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 materials and substances that can be released into food.

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

And he arrived microwave. Until the mid-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 for heating milk and water, and for reheating stored food.

The debate over whether microwaves are healthy or not continues. There are scientific studies for and against (there are everything), but among the natural food schools There is a consensus to reject it. Dr. Odile Fernández, the biochemist Olga Cuevas or the energy cooking expert Montse Bradford are some of the authors who advise against it. Beyond the debate, the truth is that there are increasingly more and better alternatives to the microwave. Get to 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 interior 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 removable handle and integrated cable. Everything fits inside a bag that is very easy to carry. It can be used in any area of ​​the world as long as there is an electrical connection and 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 grill food like at home. There are even cheaper ones than microwaves.

  Cecotec Bake & Toast: Lacquered steel tabletop electric oven with 10 liters capacity and 1000 W of power.

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Reheat food at home

In the past, and throughout history until the microwave, we have survived by eating freshly cooked food or heating leftover meals in ovens. casseroles and pots available, over the heat, stirring so they don’t stick and adding some water or broth if necessary.

Today, in homes where it has been decided to do without microwaves, they use small saucepans or pans depending on portionsor you use the bain-marie, the conventional oven or your new accessory of warming trays.

Although the devices hotplate They are more common in restaurants, they can also have domestic use. These are kitchen utensils designed to maintain the temperature of foods once they are ready to serve. Some are also capable of reheating them. They are available for one 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 low temperatures. These dish warmers are the most modern and efficient, and are perfectly integrated into the kitchen.

Teka: 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)

• Breast warmer. The issue of liquids is simpler and there are comfortable and effective solutions, such as electric breast warmers, which can also be used to warm vegetable drinks (some also function as skimmers).
• Kettles. They are a classic and are available both for cooking over a fire and on a ceramic hob and 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 use that is intended for the water that is heated.
• Office and travel kettles. Made of stainless steel, small and lightweight. There are even models on the market to connect to the car’s electrical system. Both steel and glass are considered safer materials than plastic when in contact with hot water.

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