Making a delicious pizza at home can be a tricky and time-consuming task. However, with the right equipment it is entirely achievable.
Deciding which appliance of kitchen to use when cooking your pizza is essential. So, which is better to cook a pizza in an OTG (Oven Toaster Griller) or microwave oven.
Both are extremely convenient tools for making a tasty homemade pizza without any hassle, but there are some key differences between the two.
We decided to compare both in our lab by the testing team and give you a solid answer so that you can buy the right appliance.
We evaluated Convection mode, price, and more and conducted 11 tests in total.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the features and benefits of each. Then, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Let’s get started!
Benefits of Cooking Pizza in an OTG Oven
Do you want to make your own pizza at home? Whether you prefer to use an OTG or microwave is up to you. However, cooking pizza in an OTG (Oven, Toaster, Griller) oven can have several benefits, including:
- Consistent heat distribution: OTG ovens use electric heating elements that provide consistent heat distribution, which can help ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and is not burnt on one side while undercooked on the other.
- High temperature: OTG ovens can reach high temperatures, which is necessary for cooking pizza. The high heat allows the dough to cook quickly, creating a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
- Versatility: An OTG oven can be used for a variety of cooking methods, such as baking, toasting, broiling, and grilling. This means you can use it not only for pizza but also for other types of food.
- Convenient: An OTG oven is relatively small and easy to use, which makes it convenient for cooking pizza at home.
- Energy efficiency: They are energy-efficient, which can help save you money on your energy bills.
- Easy to clean: They are easy to clean, with removable parts such as trays and racks that can be washed in the dishwasher.
- Great Speed: You can cook a pizza faster in an OTG oven than in a traditional oven.
- Temperature Control: You can easily control the temperature in an OTG oven, which is essential for cooking a perfect pizza.
- Timer function: They have a built-in timer function that allows you to set the cooking time and alerts you when the pizza is ready.
- Safety: OTG ovens have safety features such as automatic shut off and overheat protection, which makes it safer to use.
Benefits of Cooking Pizza in a Microwave Oven
One option for baking pizzas in an OTG is a convection microwave. A convection microwave will behave like an oven, allowing you to bake bread, cookies, and other foods.
- Faster Speed: Microwave ovens cook food quickly, which can be beneficial when you’re in a rush or want to make a quick and easy meal.
- Convenience: A microwave oven is a convenient appliance to have in the kitchen, and it can be used to cook a variety of foods, including pizza.
- Energy efficiency: Microwave ovens are energy-efficient, which can help save you money on your energy bills.
- Easy to clean: They are easy to clean, with removable parts such as trays and racks that can be washed in the dishwasher.
- Space-saving: They are small and compact which makes it easy to fit in small kitchens.
- Temperature Control: You can easily control the temperature in a microwave oven, which is essential for cooking a perfect pizza.
- Timer function: They have a built-in timer function that allows you to set the cooking time and alerts you when the pizza is ready.
- Safety: Microwave ovens have safety features such as automatic shut off and overheat protection, which makes it safer to use.
- Defrosting: Microwave ovens also have a defrosting function, which can be useful if you’re cooking a frozen pizza.
- Reheating: Microwave ovens are perfect for reheating leftovers, including pizza.
Note: While a microwave oven can cook pizza, it may not give the same results as an OTG oven or traditional oven, it may not have the same texture, flavor and crispiness. OTGs are generally a bit better quality than microwaves because they can caramelize or crisp the food. Microwaves also tend to excite water and prevent browning. An OTG is a better choice if you want a crisp crust.
Convection Mode Comparison
Comparing convection models between an OTG and a microwave oven can be like night and day. An OTG uses a heating element that elongates through the chamber, creating longer heat waves that will rise throughout the entire cavity to more evenly cook food.
In contrast, a microwave oven is generally faster and focuses high-powered frequency on one particular area so food cooks from top down in just minutes.
The advantages of these processes are quite different – an OTG provides for better ventilation of heat over its stovetop and increases temperature control with its reliable thermostats.
In comparison, a microwave can be more efficient when limited on time, leading to quicker cooking intervals from defrosting to reheating leftovers. Overall, it’s important weigh the pros and cons of each appliance when deciding which convection mode is right for you.
Price Comparison of OTG vs Microwave
OTGs generally offer more features and capabilities than microwaves, making them the more expensive option out of the two. However, in spite of their higher price tags, OTGs are a long-term investment that can save both time and money in the long run.
Different retailers across India also have different offers and discounts which further narrow down the difference between prices of an OTG and a microwave oven.
If you’ve been trying to decide between these two pieces of equipment, keep an eye out for the right deals at various stores to get the best value for your money with your appliance purchase.
Which Provides Better Functions, Microwave or OTG Oven?
Both microwave and OTG (Oven, Toaster, Griller) ovens have their own unique features and functions, and the better one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
An OTG oven provides a more versatile range of cooking options, such as baking, toasting, broiling, and grilling. It can reach high temperatures, which is necessary for cooking pizza and other dishes, and it can cook food more evenly.
The high heat allows the dough to cook quickly, creating a crispy crust and bubbly cheese. An OTG oven also has a variety of accessories such as baking trays and wire racks, which makes it easy to cook different types of food.
On the other hand, a microwave oven is a more convenient and faster option. It cooks food quickly, which can be beneficial when you’re in a rush or want to make a quick and easy meal.
They are also energy-efficient, easy to clean, and have a built-in timer function that allows you to set the cooking time and alerts you when the food is ready. Also, they have safety features such as automatic shut off and overheat protection, which makes it safer to use. They also have defrosting and reheating functions which can be useful.
Overall, an OTG oven provides a more versatile range of cooking options and can produce better quality food than a microwave oven, but a microwave oven is a more convenient and faster option.