A microwave always seems to be a must have for every kitchen, right? We love the convenience and efficiency that microwave ovens have to offer.
However, in a world that is full of new appliances and potential alternatives to microwaves, many have begun to wonder if microwaves are outdated already.
Are microwaves truly outdated, though? In this blog post, we’ll explain if microwaves still stand a special place in every kitchen.
What Are the Alternatives to Microwaves?
There’s no denying that appliances like air fryers, ovens and steamers are becoming increasingly popular.
This is definitely changing the way we heat and cook food for they also offer us a convenient way to have meals ready.
And for many, ovens, toaster ovens, steamers, electric grills and air fryers seem to be potential alternatives to microwaves these days.
What Advantages Do Microwaves Still get?
Microwave ovens have a rich history dating back to the 1940s. And it certainly has its golden age when every household and restaurant would have at least one microwave in the kitchen.
There must be good reasons behind this. However, do microwave ovens still have those advantages these days?
The following are the advantages microwave ovens still get when compared to their alternatives.
Maintenance
I think we can all agree that microwave ovens require less maintenance than most alternatives.
We’ll be using these appliances for cooking every day, and after just a few uses, they could become quite dirty and untidy. Therefore, being easy to clean is very important when it comes to choosing appliances.
And some of the alternatives to microwave ovens require so much more maintenance when it comes to cleaning. For example, it could be a real headache if you ever need to give your air fryer and toaster oven a deep clean for they have so many edges and corners.
Things are a lot easier with microwave ovens because the surfaces are rather flat. And for most of the time, all you need to clean is just the rotating plate in it. It will save you a good amount of time in the long run.
Price
As we mentioned above, microwave ovens have a rich history and have been in the market for decades. And because of that, microwaves have a more stable price range and are more affordable than the alternatives.
When you are in the market for a microwave oven, you would probably find decent options under $100 that are provided by big brands like Panasonic, Toshiba and GE. I doubt I could say the same about the alternatives, given that they are relatively new to the market.
Simplicity
Having a microwave at home would make cooking easier for every family member, for we are all very familiar with how microwaves work.
This is extremely important especially if you are living with a senior citizen. This is also crucial when you have a big family. Clearly, you don’t really have to walk everybody through how to use a microwave. However, many still are not so familiar with air fryers, ovens and more.
Healthy cooking method
You would definitely prefer a microwave if you care about healthy eating habits. Many alternatives to microwaves cook in a way that would increase the calories of the meal and also damage the nutritions in food.
Are Microwaves Outdated?
So, with all that we’ve discussed, are microwaves outdated? I guess this question just can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
While there are alternatives out there that can also provide you with a convenient way to prepare food and cook meals. And these alternatives can offer some different cooking methods other than microwaving. For instance, you can grill, fry and bake with these alternatives.
Microwaves remain a staple for many reasons we’ve mentioned above. And we think microwave ovens would still be a great choice for households who prioritize a healthy cooking method, simplicity and easy maintenance.
At the end of the day, whether microwave ovens are considered outdated or not by everyone else, the choice between a microwave and the alternatives truly depends on your personal preferences and cooking needs.