Microwave vs oven

[georgevan]

I noticed that many frozen foods give instructions for a microwave but not oven. My problem i don't have a microwave. Is there some rule of the thumb that one can use an oven while adjusting the oven temperature to the temperature called for on the microwave instructions?

 

[caseydog]

A lot of microwaveable foods come in containers that are plastic, or something else that can't go in an oven. You would first have to verify that, and if necessary, move the frozen food into another cooking vessel.

CD

 

[knowledge keeper]

For frozen foods, a good rule of thumb is to bake them in the oven at 180-200°C (350-400°F). If the microwave instructions say, like, 5-10 minutes on high, you can use the oven at 180-200°C instead.

 

[dragnlaw]

Woof, don't think I've ever seen a micro-wave instruction for as long as 10 minutes. That being said, using the oven will likely take twice as long (or more) but it really depends on what it is.
Are they individual pieces?
A solid casserole?
Do the instructions for the micro say to just pierce (vent) the plastic top.
For example, I often buy Reser's Mac n Cheese, 340 g takes a total of 4 minutes in the micro. 2 minutes with the top pierced to vent, remove top and stir, 1 minute again (all this is on high) and then rest 1 minute.
They do not give oven instructions but they do give stove top - (heat gently til hot, adding milk if necessary)
But I think should I want to do it in th oven, as kkeeper said, 350 to 400 in a different (oven compatible) vessel, for as long as it takes! Probably a good 20 minutes, 10 perhaps covered, 10 without lid.
Should I happen to freeze it, and from frozen, it would probably be about 35 minutes covered and 10 minutes or more uncovered.

 

[Aunt Bea]

There are so many variables and personal preferences that it would be difficult to give an exact formula.

I would start by preheating the oven to 350f - 400f and transferring the frozen food to a covered oven safe dish, bake 4-6 times longer than the time specified on the original packaging.

Experience will help you come up with your own formula for heating a few favorites.

I would seriously consider buying an inexpensive 1100watt microwave.

I use mine several times a day to reheat beverages, leftovers, and to cook steam in bag frozen vegetables, frozen entrees , etc…

A microwave won’t replace a conventional oven but it is a big convenience at a relatively small cost.

 

[rodentraiser]

My microwave is kind of small, but when I put a frozen Stouffer's dinner in it, I usually put it in for at least 7 minutes, stirring halfway. Any less and I have cool spots in the food.

I get annoyed sometimes when there are no explicit instructions for oven use, though. And sometimes a box will say not to use in a toaster oven. Well, I think what I have is a large toaster oven, so I have cooked some stuff saying that on the package in it. It seems to turn out OK.
But if I know I want to cook something in the oven and there are no oven instructions, I let it thaw in the fridge first and put it in a baking dish. My go to temp for anything I'm not sure of is 350° until it looks done. I know that's probably not a lot of help.

 

[Aunt Bea]

My microwave is kind of small, but when I put a frozen Stouffer's dinner in it, I usually put it in for at least 7 minutes, stirring halfway. Any less and I have cool spots in the food.

I get annoyed sometimes when there are no explicit instructions for oven use, though. And sometimes a box will say not to use in a toaster oven. Well, I think what I have is a large toaster oven, so I have cooked some stuff saying that on the package in it. It seems to turn out OK.
But if I know I want to cook something in the oven and there are no oven instructions, I let it thaw in the fridge first and put it in a baking dish. My go to temp for anything I'm not sure of is 350° until it looks done. I know that's probably not a lot of help.

Thawing overnight in the fridge is a good idea for many things.

 

[dragnlaw]

My microwave is kind of small, but when I put a frozen Stouffer's dinner in it, I usually put it in for at least 7 minutes, stirring halfway. Any less and I have cool spots in the food.

and that's why you stir halfway

 

[blissful]

...I would seriously consider buying an inexpensive 1100watt microwave.

I use mine several times a day to reheat beverages, leftovers, and to cook steam in bag frozen vegetables, frozen entrees , etc…

A microwave won’t replace a conventional oven but it is a big convenience at a relatively small cost.

My 30 some year old microwave finally gave up the ghost this spring. In a few minutes I found an 1100 watt microwave for sale on facebook marketplace for $25-30, picked it up that afternoon. There are many good brands and easy to come by.
We reheat our meals 4 out of 5 times using the microwave.

 

[caseydog]

My go to temp for anything I'm not sure of is 350° until it looks done.

Yeah, that is my go-to as well. I can always turn the temp up if needed to do some browning, but if I start too hot, I could have burnt on the outside, and cold in the middle.

CD