Cook Faster and Cleaner Using Over the Stove Microwave Convection Oven Methods

Over the stove microwave convection ovens provide a convenient way to cook meals quickly while also freeing up counter space in the kitchen. These versatile appliances combine the speed of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping benefits of a convection oven. With the right techniques and settings, over the stove convection microwaves can help you get dinner on the table faster than ever.

Combine Microwave and Convection Cooking

Unlike a traditional microwave, convection microwave ovens have an added heating element and fan to distribute hot air around the cavity. This allows you to harness the quick-cooking power of the microwave along with the browning and crisping effects of a convection oven.

Many over the stove convection microwaves now include settings that combine these two cooking technologies. This enables you to partly microwave foods to shorten cook times but finish off with convection baking to get crispy, evenly browned results. It's the best of both worlds!

For example, you can microwave baked potatoes for 7 minutes to get them tender and cooked through quickly. Then switch to convection bake for 3-5 minutes to make the skins extra crispy. Chicken dishes, fries, and pizzas are other great foods to finish off with convection after an initial microwave cook time.

Tips for Combination Cooking

• Use microwave-safe cookware that can go from microwave to convection mode.
• For more even cooking, arrange food in a ring around the outer edge of the turntable.
• Let food sit 1-2 minutes after microwaving so the heat distributes.
• Keep an eye on food as convection times will be shorter than in a regular oven.

Adjust Settings Based on What You're Cooking

One advantage of over the stove convection microwaves is that you can easily customize settings and modes for what you are heating up. This allows you to cook everything from frozen dinners to homemade casseroles with ideal results.

Many models now include sensor cooking capabilities that automatically determine required cook times and power levels based on the amount and density of food. You simply select a food type like frozen vegetables or baked potatoes and the microwave does the work!

You can also manually adjust microwave power settings from 10%-100% depending on if you're cooking something thick or thin. Lower power levels around 50% are best for thicker foods to make sure the edges don't overcook before the middle is done.

Higher microwave power around 80% is best used for thinner foods or quickly reheating a meal. You have flexibility to tweak settings so everything heats up perfectly using the microwave.

Make the Most of Convection Settings

When using your over the stove convection microwave for baking, roasting or browning, consider these convection mode tips:

• Preheat the oven 5 minutes before baking to allow air to circulate.
• Use convection bake for even roasting in a single rack.
• Convection roast is great for crisping chicken skin.
• The convection broil setting gives fast, direct heat from the top element.

Use Pre-Programmed Cook Settings

Over the stove convection microwaves come equipped with pre-programmed settings for one-touch cooking of popular foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, frozen meals, and more. These options use pre-determined times and power levels optimized for the best results.

With just a couple button presses, your microwave convection oven can automatically:

• Pop popcorn perfectly by listening for popping sounds to determine doneness.
• Bake potatoes with the ideal time and power for fluffy, tender insides.
• Reheat a plate of leftovers without overcooking edges or drying out the food.
• Cook frozen convenience meals like pizza and dinners to package instructions.
• Heat up a mug of soup or beverage until piping hot but not boiling.

Thanks to smart sensor technology and pre-programmed guides, getting great results is as easy as selecting a function.

Take Advantage of Speed Defrost

Thawing frozen foods in your over the stove convection microwave is exponentially faster than letting food defrost on the counter. Speed defrost settings use low powered microwaving to quickly and safely thaw items from meats to breads.

Follow these tips when defrosting foods in your microwave convection oven:

• Break large items like roasts into smaller portions for quicker thawing.
• Rearrange and turn food over periodically as it defrosts.
• Use a defrosting rack if available to allow air circulation.
• Check food often to ensure even thawing and prevent cooked edges.

With speed defrost capabilities, you can go from frozen to ready-to-cook ingredients in minutes instead of hours.

Use Steam Functions

An exciting feature now found on many over the stove convection microwaves is steam cooking. This allows you to infuse moisture into dishes helping retain nutrients and texture.

Steaming is ideal for cooking rice, vegetables, seafood, and maintaining the bright colors of green vegetables. Accessory steaming baskets or trays suspend food above boiling water in the microwave cavity.

Benefits of steam cooking include:

• Evenly cooked meals without drying out food.
• Healthier cooking method to retain vitamins and minerals.
• Delicate steaming ideal for fish fillets, chicken breasts and more.
• No need for oil or butter, meaning lower fat.

Steam cooking makes it easy to prepare healthy and delicious meals in your microwave convection oven.

Clean Easily with Self-Cleaning Options

One great convenience feature of over the stove convection microwaves is self-cleaning capabilities. This uses high heat to loosen baked-on spills and grease inside the oven cavity.

Many models have built-in self-clean cycles you simply activate. The microwave runs empty for a set time period, usually 2-4 hours, and reaches very high temperatures.

After the cycle completes, the interior will need minimal effort to wipe clean. Avoid harsh scrubbing or chemicals.

If your model doesn't have self-cleaning, you can achieve similar results by:

• Running the empty microwave at high power 10-20 minutes.
• Filling a microwave-safe bowl with water and vinegar then heating until boiling.
• Letting the steam soften any built-up grime before wiping out.

Consider a Model with a Grilling Function

One optional feature to look for when shopping for an over the stove convection microwave is a built-in or accessory grilling function. This allows you to grill foods directly inside the microwave.

Models with an internal grilling element let you sear meats like steaks, chops, and chicken for quick cooking and enticing grill marks.

For microwaves without built-in grilling, you can often purchase a grilling tray accessory. This suspends food over an insert, allowing excess grease to drain away while the top of your food perfectly sears.

Grilling in your microwave eliminates the need to fire up an outdoor barbecue to enjoy charred flavors.

Over the stove microwave convection ovens provide speed and versatility when cooking meals for your family. By leveraging the techniques covered here, you can harness advanced microwave and convection features to cook fast and even give your oven an easy clean.

Look for models with options like combination cooking, sensor reheating, steam functions, and self-cleaning based on your needs. With the right over the stove convection microwave, you can get dinner on the table quicker while maximizing counter space.