What is an Inverter Microwave? It's Technology Vs. Convection Ovens

Microwave is no doubt the most used kitchen appliance used for reheating food or boiling water.

However, the issue with a regular microwave is that it could burn, overheat, or damage the food cells.

So, you might wonder; “Is there a solution to overcome this problem?”

And I must say, YES! An Inverter Microwave will solve 99% of overheating problems and will prevent the food from getting burnt.

Now, the question arises, “What is an Inverter Microwave?” More precisely, “How does it differ from a regular microwave?”

To answer these questions, I’ll discuss every detail about it. I will also compare it with a regular microwave to make things easier to understand.

Without any further ado, let us dive right into the main topic:

Background of Inverter Microwaves:

Brands like Panasonic and GE started working on the idea of introducing inverter microwaves long ago.

Finally, in 2010, Panasonic introduced the first-ever in the market. This appliance worked on Inverter technology and offered a consistent heating interface.

With this revolution, multiple brands like Breville, Cuisinart, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid also started working on them.

In 2023, these microwaves are getting extremely popular. As a matter of fact, people are replacing their old regular microwaves with these.

With this overview, let us now head towards the real question.

What is an Inverter Microwave?

To be more precise, it is the one that utilizes the work of an Inverter circuit board to deliver uniform heat. They don’t rely on magnetic coils or transformers.

They use the latest “Inverter Technology” to make sure enough heat transfers throughout the microwaving process.

How Does It Work?

For starters, I’ll first describe the working of a regular microwave.

A regular microwave uses magnetic coils or transformers to maintain the heat while cooking the food. However, if you demand 50% power from it to cook food, it will still offer 100% power.

To take this into perspective, you cannot control a regular microwave’s power throughout the cooking process.

Compared to that, the latest inverter microwaves use an Inverter Circuit Board to work.

They tend to offer a uniform cooking interface. So, when you set it at 50% power, it will deliver the exact amount of heat throughout the cooking process.

As a result, the food cells aren’t damaged. Plus, you won’t get worried about overheating issues.

Consistent heating is possible only when you are using an inverter microwave compared to a regular one.

The story doesn’t end here.

Let us now differentiate the working as follows:

Inverter Microwave Vs. Regular Convection Microwave:

First of all, both types of microwaves use magnetrons to vibrate the water or food molecules. Hence, food gets heated or water gets boiled.

However, a regular microwave differs from an Inverter microwave in terms of maintenance of heat power.

Inverter Microwave Vs Regular Convection Microwave

How?

Have a look:

Working Mechanism of a Regular Microwave:

Regular microwaves, first of all, come with transformers or magnetic coils.

On the other hand, a transformer is capable of stepping up or stepping down the voltage during each heating cycle.

This way, the transformer either increases the AC current or decreases it as per the power control settings.

That’s the basic model of working of a regular microwave. It cannot maintain uniform power while reheating leftover food or boiling water.

Working Mechanism of an Inverter Microwave:

They, first of all, don’t use a transformer. The latest inverter circuit board installed in it is actually managing the flow of electric current and voltage in an inverter microwave.

Therefore, the inverter microwaves thus maintains a steady and uniform heat flow, which ensures even cooking.

Difference in Delivery of Heat:

While comparing a regular microwave vs inverter microwave, heat delivery is a major contrasting factor in both.

For a regular microwave, the heat delivery is not uniform and done in power cycles. Besides the Up/Down transformer mechanism doesn’t ensure a steady flow of heat.

In contrast, an Inverter Microwave keeps a steady flow of heat as it uses the sophisticated circuit board that converts DC current into AC current at a uniform rate.

Difference in Efficiency:

The difference between both these gets more prominent when we talk about efficiency.

For instance, an Inverter microwave offers a 65% efficiency. It’s almost 10 to 11% more than a regular microwave that ensures only 56% energy.

This difference in efficiency also impacts electricity waste. More precisely, an inverter microwave takes less time to reheat food. Meanwhile, a regular microwave with low energy efficiency takes a long time to cook or reheat food.

Difference in Flavor of Food:

The flavor and taste of reheated food is obviously different.

I’ve tested various food products with a regular microwave as well as an inverter microwave.

Regular Convection Microwave: It didn’t impress me much. The food was unevenly heated most of the time. The taste was a bit foul. Overheating was also a common issue.
Inverter Microwave: The results were simply exceptional. Food was evenly heated no matter if it was frozen or not. The flavor was quite natural. Besides, I didn’t face any overcooking or overheating issues while using an inverter microwave.

