Like any technology, a microwave oven is fraught with not only benefits, but also harm. That is why many seek to replace it with some other device and choose another, no less affordable, fast, but safe way to heat food or drinks. Of course, it’s up to you to believe the myths or not. But in order to certainly not receive additional radiation, not to change the composition of the dish being heated, and not to multiply microbes during defrosting, give preference to the usual methods of heating.
Microwave radiation – how strong is it?
We heat up “hot” food: water, tea, coffee, soups
What can easily replace a microwave when heating drinks is a boiler. To quickly bring the drink to the required temperature, just lower the immersion boiler and connect it to the network.
Immersion boiler
If you need boiled water, give preference to a flow-through electric boiler.
Spacious thermal bag for storing food.
Another forgotten method in which you can minimize the amount of use of a microwave is a regular thermos or thermal bag.
Its volume makes it possible to keep your first dish or drink hot throughout the day. This saves time and eliminates the need to use the microwave for heating.
Do not boil water in the microwave in a container with a narrow neck. There is a high chance of getting burned.
Another simple way to heat up liquid is to use an electric kettle. Although you can’t warm up milk there, you can easily warm up tea or compote. Some even manage to cook dumplings in it.
Dumplings from a teapot
Warming up baby food, food for children
Most parents prefer not to use microwave ovens to heat food for children. You can use these methods.
- Baby formula or milk can be easily reheated in warm water. The same can be done if you need to defrost any liquid or drink as soon as possible, but you don’t want to resort to the “defrost” function.
- If there are hot radiators in an apartment or house, the food quickly reaches room temperature on the heating device. True, it will not be possible to bring the food to a hot state, but it will not remain cold either.
- You can also use a gas or electric stove for heating.
How to replace a microwave in the kitchen
The reasons for not using a microwave oven in the kitchen are secondary if the decision has already been made that another device will soon take over the cooking and heating of food. To make a successful choice, you need to analyze how often the alternative option will be used, what functions are important, and determine the budget.
For housewives, it is no less important how the device looks - if the device does not fit into the design, it will look strange in the kitchen. Still, safety remains a priority.
Gas or electric oven
The classic option for refusing to use microwave ovens is to return to the ovens of stationary electric or gas stoves. Actually, engineers and designers tried to get away from them at one time, presenting a microwave oven as a compact alternative. A few quick manipulations of the buttons on the control panel saved a lot of time in the kitchen.
But if you prioritize healthy eating, then nothing other than multi-functional ovens built into the stove frame or paired with hobs is the best option. The functionality of modern devices, convenient for everyday use, allows you to prepare any dish.
A gas or electric oven is an ideal option for preparing large quantities of the same type of food (for example, baked goods). Both metal utensils (dishes, pans, baking sheets) and heat-resistant glass containers are suitable for work.
Multicooker
An acceptable alternative to a microwave oven is a multicooker. It works according to the established scheme for most electronic household devices:
- selection of cooking program;
- setting operating time;
- launch.
The main difference between a multicooker and a microwave oven is the limited ability to quickly heat up. Natural or unprocessed products and semi-finished products are used to prepare dishes. The functionality of simple multicookers is limited to 5-6 programs.
Professional devices are capable of processing any product in accordance with 30-40 preset operating algorithms (cooking recipes). They are also equipped with a program for defrosting semi-finished products. But the speed is significantly inferior to the ability of microwaves to carry out this operation almost instantly.
Double boiler
The steamer can be used to prepare dietary dishes while preserving vitamins and microelements. The treatment of semi-finished products with split water molecules has a more beneficial effect on human health than high-frequency currents.
Technically, everything was decided very successfully. Following the example of air fryers or good old pans for preparing Uzbek dumplings (manti), the working volume of the steamer is divided into several levels. This makes it possible to cook 3-4 dishes at the same time.
But this option is unlikely to be suitable for lovers of fatty foods. It is impractical to use a double boiler as the main replacement for a microwave oven in a large family.
