There are a few different options available to you for cooking. You can use a microwave oven, an induction cooker, or a gas stove. Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks. This blog post will compare the microwave oven vs. induction cooker.
What is the difference between an induction cooker and a microwave oven? An induction cooker uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. This is different from a microwave oven, which uses microwave radiation to cook food.
Both methods effectively cook food, but they have different pros and cons. For example, microwave ovens are more convenient because they can reheat food. However, induction cookers have more versatile cooking options.
Quick Comparison Between Microwave Oven and Induction Cooker
| Issues | Microwave Oven | Induction Cooker |
| Cooking Time | Shorter (more than 22 mins for beef ribs) | Longer (about 20 mins for beef ribs) |
| Food Health | Nutrition values retain | Some cooking techniques may affect food value |
| Cleaning | Need some cautions | Need some cautions |
| Energy efficiency | More efficient than induction cooker | More efficient than regular stove |
| Defrosting/Thawing | Unhealthy, germs may grow | No defrosting feature |
| Food to Cook | Ideal for cooking food that is covered or wrapped | Can cook almost everything |
| Cost | Cheap, starts from $50 | More costly ($50 ~ $1500) |
| Power Consumption | 700 watts to 1200 watts | 1500 watts to 3000 watts |
| Lifespan | 7 years | 8 years |
Microwave Oven Cooks Faster Than Induction Cooker
The appeal of a microwave oven is that you can prepare meals in minutes rather than hours, thanks to the fast cooking times. You may use your microwave oven for more than food preparation if it has extra features, such as grilling or convection.
The microwave oven cooks quickly because it uses microwave radiation. This radiation is a form of energy that travels in waves.
When the waves hit food, they cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate rapidly. This vibration creates heat, which cooks the food.
Like other cooktops, the induction cooktop takes longer to prepare meals than a microwave.
On the other hand, induction cooktops work about twice as fast as traditional stovetop cooking methods. In general, a microwave may be preferable if you’re in a hurry.
Induction cookers can create heat quickly. This is because they use electromagnetic energy to create heat.
The polar molecules in the food are affected by the electromagnetic fields and start to rotate. This causes friction which produces heat, cooking the food.
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Some Induction Cooking Techniques Can Affect Food Nutrition Microwave Retain Food Value
The number of nutrients in food is affected by all types of cooking. Induction cooking employs sophisticated electronics to heat the cooking vessel and cook the meal. Induction works only on cooking materials made of magnetic materials such as cast iron and stainless steel.
Baking, boiling, or frying foods on an induction stove causes nutrients to be lost. The amount of nutrient loss is determined by the cooking process and the specific vitamin or mineral in question.
The United States Department Of Agriculture’s retention list states that nutrient loss can range from 0 to 75 percent, depending on the food.
When vegetables are cooked using induction, they lose fewer minerals than when vitamins are used.
Some induction cooking techniques result in the loss of minerals, but not to the same extent as vitamins. Sautéed meals lost 10% of potassium and copper yet kept all zinc. (Source: USDA)
Microwaves heat water molecules in a chamber, which is then circulated outside the food. This keeps more vitamins and minerals than almost any other cooking technique and demonstrates that microwave meals can be nutritious.
Again, as microwave cooking times are shorter, cooking with a microwave better preserves vitamin C and other nutrients that break down when heated.
LEARN MORE: What Is the Difference Between a Convection Microwave and a Grill Microwave?
Induction Cooker Excludes Defrosting Facility Microwave Defrosting Is Unhealthy
The microwave oven can defrost food because it cooks evenly and quickly. You can also use the Defrost function with an induction cooker, but it will not be as effective as a microwave.
An induction cooktop does not have a specific Defrost function like a microwave oven. However, if you know how to thaw food using the stovetop, you can use that method with an induction cooker.
However, microwave defrosting isn’t a good idea to avoid growing germs. Microwaves can transport the uncooked meal into the “risk zone,” which ranges between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If frosted food remains in the danger zone for too long, any germs that may be present within will multiply. This implies that meat is now capable of causing illness among anybody who eats it.