Nutrients in Food:

The Cornell Nutritional Science Department’s recent study proves that nutrients retain in food when you reheat it with an inverter microwave.

In contrast, with a regular microwave, the chances of nutrient retention are way too low. The probable cause is that a regular microwave could not control the heat flow due to limited specifications.

Defrosting Frozen Food:

As usual, the regular microwave oven did not defrost the food properly. That’s because the heat supply was uneven, which resulted in cold spots and frozen corners.

With the latest inverter microwave, I didn’t face any problem while defrosting the food. The uniform and even supply of heat defrosted frozen food without any hassle.

To Conclude:

While comparing and contrasting the regular microwave vs an inverter microwave, the latter microwave type seems more efficient.

Moreover, the benefits of inverter microwave are way more than what a regular convection microwave offers.

With this comparison, let us now move forward to discuss some of the advantages of an inverter oven as follows:

Benefits of Using Inverter Microwave:

1. Possibility of Slow-Cooking:

With constant heat supply, you are in control of the power supplied to the food. That said, an inverter microwave thus ensures the possibility of slow-cooking.

This process enables you to enjoy flavorful, delicious, and tasty food without compromising on the texture.

2. Maintaining Food Cells:

The official Panasonic Research Center has proved that an inverter microwave does not destroy the food cells.

In this context, we can say it prevents the food from overheating. Besides, it retains the food cells and keeps the deliciousness intact.

Therefore, you could enjoy eating the food with a full texture and natural taste at the same time.

3. Retaining Vital Nutrients:

The Nutritional Department of Cornell University did a series of experiments on cooking and boiling food with an inverter microwave and comparing it with other cooking methods.

From the data they’ve shared, the Inverter Microwave was not only quick, but it also maintained the nutrients present in the food.

The experiment done was as follows:

Researchers used traditional cooking methods such as steaming and boiling to cook Broccoli.

After that, they used an inverter microwave for boiling Broccoli.

The results were analyzed, and the amount of Vitamin C was taken into account as follows:

Vitamin C in Broccoli:

With Boiling: 81.39g

With Steaming: 124.57g

With Inverter Microwave: 165.19g.

From the figures mentioned above, the results of Inverter Microwave were entirely satisfactory.

This experiment proves that they are way better in terms of retaining vital nutrients in cooked food.

4. Turbo Defrosting:

Inverter microwave also offers Turbo Defrost feature. It is more vigilant, powerful, and quick compared to traditional defrosting a regular microwave offers.

The consistent delivery of power, heat, and energy offered by an Inverter Microwave helps it defrost frozen food effectively.

Not only that, but defrosting is quick and powerful. In fact, there won’t be any dry or cold spot left once you are done with melting frozen food.

5. Keeping Food Warmer for Longer:

At last, these inverter oven keeps the food warmer for a longer time. That said, the energy that this type of microwave delivers penetrates deep inside the food molecules.

So, the food is not only evenly cooked. But it also retains the warmness for a longer time compared to traditional microwaving.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

First of all, an inverter microwave uses an inverter circuit board for delivering heat. Meanwhile, a regular microwave uses a transformer or magnetic coils to deliver heat. Secondly, heat delivery is uniform and consistent due to the use of Inverter technology in inverter ovens.

However, it’s inconsistent in a regular microwave. Finally, a regular microwave will deliver 100% power in each heating cycle even if you set it at 50%. An inverter microwave delivers the same 50% power, thus retaining the flavor and aroma in reheated food.

The first and foremost benefit it offers is that of slow-cooking. Besides, it also ensures even delivery of heat and prevents overheating. An inverter microwave could retain nutrients perfectly. Finally, it ensures Turbo Defrosting, which is more efficient, quick, and powerful at the same time.

Yes! they use less power compared to a regular microwave. The power delivery depends upon your setting, and if you keep it at 50%, it won’t exceed thus maintaining uniform heating.

Not at all. Never put metal dishes in them. Use microwave-safe dishes and bowls if you want to prevent short circuits or any other mishap while reheating or cooking the food.

Panasonic and GE lead the race of producing the best inverter microwaves. That’s because these two manufacturers have been working on making such appliances since 2010. Some other reliable brands are Breville, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and Toshiba, etc.

To Sum It Up:

I’ve tried my best to include my personal experiences with both types of microwaves as well.

So, I’m now done with the topic. Share your feedback regarding this informative guide in the comment box mentioned below.

What is an Inverter Microwave? It’s Technology Vs. Convection Ovens