Evolution of the Appliance: The Story of the Microwave Ovens and Air Fryers

Today’s appliances are not the same as those of your parents. With smart technology improving and making everything smarter, from your TV to your thermostat, appliances are no different. Appliances, such as your Microwave Oven, can be turned on from your phone, and foods can be cooked faster and healthier using Air Fryer technology. Have commercial appliances, normally sold to restaurants, found their way into the average household? In this series of articles, we will explore where each of the following appliances is with regard to features, style, and price:

•         Stoves and Ovens
•         Garbage Disposals
•         Dishwashers
•         Refrigerators/Freezers
•         Washing Machines/Dryers

In this article, we are talking about Microwave Ovens and Air Fryers. It is undeniable that microwave ovens and air fryers make cooking quick, easy, healthy, and convenient. Whether you are a cook or not, they do many things and have become an essential part of our kitchen. Microwave ovens and air fryers use different cooking methods, each suitable for a specific purpose. Because of the great features of each, the industry has come up with a microwave/air fryer combination. Technology has also made these appliances more efficient. In this informational article, we will be looking at the latest technology in microwave ovens and air fryers.

History

The story of microwave ovens can be traced back to the rapid technological growth during World War II. Since then, it has evolved as a product catering to the needs of today’s kitchen appliance industry. Microwave Ovens were invented by Percy Spencer in 1945 when he discovered that the chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. He found out later that it was because of a radar tube he was working on at that time. Because of this, he was able to create the first microwave oven.

Air fryers, in contrast to microwave ovens, are considered cutting-edge technology. At a consumer electronics expo in Berlin in 2010, Philips presented the first Air fryer brand of convection oven which was invented by Fred van der Weij. By 2018, the term “air fryer” became a general term.

Technology and Microwave Ovens / Air Fryers

Our beloved cooking appliances have evolved into the new generation air fryers and microwave ovens of today. These appliances are used for preparing food more efficiently; each using different mechanisms. Microwave ovens use microwave waves, while air fryers use hot air. Read on to get familiar with the latest technology related to microwave ovens and air fryers.

Features of the Latest Microwave Ovens and Air Fryers

Modern microwaves and air fryers are significantly more versatile than when they were initially created. Today, most of these appliances come with a long list of features, and the list keeps growing. The following highlights the most recent features of microwave ovens and air fryers.

•         A smart microwave oven or air fryer can be connected to your phone, so you can turn the appliance on or off, control the settings remotely, and monitor your food status.  A safety feature notifies you via your phone when the appliance door is left open.
•         Another great option that smart air fryers and microwave ovens have is auto warming. This feature helps keep your food warm until you are ready to eat it.
•         You can also download recipes, get cooking guidance using the app on your phone, and have the appliance read the cooking steps.
•         Some air fryers have a Calorie Count feature. This is helpful in tracking calories if you are trying to gain or lose weight.
•         The most recent models of microwave ovens now have Smart Displays that are easy to use. In addition to offering the oven a fashionable and elegant appearance, it enables you to monitor the cooking process.
•         Using Steam Sensors, some microwave ovens can shut off automatically when they detect the food is ready. This function makes sure that the meal is not overcooked or undercooked.
•         Some microwave ovens include a feature called Power-Saving Mode. This feature helps conserve energy and save money by using a specific percentage of the power needed for each function. For example, 30% of power is enough for defrosting.

Modern microwave oven in kitchen

Price

As you all know, the price of every appliance depends on its features. For a standard microwave, you will pay between $50 – $350, but if you choose a smart one, the price increases to between $400 – $1,500. For the air fryer, according to US News (2022), “air fryers range in price from $50 to $500”. You can buy a smart air fryer for just $100. The price highly depends on the cooking functions and smart features. But a microwave oven/air fryer combo costs between $100 – $529.  Microwave/Air fryers, in my opinion, are well worth it if you choose the proper type! They enable you to heat food quickly using the microwave setting and crisp food using the air fryer setting.

Future

When comparing these smart appliances with the early ones, I wonder what we will see in future microwaves and air fryers. Microwave ovens and air fryers, compared to 4 or 5 years ago, have increased in popularity and I feel will continue to do so.  Technology will surely keep pace with this growth in popularity and we will see more advancement over the ones currently available.  They may be quicker, more energy efficient, and potentially eliminate the need for stoves in our homes all together.