In modern kitchens, appliances have made cooking more convenient than ever. We use multiple appliances, but hardly do we know the difference between these appliances, such as the difference between an Oven and a microwave. OTG (Oven, Toaster, Grill) and the microwave, are found in most of our kitchens. Sometimes, it’s either one of them or sometimes even both. While both serve essential cooking functions, they are distinct in their capabilities and applications. In this blog, we will understand what is an OTG and a convection microwave and what is the difference between an oven toaster griller and a microwave to help you choose the right one for your culinary needs.
What is an OTG (over toaster griller)?
An OTG, short for Oven, Toaster, and Griller, is a compact and portable kitchen appliance used to bake, grill, and barbecue food. Unlike traditional ovens, OTGs are smaller and easier to move around. They use metal coils that convert electricity into heat, cooking food thoroughly and efficiently.
What is a microwave?
Nowadays, every modern kitchen has a microwave. Microwaves are typically used to quickly heat meals and perform tasks like melting butter, reheating your tea or coffee or heating water in no time.
What is a convection microwave?
A convection microwave is more advanced than a regular microwave. It combines microwave technology with hot air circulation (convection) to cook food quickly and evenly. This means you can not only reheat or defrost food but also bake, roast, and grill. It's a versatile and convenient option for many types of cooking.
Difference between Oven and Microwave?
|
Feature |
OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) |
Microwave Oven |
|
Cooking Method |
- Uses heating elements at the top and bottom for even heat. |
- Uses electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food. |
|
Baking and Roasting |
- Ideal for baking cakes, cookies, and roasting meats. |
- Some have convection features for baking and roasting, but may not brown as well as an OTG. |
|
Grilling |
- Great for grilling items like kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches with its top grill element. |
- Typically doesn't have a built-in grilling feature, though some models have grill attachments. |
|
Reheating and Defrosting |
- Can reheat and defrost, but takes longer than a microwave. |
- Perfect for quickly reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen foods. |
|
Speed |
- Slower than microwaves. Takes more time to heat up and cook food. |
- Very fast. Heats and cooks food in a fraction of the time compared to OTGs. |
|
Convenience |
- Great for baking, toasting, and grilling. Offers traditional cooking methods but requires more time and attention. |
- Ideal for quickly reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals. Easy to use with preset functions for various tasks. |
|
Cookware Compatibility |
- Typically used with oven-safe cookware like baking pans, trays, and racks. |
- Requires microwave-safe containers, as certain materials can't withstand microwave radiation. |
|
Cost |
- Usually more affordable than microwave ovens. |
- Can vary in price depending on features and brand. |
Can a microwave serve as an alternative to Oven?
The simple answer is No. You can use your microwave as an oven only if it is a convection microwave. A microwave with a convection mode functions like a regular oven and can be used to bake bread, cakes, cookies, or anything else you would bake in a conventional oven but it doesn’t provide the same crispiness or browning as the oven does.
Can an OTG be used to reheat food?
Yes, an OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) can be used to reheat food, but it is not as efficient or quick as a microwave. OTGs take longer to heat up and may not distribute heat as evenly as microwaves, making them less ideal for reheating compared to the speed and convenience offered by microwaves.
Factors to consider when choosing between an OTG and a Microwave?
Purpose of the Appliance
When deciding between an OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) and a convection microwave oven, it's essential to consider what you plan to cook most often. An OTG is best suited for baking, toasting, and grilling. You can easily bake cakes, grill meats, and toast bread with an OTG, enjoying a traditional cooking experience. On the other hand, a microwave offers the added benefits of quickly reheating leftovers, cooking meals, and defrosting frozen foods.
Capacity
Capacity is another critical factor in making your decision. OTGs generally have a larger capacity, which is ideal for cooking large batches of food. This larger size makes them more suitable for families or individuals who enjoy preparing meals in bulk. Additionally, despite their larger size, OTGs are relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Also, in microwaves, the rotating surface can limit the size of the dishes you can use. If you often cook large meals or use large cookware, an OTG might be the better choice.
Temperature Range
Both OTGs and convection microwaves have similar temperature ranges, allowing for a variety of cooking techniques. However, convection microwaves have a significant advantage in terms of preheat time. While an OTG can take up to 20 minutes to preheat, a convection microwave typically takes only about 5 minutes. This rapid preheat time can significantly reduce the overall cooking duration, making meal preparation much quicker and more convenient. For those with busy lifestyles who need to cook efficiently, the speedy preheating of a convection microwave is a crucial benefit, ensuring that meals are ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration, especially for those who prefer straightforward cooking processes. OTGs usually come with knob controls, which some users might find traditional and familiar. Microwaves often feature digital displays that allow for easier monitoring and control of cooking settings.
Which one to choose OTG or microwave?
The choice between an OTG and a microwave depends on your cooking preferences and needs. If you enjoy baking, roasting, and grilling and enjoy making different recipes and have the patience to get that perfect dish, an OTG might be your go-to appliance. Wipro Vesta CTG01 28L OTG has a smart cook function that allows you to cook up to 50 recipes to perfection with just 3 simple steps. However, for quick reheating and defrosting, as well as general convenience, a microwave is the better choice. Many kitchens find value in having both appliances, as they complement each other and cover a wide range of cooking tasks.