By Charlotte Reid 
The microwave could well become obsolete. Here is the appliance that promises healthier, more even and economical cooking (and no, it’s not the air fryer).
Long considered the king of ‘speed’, the microwave is increasingly being questioned for its potential effects on health and food quality. An alternative is slowly gaining ground: the modern convection oven. Find out why some people think it could soon replace the microwave, and whether this is credible.
The microwave oven, king of speed at the end of its reign?
An essential item since its invention in 1947, the microwave oven has become a reflex in everyday life. Reheating a dish in seconds, defrosting in a hurry, cooking a quick meal: its speed has made it the ally of busy families.
But at a time when our expectations are changing – we want better taste, healthier cooking and more energy-efficient appliances – the microwave is beginning to show its limitations. And an unexpected competitor is overshadowing it: the modern convection oven, sometimes called a combination oven.
Why is the convection oven so appealing?
Whereas the microwave merely reheats food, the convection oven offers a whole range of culinary possibilities. Thanks to its heating elements and fan, it offers: fan-assisted heating for even cooking; steam cooking to preserve nutrients and flavours; grilling for browning and gratinating; and dry convection for roasting as in a traditional oven.
Some of the most innovative models even combine several cooking techniques in a single programme. The result: thoroughly cooked dishes, preserved textures and internal moisture control that makes all the difference. In short, while microwaves focus on speed, convection ovens focus on quality and versatility.
Is this the end of the microwave in our kitchens?
Does this mean we have to say goodbye to our trusty old microwave oven? Not yet. Convection ovens take longer to cook and are more expensive to buy. But they are gaining ground, appealing to foodies, health-conscious households and those who want to reduce their consumption of heated plastic.
According to several studies and specialist articles, such as the one published in LeRavi, the convection oven could well become, in the coming years, the natural replacement for the microwave. In the meantime, the two appliances could coexist: the microwave for speed, the convection oven for quality. One thing is certain: the unchallenged reign of the microwave is coming to an end.