Understanding the difference between OTG and Microwave Oven can help you determine which appliance is best for you.
OTG and Microwave ovens are two excellent kitchen appliances that are extremely important to certain people because they are used to bake and cook numerous meals during the day.
But many individuals, are unaware of how different they are! Once you have a thorough understanding of the appliances, you will be able to decide which one to purchase.
Despite the fact that these goods appear to be identical and conduct the same type of work, they can have major distinctions. Today, we’ll look at the difference between OTG and Microwave oven so you can figure out one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What is ‘OTG Oven’?
The full form of OTG Oven is ‘Oven, Toaster, Grill’. The OTG (Oven, Toaster, Grill) is a small version of a conventional oven. As the name indicates, you can also bake, toast, and grill in it.
However, the majority of them lack the ability to reheat, cook, or defrost. Heated coils are used to cook dishes in this sort of oven. The thermostat and the fan within, help to spread the heat and manage the temperature.
A heating coil regulates the temperature in an OTG. This coil can be located on the device’s top and bottom, ensuring even heat transfer. A thermostat allows you to choose how much heat you desire.
The coils convert electricity into heat, which you may aim in whatever direction you want. For example, if you want to learn how to bake with an OTG oven, For example, if you want to bake a cake in an OTG oven, you’ll need to heat both the bottom and top coils.
Also, if you want to grill some food, just turn up the top coil. Temperature knobs and Automatic timers, as well as other knobs that let you to switch between specific functionalities, are included in today’s OTGs.
OTG ovens can be used for reheating food and toasting bread in addition to baking cakes and pastries and grilling meats.
Have you ever observed that heating takes longer than that of a microwave? This is due to the fact that the electric coils require time to warm up. As a result, the cooking time increases.
What is Microwave Oven?
Electromagnetic waves are used in microwave ovens, and these waves are absorbed by the food. These electromagnetic waves have a frequency range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz and include radio waves and infrared radiation.
In comparison to OTG, the pre-heat time is less. Instead of a fan, there is a plate that revolves to ensure that food is cooked uniformly.
When you place food in a microwave oven, the microwaves are directed toward the food, and after absorption, the energy is converted to heat.
The heat then radiates outward, heating the rest of the food as well. Microwave ovens are ideal for quick cooking and reheating. The microwave oven takes pride in its “instant” cooking/baking label. Idlis, dhoklas, pastries, mug pizzas, quick mac n cheese, instant omelet, and more! Oh, my goodness!
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Difference Between OTG and Microwave Oven
Both microwave and OTG are now almost regularly used for similar reasons, although there are notable distinctions. So, in order to make the comparison more convenient and understandable, we’ll go through some of the similarities and differences between the two devices.
Technology
Electricity is used to power both ovens. However, the way these devices receive and utilize power is a little different.
OTG
In an OTG, electricity is used to heat up certain nickel or chromium coils. The heating components then evenly distribute heat throughout the oven’s capacity, finally cooking the food inside.
However, when compared to microwave ovens, one of the biggest disadvantages of OTGs is that food takes longer to cook.
Microwave Oven
The microwave oven distributes heat evenly throughout your meal by using waves of electromagnetic radiation. In some circumstances, you can have your food ready to eat in just minutes.
When you’re pressed for time and only have a few minutes, the microwave is a fantastic choice. The temperature in a microwave is normally controlled automatically.
Temperature
The temperature range of an OTG and a microwave is nearly the same; both devices can reach temperatures of above 100 degrees Celsius. You don’t have to be concerned about this.
Pre-Heating
It’s the activity of preheating the oven before cooking the food. It speeds up the cooking process. Though the temperature range is consistent, OTG and microwave pre-heating differs significantly.
OTG
In comparison to the microwave, OTG normally takes 10 to 15 minutes to preheat.
Microwave Oven
Preheating a microwave can take up to 5 minutes.
Utility (Baking and Cooking Time)
OTG
An OTG bakes, toasts, grills, and broils meals. In an OTG, there is no actual “cooking.”
A recipe’s baking time will be the same in both ovens. Cooking times will vary. Also, OTGs don’t have the ‘Auto Cook Menu’ options.
Microwave Oven
When it comes to cooking, a microwave oven cooks food more faster than an OTG. In addition, modern microwave ovens, such as this one, feature distinct grilling and air-frying/low-oil frying modes.
In addition, some microwave ovens, such as this one, have fascinating auto-cook menu options that allow you to cook food with pre-set cooking time and temperature settings.
Capacity
OTG
OTG has a capacity ranging from 15 to 60 litres. In terms of inner spacing, OTG has many racks where trays can be accessed and stacked one on top of the other.
