“Microwaves are notoriously poor at cooking food evenly and retain the taste, texture, and nutrients that can’t be replicated in an oven. They also transform a number of flavorings into chemicals which aren’t actually present in processed foods. And they’re not even good at heating things up because they heat from below, rather than from above.”
This is what you’ll read on the website microwavesarebad.com when you search for “microwave vs oven”. This website discusses many different points about microwave ovens as compared to conventional ovens. However the author of this article believes the above statement is an outright lie.
The basis of this article is to evaluate the claims from both sides, then provide vital information about conventional ovens vs microwave ovens. In general, microwave heating is a much faster process than conventional ovens but there are some pros and cons to each type of cooking.
Also there are other important factors that should be considered during the evaluation phase such as cost, efficiency and ease. In this article we will only dissect the issue of “better” that was mentioned in our opening quote.
Nuwave Oven Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Nuwave Radiant Convection Oven. First of all, it is important to mention that there has been some controversy over the validity of this product. Some people claim it is a scam, while others proclaim its health benefits.
Pros:
The Nuwave oven will cook food faster than a conventional oven because there is high-speed convection air circulating inside the oven chamber. It cooks up to 30% faster than conventional ovens and saves energy as well. This kind of cooking method can also deliver new flavors to your food because Nuwave heats from all directions, which allows it to brown your food correctly, giving you that crispy taste.
The Nuwave also has a built-in temperature probe which tells you when the food has reached your desired temperature. The digital probe also helps you cook food to your preferred doneness much more quickly and precisely.
Convection Cooking is amazing because it allows food to cook evenly, so you don’t have to stand over the stove turning your food every 2 minutes. This kind of cooking reduces hot-spots, allowing for thorough and even heat distribution throughout the chamber.
Some people also like the simplicity of using Nuwave Oven, saying it is “plug and play” that works without fail every time.
“While for the price it is excellent, just make sure you follow the directions to a tee and your food will come out pretty good.”
“I am not a fan of microwaves but this works quite good. I keep it on my counter in the basement and use it whenever I have to cook something. So far I have cooked chicken, fish and pizza. All came out pretty good.”
Other users state that this product is so simple anyone can use it. But if your intention is to cook frozen vegetables, expect a bit of a learning curve because they recommend cutting vegetables into smaller pieces to shorten the cooking time (which should be quick anyways).
Cons:
The Nuwave’s “protection circuit” is a bit confusing at first. You have to understand how it works in order for it to work properly. If you get an error, the “protection circuit” will kick in and the unit will shut off automatically. This usually happens when you plug in another appliance. Once the protection circuit kicks in you can’t turn on the oven or start cooking until you reset this function by holding down the button for 10 seconds or so.
It also seems very temperamental sometimes, but I think Nuwave has posted a video on their website as to how to resolve problems with it.
A lot of people have complained that this unit is heavy, withstanding the heat and loud noise. Also some users complain that their unit is extremely slow and they are afraid they might ruin the food.
Other customers find that the products instructions are not always clear. They have mentioned several times in forums that they can not figure out how to use it or why it isn’t working properly. The manufacturers are very quick to respond to these issues, simply answering questions and pointing customers in the direction of where to look for answers on their website.
Is the NuWave Oven safe to use?
A unique feature of this oven is the fact that it has a ventilation fan in it. This allows you to cook with minimal or no oil. If you use oils or fats when cooking then they create smoke which causes the ventilation fan to operate and prevent a buildup of smoke. From all the reviews posted on Amazon about this product, most users are very satisfied with this product, especially that it does not need oil for cooking. So, yes, NuWave Oven is safe to use.
The NuWave Oven is also a convection oven and with this feature, the temperature of the oven will rise much faster compared to conventional ovens. The convection feature, however, is not perfect in nature because it does not cook bread at the correct internal temperature all the time and in some cases, it may even overcook bread.
For example, pita bread was cooked correctly on some occasions, but on another occasion it came out dry or crusty (which is different than undercooked). By using this website’s featured recipes , you can read more about that particular issue and also find alternative ways to cook your favorite foods.
How much electricity does a NuWave Oven use?
Depending on which recipes and cooking methods you use, the NuWave Oven can use up to 600% more electricity than a regular oven. According to this website’s electricity calculator , if you cook one meal for 60 minutes in a conventional oven then it will cost about $0.20 per hour for cooking. If you decide to cook the same meal in a NuWave Oven then your costs will be roughly $1.50 per hour. Also, if you decide to use this oven during peak hours such as dinner time or during the weekends, then at most electric companies, there are times when electricity costs more per kilowatt-hour such as during winter months or on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (up to 35% higher).
The NuWave Oven has a total appliance of 25.3 cubic feet so it will take up more space than a regular oven. Also, it is important to know that this oven is not a large unit and depending on what size outlet you have, it will fit in your home easily. To give you an idea, if your outlet is 16 amps then this oven can fit in without any problems as long as you do not have too many kitchen gadgets next to the oven.
Can I put aluminum foil in my NuWave Oven?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in this oven. While it will not harm the NuWave Oven or any of its features, the only problem you may have with it is that it is hard to clean. If you happen to spill some food while cooking, then cleaning it off with a non-stick spray or any other products may cause damage to aluminum foil which otherwise can last for years.
However, if you choose not to use aluminum foil during cooking then this should not be considered as a design flaw of this product. Instead, try using silicone bakeware such as the kind made by Alpine Steel and read about the NuWave Oven’s other features here.
Can I use a non-stick cookware in the NuWave Oven?
According to this manufacturer’s website , you can use both non-stick cookware and stainless steel cookware in the NuWave Oven. However, when using a non-stick cookware, please make sure that you place it on a drip tray first before starting the preheating process of your oven. If you do not do this, then grease may leak out of your pan and onto your counter top or floor. If it does happen then take note that these are not covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
Is the NuWave Oven infrared?
No, the NuWave Oven is not infrared. It is not a radiant heat oven either since it does not use radiant heating. The oven heats the inside using convection heat (not infrared).
Is the NuWave Oven dishwasher safe?
Yes, this oven can be put in a dishwasher for cleaning. There are customers who have reported that their NuWave Oven did not come out quite clean after washing in the dishwasher, but otherwise most users have had no problems with their units. Recommendation: Always hand wash each unit when finished cooking.
Can you use Pyrex in a NuWave oven?
The manufacturer of this product even states that you can use pyrex cookware in the NuWave Oven. However, Pyrex is known to contain lead and other harmful chemicals which can leech into food especially when it heats up. This is a valid reason to worry about using Pyrex in a NuWave Oven.
Also, if you are an individual who tends to suffer from metal allergies then you should avoid using Pyrex since its made with metal which can cause metal poisoning or other health complications. All this information was verified by the Food and Drug Administration.
Final Thoughts:
So, a NuWave Oven is a great kitchen appliance especially for people who are looking to save money by cooking in ways that are efficient and healthy. Compared to other kitchen appliances such as toaster ovens and microwaves, this is an eco-friendly unit which will take up less space than other conventional ovens.
With that being said, if you want more information about the NuWave Oven then check out this website’s comparison table which will give you more insight on all available NuWave models. Also, you can read more user reviews here where the most important aspects of this oven have been discussed regarding its safety and how it compares to other traditional models.
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