With the hectic lifestyle and tight schedules that most people have nowadays, some appliances make cooking activities easier.
Nevertheless, since there is a variety of such appliances, at times it is hard to tell which one best meets your particular requirements.
One such common problem is choosing between an OTG (Oven, Toaster, Griller) and a microwave oven, as understanding the difference between OTG and microwave can help make an informed decision.
While both appliances perform cooking tasks, it is important to note that they perform them in different cooking areas.
Selecting the wrong appliance can leave you feeling disappointed by your cooking attempts and very demoralized especially if it is going to be baking, grilling, or reheating food.
Each type of appliance will provide you with particular benefits depending on the activities you want them to perform. At this stage, you can evaluate their relative merits while understanding the differences between OTGs and microwaves.
Scroll down and delve into the particulars; functionalities, applications, and uses of OTG and microwave ovens respectively.
In the end, you will be left without a doubt what type of appliance matches your style and requirements.
What is an OTG Oven?
An OTG oven commonly referred to as Oven, Toaster, and Griller is an all-in-one kitchen appliance used for baking, intensifying, and reheating food as well as grilling.
OTG, as some people prefer to call it is loved by anyone who loves baking cakes, cookies, or even turbos, simply because of its temperature-holding capacity.
OTGs unlike conventional ovens do not occupy a lot of floor space and hence the ovens can easily be transported from one point to another.
They incorporate electric coils to create that heat which is distributed through the entire oven to ensure food is well cooked.
Most ovens do not have several pre-programmed microwave features but there are better techniques during grilling and baking.
For anyone who is an avid fan of cooking cookies and other donuts, or, grills meat. The OTG reviews make it clear that OTG makes cooking fun and enjoyable.
It is also very useful for people who bake or who don’t need all the extras of a microwave since it’s fairly inexpensive.
Note: if you’re looking to bake a cake, an OTG is generally the better option for achieving a perfectly baked cake with a consistent texture and flavor!
Also Read: LG 32L WiFi Enabled Charcoal Microwave Oven.
What is a Microwave?
The invention of a microwave oven is the biggest game changer in kitchens as far as heating and cooking are concerned.
A microwave fits in the definition since it is a form of electromagnetic radiation tasked with productive cooking chores like boiling water, defrosting foods especially fats and even reheating previously cooked meals.
Many times people buy a microwave for its convenience alone; a microwave to a limited degree also allows different forms of cooking depending on the type.
Some microwaves are fitted with convection controls, hence one can bake or roast the food, increasing the functionality of the device. However, most of the cooks-in-the-house tend to focus on using microwaves mainly to prepare food quickly.
Kitchens commonly have microwaves because of the ease and speed they add, especially for people who are busy and may not have that much time.
Whether it is about reheating a ready meal or frozen foods, defrosting food packs, or cooking straight a few simple dishes in a microwave means spending the minimum of effort and time.
Also Read: Solo vs Convection Microwave Oven.
What is the difference between OTG and Microwave?
Here are some differences between OTG and Microwave:
| Featured | OTG | Microwave |
| Functionality | Used for baking, toasting, and grilling, | Is used for heating, cooking, and defrosting |
| Heating | Uses heating elements at the top and bottom of the oven to create heat, | Uses microwaves to heat food |
| Cooking Time | Takes longer to cook food than a microwave | Cook food much faster |
| Texture | Is better suited for making crispy, golden-brown dishes like baked goods, grilled meats, and vegetables | Tend to leave food soft and moist |
| Energy Consumption | Generally consumes more energy. | Efficient energy usage for quick cooking. |
| Capacity | Available in different sizes and range from slight to large ovens | Usually smaller in size and have less capacity. |
| Price | Generally more expensive | Less expensive |
Also Read: How to Clean a Microwave Oven.
Factors to consider when choosing between an OTG and a Microwave?
Consider these 10 factors when choosing between an OTG and a microwave for your cooking needs before making your decision.
#1. Science Behind Cooking.
How heat is distributed is an important consideration for any appliance you will purchase. Convection and conduction heating principles are utilized effectively by OTGs leading to gentle and even heating during baking and grilling processes.
The radiation from microwaves tends to heat water molecules within foods using microwave energy and thus is useful for internal food heating hence suitable for defrosting and reheating foods rather than baking crispy foods.
#2. What to Cook.
- OTG: Ideal for baking cakes, bread, cookies, and grilling meat.
- Microwave: Best for reheating, defrosting, cooking quick meals, and melting ingredients like butter or chocolate.
#3. Capacity.
OTGs usually have a larger interior space, allowing multiple dishes to be placed for baking simultaneously, with a maximum capacity of 60 liters.
On the other hand, microwaves, being multifunctional devices, tend to be smaller in size, making them unsuitable for bulk cooking, as convection microwaves typically reach a capacity of just 32 liters.
#4. Temperature Range.
