Is there a microwave and oven in one?

A convection microwave oven has all the heating capabilities of a conventional microwave, plus oven features. Not only can you reheat leftovers, but you can also bake, roast and crisp with a convection microwave.

Microwaving crisp foods like pizza, chicken nuggets or pastries will make them soggy because the moisture from the food will escape as it is heated and is trapped in the microwave. The moisture or steam can’t escape from the microwave so will sit on and go back into the surface of the food making it moist.

Toaster ovens tend to work more like traditional ovens, while convection ovens have the addition of a fan to circulate the hot air. Generally, convection ovens are better for full-scale cooking and toaster ovens are better for heating or browning foods.

The average microwave uses 1000 watts, and toaster ovens 1225 watts in the U.S. That means from the get-go the microwave is ahead of the toaster oven in energy efficient cooking as it uses about 20% less power. Toaster ovens also beat out conventional ovens.

Heat distribution: The main difference between these two kitchen appliances is that a convection oven includes a convection fan that evenly distributes hot air. By contrast, toaster ovens radiate heat from the top and bottom walls similarly to a regular oven.

When the water molecules absorb enough energy, they evaporate, which is why the bread is steaming when you remove it from the microwave and why the slice, soft when you take it out, quickly becomes rock hard once it cools down.

A microwave/toaster oven combo allows you to bake while using a countertop appliance. These combinations are a welcome addition to any kitchen because of their functionality and versatility.

It is possible to make popcorn in a toaster oven, but it is not the best technique. Do not attempt to make popcorn in the toaster oven by putting kernels into a paper bag because the bag can catch on fire!