Microwave vs oven—what's the difference?

Model number: CMW-70

Type: Microwave oven

Capacity: 0.7 cu. ft.

Dimensions: 11.50" x 17" x 10"

Power: 700 watts

Out of all the microwave ovens I've tested for TopTenReview s, the Cuisinart Microwave Oven is a high contender for being one of the best. With 11 power levels, user-friendly technology and three memory settings, it's versatile, easy to use and stylish.

For

• Space saving
• Custom programs
• Easy to use

Against

• Small
• Heats food quite slowly
• Basic controls

Model number: WOES3030LS

Type: Electric single wall oven

Capacity: 5 cu. ft.

Dimensions: 26 x 29 3/4 x 26 7/16"

Power: Electric

The Whirlpool WOES3030LS 30 inch Built-In Single Electric Wall Oven is a fantastic appliance for anyone on a budget, with its large capacity, self cleaning mode and time-saving Rapid Pre-Heat. It's affordable, easy to use and has some great smart features.

For

• Self clean mode
• Large capacity
• 3-in-1 cooking modes

Against

• Computer panel command board hard to navigate at first
• Vents out a lot of heat when in use

With so many amazing kitchen appliances out there, it's useful to know: microwave vs oven - what's the difference? I own both, but find I tend to use the microwave more often, as it heats up food quicker, doesn't require any pre-heating and is more economical especially if you own one of the best microwaves or the best compact microwaves .

But clearly both types of oven have their pros and cons and in this article, I'll take you through the differences, design features and capabilities.

Microwave vs oven: What's the difference?

While microwaves and ovens are both kitchen appliances used for food preparation, but the methods used for heating and cooking foods are rather different.

Electromagnetic radiation heats the food in a microwave, while the best ovens use both an electric heating element and a fan to circulate the heat to evenly cook foods.

Maria Opre, technology expert, told TopTenReviews : "Microwaves are usually compact and designed for quick, easy heating with features like preset cooking programs and defrosting. Ovens are bigger, designed for a variety of cooking methods, and often include features like multiple racks, broiling, and convection settings."

The best microwaves are convenient, quick and energy saving, plus they are cheap and have minimal running costs. While they generally can't cook in the same way as ovens, a combination or convection microwave (often known as a combi) can do oven-type cooking, including grilling, steaming and baking - but they are more expensive because of the premium features.

Meanwhile ovens cost more than microwaves and they have larger cooking capacities.

Appliances specialist Robert Walden says: "A microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat food fast by causing water molecules to vibrate. An oven, though, uses either gas or electric heating elements to cook food more slowly and evenly.

"Microwaves are ideal for reheating and simple cooking, while ovens are better for baking, roasting, and grilling."

Microwave vs oven: Price

There's a dramatic difference in price between a microwave and an oven.

Firstly, how much should a good microwave cost? "Microwaves are usually less expensive than ovens due to their simpler technology and smaller size," says Opre. "Ovens, particularly built-in and high-end models, can be significantly more pricey. The price difference reflects the functionality and versatility of each appliance."

Depending on size, power and features, microwaves tend to range from $60 for a cheaply-made budget or compact model ( like the Willz Countertop Small Microwave Oven for $69.87 on Amazon ), around $149 for a mid-range countertop one ( like the TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven for $193.60 on Amazon ), and up to $2,000 for a built-in premium model (like the LG STUDIO 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven with Air Fry for $949 at LG ).

Walden says: "Basic models are on the lower end, while those with advanced features, such as convection or smart technology, are dearer. Combi microwaves, which combine microwave and convection oven functions, usually cost between $150 and $700."

Ovens on the other hand are a lot more expensive and prices depend on the type. Electric ovens can range from $300 to $3,000 (for an induction stove); gas ovens tend to cost between $400 and $2,500, with dual fuel ovens costing from £1,500 to $4,000 or more.

Walden says: "Basic freestanding models are on the lower end, while high-end built-in or professional-grade ovens are way more expensive. The price varies a lot based on brand, capacity, and additional features."

You might find you are paying more for a 'name', plus higher end brands and models with advanced features and smart tech cost more. GE, Samsung and Garland are known for being high quality but they also have a high price tag.

Bigger ovens with more burners cost more, and don't forget to factor in installation costs for your oven - especially for a gas one, which can add several hundred dollars to the total price.

Energy efficient models may also be more expensive, but they will save you money on bills in the long-term.

