What is a microwave?
A microwave is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using electromagnetic radiation. These waves cause water molecules in food to vibrate, creating friction and heat. Most Indian households use microwaves for quick reheating of leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making simple dishes like popcorn. Modern microwaves come with additional features like grill or convection functions that expand their cooking capabilities.
What can you cook with a microwave?
Microwaves offer convenience for several cooking tasks:
- Reheating leftovers: Warm up yesterday's dal or rice in just 1-2 minutes without drying it out
- Defrosting frozen foods: Thaw frozen vegetables or meat quickly without cooking them
- Making hot beverages: Heat water for tea or milk for coffee in under a minute
- Cooking vegetables: Steam broccoli, peas, or carrots while retaining nutrients
- Preparing ready-to-eat meals: Cook instant noodles, ready-to-eat packets, or microwave popcorn
- Making simple desserts: Prepare mug cakes or puddings in minutes
What are the advantages of cooking with a microwave?
Microwaves offer quick cooking, energy efficiency, and space-saving benefits. They are perfect for busy Indian households where quick meal preparation is essential. Their simple controls make them accessible for all family members.
Size
Microwaves are compact kitchen appliances that fit comfortably on most countertops. Standard models measure about 45-60 cm in width and 30-45 cm in height. This compact size makes them ideal for small Indian kitchens where space is often limited. Some models are designed to be mounted under cabinets, saving even more counter space. Their small footprint does not compromise functionality for quick cooking tasks.
Speed of cooking
Microwaves cook food remarkably fast compared to conventional methods. While a traditional oven might take 30 minutes to bake potatoes, a microwave can cook them in 5-8 minutes. This speed comes from the direct heating of food molecules rather than heating the surrounding air. For busy Indian families, this time-saving feature is invaluable, especially during hectic mornings or when preparing quick meals after work.
Price
Microwaves are generally more affordable than convection ovens. Basic models start from Rs. 5,000, while feature-rich options may Rs. 20,000 or more. With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you can purchase a quality microwave and spread the cost over comfortable EMI tenures. You may already be eligible for a pre-approved offer – check instantly by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Method of cooking
Microwaves cook food using electromagnetic radiation that targets water molecules. This radiation causes these molecules to vibrate rapidly, creating friction and heat. Unlike conventional cooking methods, microwaves heat food from within rather than from outside inward. This method is excellent for reheating without drying out food and for quick cooking tasks, though it cannot brown or crisp food surfaces.
Effects on food
Microwave cooking preserves more nutrients in vegetables than many cooking methods because of shorter cooking times and minimal water usage. However, it does have limitations. Food cooked in microwaves retains moisture but lacks the browning or crisping that enhances flavor in many dishes. Textures can also differ, with some foods becoming softer rather than developing the crispy exterior that oven cooking provides.
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven uses heating elements to warm the air inside, while fans circulate this hot air evenly around the food. This circulation ensures consistent cooking temperatures throughout the oven cavity. Convection ovens are versatile kitchen appliances that excel at baking, roasting, and browning food. They require preheating but deliver superior results for complex cooking tasks that need even heat distribution.
What can you cook with a convection oven?
Convection ovens excel at numerous cooking tasks:
- Baking breads and cakes: Create perfectly risen, evenly browned bread loaves, naan, or celebration cakes
- Roasting meats: Prepare tender, juicy chicken, mutton, or fish with a delicious browned exterior
- Cooking traditional dishes: Make tandoori-style foods or dishes that require consistent heat
- Baking cookies and biscuits: Bake multiple trays of perfectly browned cookies at once
- Preparing casseroles: Cook layered dishes with even heat throughout
- Roasting vegetables: Achieve caramelised, flavourful vegetables with crisp exteriors
What are the advantages of cooking with a convection oven?
