7 Tips for Cooking/Baking in Your Microwave/Convection Oven
As a full-time Entegra Coach resident and a passionate home cook, I know how scary it can be to cook in a microwave/convection oven at least the first few times. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can still create delicious meals and baked goods all year round!
Here are 7 tips for cooking/baking in your Entegra Coach microwave/convection oven:
- Read the Manual:
Before you start experimenting with recipes, take the time to thoroughly read the manual that accompanies your microwave/convection oven. Manufacturers provide valuable insights into optimal usage, safety precautions, and unique features. Understanding the specifics of your appliance will empower you to make informed choices and achieve better results. Trust me on this one! It is different to cook in than a regular oven; what you'll learn in the manual is worth the time it will take to read it.
- Invest in an Oven Thermometer:
Microwave/convection ovens often have varying heating patterns, making relying solely on the built-in temperature settings challenging. To ensure your dishes are perfectly cooked, invest in an oven thermometer. Place it inside the oven while preheating and, if possible, when cooking to monitor the actual temperature. This additional tool can be a game-changer. If you find that your oven isn't getting hot enough or is getting too hot, refer to that trusty owner's manual to see if there's a way to adjust the temperature. Also, take note of the power available from the pedestal. Trying to cook in your microwave/convection oven while running three air conditioners, the washer and the dryer, may overload the system and cause your oven to say it's hot when it doesn't have enough power to get hot.
- Leave Room for Air Circulation:
Proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking in a convection oven. Avoid overcrowding when loading your RV oven to allow hot air to circulate freely around the food. Even if you can get a full sheet pan in your oven, you may not get the best results that way. Having room ensures uniform cooking and prevents uneven browning. Also, consider using oven-safe cookware with low sides to facilitate better air movement.
- Understand Microwave Power Levels:
Understand the difference between Convection Roast and Convection Bake in a microwave convection oven. Spoiler alert!! It's NOT the same as a home oven. In our Whirlpool convection/microwave oven, convection bake uses the heating element and the fan to essentially "air fry" what you're cooking. The appliance combines microwave cooking and convection baking on the convection roast setting.
- Preheat for Better Results:
Like a traditional oven, preheating your microwave/convection oven is crucial for optimal results. Give the appliance a few extra minutes to reach the desired temperature before placing your dish inside. This step ensures that your food starts cooking at the right temperature from the beginning, resulting in more consistent and delicious outcomes. (Unless you're cooking bacon! Starting the bacon in a cold oven helps keep the bacon flat on the tray!)
- Rotate your Food:
Unless you are cooking on a round tray that easily rotates on the turntable while cooking, you'll want to change the pan's orientation. The food at the fan end will cook faster than the food on the other side of the fan. Because of this, you'll want to rotate your pan end to end at least once halfway through the cooking time. If you're cooking on two levels, you'll want to rotate what's on the top and bottom rack and rotate end to end.
- Be Patient!
Patience is definitely a key to success with this! Give yourself plenty of time and consider experimenting with your microwave/convection oven the first few times when you're not entertaining or trying to celebrate a holiday!
With a little trial and error, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and well-cooked meals on the road. Happy cooking, and may your RV kitchen adventures be filled with flavor!
CONTRIBUTERS SECTION - ANNE KLUMPP
Anne Klumpp – On The Road of Adventure
Anne Klumpp, her husband, Brian and their dog, Skipper, travel full-time in their 2015 Entegra Aspire 44B. Anne “retired” from a 25-year career in the wine business to pursue life on the road. She shares about the RV Lifestyle and their adventures on the road, especially related to food and beverage.
Entegra Coach Ambassador: Aspire
@ontheroadofadventure on Instagram
