of the past.
Featured Café CSB913M2NS5 review: “This 5 in 1 Advantium Oven has transformed the way our kitchen functions!! It is the most used appliance b/c it is so versatile. We can never go back to a traditional microwave. The interface layout is so inviting and convenient that my 4 year old granddaughter understands it! This is a must have for the modern kitchen.”
Bosch® 800 Series 27" Stainless Steel Built-In Speed Oven
Shop This Bosch Microwave Convection Oven
Granted, this Bosch 800 Series microwave convection oven doesn’t have the extent of features our recommended Café model does, but in Bosch stands out because of its reliability. If you want a dependable addition to your cooking setup, this Bosch speed oven delivers with careful craftsmanship styled in a classic stainless steel finish. Enjoy the power of microwave and convection baking, plus accessories like a cooking rack tfor multi-tier cooking and a ceramic tray for special items like pizzas.
Featured Bosch HMC87152UC review: “This incredible speed oven cooks quickly perfectly. The broil feature is the best, cooks quick and browns the tops (if needed) I use my speed oven daily!”
Gaggenau 200 Series 24" Stainless Steel Electric Built-In Oven/Micro Combo
Shop This Gaggenau Microwave Convection Oven
Showcasing German craft at its finest is this high-end microwave convection oven from none other than Gaggenau. It’s premium design is undeniable, from the refined display with rotary dials to a side-swing door that also makes it easier to retrieve items. The beauty of this cooking appliance is its ability to combine cooking methods, including seven heating settings and five microwave output levels. The result is a versatile cooking sidekick that can handle main entrees just as easy as a standard oven.
JennAir® RISE TM 30" Stainless Steel Built In Microwave
Shop This JennAir Microwave Convection Oven
JennAir offers a stylish speed oven designed to keep up with creative home cooks. Put your culinary imagination to the test with 1,200 watts of convection heat output inside a spacious 1.4 cubic foot interior. This model also offers the option of indoor grilling with a 1,600 watt grill element, in case you really want to get creative. Whatever is on the menu, sensor cooking technology works to detect humidity levels to accurately cook foods to their ideal finishes.
Featured JennAir JMC2430LL review: “Enjoying the features. I'm certain there are even more to discover.”
LG 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Electric Speed Oven
Shop This LG Microwave Convection Oven
Leave it to LG when it comes to getting innovative in the kitchen. This LG speed oven is a great example with smart features like an Air Fry mode, Scan-to-Cook technology, and sensor cooking. This is a must-see microwave convection oven if a connected kitchen is on your radar. With LG ThinQ, this model lets you connect the appliance to a smart device for easy management and monitoring where you and your smart device are.
Featured LG MZBZ1715S review: “I bought this oven to replace a high end Microwave oven that the home builder had provided with a new home. I have only used the Microwave function as I am yet to read up on the Regular Oven and Air Fryer sections of the Manual. The Microwave is very quiet, works fast and exceeds my expectation. Sensor Cook function heats up food to the right heat without over heating the food item. This function is very important to me. Very soon will figure out the other functionalities built into the oven and start enjoying all aspects of the new LG multi fuction oven. Excellent Value for the money.”
Monogram Statement 30" Stainless Steel Electric Speed Oven
Shop This Monogram Microwave Convection Oven
As the name says, this Monogram speed oven truly makes a statement with digital controls and sleek lines modern kitchenspaces are made of. Pop in entrées, sides, or even dessert with the flexibility of five cooking applications for all your menu items. With nearly 2 cubic feet of interior space, this is a larger speed oven that can handle full-size recipes, making it easier to juggle dinnertime.
Featured Monogram ZSB9132NSS review: “Love the flexibility on the microwave to also use as an oven. Super easy to use and clean. Very happy.”
Wolf M Series Contemporary 24" Stainless Steel Single Electric Wall Oven
Shop This Wolf Microwave Convection Oven
With the most power on our list with 1,750 watts, this Wolf speed oven proves why it’s a luxury appliance. Need more proof? Aside from its beautiful design, users will love an equally convenient interior with enough capacity to cook a 15-lb turkey. This model is a dream for cooks who like to experiment, featuring cooking modes like convection, steam, and even a sous vide mode. If you want to go all out on a speed oven, this pick from Wolf is a must-see.
While a microwave convection oven is an upgrade in cost compared to a traditional microwave, the added convenience is worth it for households that cook a lot. The good news is there are more models to choose from than ever before, and Fred’s Appliance is the best place to shop for one in the inland Northwest. Browse our selection online or visit one of our appliance showrooms today to learn more about these handy appliances.
FAQs
Can a convection oven replace a microwave?
While a convection microwave can perform many of the functions of a traditional microwave, the lower wattage means reheating will take slightly longer. Many homeowners choose to have both appliances.
Is a convection oven the same as a microwave oven?
A convection oven relies solely on a heating element and fan to circulate hot air. It does not use microwave technology. A convection microwave is the only appliance combining convection baking and speedy microwave heating.
Can I bake in a microwave convection oven?
Yes! The convection element allows you to bake cakes, cookies, and casseroles. Baking times will be faster than a traditional oven.
Can you put metal in a convection microwave oven?
Metal pans and baking sheets are entirely safe when baking in the convection mode. Avoid metal cookware when reheating or defrosting using microwave-only methods.
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