How to Cook with a Convection Microwave Oven

Coby McKinley Avatar

Written by:

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

Table of Contents

Even if you have a premier microwave oven, you cannot cook your favorite foods without learning how to use your kitchen appliance. While you may know how to use the standard microwave setting, convection microwave cooking is different. In addition, some assume that microwave convection is identical to operating a traditional oven, but that isn’t entirely true. Read on to learn how to cook with a convection microwave oven for your favorite recipes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • A convection microwave combines microwave cooking and convection baking in one kitchen appliance.
  • The microwave setting is excellent for frozen food and quickly reheating leftovers.
  • The convection setting can cook raw meat and bake various types of food.

What is a Convection Microwave?

As its name suggests, the convection oven microwave cooks food with either a convection or microwave function. In addition, because it is a convection appliance, you can convection bake pastries, chicken breasts, and other baked foods. So, you get the faster cooking times of a regular microwave and the ability to make crisp food with convection cooking.

Insider Tip

Always use the convection rack for consistent heating and heat distribution during convection cooking.

We’ll show you how to use the microwave and convection process, but you should stick to microwave mode to sanitize a face mask or boil water.

How to Cook with the Microwave Convection Setting

Method 1: Microwave Settings

STEP 1 Place Food on a Microwave-Safe Container

Check your plate or container to ensure that it is microwave-safe. Then, slide your food inside the microwave cavity and shut the door.

Do not use microwave settings for cooking raw meat or roast chicken. You won’t know how long of a microwave cook time you need to kill bacteria in the raw meat.

STEP 2 Set Cook Time on Control Panel

Use your panel or touchpad controls to set your cooking time. In addition, you can use the panel to set you convenient defrost functions for your frozen food. Once you set your cooking time, press the start button.

STEP 3 Let Food Rest and Remove from the Microwave

The initial contact with food will be hot, so it is best to let it rest in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Method 2: Convection Setting

STEP 1 Press the Convection Mode Power Button

Like a conventional oven, press the convection button to activate the cooking mode. You can also start the additional heating element if you need extra ambient heat.

STEP 2 Set the Cooking Temperature and Preheat

Use the control panel to set your cooking temperature and let the unit reach cooking temperature.

STEP 3Insert Food with Convection Rack

Place your food in a convection-safe container and place it on the convection rack. The rack is essential for the airflow and heat exchange necessary for convection cooking. Lastly, close the microwave door.

STEP 4Set Your Timer

You can use the timer function on the microwave or set a timer on your smartphone.

STEP 5 Remove Your Meal

Once your cooking time is complete, turn the convection cooking off. Then, using an oven mitt, remove your dish from the microwave. Set the container on a hot pad or your stovetop and let it cool before serving.

F.A.Q.S

When should you use a convection microwave?

The convection cooking process is ideal for baking or toasting. In addition, due to the microwave setting, you can cook a complete recipe using this one appliance. Lastly, the additional heating elements are helpful for convection fast-bake when you’re in a hurry.


What can you cook in a convection microwave?

You can use microwave cooking for frozen foods, but save your raw foods for convection cooking. For example, you should not prepare red meat and chicken using microwave settings. The meat will cook unevenly, leading to the possibility of food poisoning.


Which one to get – toaster oven, microwave oven, or convection microwave oven?

Of these three choices, the convection microwave is the best choice. It is a versatile appliance that can quickly microwave frozen food, toast bread, or bake cookies.



STAT: According to the Journal of Cleaner Production, over 17 billion microwave ovens have been produced since their invention in 1947. (source)

Warning

Do not use metal utensils or containers because they may cause sparks during the cooking process.

Coby McKinley Avatar

Learn More About Microwaves