Like any technology, a microwave oven is fraught with not only benefits, but also harm. That is why many seek to replace it with some other device and choose another, no less affordable, fast, but safe way to heat food or drinks. Of course, it’s up to you to believe the myths or not. But in order to certainly not receive additional radiation, not to change the composition of the dish being heated, and not to multiply microbes during defrosting, give preference to the usual methods of heating.
Microwave radiation – how strong is it?
We heat up “hot” food: water, tea, coffee, soups
What can easily replace a microwave when heating drinks is a boiler. To quickly bring the drink to the required temperature, just lower the immersion boiler and connect it to the network.
Immersion boiler
If you need boiled water, give preference to a flow-through electric boiler.
Spacious thermal bag for storing food.
Another forgotten method in which you can minimize the amount of use of a microwave is a regular thermos or thermal bag.
Its volume makes it possible to keep your first dish or drink hot throughout the day. This saves time and eliminates the need to use the microwave for heating.
Do not boil water in the microwave in a container with a narrow neck. There is a high chance of getting burned.
Another simple way to heat up liquid is to use an electric kettle. Although you can’t warm up milk there, you can easily warm up tea or compote. Some even manage to cook dumplings in it.
Dumplings from a teapot
Refrigerator and freezer
There is no way without him. Even if you rarely cook and usually eat sandwiches, food needs to be stored somewhere, especially in the summer. But if it’s the other way around: you have a large family, you cook something delicious every day, and also freeze berries and vegetables. Here, in addition to the refrigerator, you will definitely also need a freezer. All that remains is to find a place for all this equipment in the kitchen.
Warming up baby food, food for children
Most parents prefer not to use microwave ovens to heat food for children. You can use these methods.
- Baby formula or milk can be easily reheated in warm water. The same can be done if you need to defrost any liquid or drink as soon as possible, but you don’t want to resort to the “defrost” function.
- If there are hot radiators in an apartment or house, the food quickly reaches room temperature on the heating device. True, it will not be possible to bring the food to a hot state, but it will not remain cold either.
- You can also use a gas or electric stove for heating.
Bread maker
If instead of a microwave you need an electrical appliance only for baking, then a bread maker is a great option. Moreover, in it you can bake not only homemade bread with yeast or sourdough, but also other aromatic baked goods - muffins, buns, pies and pies and much more. The main thing is that you don’t need to waste effort on kneading the dough - the oven will perform this function for you. Thanks to the delayed start, you can throw all the ingredients into the oven in the evening and enjoy the aroma of finished baked goods in the morning.
Panasonic SD-2510
Options:
| Power, W | 550 |
| Maximum weight of baked goods, grams | 1000 |
| Special programs | Yeast-free baked goods, Jam, Gluten-free baked goods, Wheat bread, Baking program for low-yeast dough and filled breads |
| Additionally | crust color selection, timer, baking weight adjustment, dough kneading, accelerated baking |
| Form of finished baked goods | loaf |
| Temperature maintenance | yes, up to 1 hour |
| Number of programs | 13 |
| Removable cover | + |
| Frame | plastic |
| Power cord length, m | 1 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD), cm | 26x39x36 |
| Weight, kg | 6,5 |
| Price, rubles | from 8 371 |
What does “heat in a water bath” mean?
Another equally inventive and popular analogue of a microwave is the technology of heating in a water bath without boiling. This is the most useful method of heat treatment of foods when you need:
- prepare a decoction;
- make cream;
- mix the sauce;
- melt butter or chocolate;
- heat puree, soup;
- prepare side dishes and drinks.
This also includes steaming (or heating) dishes using a double boiler.
The principle of its operation is that there is a reservoir of water, when it boils, evaporation occurs, and the steam is evenly distributed over all levels of the device.
Among the manufacturers of steamers that are popular are:
- Bomann;
- Brown;
- Clatic;
- First;
- Magnit;
- Mystery;
- Philips;
- Polaris;
- Sinbo;
- Smile;
- Tefal.
For a price you can purchase a model from 900 rubles, which is plastic tiers with a mechanical type of control. In the more expensive segment, it is worth noting such advantages as power, large bowls, and electronic control. At the same time, the price range of such steamers ranges from three to 15 thousand rubles.
Microwave oven and mini-oven: what is common and what is the difference
Housewives have known the microwave for many years, but the mini-oven appeared on the household appliances market not so long ago. The mini-oven performs the functions of an oven, toaster, grill and microwave, as it is capable of defrosting food and heating food.
Similarities
The devices are similar in appearance. On the front side there is a glazed door and a control panel. They are compact and fit on the kitchen counter due to their small dimensions - within 30x50x40 cm. The size of the internal chamber is from 10 to 40 liters. The microwave and mini-oven (or electric oven is its second name) operate from the mains.