Convection ovens provide versatility for various cooking techniques, achieve better browning, and allow for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. They excel at traditional baking tasks and create professional-quality results for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Size
Convection ovens are substantially larger than microwaves, requiring dedicated space in your kitchen. They typically measure 60-75 cm in width and 60 cm in height for built-in models. Countertop versions are available but still occupy significant space. This larger size accommodates bigger dishes and multiple trays, making them suitable for cooking family meals or entertaining guests during festivals and celebrations.
Speed of cooking
While slower than microwaves, convection ovens cook faster than traditional ovens. The fan-circulated hot air reduces cooking time by approximately 25%. A cake that might take 40 minutes in a conventional oven could be ready in 30 minutes in a convection oven. This efficiency comes from the even heat distribution, eliminating hot and cold spots that can affect cooking time.
Price
Convection ovens represent a higher investment than microwaves. Entry-level models start around Rs. 10,000, while premium built-in versions can exceed Rs. 50,000. The Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card makes these appliances more accessible by converting the purchase amount into affordable monthly payments. Check your pre-approved offer today with just your mobile number and OTP verification.
Method of cooking
Convection ovens cook food through the circulation of heated air. Powerful fans distribute hot air evenly throughout the oven cavity, surrounding food with consistent heat. This method excels at browning and crisping food surfaces while cooking the interior thoroughly. The even heat distribution eliminates the need to rotate dishes during cooking and allows for multiple items to cook uniformly across different racks.
Effects on food
Food cooked in convection ovens develops appealing textures and flavours. The circulating hot air creates a wonderfully crisp exterior on roasted meats while sealing in juices. Baked goods rise more evenly and develop golden-brown crusts. The dry heat environment caramelises sugars in foods, enhancing flavours. These qualities make convection ovens ideal for preparing traditional Indian dishes that require precise browning and texture development.
How to buy convection oven and microwave with Insta EMI Card
Purchasing kitchen appliances like microwaves and convection ovens becomes hassle-free with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. This card offers a pre-approved card loan offer amount of up to Rs. 3 lakh, which you can use across multiple purchases at partner stores and online platforms.
Online process
Buying appliances online with your Insta EMI Card is simple:
- Browse for microwaves or convection ovens on major e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, or Bajaj Finserv Markets
- Add your preferred appliance to the cart and proceed to checkout
- Select Bajaj Finserv EMI as your payment option
- Enter your Insta EMI Card details and choose your preferred repayment tenure
- Complete the purchase with OTP verification
Offline process
For those who prefer shopping in person:
- Visit any Bajaj Finserv partner store like Croma, Vijay Sales, or Reliance Digital
- Select your desired microwave or convection oven
- Inform the sales representative that you wish to pay using your Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card
- Share your card details and choose a comfortable EMI tenure between 3 to 60 months
- Complete the authentication process to finalise your purchase
Eligibility criteria and documents required for Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card
To apply for the Insta EMI Card, you must meet these requirements:
- Be an Indian national aged between 21 and 65 years
- Have a regular income source
- Maintain a good credit score per Bajaj Finserv risk policies
- Provide valid documentation including:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Address proof
- Bank account details with IFSC code for e-mandate registration
Check your eligibility now by entering your mobile number and completing OTP verification.
Can you use a microwave as an oven?
Standard microwaves cannot function as ovens because they lack the heating elements needed for baking and roasting. However, combination microwave-convection models can perform some oven functions. These hybrid appliances cost more but offer greater versatility for kitchens with limited space.
Microwave vs convection oven: Making the right choice
The choice between a microwave and convection oven depends on your cooking habits and budget. Microwaves excel at quick reheating and simple cooking, while convection ovens deliver superior results for baking and roasting. Many Indian households benefit from having both appliances for different cooking needs.
With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you need not compromise on your kitchen appliance choices. Convert your purchase into affordable monthly payments with tenures ranging from 3 to 60 months. Check your pre-qualified card loan offers today - you may already be eligible! Just enter your mobile number, verify with OTP, and explore your available limit.
Transform your kitchen experience with the right appliance and the convenience of Easy EMIs. Apply now for your Insta EMI Card and bring home the cooking technology that suits your lifestyle!
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