Air fryer
The most versatile electrical appliance in a modern home or professional kitchen is the air fryer. It combines the functions of several devices:
- microwave oven;
- smokehouse;
- double boiler;
- deep fryer
The principle of operation of the convection oven: semi-finished products are processed with heated air, the circulation of which is created by a fan. The glass bowl is equipped with a multi-level grill, on which you can prepare dishes according to various recipes, or reheat food from the refrigerator.
Roaster
Another highly specialized option for replacing microwave currents with high-temperature treatment that is less dangerous for humans is a roaster. This is almost a complete copy of a microwave. In the working area there are horizontal gratings on which semi-finished products are placed. The processing temperature level specified by the program is maintained by heating elements. The top one is used as a grill, the bottom one as a heating tool.
Using a thermostat, the temperature in the roaster is regulated at 60-290 °C. This is more than enough for preparing dishes with regular and special recipes. A spit is provided for working with poultry and meat. Using a fan, the effect of short-term temperature reduction is achieved without violating the tightness of the working area.
What does “heat in a water bath” mean?
Another equally inventive and popular analogue of a microwave is the technology of heating in a water bath without boiling. This is the most useful method of heat treatment of foods when you need:
- prepare a decoction;
- make cream;
- mix the sauce;
- melt butter or chocolate;
- heat puree, soup;
- prepare side dishes and drinks.
This also includes steaming (or heating) dishes using a double boiler.
The principle of its operation is that there is a reservoir of water, when it boils, evaporation occurs, and the steam is evenly distributed over all levels of the device.
Among the manufacturers of steamers that are popular are:
- Bomann;
- Brown;
- Clatic;
- First;
- Magnit;
- Mystery;
- Philips;
- Polaris;
- Sinbo;
- Smile;
- Tefal.
For a price you can purchase a model from 900 rubles, which is plastic tiers with a mechanical type of control. In the more expensive segment, it is worth noting such advantages as power, large bowls, and electronic control. At the same time, the price range of such steamers ranges from three to 15 thousand rubles.
Air fryer
A universal electrical appliance in which manufacturers have created a tandem of microwave waves, smokehouses, deep fryers and steamers. How does he work? It's simple: heated air processes the products using a fan. In a glass thicket you can place gratings in several levels. Depending on the functionality, an air fryer can cook dozens of different dishes and quickly heat up food.
Mystery MCO-1503
Power - 1300 W, volume - 12 liters. Equipped with a halogen heater and a removable lid.
- Mechanical control type.
- There is a timer for a maximum of 60 minutes.
- Custom temperature control.
Self-cleaning is also available. You can sterilize dishes and food in it. Price - from 1250 rubles.
Now you know not only how to heat food without a microwave, but also how to cook dishes no worse than in a microwave oven. Choose heating and cooking appliances that suit you from our review or follow our buying tips.
What other equipment can be used instead of a microwave?
Since in a modern kitchen you can find a large number of different appliances, it should be noted that food can also be heated in some other “cooking gadget”.
These include:
- multicookers;
- air fryers.
A multicooker performs a large number of functions - from baking to cooking soup; even the most inexpensive models usually include heating food among the functions.
Compact multicooker as standard
In addition to minimal harm from the multicooker, the device has many advantages:
- non-stick coating of the bowl;
- quick heating without the use of oil or fat;
- possibility of heating in the “steam” or “steam” mode;
- automatic shutdown;
- Possibility of delayed start.
An air grill is a good alternative for those who don’t have time to wait for lunch: you just need to put everything you need, heat it in a bowl, or put it on the grill (if it’s steaks, sausages or whole potatoes) and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.
An example of heating a dish in an air fryer
The disadvantage of using an air fryer instead of a microwave is that it cannot heat liquid foods and drinks. Otherwise, this device is capable of completely replacing the microwave.
What can you use to heat up a ready-made dish?
