They are two compatible appliances that can live perfectly together in peace and harmony, but today, when homes are smaller and kitchens are increasingly narrow, there is not always room for both.
So it’s you, or it’s me, they say to each other, the toaster oven and the microwave, two appliances that occupy almost the same space, with similar prices but that differ in their functions.
If you don’t have enough space in your kitchen to put the different ovens, you may start asking some critical questions: Can you stack your ovens?
For example, can you put the toaster oven on top of the microwave?
Apart from the load on the circuit during simultaneous operation, this is not a problem electrically. However, other conditions like crumbs from the toaster, upwards heat, and too little free space make putting a toaster oven on top of the microwave dangerous. It is essential that the ventilation slots remain free and that the object is not too heavy.
Where Can I Put the Microwave?
If you want your children to be able to use the microwave and heat themselves, for example, a glass of milk, the best option is to put it at a relatively low height.
In this way, we will avoid accidents when inserting or removing cups and plates from it, and we will give a certain degree of independence to the smallest of the house.
In addition, this allows them to be introduced to the world of cooking from an early age and makes it easier for them to help us daily.
This playful and fun option is currently one of the most chosen by our clients.
It is also an increasingly common possibility to include the microwave at a low height as an innovative design element.
This solution can be used, for example, to “hide” this small appliance under a piece of furniture or an island (embedding it in a low cabinet).
Finally, it can also be helpful to place the microwave under the worktop, leaving just above the microwave a space reserved for placing hot plates and cups.
Can I Put the Microwave on a Cupboard or Build it in?
It is not a problem to place a microwave oven in a cupboard or wall-mounted shelf and use it there. However, always make sure that it has enough distance to the cabinet walls.
The outgoing heat and moisture must be able to circulate well. It is therefore essential when installing in a closet to air it regularly.
The safety distances to be observed are usually noted in the operating instructions!
Can You Heat Metal in a Microwave?
It is a common misconception that any metal in microwave ovens is strictly taboo.
However, in principle, thicker objects in particular only get very hot, so it simply makes little sense to heat them in this way.
But what you should note: Thin metal layers are entirely unsuitable. In the worst case, aluminum foil, metallic decorations on dishes, or gold rims on plates can even melt.
Other materials that shouldn’t be heated in the microwave include plastic and styrofoam.
By the way: pieces of metal that have an unsuitable shape (e.g., forks) or those placed too close to the cooking chamber wall can cause sparks to flashover.
The same applies here: Better not to try it!
Which is Better: Microwave or Oven?
Microwaves heat food faster and are therefore more energy efficient. In addition, the practical devices can be purchased for little money and take up less space.
That’s why they are so popular in offices and single kitchens! If you choose a device with an additional grill function, an oven is almost redundant.
Microwave ovens and toaster ovens are simplified versions of a traditional oven, but there are essential differences.
Microwave ovens typically require less energy, and less time, but the result can also be a less tasty meal.
The toaster oven reheats food more evenly, requiring more energy.
You’ll need to decide which features are essential before buying a microwave oven or a toaster oven.
#1. Microwave Oven
A microwave oven can cook or reheat food much faster than a conventional oven.
When you use microwave technology, the water and particles within the food are heated more quickly, typically turning a cold or frozen meal into a steaming hot one.
In addition, a microwave requires less power than a toaster oven or traditional oven, using an average of 750 to 1,100 watts.
#2. Toaster Oven
A food toaster oven works essentially the same way as a traditional oven and can cook the same meals.
The only limitation is the size of the meals you can cook; toaster ovens are more suitable for smaller portions.
In addition, they require less energy than a traditional oven but more than a microwave, using around 1,200 to 1,700 watts.
What Sets These Ovens Apart
#1. Security
Some safety concerns set ovens apart. There is a danger of a fire starting in a toaster oven if food is left too long or if food residue or crumbs fall into the heat source.
Since microwave ovens heat food quickly, there is a danger of liquid or steam splashing onto the hand of the person using it.
A microwave oven cannot heat substances in metal containers, so putting such items into the microwave can cause sparks and possible smoke.
#2. Cooking Times
A critical difference between the two ovens is the cooking times. A microwave oven quickly reheats food or cooks frozen meals.
For example, this can typically take about 30 seconds to 4 minutes and about 6 minutes to thoroughly cook a small russet potato.
However, a toaster oven typically reheats food first before beginning the baking or roasting process. As a result, Reheating takes longer, as the oven has to preheat.
For example, reheating a slice of pizza in a microwave can take about 2 minutes but can take up to 5 minutes in a toaster oven.
Are Microwaves and Toaster Ovens Harmful to Health?
No, this rumor has been refuted in numerous studies. Microwaves and Ovens are constructed in such a way that no radiation can escape to the outside.
If you open the device, it switches off automatically. Food that is heated in the microwave also does not contain radiation.
Do You Need Special Microwave Dishes?
In principle, you can put everything except melamine dishes and plates, bowls, or cups with a metal rim in the microwave. Glass and porcelain can be used without hesitation.
Still, to be safe, you should make sure that plastic is marked as “microwaveable.”
Why is there a Spinning Plate?
This is to ensure that the food is heated evenly. The electromagnetic waves from the microwave vibrate the water molecules contained in the food, which generates heat.
The more water the food has, the better the process works.
However, because the water is unevenly distributed, some areas warm up faster than others – the turntable is designed to counteract this.
Nevertheless, you should continually stir food heated in the microwave before consumption.
Conclusion
It’s okay to put certain objects in a microwave when you’re not using them. Moreover, its top is a safe and flat surface for storage.
Nevertheless, you must be mindful of the object’s weight, be careful not to block the vents, and always take off the items before turning on the microwave.