There is a similarity in electricity consumption: for a mini-oven it is 1.5-2 kV, for a microwave oven it is from 1 to 2 kV. These figures refer to devices with similar standard functionality and a price in the range of 5,000-10,000 rubles. As the chamber volume increases and additional functions are available, the energy consumption of the devices increases.
The type of furnace control can be mechanical or electronic. The advantage of a mechanical one is its simplicity and reliability, and an electronic one is an expanded choice of cooking methods.
The internal coating of the microwave and mini-oven chambers is made of enamel, stainless steel or ceramics. It is important that it can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.
Both devices are equipped with an internal chamber light, a tray for collecting crumbs and fat (in a microwave, this function is performed by a rotating plate), and a timer.
More expensive models of mini-ovens and microwaves have additional modes: convection, grill, spit. The energy consumption and price of such devices are significantly higher.
Differences
How is a microwave oven different from an electric oven? The main difference lies in the principle of operation. A mini-oven, like a traditional electric oven, cooks food using the heat generated by thermal heating elements - heating elements. The oven can reach temperatures from 30 to 250°C, baking the dish evenly.
A microwave oven cooks using ultra-high frequency (microwave) radiation, which is generated by a magnetron. Under the influence of microwaves, the water molecules present in any food begin to move, as a result of which the water boils, and the food in which it is contained rapidly heats up. Heating does not occur gradually and not from the outside in, as happens in a conventional oven, but throughout the entire product at once. In this case, the temperature does not rise above the boiling point - 100°C.
In most cases, a microwave oven is used to heat and defrost food. The main purpose of a mini-oven is cooking.
What other equipment can be used instead of a microwave?
Since in a modern kitchen you can find a large number of different appliances, it should be noted that food can also be heated in some other “cooking gadget”.
These include:
- multicookers;
- air fryers.
A multicooker performs a large number of functions - from baking to cooking soup; even the most inexpensive models usually include heating food among the functions.
Compact multicooker as standard
In addition to minimal harm from the multicooker, the device has many advantages:
- non-stick coating of the bowl;
- quick heating without the use of oil or fat;
- possibility of heating in the “steam” or “steam” mode;
- automatic shutdown;
- Possibility of delayed start.
An air grill is a good alternative for those who don’t have time to wait for lunch: you just need to put everything you need, heat it in a bowl, or put it on the grill (if it’s steaks, sausages or whole potatoes) and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.
An example of heating a dish in an air fryer
The disadvantage of using an air fryer instead of a microwave is that it cannot heat liquid foods and drinks. Otherwise, this device is capable of completely replacing the microwave.
Roaster
Externally it looks like an oven or microwave, but inside it is designed like a toaster. The chamber has a grate on which the dish is placed. The design usually has two heaters: an upper heating element and a lower one. The lower heating element heats, the upper one performs the function of a grill. The thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature from 60 to 290 degrees, so the roaster can make baked goods. Some have a spit and a fan for blowing, which greatly expands the functionality of the device. How is a roaster different from an oven? – an inexperienced user will ask. It's simple: the roaster is much more compact than an oven and has useful functions in its arsenal.
There are not many offers on the market; let’s consider the most interesting option, from the point of view of our experts.
Smile TKO 2403
You don’t need to buy anything additional for it, all accessories are already included in the kit:
- Built-in grill for toast, hot sandwiches or hot dogs.
- Crumb tray.
- Metal baking tray.
| Volume, liters | 8 |
| Number of modes | 3 |
| Power, W | 800 |
| Timer, min | 15 |
| Dimensions, cm | 22x37.5x22 |
| Weight, kg | 2,665 |
| Manufacturer country | China |
| Cost, rubles | from 2 090 |
Stove for heating food
A microwave can also be easily replaced with a conventional stove: electric, induction or gas.
The principle of electric operation is based on the fact that the burners warm up to the required temperature, and after that the cookware itself and its contents begin to heat up.
The induction device immediately heats the bottom of the pan and the food. At the same time, the burners themselves do not heat up, but are only “charged” with heat from the dishes.
The principle of operation of a gas stove is well known. The main disadvantage of heating on the stove is the need to constantly monitor the food, otherwise the dish will inevitably burn or boil over.
Reflection of the operating principle of an induction cooker.
Despite the different principles of their operation, they all perfectly replace a microwave oven. At the same time, they will save energy, allow you to heat a large amount of food at once, and give the dish a delicious aroma and a golden crust when fried.
Tips for using the stove to heat food:
- Try to heat only the amount of food you will eat at a time;
- Do not heat over high heat;
- Do not boil the same water in a kettle more than once;
- Try to use as little oil as possible;
- When heating food for children, try to use a steam bath or heat the food in a frying pan, adding regular boiled water instead of oil.
Multicooker - versatility and functionality
The first thing that should be considered as an analogue is, of course, a multicooker. Like the microwave, it requires virtually no oil and allows you to prepare healthy and dietary dishes. Often equipped with a double boiler. The only negative is that it will not be possible to quickly defrost a semi-finished product - the defrosting function is often present in the arsenal of programs, but it assumes a different principle, so the quality of thawing will not be the same as in the microwave. But any “multi” can heat up food without a microwave thanks to the “Warming”, “Maintaining temperature” and other modes.
