Air fryers are the latest craze in the kitchen. It seems like they popped up overnight and took the world by storm, but the technology that makes them “unique”, known as convection, has been around for years. If you’re searching for your next appliance to elevate your culinary experience, you may be wondering: What is the difference between an air fryer and a convection microwave oven? What if I tell you that you may not have to choose after all? Follow me as we cover the bases and see why you need to include the Sharp Smart Convection Microwave Drawer in your dream kitchen.
After reading, feel free to tell us some of your favorite features you love about cooking with convection and the air fry features, by connecting with us on social using #SharpHome on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
What is Convection Cooking?
The Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven makes cooking and cleaning easier by putting the microwave at an accessible height.
Convection cooking uses a fan and exhaust system to constantly circulate hot air throughout the oven. The hot air is evenly distributed throughout the zone to help maintain an even and constant temperature. This system has been known to assist with quick and even cooking. The even distribution of heat reduces hot and cold spots in your dish. Convection cooking creates a caramelized and crisp exterior on your food while leaving the interior juicy and moist. This technology can be found in wall ovens, over-the-range microwaves, and microwave drawer ovens!
What is an Air Fryer?
Air fryers utilize these awesome technologies, but on a smaller and more dense scale. The air fryer, like convection cooking, mimics deep frying without the oil and mess to create crisp and golden food. Air fryers are designed to sit on your countertops and are about the size of a coffee maker.
When cooking with an air fryer, the food is placed in the basket and then slid back into the appliance. Most air fryers fit 2-4 servings of food, depending on the serving size and capacity of the air fryer. Because it uses convection cooking technology to cook the food, the food should lay flat in the basket to allow the air to circulate completely around the food.
Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which is Better?
When comparing an air fryer and a microwave oven, it is important to consider the longevity and functionality of the appliance. Think about what you need and want in your kitchen. Here are some differences between an air fryer vs. a microwave such as the Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven.
Sharp’s Microwave Drawer™ Oven allows you to focus on your kitchen’s design and workflow by offering flexible installation options in an island or peninsula or below your wall oven.
- Viewing Window: You can watch your food as it is being prepared in a microwave drawer oven. Most air fryers are not equipped with a viewing window, meaning in order to determine the doneness of your food you have to open the basket to determine whether or not the food needs a few more minutes to cook. With a microwave drawer, you can view your food as it is being cooked. Unlike an air fryer, there is no need to open up the door to see how the food is coming along, just peek through the window. This feature is perfect for making sure your food is coming along perfectly without interrupting the cooking process.
- Open Counter Space: Air fryers take up precious space in your kitchen, can be an eyesore, and may be difficult to store. Appliances with Air Frying capabilities, like a Convection Microwave Drawer, are seamlessly incorporated into the kitchen design to elevate your space with a sleek look. Counterspace is always at a premium, so it is important to reduce clutter where you can. Versatile appliances are the key to a functional cooking space.
- Larger Servings: Cooking for a crowd? With an air fryer, you can only prepare a few, small servings given the space restrictions. To prepare food for a group in an air fryer, you would have to cook the food in batches. The ability to prepare multiple servings increases when using a Convection Microwave Drawer compared to a countertop air fryer. Why cook in batches when you can prepare the whole thing at once? Save time and space by adding a multi-function appliance to your space!
Designed for Your Dream Kitchen
No need to choose between an air fryer and a microwave when you can have a microwave that can air fry! I introduce to you the Sharp Smart Convection Microwave Drawer Oven (SMD2499FS). The dual convection fans and heated elements allow you to not only air fry in your microwave (how cool!), but also provide other amazing cooking features such as roasting, grilling, and turntable-free baking. Choose an appliance that complements your culinary needs. Now that’s Simply Better Living.
Built-in Convection Microwave Drawer Oven
The Built-In Smart Convection Microwave Drawer Oven (SMD2499FS) is smart-home ready with Alexa Compatibility and Sharp Kitchen App.
Cooking can be a handful, so opting for a Microwave Drawer Oven that is compatible with Alexa and is equipped with Easy Wave Open technology can lend a helping hand. The dual convection fans and dedicated heating elements in the Sharp Built-In Smart Convection Microwave Drawer Oven provide turntable-free baking, roasting, grilling, and air frying. Convection fans cook food to be tender and moist on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The SMD2499FS offers flexible placement options below an island, peninsula, or standard cabinetry, or can be installed below your wall oven. The sleek, low-profile design, edge-to-edge black glass, and stainless-steel finish beautifully complement any kitchen. The included dishwasher-safe racks and cooking tray can be used in all cooking modes and arranged to fit your needs, making cleaning up a breeze.
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