OTG Oven vs Microwaves: Price & Concept Comparison

Last Updated on 20 January, 2023 by Sourav Roy

OTG Oven vs Microwaves: Yes, that’s exactly what we are here to discuss today.

First, get one thing straight. I am not here to reveal the better one. It’s not a battle, and we don’t have a winner here. It’s all about how different both the appliances function and their disparities.

OTG Oven vs Microwaves

Most people are of the thought process that both appliances are almost the same and fulfil similar requirements. I am sorry to burst your bubble here. You will be amazed to know that everything about an OTG oven and microwave is dissimilar.

From the cooking functionality to budget to use of cutlery to food requirements. So, even though they appear to be the same, I repeat they are different in their unique ways. Curious? Let’s get into the details.

 

OTG Oven: How does it Work?

OTG Oven

Popularly known as an OTG (Oven, Toaster, Grill), it is a smaller version of a traditional oven. The appliance is covered by grills and rods, which heat up once you turn on the appliance. The rods are placed at the top and the roof of the appliance, allowing proper heating of the food and surrounding air. All OTGs have the option to switch either to one or both coils. The top coil is enough if you are looking for just the grilling effect. In the case of baking, you must turn on both coils. However, foods in OTG require some amount of preheating.

OTG ovens are capable of effective baking, grilling and broiling. You can be sure of having the perfect browning and crisping results. The appliance is known to be a bakers delight. Spongy muffins, crisp cookies, perfectly baked cakes, pizzas, samosas, cutlets, etc. An OTG can make all of these to perfection.

What are the advantages of an OTG Oven?

  • It is an ideal appliance for baking and grilling.
  • The running of an OTG consumes less electricity.
  • An OTG is convenient for every pocket.
  • The appliance is light in weight. Therefore, it is easily portable.
  • You can use it for heating food.
  • An OTG has special broiling modes.
  • OTGs are easily portable.
  • They are easy to use.
  • Most models are equipped with a rotisserie.

What are the disadvantages of an OTG Oven?

  • It requires a certain amount of preheating time.
  • It is slower than a microwave oven – cooking and reheating.
  • Does not have an exclusive defrost mode.
  • The heat distribution is less even.
  • There is no auto cook functionality mode.
  • Cleaning an OTG can be time-consuming.

What containers can be accommodated in an OTG?

  • Glass
  • Ceramic
  • Silicone
  • Metal

When to choose an OTG?

When to choose an OTG

Let’s get straight to the point. Let me tell you when it makes complete sense for you to invest in an Oven Toaster Griller.

  • Are you a professional baker or looking to start a small cake business from your home? OTG will really help!
  • If you love baking pizzas, cookies and muffins as your hobby or for the love of your family.
  • You are not looking for reheating of food.

Price Range of an OTG

If you are a little tight on your budget and your requirements are confined to baking and grilling, an OTG makes total sense for you. The upfront cost of an OTG is less compared to a microwave oven. You can have access to various options in the price range of 1,500 – 15,000. The cost depends on the capacity of the appliance, features and brand. So, choose your pick accordingly. If your family comprises 4-5 people, I recommend buying the Philips HD6975/00 25 Litre Digital Oven Toaster Grill, Grey, 25 litres. The price will not disturb your pocket, and you will have the luxury of enjoying a 2-year warranty. Baking, Grilling, Toasting and even Browning- the powerful 1500 watts motor will let you enjoy all of it with consistent results.

 

Microwave Oven (Solo)- How does it work?

Microwave Oven

Solo microwave ovens need no introduction. They are the most basic models and are very useful in regular chores. Hence, they are known as entry-level microwaves. The appliance involves magnetrons, microwaves, and water molecules that help defrost, reheat, and basic cooking. However, you can cook only in small quantities. The appliance has a high frequency of waves. So, the food gets heated not just from the outside but also the inside. Unlike an OTG, Baking and Grilling are a big No with the solo microwave oven. Also, unlike convection microwaves, the cooking is pretty restricted with a solo microwave oven.

A solo microwave oven is capable of effectual defrosting, reheating of food, preparing pasta, crunchy popcorn, tea & coffee and the ‘instant food from the market. You deserve to know that you cannot use the appliance for baking cakes, pizzas, muffins, cookies or slices of bread. Also, you cannot prepare grilled food in a solo microwave oven.

What are the advantages of a solo microwave Oven?