Of course, no device can cope with heating as quickly as a microwave oven specialized in this. But some of them can still help out of a difficult situation.
Multicooker
It is intended for cooking, so manufacturers do not recommend using the device for frequent heating. However, some multicookers have 2 useful functions - “Reheat” and “Reheat”. The first is designed to maintain a constant temperature of the finished dish, i.e. It works on the principle of a food warmer, and it is not recommended to heat food in this mode. But the second one is intended specifically for warming up.
If the multicooker does not have a “Reheat” mode, it is better to use any other, for example, baking or stewing, but set the operating time to a short time.
Roaster
Perhaps the most modern and functional device. This is a mini-oven that can replace not only a microwave, but also a toaster, oven, bread maker, sandwich maker and partially a stove. Its main functions are cooking, reheating and defrosting.
Heating is carried out thanks to one or two heating elements. More advanced models are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to maintain the set temperature of the dish for a long time, eliminating the need for reheating. Some roasters are equipped with a fan and operate on a convection principle.
In a mini oven you can heat up any dish in a matter of minutes and even get a delicious crispy crust. Unlike a microwave oven, it directs hot air onto the dish from both sides, which promotes more even heating.
Manufacturers of multifunctional appliances advise following the heating recommendations specified in the instructions. Especially when heating infant formula.
Electric oven
Same roster, but larger. Equipped with a thermostat and 10-15 modes, one of which is heating. The food is heated from below, from above and even from the sides, which ensures the same temperature throughout its entire area.
Some electric ovens are equipped with a microwave function, making them an ideal microwave replacement. But such devices are much more expensive.
Among the disadvantages of heating food in an electric oven, one can highlight only the time, which will take several times longer.
Double boiler
A double boiler is no less common than a microwave oven, but you can quickly and easily heat up almost any dish in it. And even “refresh” stale baked goods and pastries.
When heating in a double boiler, cover the container with foil, greased with a small amount of oil, place the product on it and wrap it. It will take no more than 5 minutes to warm up.
Sprinkle stale bread with water, wrap in foil and place in a steamer for 5 minutes. Cover liquid dishes (sauces, soups) with cling film to prevent condensation.
Air fryer
An excellent device equipped with a heating function. Main advantages: quick heating, preservation of the crust on fried foods and the additional “Wash” function.
When reheating crusty dishes, place them at the very top of the device and set for 10 minutes and 220°C. Below you can place a side dish and a first course.
Stove for heating food
A microwave can also be easily replaced with a conventional stove: electric, induction or gas.
The principle of electric operation is based on the fact that the burners warm up to the required temperature, and after that the cookware itself and its contents begin to heat up.
The induction device immediately heats the bottom of the pan and the food. At the same time, the burners themselves do not heat up, but are only “charged” with heat from the dishes.
The principle of operation of a gas stove is well known. The main disadvantage of heating on the stove is the need to constantly monitor the food, otherwise the dish will inevitably burn or boil over.
Reflection of the operating principle of an induction cooker.
Despite the different principles of their operation, they all perfectly replace a microwave oven. At the same time, they will save energy, allow you to heat a large amount of food at once, and give the dish a delicious aroma and a golden crust when fried.
Tips for using the stove to heat food:
- Try to heat only the amount of food you will eat at a time;
- Do not heat over high heat;
- Do not boil the same water in a kettle more than once;
- Try to use as little oil as possible;
- When heating food for children, try to use a steam bath or heat the food in a frying pan, adding regular boiled water instead of oil.
Oven or oven
A traditional oven or electric oven can be an excellent replacement for a microwave. In addition, if the functionality of a classic oven is limited only to stewing, baking, and baking, then with its electric counterparts it is expanded with the following capabilities:
- Warming up food;
- Defrosting;
- Roasting.
Oven - traditional option
Any electric furnace has a compact size, regardless of power, volume, presence of a thermostat and number of modes. Many options and various equipment will delight the hostess and successfully replace the microwave in the kitchen.
