The microwave oven and grill- Find out what it entails, how it works, its advantages, and more
Initially, the microwave was invented to warm our food. As technology advances, different features have been added to the microwave to make cooking very easy. In our shops today, we have the microwave oven and grill. They are not two different microwaves. The grill option has been incorporated into the microwave oven giving the caterer or user an urge over the users of traditional microwaves. Let us take a look at what the microwave grill and oven entail.
What is a microwave oven and grill?
As I said earlier, the microwave oven and grill and not different microwaves. It is simply a microwave that has the grill option incorporated into the traditional microwave. This means that you will be able to heat, reheat and defrost your foods quickly with ease.
The microwave oven and grill also include the grill plate that allows food to be gradually cooked, sealing the juices in meats, seafood, fish, and vegetables.
How does the microwave grill and oven work?
We now know that the microwave grill and oven are not separate but one. The microwave follows a similar principle just like the traditional microwave. However, there may be a little change due to structures like the grill plate stand included when purchasing the microwave.
Microwaves are formed inside the oven by an electron tube called the magnetron. The magnetron charges the cathode electrodes to transfer electrons to the anode. A magnet is located beneath the magnetron which disrupts the transfer of electrons from the cathode to the anode. This forces the electrons to move in a spherical motion.
As the electrons move in a spherical motion, they move over the cavities. Moving over the cavities results in the reverberation of the electrons.
The reverberation of the electrons results in the production of microwaves which then moves into the cooking space of the microwave via a cylindrical tube known as the waveguide.
The microwaves released into the cooking chamber collide against the walls of the microwave oven. Food, either solid or liquid placed in the microwave and then absorb the microwaves.
The absorbed microwaves increase the energy state of the water molecules in the food. As a result of the increase in energy state, the molecules vibrate and collide against each other, transferring this energy to other molecules.
This increase in energy is the heat produced which cooks the food and gives us an irresistible taste.
The microwave oven grill stand and grill plate- How does it help in cooking
The grill stand and plates are mostly made from stainless steel which aids microwave grilling. The grill stand enables space beneath the food to be grilled to allow uniform grilling.
Again, this also helps maintain a constant temperature in the microwave oven since it will not be opened to allow external inside which will alter the temperature.
What can you cook in a microwave oven and grill?
With the incorporation of the grill option, the microwave oven and grill can cook more foods with a desirable taste than the traditional one.
Examples of food that can be cooked in the microwave oven and grill
- Pizza
- Sandwich
- Steak
- Hamburger
- Pork chops
- Chicken
- Steak
- Vegetables
- Pasta
Let’s take a look at how to grill a chicken in a microwave oven and grill
Make sure you have already added all spiced and vegetables you would love to add
- Place the chicken on the grill plate
- Place the grill plate on the turnaround table gently
- Close the oven and make sure it is tightly locked
- Press the grill button, set the time, and start the process. See also- how to use an electric grill
Can aluminum foil be used in a microwave oven and grill?
This is practiced by a whole lot of people. It is advisable not to wrap the food completely with aluminum foil. If possible, do not use it at all.
The reason is very simple. Exposed edges of the foils or the thin foil could be overwhelmed by the flow of currents which will make the thin foil overheat and cause fire.
Again, thin foil disrupts the flow of air in the microwave which can destroy the internal components of the microwave.
Metals are good conductors of heat; however, microwaves cannot penetrate them making food covered in metallic utensils not cooked properly.
Other materials that are not supposed to be used in the microwave oven and grill are wire twist ties, recycled paper, and plastics.
Nonstick ceramics can be used in this microwave. Also, plastics termed microwavable can be used.
What is the price of a microwave oven and grill?
Comparing the price of the traditional microwave to this type of microwave will let you know that the latter is more costly than the former. It may be expensive but cost-effective. Looking at the wide range of options associated with this special type of microwave; the price is quite fair.
When you are someone who enjoys grilling food, this is the best equipment you buy. You do not need to buy a microwave and later buy an oven. This will even occupy less space in the kitchen.
The price ranges from $100 to $500.
What are the benefits of using a microwave oven and grill?
- Cost-effective– People will rant about this. Yes, it is expensive but looking at the features of the microwave oven and grill, it is quite a good price. It may even surprise you that some traditional microwaves are more expensive than microwave ovens and grills.
- Cooking style– Your main reason for buying this microwave is the ability to do things that the traditional microwave is not able to do and that is grilling. This enables you to get your desired food taste without altering the composition of the food. It also gives that brownish and crispy food you have always desired. It also gives you the option to cook a variety of foods perfectly.
- Occupies less space– Let us compare the microwave grill and oven to the traditional ones. This microwave will only occupy space on a counter top and some may even be built-in in order to give more space in the kitchen or house.
- Saves time– Once you are done cooking the food, you can easily switch to the grill option to grill it. Also, you can increase the time in which your food is cooked by adding the grill option to the food being cooked to do it simultaneously.
- Less washing– Only one piece of equipment was used in cooking which means that only one thing is to be washed. Since you will be grilling with a grill stand food will not be stuck in the microwave.
What are the disadvantages of using the microwave grill and oven?
- Costly– It has an additional cooking option which gives it an urge over the traditional microwave. Adding a few dollars to buy a this machine is far better than buying a traditional microwave though it may be too high for others.
- It is heavy-With the combination of the grill and other features, it makes it heavy and you may need help when you want to clean it.
- Limited cooking– You cannot bake, roast, and fry in the microwave.
Dos and don’ts of using microwave oven and grill
- Clean regularly
- Stay away from the microwave as it can get hot
- Avoid covering foods while grilling
- Always make sure the door is tightly closed
- Use the grill + microwave option for only large portions of food
Conclusion
With the explanation I have outlined above, the use of a microwave oven and grill should no longer be a problem. Adding a few dollars to what you have in purchasing a traditional microwave to get this machine should not be a problem.