Microwave Oven
Microwaves have a capacity of up to 42 litres. When it comes to interior spacing, the microwave’s rotating disc/plate is quite small, making it impossible to fit large dishes inside.
Utensils
OTG
Non-reactive metal containers, glass (borosilicate glass), and silicon are all good choices for OTG.
Microwave Oven
Silicon, paper, glass, Styrofoam, ceramics, and tempered glass (Pyrex) are just a few of the utensils that can be used in the microwave and are excellent choices.
Metal utensils, on the other hand, should be avoided since they do not absorb electromagnetic radiation and might cause a short-circuit, which is quite dangerous.
Inner Spacing
OTG
An OTG, is equipped with racks that allow many trays to be stacked on top of one another. In this manner, you can easily bake many batches of bread or cookies at the same time.
Microwave Oven
A Turntable in a microwave, spins to uniformly cook the food. Only one thing can be placed at a time in such an arrangement.
Furthermore, unlike an OTG, it cannot easily handle rectangular dishes.
Functionality
OTG
While an OTG allows you to toast, grill, and bake your food, it does not allow you to reheat or defrost it.
Microwave Oven
You can cook, reheat, grill, defrost, and bake in the microwave.
Ease Of Use
OTG
The manual controlling system is always available in OTG. Because, unlike the microwave, the OTG does not have a display timer, you will have to be accurate with your timer when using it.
OTG has various racks, so you’ll have to figure out which one is perfect for you. It also has several baking and heating element modes.
Microwave Oven
Microwaves are significantly easier to use because they only have one rack and a single baking option.
The settings as well as display in a microwave are mostly digital.
Weight
Because the microwave is considerably heavier than the OTG, you will need to locate a permanent location for it, whereas the OTG may be moved wherever you like.
Price
OTG
OTG is less expensive than a microwave; you can acquire a 30- or 42-liter OTG for 5,000 to 8,000 rupees.
Microwave Oven
A microwave oven with a capacity of 20 or 32 litres costs between 10,000 and 20,000 rupees.
Power Consumption
In comparison to OTG, microwaves can save up to 20% energy, indicating that microwaves are the better option in the long run.
That’s all there is to it when it comes to things to think about before buying Microwave oven or OTG.
Difference Between OTG and Microwave Oven : Comparison At a Glance
| Device | OTG | Microwave Oven |
| Working Method | Cooks by converting electrical energy into heat using heating devices. | Combines microwave and convection cooking techniques. |
| Operations | Cannot carry out basic microwave tasks such as heating and defrosting food. | Can carry out basic microwave tasks such as heating and defrosting food. |
| Preheating | OTG requires 10-15 mins for preheating. | Microwave takes 5 minutes for preheating. |
| Electricity Usage | Electricity consumption in OTG is less as compared to microwave. | Electricity consumption in microwave is more. |
| Cooking Time | Cooking time is more in case of OTG. | Cooking is easy and requires less time. |
| Baking, Toasting, Grilling | Baking, toasting and grilling is far better in OTG. Good for frequent baking. | You can bake, toast and grill however OTG is superior in these aspects. Good for occasional baking. |
| Auto-cook Option | Auto-cook option is unavailable. | There is an option for auto-cooking. |
| Ideal for | Ideal for grilling, toasting and baking. | Ideal for cooking, reheating, baking, and defrosting. |
| Cost | Cheaper as compared to microwave oven. | More expensive than OTG. |
Which is Better : OTG Vs Microwave Oven?
Which is better, OTG Vs Microwave oven? This completely relies on how you prepare and bake food in your home. Let’s look at a few examples to see if an OTG or a Microwave Oven is better for you.
When to choose an OTG?
Let’s look at some instances where having an OTG instead of a microwave oven would be a better choice.
Baking is something you enjoy doing at home. You like to bake cakes, cookies, pizzas, and buns at home and hope to start doing so soon. You can’t seem to get enough of baking and can’t wait to do it again.
You intend to start your cake business as a side job, part-time job, or full-time job in the future.
You don’t reheat food on the stove very often or aren’t confident doing it.
For the conditions mentioned above, an OTG is the best option, and you should invest in one.
When to choose a Microwave Oven?
Let’s look at some circumstances where an OTG would be a poor choice and a Microwave Oven would be a better one.
You don’t bake cakes or cookies very often. It’s only once or twice a month, at most.
You have no intention of starting a cake business. You only bake for your family a couple of times a month.
Almost every day, you reheat food.
You use the microwave oven to cook meals on occasion or as a backup when you don’t want to cook on the stovetop.
You already know that in a microwave oven, the auto-cook and other enhanced settings, such as frying with less oil, will be more handy for you on a regular basis.
Because you do not have access to a stovetop or LPG cylinder, cooking in a microwave oven will suffice until you do.