  • You can easily find an economical option.
  • The dimensions are small. So they can fit in easily anywhere.
  • The appliance is convenient to use.
  • Best for reheating food and defrosting.
  • Solo microwave ovens make it easy to use leftover food.
  • It does not require any preheating time.
  • The best microwave ovens heat up quicker than you can even think.
  • Cleaning the appliance takes only a few minutes.
  • The inside of the microwave does not get hot when you heat the dish.

What are the disadvantages of a solo microwave Oven?

  • The consumption of energy is high.
  • You can use only microwave-safe utensils.
  • A solo microwave oven is restricted to its operations.
  • You can cook only one meal at a time.
  • It is not an ideal option for large families.
  • You cannot use it for baking and grilling.

What containers can be accommodated in a solo microwave oven?

  • Glass
  • Silicone
  • Ceramic

When to choose a solo microwave oven?

When to choose a solo microwave oven

In these below-mentioned situations, you must have no doubts about investing in the solo microwave oven.

  • You are not looking for baking and grilling.
  • Reheating food is your prime reason.
  • You are looking for basic cooking.

Price Range of a Solo Microwave Oven

The upfront cost of a solo microwave oven is more than an OTG; however, it is still economical. The best of these appliances fall in the price range of 3,000 – 15,000. Again, the price depends on the capacity and its other features. If you are a medium-sized family with 3-4 people, my pick for you would be the Samsung 23 L Solo Microwave Oven (MS23F301TAK/TL, Black). You can use it for easy cooking, defrosting and reheating. The appliance is equipped with an energy-saving mode, anti-bacterial protection and easy controls. Besides a one year warranty on the product and magnetron, the brand offers ten years warranty on the cavity. And that’s the icing on the cake!

 

OTG Oven vs Microwaves: Quick Comparision

OTG Oven vs Microwaves Quick Comparision

Well, you know the functionality, advantages and disadvantages of both the appliances. Now let me compare the two based on a few parameters. Post that; there’s going to be no room for confusion or doubt.

1. Inside Spacing

Oven Inside Spacing

Due to the number of trays, and OTG allows multiple cooking at one go. You can slide in more than one tray at the same time and get different things done up simultaneously. In the case of a solo microwave oven, the turntable can handle only one dish at one time. So, there is no scope for multiple cooking.

 

2. Versatility of utensils

Versatility of utensils

When it comes to the shape, OTG can accommodate square, rectangular and round; all of them comfortably. Also, you can use glass, ceramic, silicone and metal utensils. No restriction on anything! However, it’s not the same case with a solo microwave oven. Occupying a rectangular shaped vessel can be problematic. Also, you can use only microwave-safe dishes and no metals strictly.

 

3. Heating Time & Distribution

Oven Heating Time & Distribution

The mechanism of an OTG is such that it takes a few minutes for the appliance and food to heat up. Moreover, the food requires to be preheated. Therefore, if you attempt to cook food from scratch in an OTG, it will consume a lot of time.

But in a solo microwave oven, there is no time required for heating the food. It’s as instant as you turn on the appliance. The distribution of heat on a solo microwave oven is more even compared to an OTG.

 

4. Suitability

An OTG is best suited for baking, grilling and roasting. A solo microwave oven is an appropriate option for reheating, defrosting and cooking.

 

5. Affordability

In this case, I would not call either of the appliances expensive or unaffordable. A solo microwave and an OTG both are very much economical. However, an OTG is a cheaper option.

 

6. Ease of use and cleaning

oven cleaning

A solo microwave oven wins hands down on both these parameters. The digital display of the appliance makes it easy to operate compared to the knobs integrated into an OTG. We also discussed how an OTG has multiple racks, but a microwave doesn’t. So cleaning the latter is easier.

 

7. Portability

An OTG and microwave oven of the same capacity have a drastic difference in weight. A microwave oven is way more bulky and heavy in weight. Therefore, it is not easy to move it from one place to another. So, it’s not easily portable.

 

Our Last Thoughts

OTG Oven vs Microwaves: Which one do you choose?

It’s easy. Choose the appliance as per your requirement.

Looking for frequent baking and grilling? Buy an OTG Oven.

Looking for reheating of food and defrosting? Buy a Microwave oven.

Easy right? Cooking is like love; make no compromise!

Don’t miss our blog on the 9 Best Microwave Ovens in India 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide to explore detailed features.

If you would like to get into more specifications of this appliance, glance through Microwave prices in India – Know How Much is OK to spend in 2023

Hey, thanks for staying till the end. See you soon!

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