nocomments

Best Cookware for Convection Microwave Oven in 2024

What cookware to use in a convection microwave oven?

As one of the latest cooking methods in American households, a convection microwave oven poses one of the most significant dilemmas for homeowners when it comes to choosing the best cookware for a convection microwave oven. Whether you prefer to use glass, ceramic, or aluminum for cooking, it is important to ensure you get it right when choosing c0okware for a convection microwave oven.

The best options should include cookware made from ceramic or glass. Even with this knowledge, it is important to learn how to use these cookware options on your microwave oven as this required practice and knowledge.

Here is everything you need to know about using glass cookware in your convection microwave oven.

Convection Microwave ovens use hot air to cook

It is important to take your time when choosing the perfect cookware for your convection microwave oven. To cook or warm food, convection microwaves emit hot air that is circulated inside the microwave by fans. This hot air activates water molecules in food that heats up to produce steam, which heats the rest of the food. For this to work perfectly, microwaves should be used with cookware that does not repel heat and should have a high heating point, ensuring it does not heat up when warming food. This is why glass and ceramic containers are the most suitable options for microwave use.

When using your microwave, it is important to ensure you are using the right cookware. Here is how to choose the best cookware for convection microwave oven.

Compared to other microwaves, convection microwave ovens heat or cook food by circulating hot air around the food. Through this process, foods can bake, roast or heat more evenly. Because the idea is to allow as much of the hot air to get to the food, the best cookware should be made with low sided to allow the airflow to get to the food.

Since most convection microwave ovens do not use radiation, it is safe to use metal pans when using the convection feature. However, always check with the manufactures manual before using cookware in your microwave oven to ensure it is safe to use a metal pan.

Caring for your ceramic or glass cookware

As mentioned above, glass and ceramic are the best material for cookware to be used in a convection microwave oven. If you have invested in any of these options, you know they do not come cheap, hence the based on their special features.

As a recommendation, always leave a glass or ceramic cookware on the counter to come to room temperature before popping it inside a microwave. Rapid changes can cause cracking or even breaking of glass cookware. In extreme cases, it can cause the exploding glass pan effect, which is dangerous. On the other hand, sudden cooling can also cause damage to the cookware.

Hot ceramic and glass cookware should never be placed on wet surfaces as this may cause cracking or breaking. Generally, avoid situations where there are sudden temperature changes to the cookware. When cooking with ceramic or glass cookware, reduce heat by up to 25 degrees to avoid overcooking since ceramic and glass retains heat.

In terms of cleaning, always clan your ceramic or glass cookware using a plastic scrubber or a soft cloth. You should use hot, soapy water and clean gently to avoid scratching or damaging. When food burns in ceramic or glass cookware, allow the pan to soak first before removing the burned residue. When your cookware gets scratched or cracked, avoid using it to make food as germs collect in the crevices, which can cause food contamination.

How to choose the best cookware for convection microwave oven cooking

Quality

The first rule of choosing microwave oven cookware is to never compromise on quality. The best options should be able to endure high temperatures and rough handling. While most utensils in the market come with a ‘microwave safe’ label, most of them are not as good as they are said to be. The best options come from manufacturers such as Pampered Chef, LaCuisine, Micro-Mac, Progressive Technologies, Nordic Ware and Rubbermaid.

The material

Most cookware made from glass can be used in traditional ovens and in convection microwave ovens. Glass is tough and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking conditions.

Metal, aluminum, and metal-trimmed dishes are hazardous as they can start a fire and even damage your microwave functions. When it comes to disposable microwave cookware, they should only be used to reheat and not for extended cooking use. This is because the material can melt or release harmful chemicals into your food.

Bags and wraps made from wax paper or parchment paper, microwave paper towels, paper plates, and cups can be used as instructed but are not recommended.

Size

When purchasing cookware for your convection microwave oven, it is important to consider the workings and size of the microwave. Because most microwaves come with a turntable, it is important to avoid purchasing oversize cookware, including cookware with very large handles. This makes removing and inserting the cookware in the microwave a task and can actually be damaging to the sides of the microwave.

Round or oval-shaped, shallow microwave ovens enable quicker and uniform heat distribution, hence heating or cooking your food faster. On the other hand, square or rectangular cookware can cause hot spots, which can make your food harden or dry.

Performance

For cookware to be termed as safe for use with a convection microwave oven, it has to meet three essential qualifications. The best option should not heat up when in the microwave. It should not melt when exposed to the heat in the microwave of the food. The best cookware for a convection microwave oven should not emit toxins or chemicals when heated.

Conclusion

To be able to enjoy using a convection microwave oven, it is important to ensure you get the right cookware for your needs. With this guide, you are better placed to make the right choice when buying the best cookware for convection microwave oven.

 


There are affiliate links in this post. At no cost to you, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.