Cooking in a microwave oven on a daily basis might also raise your electricity expenditures. As a result, that is something you must consider.
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Which Would You Choose: An OTG or a Microwave Oven?
Both have positive qualities. So it’s up to you to determine which features you’ll use the most and how often.
I simply have one question for you to answer in order to gain some clarity:
Do you bake on a regular basis? Choose an OTG.
Do you bake occasionally but often reheat food? Microwave oven is the perfect choice.
Top 5 Best OTG And Microwave Oven in India
What are some of India’s best OTG and Microwave Oven brands? While there are many manufacturers to choose from, it’s essential to pick one that fits your budget and meets your individual cooking requirements. Here are some of the most popular OTG and Microwave Oven brands to try.
This is the best OTG for home bakers who are just starting off or learning the fundamentals of baking.
Although this model lacks a rotisserie option, it is an excellent oven for novices. This is the model that can be recommended to beginner bakers.
This is an improved version of the previous OTG. It features rotisserie functions and a greater capacity for baking numerous batches at once.
If you wish to update your smaller oven before establishing a cake business, this OTG is a wonderful choice.
This microwave oven offers a lot of advanced capabilities, and if you look at the product specifications, you’ll discover some videos that will spark your interest in using it.
It has baking and grilling features, as well as a variety of other cooking options.
It also includes the rotisserie feature found in OTGs. This microwave oven is an ideal option if your budget permits.
This well-advanced and intriguing microwave oven is ranked fourth on the list. The fascinating part is that the microwave turntable is able to accommodate square cake tins or glassware.
This is something unique, and it addresses one of the disadvantages of microwave ovens: limited space. As a result, it is appropriately priced at the top of the microwave oven cost range.
If you enjoyed this one, you might want to look at its other features. This one lacks the rotisserie functionality of the previous.
The next item on the list is this compact Microwave Oven with Convection Mode, which allows you to bake with it. It contains all of the features that are required for this budget range without affecting quality and productivity.
It also includes a lean fry function that mimics an air fryer.
The following two suggestions are for OTGs that are sufficient for baking at home for a modest family of 3-4 persons.
From the Samsung app, you can select from a choice of pre-programmed regional recipes and enjoy familiar flavors at the touch of a button.
FAQs for Difference Between OTG And Microwave Oven ( Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it possible to bake cakes and pizza in the microwave?
Yes, but only under one scenario. Your microwave oven should include a setting that simulates an OTG environment. That mode is ‘Convection mode’.
This mode assists you in baking cakes, cookies, pizzas, bread, and other baked goods and, when used properly, produces the same results as an oven.
This mode assists you in baking cakes, cookies, pizzas, bread, and other baked goods and, when used properly, produces the same results as an oven. If your microwave oven offers this function, you may bake veggies, chicken, or fish, as well as baked appetizers like baked samosas.
If a microwave oven lacks a convection setting, it is classified as a Solo Microwave Oven. In a single microwave oven, you can’t bake or grill, but you can make instant mug cakes, biscuit cakes, and the other items described at the start of this piece that don’t require the “baking” feature.
Microwave ovens of this sort can only be used to reheat or cook a limited number of foods.
Is it possible to heat meals with an OTG?
Yes, you certainly can. However, there is no such thing as a reheating mode. Yes, depending on the food temperature, it may take 5-10 minutes to warm the food. Basically, it will begin to cook (again). Similar to a microwave, but with a far higher power output. Mug cakes and fast biscuit cakes are based on this notion.
Is it possible to use a microwave as an oven?
The simple answer is yes; your microwave may be used as an oven. You will, however, need a convection oven to accomplish this. Convection ovens function like ordinary ovens and can be used to make cakes, breads, cookies, and whatever other you wish to bake.
What does “Convection Microwave Oven” mean?
An oven with a fan that circulates warm air is known as a convection oven. This enables for a lower operating temperature while cooking at a faster rate. It also ensures a more consistent baking. Convection Microwave (Oven): A microwave that also functions as a convection oven.
What is the purpose of preheating the oven before baking?
While using baking elements like yeast, baking soda, and baking powder, that react to heat, preheating an oven is extremely necessary.
Food also cooks faster in a preheated oven because the temperature is set correctly from the start and your dish can begin cooking right away.
Bottom Line
Choosing between an OTG vs microwave oven is a personal decision that requires you to consider your cooking interests and preferences.
Although the two appliances appear to be extremely similar at first glance, they actually provide extremely distinct experiences based on your needs.
Whichever product you choose, you’ll have a variety of benefits and drawbacks to consider. The best bet is to figure out what best matches your cooking needs.
However, keep in mind that an OTG is required for baking and grilling, whilst a microwave oven is best for fast cooking, reheating or defrosting your meals.
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