OTG vs. Microwave: which is better for baking?

When trying to bake a cake, cookies or maybe even bread, the choice of using an OTG (oven toaster grill) or a convection microwave could be daunting. The two kinds of appliances serve different purposes, and before making any decisions about them, individuals should consider their specific baking and cooking needs.

The question which comes to mind of many people who are home bakers is which should be the choice of oven to use: is it OTG or a microwave? Both appliances are discussed in this article in order to clarify which is the best suited among them.

An OTG can result in better baking by providing an even distribution of heat, which helps to cook your cakes, breads, and cookies to perfection. A microwave has the advantage of being speedier at reheating, defrosting, and steaming, on the other hand.

Here is how they stack up against each other:

Feature

OTG

Microwave Oven

Baking Performance

Even heat distribution, ideal for baking and toasting

Limited baking ability, may cause uneven cooking

Versatility

Baking, grilling, roasting

Reheating, steaming, defrosting

Cooking Speed

Slower than a microwave

Faster for reheating and quick meals

Size & Space

Can be larger, requires more counter space

Compact, suitable for smaller kitchens

How and what is an OTG?

The abbreviation 'TG' is used to describe oven, toaster, and grill. It can undertake several operations, which include baking, grilling, and toasting. The TGs operate with heaters at the right and left sides, and this provides an even heating environment to cook the food.

Brands like Pigeon Wonderchef and others offer high-quality/widely available OTGs in various capacities and energy-saving variants.

Advantages of an OTG to Baking

Accurate Temperature Setting: The temperature setting can be customised to provide consistent baked foods.

Cost: Tend to be cheaper when compared to expensive models of microwaves or in-built ovens.

Compact and Portable: Since this may not fit in big kitchens and apartments easily.

Healthier food requires little oil, making it a better dietary choice.

What is a microwave oven, and how does it work?

A microwave oven cooks food through the use of electromagnetic radiation. Basically, the magnetron brings out electrical energy in the form of high-frequency waves to heat the water molecules of the food.

Benefits of using a microwave oven to bake

Quick Cooking: Microwave energy and convection technology will cut down the baking process by an average 25 per cent as compared to conventional ovens.

Space-Saving Design: A convection microwave combines microwave, convection and grill in a single less-bulky appliance.

OTGs and Microwave Stoves to Bake

1. Haier 30L Convection Microwave Oven

The appliance possesses the functions of a microwave, convection oven, and grill and provides several modes of cooking. It has a 30-litre capacity that enables it to handle different dishes. It has preset programmes, a child safety lock, a defroster, and a digital display.

Specifications:

Brand: Haier

Capacity: 30 L

Heating Method: Convection

Weight: 18.9 kg

Defrost System: Yes

2. Pigeon Oven Toaster Griller 14 Litre

A small OTG that is appropriate to use with cakes, breads and toasts. Temperature adjustments enable personalised settings for specific recipes. It is small-sized and can fit the small kitchens.

Specifications:

Brand: Pigeon

Capacity: 14 L

Weight: 2.6 kg

Wattage: 900 W

Material: Stainless Steel

Features: Adjustable thermostat, removable tray

3. Wonderchef Oven Toaster Griller (OTG)

Multi-purposed cooking capabilities, like baking, grilling, and toasting, integrated in this OTG guarantee high-lift heating with great air circulation. Ideal for bread, cakes and roasted dishes.

Specifications:

Brand: Wonderchef

Weight: 5.3 kg

Material: Stainless Steel

Display: LED Light

Functions: Multi-stage programme

4. IFB 24L Solo Microwave Oven

This microwave is suitable for families of 3-4 people, and it can facilitate reheating, baking, and steaming. There are Express Cook and multi-stage programmes, the size of the volume of medium-sized meals (24 litres).

Specifications:

Brand: IFB

Capacity: 24 L

Wattage: 900 W

Energy Consumption: 1400 W

Weight: 11.8 kg

Material: Stainless Steel

Conclusion

The OTG is preferable to the specific baking, as it has the ability to control the temperature, and the heat is distributed evenly, leading to the same results. The variance is that TGs are prepared to bake cakes, cookies, bread, and pastries, as TGs are custom-made to bake confectionaries.

A convection microwave, however, may suit those with more immediate access to space or speed (assuming that reheating is readily desirable, of course). In the end, the correct decision is based on whether it is needed to bake at the best level or have a universal cooking opportunity.