Is Microwave same as Small compact Oven

No, a microwave and a small compact oven are not the same, although both are used for cooking and heating food. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Cooking Method:

Microwave: Cooks food using microwave radiation, which heats water molecules inside the food, causing it to cook quickly from the inside out. It's great for reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals but doesn't brown or crisp food.

Small Compact Oven (Toaster Oven or Convection Oven): Cooks food using radiant heat from heating elements and often has a fan to circulate hot air (in the case of a convection oven). This method allows for more traditional cooking, such as baking, roasting, toasting, and broiling. It can brown and crisp food, similar to a full-size oven.

2. Functions:

Microwave: Typically limited to heating, defrosting, and simple cooking (e.g., steaming, boiling).

Small Compact Oven: Can bake, broil, roast, toast, and sometimes grill. Many have adjustable temperature settings, making them more versatile for cooking a wide variety of dishes.

3. Time:

Microwave: Generally faster because it heats food from the inside out, making it ideal for quick meals or reheating.

Small Compact Oven: Takes longer, as it heats food more slowly from the outside in, like a traditional oven.

4. Results:

Microwave: Doesn’t provide crispy or browned finishes. Food may come out steamed or softened.

Small Compact Oven: Can achieve crispy, browned, and evenly cooked results, similar to a conventional oven.

5. Size and Portability:

Microwave: Typically larger and bulkier than a small compact oven, although some models are quite compact.

Small Compact Oven: Often smaller and more portable, but may take up less counter space than a standard microwave.

In summary, while both appliances can be useful for different types of cooking, a small compact oven is more versatile for tasks like baking, roasting, and toasting, while a microwave excels at fast heating and defrosting.