Dear Ms Connected,

I am looking to purchase a new microwave oven in the near future. It's been many years since I've done this and I always felt happy with my old and very basic Sharp Carousel, as I only ever warmed food and didn't use it for cooking much. I might become a little more adventurous, if I knew more about the advanced technology of the latest ones. Can you give me a rundown on the latest technology and what microwaves can do now? 

Megan, St Clair, NSW

Dear Megan,

There is a lot I could tell you about microwaves because they can do so much nowadays! In my opinion, the latest and greatest advancement in microwaves is the convection microwave, a cross between a microwave and convection oven which allows you to do a lot more than simply reheat food and very quickly too. 

Most convection microwaves allow you to microwave, convection bake and grill food- and you can even combine the microwave and convection functions for very quick cooking. 

What is convection you ask? 

Convection heating uses no microwave energy- convection microwaves feature a heating element to produce dry heat and crisp, browned exteriors on food. You can combine the microwave and convection settings on your unit to alternate between the two types of cooking. You can also preheat a convection microwave to bake cakes- something you can’t do with a normal microwave. 

Once you master the convection microwave, you could use it instead of your traditional oven/grill- which makes them a perfect solution for people living in small spaces. 

Suppliers such as Panasonic, Sharp, LG, Smeg, NEC, Sanyo and Electrolux (to name a few) manufacture a wide range of convection microwave ovens so you should be able to find one in your price range. 

Yours in simplified technology,

Ms Connected.
 

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