Verdict: Microwaves are cheaper hands down but they have limited cooking capacities. Ovens are more expensive but they also cost more to run. Walden says: "Microwaves are usually less expensive than ovens due to their simpler technology and smaller size. Ovens, particularly built-in and high-end models, can be significantly more pricey. The price difference reflects the functionality and versatility of each appliance."

Microwave vs oven: Design & Features

Opre says "Microwaves are available in countertop and over-the-range models. Countertop microwaves are pretty portable and easy to place anywhere, while over-the-range models save counter space and often include built-in ventilation systems.

"Ovens come in various types, including conventional, convection, and steam ovens. Conventional ovens use bog-standard heating elements, convection ovens circulate air for even cooking and steam ovens cook with moisture to retain nutrients."

Where these two kitchen appliances really differ is the way they cook foods. Standard microwaves can reheat leftovers, defrost frozen food and cook simple dishes like baked potatoes, popcorn and scrambled eggs. A combi (convection) microwave does all of this but can also do oven-like cooking such as roasting, browning and crisping foods. An over the range microwave is just a standard one that fits over a cooker.

They use a type of electromagnetic radiation to cook food - when microwaves are emitted they are absorbed by the water, fat and sugar molecules in food, causing them to vibrate and produce heat, which cooks it. Microwaves are more space-saving, and either fit on top of a counter or over the range.

Related: How long should a microwave last?

By contrast standard ovens are larger in size, can cook bigger portions of food, and crisp and brown meals more efficiently. A traditional oven uses heat for cooking, working by heating up the air inside the oven which cooks the food. They can be fuelled by either gas or electricity, with the heat being distributed through convection or radiant heat.

Beyond their basic design and function, both microwaves and ovens can come with all sorts of additional features. Useful extras to look out for on a microwave includes touch control, automatic programmes, presets, sensor and convection cooking, steaming and eco-mode. In an oven extra features could include self-cleaning mode, timer and delayed start features and touchscreen controls. Bear in mind that the more advanced the features are, the more expensive the appliance can cost.

Verdict: Microwaves tend to be more basic than traditional ovens, with fairly standard designs that don't deviate from the basic rectangular shape with a door and turntable inside. Ovens are often more well-designed, with multiple styles to chose from. Microwaves tend to have more features than ovens.

Microwave vs oven: Power & Size

"Microwaves typically have a power range of 600 to 1,200 watts, making them less powerful but more energy-efficient than ovens. Ovens require more power and are larger in size, offering more cooking space and higher temperatures for complex dishes," says Opre.

Microwaves are smaller than ovens, and tend to fit either on a countertop, over the range or built into cabinetry. They generally cook food faster than ovens, as they can generate heat directly into the food rather than transferring the heat from the air.

They are also better for for reheating and defrosting.

But ovens can reach much higher temperatures than microwaves, so they are much better suited for cooking methods such as baking and roasting. They have more power to brown and crisp foods, too.

Verdict: Ovens are more powerful and bigger than microwaves, but the latter is more energy-efficient and quicker. And because the food absorbs the radiation, the time and energy aren't wasted on heating the space (in the oven) around it.

Microwave vs oven: Our verdict

Choosing between a microwave and a traditional oven will depend on your the size of your household, budget and cooking needs.

Microwaves are affordable, compact and cook food faster than ovens. They are also cheaper to run and more energy efficient. But they are not as versatile as traditional ovens because they can't brown or crisp food in the same way, so they are better suited for cooking and reheating softer foods, rather thank roasting, grilling or baking. You can do these functions with a combi microwave however, but not as effectively.

Traditional ovens are more versatile than microwaves, because they offer various cooking methods from broiling, baking, grilling and roasting.

Opre says: "The choice between a microwave and an oven depends on your cooking needs. Microwaves are best for quick heating and simple meals, while ovens excel in versatility and are essential for baking and roasting. Both have their place in a well-equipped kitchen.

"Combining both a microwave and an oven in your kitchen can provide the most flexibility. Consider your cooking habits and kitchen space when choosing between them. Newer appliances often include smart features, making them easier to use and more energy-efficient."

Microwave vs oven: FAQs

Is it healthier to cook in a microwave or oven?

Here's the thing: some nutrients (such as vitamin C) break down when exposed to heat, both in a microwave and a regular oven. But microwaves cook food faster, they do a better job of preserving these nutrients.

Can a microwave replace an oven?

A combination or convection microwave can do some similar cooking methods to a traditional oven, such as baking, grilling and roasting. But not to the same quality.