OTG ovens are also useful as they can maintain the required temperature for each recipe, making those with specific heat settings easier to prepare.
However, convection ovens typically have built-in thermal management, allowing them to preheat in about 5 minutes, whereas OTGs can take up to 20 minutes.
#5. Ease of Use.
However, one major improvement is the presence of fully automated controls and the availability of appropriate programs for carrying out most operations within the microwave.
Convection microwaves have also been developed with a temperature-controlling digital screen. On the contrary, OTGs have knobs that have to be turned; active participation which most cooking lovers enjoy very much to get better results.
#6. Cost.
Given their many functional features, such as convection and defrosting, microwave-class model appliances cost more than OTG ovens.
An OTG can be purchased for an estimated price range of Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 for 60 liters, whereas a convection microwave is estimated to be around Rs. 15,000 to 18,000 for 32 liters.
Even though an OTG is less expensive than other options, it uses about 20% less energy than a microwave oven, thereby reducing costs in the long run.
Those focused more on ‘baking and grilling’ will find OTGs much cheaper.
#7. Cooking Time.
Microwaves are generally faster, particularly when it comes to reheating food.
Microwaves use microradiation to quickly heat the food they contain, hence the cooking time is comparatively shorter.
An OTG, however, will take longer to reach the desired temperature and cook thoroughly.
#8. Energy Efficiency.
Microwaves are typically more energy-efficient because they heat food directly rather than heating the surrounding air.
OTGs, due to their longer preheating times, may consume more energy.
#9. Size and Placement.
It is important to consider your kitchen space when deciding between the two. OTGs require more counter space than microwaves, which are often compact.
Starting at 19 liters, the OTG series is suitable for meals such as pizzas and cakes, with four other sizes available: 60 liters, 32 liters, 19 liters, and 48 liters.
Moreover, they have a large window for complete visibility. Microwaves and OTGs are both great for preparing meals at home, depending on your needs.
#10. Safety.
Microwaves come with improved safety measures incorporating child-lock features and cool touch surfaces.
On the other hand, OTGs have such hot surfaces and need to be used with caution.
Also Read: Top Amazing Reasons to Choose the Samsung 28L Convection Microwave Oven for Your Kitchen!
Which is healthy OTG or Microwave?
Whether an OTG or Microwave, it may be healthy and safe to use either form of cooking. When it comes to baking, grilling, or roasting food items, OTG is an ideal option.
In contrast, when in a hurry and the only goal is to warm the food in the least amount of time, a microwave should be the answer.
In short, however, it boils down to what is convenient for you as well as your cooking requirements.
Also Read: Top Amazing Reasons to Choose the Samsung 28L Convection Microwave.
OTG Oven Price List (Popular Brands)
The following is a price list of popular OTG brands.
| Sl.No | Brand Name | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGARO Marvel 9L Oven Toaster Griller | ₹1,699 |
| 2 | Bajaj Majesty 1603 16 Litres Oven Toaster Griller | ₹3,440 |
| 3 | Philips HD6975/00 Digital Oven Toaster Grill 25L | ₹7,999 |
| 4 | Wonderchef Oven Toaster Griller 19 Litres | ₹3,744 |
| 5 | Prestige POTG 19 PCR 1380-Watt Oven Toaster Grill | ₹5,180 |
FAQs
Is OTG better than microwave?
OTGs are the most appropriate for the instances when you want to bake, grill, or toast because they are very effective in controlling the degree of heating and cooking time. A micro wave oven on the other hand is better for those who shortening their cooking time and wish to get effective reheating and defrosting capabilities in fast cooking. All the same, the best alternative depends on the cooking requirements.
Which is better, oven or microwave?
An oven is appropriate for baking, roasting, and grilling and microwaves are more efficient in reheating and fast cooking. If you want the convenience of multiple cooking styles, a convection microwave does just that; however, for only baking, an OTG or conventional oven is more effective.
Can I reheat food in OTG?
Yes, you can reheat food in an OTG, but it takes longer than a microwave. An OTG is primarily designed for baking, grilling, and toasting, so reheating food quickly is not its strong suit.
Which is better for pizza, OTG or microwave?
Better browning and crisp crust on pizza is best achieved with an OTG. Yes, a microwave with convection can cook a pizza, but the texture and flavor of the pizza may not be as good as the one made in an OTG.
Conclusion
So, in this article, we have discussed the difference between OTG and Microwave and related questions answer. Well, let me explain it to you! OTG is an oven that can be used for baking, toasting, and grilling, while microwave ovens use microwave radiation to cook or heat food.
So, if you want to bake a cake, grill some chicken, or toast your bread, an OTG oven is perfect for your kitchen. But, if you want to reheat your leftovers, defrost your frozen food, or cook some popcorn, then a microwave oven would be the ideal choice. If you like the article, please share, and if you have any questions, comment below. Thank you.
