When it comes to kitchen appliances, convenience and functionality go hand in hand. Most of us are familiar with microwave ovens as our go-to solution for reheating food. But as more people embrace versatile cooking tools like the OTG (Oven Toaster Griller), a common question arises: Can we heat food in OTG ovens? Or more specifically, can we reheat food in OTG just as efficiently as a microwave?
In this blog, we'll explore the use of OTG for heating and reheating food, discuss how it compares to microwaves, and why it might be a better option for certain types of meals.
What Is an OTG and How Does It Work?
An OTG oven, short for Oven Toaster Griller, is a multifunctional kitchen appliance designed to bake, grill, toast, and roast. It uses heating rods, typically placed at the top and bottom of the cavity, to circulate heat. These rods gradually warm the food, allowing for even cooking and a perfect finish, especially for crispy and baked items.
While OTGs are widely appreciated for baking cakes and grilling kebabs, their ability to reheat food is often underestimated.
Can We Heat Food in OTG? Absolutely, Here’s How
Unlike microwaves, which use electromagnetic waves to excite water molecules and heat food from the inside out, OTGs use radiant heat to warm the surface and gradually penetrate deeper. This slow and even heating offers several advantages:
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Preserves Texture:
If you've ever microwaved pizza only to end up with a soggy crust, you'll appreciate what an OTG can do. It revives crispiness in fried and baked foods, giving them a texture close to freshly cooked.
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No Rubberiness:
Items like chapatis, bread rolls, and parathas tend to get rubbery in the microwave. Reheating them in an OTG restores softness without turning them chewy.
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Ideal for Large Portions:
OTGs are more spacious than most microwaves. You can heat larger servings or multiple dishes at once using adjustable racks, perfect for families or when hosting guests.
Can We Reheat Food in OTG Daily?
Yes, and for many households, especially those who prefer texture and taste over speed, the OTG becomes the preferred appliance. While it takes slightly longer than a microwave (typically 10–15 minutes depending on the dish), the quality of reheated food is noticeably better.
Reheating Tips in an OTG:
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Preheat the oven for 5–7 minutes before placing the food inside.
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Use appropriate cookware, avoid plastic. Opt for metal, oven-safe glass, or ceramic containers.
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Cover food loosely with foil to retain moisture when needed.
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Adjust the temperature depending on the dish (usually between 120°C to 180°C for reheating).
What Foods Reheat Well in an OTG?
While you can technically reheat almost anything, some items reheat particularly well in an OTG:
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Pizza: Regains a crispy crust and gooey cheese
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Roasted vegetables: Re-crisp without becoming mushy
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Baked goods: Croissants, muffins, and bread regain their softness and warmth
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Indian snacks: Samosas, pakoras, and cutlets reheat with their original crunch
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Pasta and casseroles: Evenly heated with the option to add a broiled top layer
What Foods Might Not Be Ideal?
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Watery items like soups or gravies take longer and might not heat uniformly.
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Rice and dal are better suited for stovetop reheating if you're in a hurry.
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Delicate dairy-based dishes can curdle if not closely monitored.
Still, with careful handling and experience, most dishes can be comfortably reheated in an OTG.
Is Using an OTG for Reheating Energy Efficient?
While OTGs do consume more electricity than microwaves, their even heating and multifunctionality balance out the usage. Additionally, if you’re reheating large quantities or multiple dishes, the OTG becomes more energy-efficient than reheating one plate at a time in a microwave.
The Broader Use of OTG in Modern Kitchens:
Beyond reheating, Oven toast griller shine as multi-utility cooking companions. Here are a few common uses of OTG beyond what most people expect:
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Toasting: Perfectly browned bread and buns
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Baking: Cakes, cookies, bread, lasagna, and even desserts like brownies
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Grilling: Paneer tikka, vegetables, meats
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Roasting: Nuts, chicken, fish, and seasonal vegetables
This makes them a one-stop solution for a variety of cuisines and cooking techniques.
The Perfect Reheating Companion: Wipro Vesta 28 L OTG
If you're looking for a capable and spacious OTG that can handle not just cooking but reheating with excellence, the Wipro Vesta 28 L OTG is a standout choice. With a powerful combination of smart technology and robust performance, it elevates everyday cooking and reheating.
Key Features:
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28 L capacity with 1600 Watts: Ideal for medium to large families or batch cooking
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Smart Cook Function: QR-enabled feature lets you prepare up to 50 recipes with guided steps
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Multi-function Cooking: Toast, bake, broil, roast, and grill like a professional, from cookies and pizza to tikka and bagels
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Powerful 1600W Heating Element: Heats up quickly for faster, efficient reheating
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Opti-Even Expertise with Motorized Rotisserie: Ensures food is evenly heated for that perfect crisp texture
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Adjustable Rack & Steam Feature: Customize your cooking and retain moisture when needed
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Tempered Glass with Timer: Watch your food while maintaining safety and timing precision
With features designed for both novice users and seasoned home cooks, this OTG makes every kitchen task, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals, a breeze.
So, can we heat food in OTG? Absolutely. And can we reheat food in OTG just as well as in a microwave? In many cases, even better, especially when texture and taste matter most.
An OTG isn't just a baking tool; it’s a multi-tasking appliance that redefines how we cook and reheat food at home. With models like the Wipro Vesta 28 L OTG, you're not just upgrading your kitchen, you're upgrading your entire food experience.
