When it comes to choosing between a microwave oven and an OTG (Oven, Toaster, Grill), the decision can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you enjoy cooking or baking at home. I’ve had both in my kitchen over the years, and while each appliance has its strengths, I have personally come to favor the OTG overall for most cooking needs. Here’s why.
1. Better for Baking: If you are a fan of baking cakes, cookies, bread, or pizzas, an OTG is best. Unlike microwave ovens with convection modes, which try to mimic baking by using hot air, an OTG actually bakes your food evenly, and the results are more authentic. I’ve tried making cakes in a convection microwave, but they never had that perfect rise or texture compared to what I get with my OTG. With an OTG, the heating elements ensure a more uniform bake.
2. Grilling and Toasting Capabilities: One thing I love about my OTG is its grilling and toasting features. I often use it for grilling veggies, making kebabs, or toasting bread. The OTG can give a nice char and crispness, which is harder to achieve in a microwave. I’ve tried grilling in a microwave before, and the food doesn’t quite have that grilled flavor or texture that I can easily get with my OTG.
3. Capacity and Versatility: While microwaves are great for smaller portions or reheating leftovers, an OTG offers more space to cook for larger gatherings. I have hosted several small get-togethers, and my OTG has come in handy when I needed to bake multiple trays of appetizers or even a whole chicken! OTGs often come with racks, baking trays, and skewers, giving me more flexibility in the types of meals I can prepare.
4. Superior for Crispy Dishes: I enjoy making crispy fries, garlic bread, and roasted veggies, and the OTG does a fantastic job here. A microwave, even with convection, tends to make things soggy if you’re not careful. I remember trying to make garlic bread in the microwave and being disappointed with the chewy result, whereas the OTG toasted it to crispy perfection with just the right amount of crunch.
5. Energy Efficiency: This might seem counterintuitive, but OTGs are more energy-efficient for tasks like baking and grilling. They use less electricity over longer cooking times compared to convection microwaves. I’ve noticed my energy bill being more manageable when I rely on my OTG for baking and roasting instead of using the microwave for similar tasks.
Microwave Still Wins In Some Areas: That said, microwave ovens aren’t without their perks. Here are a few scenarios where I still prefer my microwave over the OTG:
Quick Reheating: Microwaves are unbeatable when you need to heat leftovers in minutes. I can reheat a plate of food in less than two minutes, whereas the OTG would take significantly longer.
Defrosting: Whether it’s meat or frozen veggies, the microwave’s defrost feature is a life-saver. OTGs don’t have this feature, so if you rely on frozen foods, the microwave will save you a lot of time.
Cooking Certain Foods: Some dishes, like steaming vegetables or cooking microwave-friendly recipes (like mug cakes or popcorn), are best done in a microwave. I can’t deny the convenience of this.
What About Convection Microwaves?
Some microwaves come with a convection feature, which essentially tries to mimic what an OTG does by using a fan to circulate hot air. While this is a good option for small kitchens with limited space, I’ve found that the results aren’t the same as a dedicated OTG. The baking is often uneven, and certain dishes don’t get the desired texture. If you’re serious about baking or roasting, I believe it’s better to invest in an OTG.
My Verdict: OTG Wins for Overall Cooking Versatility
In conclusion, I think an OTG is better overall if you’re into baking, grilling, or cooking larger meals. If you’re setting up a new kitchen and space or budget allows, having both appliances is ideal. But if you need to choose just one, and cooking variety is important to you, I would definitely recommend going for an OTG.
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