How to heat food without a microwave

We usually consider that the “trinity” of healthy cooking is made up of the choice of: natural foods and ingredients and quality, a cooking method that preserves its properties to the maximum and toxic free kitchen supplies and substances that can be released into food.

The three aspects ensure a healthy diet when we cook at home and at the moment, but if we are away or cook in advance, we must also consider how the food is heated

and the microwave. Until the middle of the 20th century, this dilemma did not exist, but since the microwave oven became popular in the 1980s, many people do not know how to heat without it. In fact, it is one of the most used appliances, especially to heat milk and water, and to reheat stored food.

The debate over whether or not microwaves are healthy continues. There are scientific studies for and against (there is everything), but between schools of natural food there is consensus in rejecting it. The doctor Odile Fernández, the biochemist Olga Cuevas or the expert in energy cooking Montse Bradford are some of the authors who advise against it. Beyond the debate, the truth is that there are more and better alternatives to the microwave. Know them!

heating food away from home

Electric lunch box. This is one of the great novelties in the world of take away. It is a lunch box-appliance (all in one) prepared to be transported and heat the food little by little.

Unold Lunch Box: Very practical, it includes a handle, two inner containers and cutlery.

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Electric mini pot. A very good idea for nomadic professionals, students away from home or small kitchens. It is a 0.6 liter capacity casserole with a detachable handle and integrated cable. Everything fits inside a very easy to carry bag. It can be used in any area of ​​the world as long as there is an electrical connection and it serves for cooking or heating small portions pasta, rice, soups… or to boil water, for example. The material is stainless steel and there is no resistance inside the pot.

Unold: Small portable electric pot with a capacity of 0.6 liters.

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Portable oven. In some workplaces you may also have conventional tabletop ovens that allow you to heat and gratin food just like at home. There are even cheaper than microwaves.

Cecotec Bake & Toast: Tabletop electric oven in lacquered steel with a 10-liter capacity and 1000 W of power.

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reheat food at home

In the past, and for all of history up to the microwave, we have survived by eating freshly cooked food or heating leftovers in the oven. pots and pans available, over the heat, stirring so that they do not stick and adding a little water or broth if necessary.

Today, in homes where it has been decided to do without microwaves, they are used saucepans or small pans according to the portionsor use the bain-marie, the conventional oven or its new accessory for hot plate trays.

Although the appliances hotplate They are more common in restaurants, they can also be used at home. These are kitchen utensils designed to maintain the temperature of meals once they are ready to serve. Some are also capable of heating them up again. There are ones for a plate or for more capacity and consist of an electric plate or a removable tray for the oven.

It is usually placed in the lower part of the oven, has a capacity for about 6 plates or many cups, and an adjustable thermostat. Some models, due to their ventilation and heat distribution system, even cook at a low temperature. These hot plates are the most modern and efficient, and are perfectly integrated into the kitchen.

Teak: With capacity for six services, removable telescopic drawer and adjustable thermostat between 30° and 80°C.

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How to heat liquids (tea time)

milk warmer The issue of liquids is simpler and there are comfortable and effective solutions, such as electric milk warmers, which can also be used to heating vegetable drinks (some also work as skimmers).Kettles. They are a classic and can be found both for cooking on the fire and on a ceramic hob, as well as in their electric version. The latest in these appliances are the glass kettles with temperature regulator, from 60 to 100 ºC, according to the needs of each type of infusion or the intended use of the heated water.Office and travel kettles. Made of stainless steel, small in size and lightweight. Models are even marketed to connect to the car’s electrical system. Both steel and glass are considered safer materials than plastic to be in contact with hot water.

Therefore, with all these alternatives, eating homemade, healthy and at a good temperature… should no longer be a problem!