LEARM MORE: What Is the Difference Between Infrared Cooking and Microwave Cooking?
Microwaves Are More Energy Efficient Than Induction Cooker
The induction stove is far more energy-efficient than its counterparts. In this case, energy efficiency refers to converting the electricity running through the wall outlet into the appliance.
The conversion rate for microwave ovens is around 50%, which means most of that energy goes into operating the device’s numerous components rather than its output. Induction stoves are far more efficient, with an efficiency of 85%, at least while boiling water.
The amount of energy consumed by an appliance is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), a measurement of energy.
For example, the induction stove consumes less power over time than electric and gas stoves. On the other hand, gas costs might be lower, making the induction stove more expensive to operate.
Microwaves, on the other hand, have less overall energy consumption. You may save more power by utilizing your microwave since they are used for shorter periods; however, you will lose some flexibility because microwaves can’t do everything.
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Microwave Ovens Are More Affordable Than Induction Oven
The price of an induction cooker is higher than the price of a microwave oven, but it also has many more features. The induction cooktop comes with more settings and can be used for a wider variety of cooking methods.
The price of an induction cooker starts from $50. The most popular size is the single burner which sells for around $100. But if you want something more high-end, you can get a double burner for about $1,500.
Microwaves are less expensive; however, they come with fewer features. If you are looking for a microwave that can do more than just heat food, you will have to pay more.
With microwave ovens, the price range is much more comprehensive. You can find a small microwave oven for as little as $50, while a larger one can cost more than $500.
It depends on your needs as to which one is better. If you are looking for something cheap and straightforward, then a microwave oven is the way to go. But if you want something that can do more, an induction cooker is the better choice.
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Maintenance and Running Costs of Induction Cooker and Microwave Oven
Cleaning the surface of an induction cooktop can also cause harm. Steel wool, aggressive cleaners, and scrubby sponges should all be avoided.
Use a dishcloth rather than steel wool to clean with an induction stovetop cleaner. Remember to rinse the cleanser with a wet cloth when you’re finished.
The microwave oven is easy to maintain as long as you follow the proper steps. The outside of the microwave should be cleaned with a damp cloth, while the inside should never be wet. The turntable and glass tray must be washed in hot, soapy water and dried thoroughly.
Also, the microwave filters should be washed regularly with warm water and soap. To clean the microwave keypad, use 50/50 vinegar and water. Please avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to damage the microwave.
If something goes wrong with your induction cooker, you may be able to fix it yourself. But if not, you’ll need to replace the parts. The most common problems are the burner, the cooktop, or the control panel.
Microwave ovens are more challenging to repair because they have more complex circuitry. If something goes wrong, you will need to take it to a professional.
An induction cooker consumes more electricity than a microwave oven. The amount of electricity that an induction cooktop uses varies based on the size and power level of the cooking surface. But, in general, induction cooktops use more energy than microwaves.
On average, the rated power of an induction cooktop is somewhere between 1500 watts to 3000 watts, which is way higher than the majority of household appliances. On the other hand, the microwave oven consumes around 700 watts to 1200 watts.
Commercial units designed to last for 30,000 hours have a typical lifespan of up to eight years, the equivalent of cooking 10 hours a day over the lifetime of the stove.
A typical microwave oven lasts about seven years if used commonly and less if subjected to heavy use and neglectful maintenance.
A family of four or more may require a new appliance every four to five years as they rely more on it to heat snacks and leftovers or defrost meals because of its size.
LEARN MORE: Over The Range vs Countertop Microwave
Conclusion: Induction Cooker Vs Microwave Oven
In conclusion, the microwave oven is a more affordable and easy-to-use appliance, while the induction cooker has more features.
If you’re looking for a device that can do more than just microwave food, the induction cooker is the way to go. But if you want something that can do more, an induction cooker is the better choice.