There are several types of multicookers:
- Regular. The simplest designs, consisting of a body, heaters and a removable bowl with a non-stick coating. On the body there is a control unit with tact or touch buttons and a display. The top of the housing is hermetically sealed with a lid on which there is a valve that releases steam.
- Slow cooker, or long-cooker . In such designs the maximum temperature is only 80 °C. The cooking principle is reminiscent of simmering in a Russian oven. Food retains a lot of useful substances, but it takes a very long time to cook, so you shouldn’t consider such a device as a replacement for a “high-speed” microwave oven, of course, if you don’t have a lot of free time.
- Pressure cooker. The design includes a special valve, thanks to which high pressure is formed in the chamber and all programs are executed many times faster. Why not MVP?! In a regular multi, the soup cooks for about 2 hours, but a pressure cooker will cook it in just 30–40 minutes. They are more expensive than usual, but significantly save electricity.
- Induction . A new class that is gaining popularity. The heating element is replaced here by an induction coil. The bowl is made of an alloy that heats up under the influence of an electromagnetic field. Dishes are prepared quickly, using minimal electricity. Experts are confident that the future lies with such devices and recommend abandoning microwaves in favor of induction technology.
There are some disadvantages that you should know about before purchasing:
- The non-stick coated bowl requires careful handling. You can only use the special plastic spatula included in the kit. The coating does not tolerate metal utensils. Even with careful use, after a few years the bowl will need to be replaced, the price of which is quite high.
- You can wash the bowl only with soft sponges and non-abrasive detergents (for the same reason).
- Even a pressure cooker still cooks slower than the MVP.
The advantages include a huge list of programs that no microwave oven can boast of. These can be the following modes:
- Cereals (there may be separate programs: Buckwheat, Rice, Oatmeal, etc.).
- Milk porridge.
- Pilaf.
- Extinguishing.
- Bakery.
- Steaming.
- Bread.
- Smoking.
- Yogurt.
- Jam.
- Soup.
- Frying.
- Languor.
- Baby food.
- Deep frying.
- Paste.
- Risotto.
- Pizza.
The list goes on and on. Even the simplest Chinese models today have several dozen programs in their arsenal. In general, “multya” is an excellent replacement for the microwave: compact, functional, economical and allows you to cook healthy food.
Let's take as an example an inexpensive, popular multicooker from a well-known brand.
REDMOND SkyKitchen FM41S
Available in a combination of colors.
Options:
| Programs | Multi-cook, Milk porridge, Frying, Steaming, Baking, Stewing, Pilaf, Yogurt, Pasta, Cereals |
| Additionally | keep warm, delayed start, adjustable cooking time and temperature, Sous-Vide |
| Power, W | 700 |
| Bowl volume, l | 5 |
| Housing material | metal |
| Lifting heating element | provided |
| Inner cover | provided |
| Control type | electronics, touch buttons, display, Bluetooth |
| Timer, maximum time, h | 24 |
| Peculiarities | MasterFry function, support devices iOS 8.0 or above, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or above |
| Equipment | frying pan, recipe book |
| Price, rubles | from 4 390 |
Oven or oven
A traditional oven or electric oven can be an excellent replacement for a microwave. In addition, if the functionality of a classic oven is limited only to stewing, baking, and baking, then with its electric counterparts it is expanded with the following capabilities:
- Warming up food;
- Defrosting;
- Roasting.
Oven - traditional option
Any electric furnace has a compact size, regardless of power, volume, presence of a thermostat and number of modes. Many options and various equipment will delight the hostess and successfully replace the microwave in the kitchen.
Roaster
Externally it looks like an oven or microwave, but inside it is designed like a toaster. The chamber has a grate on which the dish is placed. The design usually has two heaters: an upper heating element and a lower one. The lower heating element heats, the upper one performs the function of a grill. The thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature from 60 to 290 degrees, so the roaster can make baked goods. Some have a spit and a fan for blowing, which greatly expands the functionality of the device. How is a roaster different from an oven? – an inexperienced user will ask. It's simple: the roaster is much more compact than an oven and has useful functions in its arsenal.
There are not many offers on the market; let’s consider the most interesting option, from the point of view of our experts.
Smile TKO 2403
You don’t need to buy anything additional for it, all accessories are already included in the kit:
- Built-in grill for toast, hot sandwiches or hot dogs.
- Crumb tray.
- Metal baking tray.
| Volume, liters | 8 |
| Number of modes | 3 |
| Power, W | 800 |
| Timer, min | 15 |
| Dimensions, cm | 22x37.5x22 |
| Weight, kg | 2,665 |
| Manufacturer country | China |
| Cost, rubles | from 2 090 |
