Reheating food without a microwave is not only possible but also healthier and safer. In this how-to guide, you’ll discover nine easy ways to reheat food using appliances and kitchen tools you already have. Follow the step-by-step directions to ensure your meals are warmed up perfectly.
One effective method is using a covered pot on a stovetop. Many people ask Food and Meal that How to reheat food without a microwave?, and after some years without one in our home, we’ve found this to be one of my go-to ways for warming up food.
Why Get Rid of Your Microwave
Reheating food without a microwave offers several advantages:
| Safer | Microwaves often result in uneven heating and hot spots. These alternative reheating methods ensure even heating, making your food safer to consume. |
| Healthier | Microwaving food can strip away nutrients due to radiation. Reheating without a microwave preserves essential vitamins and antioxidants, making your meals healthier and more nutritious. |
| Space-saving | Eliminating the microwave from your kitchen can create a cleaner and more attractive space, decluttering your countertops and enhancing the overall look of your kitchen. |
Some Food and Meal trust products
Cook N Home 2 Quarts Double Boiler, Silver
Compatible with all stovetops
Dishwasher-friendly
Compatible with induction cook-tops
May not be true to size
Cuisinart Saucepan and Double Boiler Set
No-spill lid
Heat-resistant handles
Designed with heat-surround technology
Dishwasher-safe
Saucepan can be used separately
Breville Compact Smart Oven
Weight; 22.7 pounds
Bread capacity;Four slices
Settings; Toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza, roast, cookies and reheat
Easy to use and clean
Cuisinart TOA-65 Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven
Weight:20.3 pounds
Bread capacity:Six slices
Settings: Air fry, bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza, roast, dehydrate, proof, low, dual cook, reheat and warm
Loaded with pre-set cooking temps and times
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
Item Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 14.25 inches
Capacity: 5.5 quarts
Functions: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Dishwasher safe
COSORI Pro II 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
Item Dimensions: 11.78 x 13.87 x 12 inches
Capacity: 5.8 quarts Functions Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French Fries, Vegetables, Toast, Bake, Preheat, Keep Warm
Square basket offers good cooking area
9 Ways to Reheat Food Without a Microwave
Hot Stone Bowl
Looking for an alternative to stove cooking? Try using a hot stone bowl! I’m obsessed with my Korean stone bowl for making bibimbap at home. Simply layer rice, meat, and veggies inside the bowl, then cook over low to medium heat with the lid on top to heat the whole dish evenly. It’s like the stove option, but you can eat right out of the bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
You can easily find a Korean hot stone bowl (dolsot) on Amazon or at your local Asian grocery store. Just spray the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking, add your desired food, and cover with the lid. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, and you can even add a little water for steam. When it’s ready, either eat from the bowl (use caution, as it will be very hot) or transfer the food to a separate plate. Reheating usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on the dish and the amount of food.
Double Boiler in an Instant Pot
Another way to steam food for reheating is by using an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. It’s a convenient option since you can multitask while the food reheats. Simply add 1 cup of water to the inner pot and place a metal trivet at the bottom. Place the food you want to reheat in a heat-safe container like glass or stainless steel and put it on the trivet. Lock the steam vent, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes (or 2-3 minutes for vegetables), and let it do its magic.
After the reheating process, do a quick release to vent the steam. Check the food to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated. Keep in mind that it takes about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking starts, so consider this in your total cooking time.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, I recommend checking out my Instant Pot tips and tricks, as this versatile appliance can save you a lot of time in the kitchen.
Double Boiler
Another excellent method for reheating without a microwave is using a double boiler. Unlike microwaves, which offer fast and inconsistent heat, a double boiler provides precise temperature control through even, radiant heat.
This technique is perfect for reheating grains like oatmeal, rice, or pasta. It also works well for vegetables, stewed meat, mashed potatoes, or any dish that might become dry when reheated using other methods.
To use a double boiler, take a large pot with high sides and add about ½ to 1 cup of water along with a metal trivet. Place the heat-safe container containing the food you want to reheat, such as a Mason jar or glass food storage container, on the trivet. Cover the pot with a lid and use medium heat to generate steam, which will gently heat the food.
Reheating with a double boiler usually takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on the dish and the amount of food.
Stovetop
Reheating without a microwave is straightforward using the stove. For leftover foods like soups, stews, beans, pasta sauce, pasta noodles, or rice, use a pan or pot, add a little water or broth, and cover it with a lid. Use low to medium heat to create steam and heat up the food without burning.
When reheating roasted, fried, or baked meat, vegetable dishes, or stir-fry, opt for a fat like avocado oil, olive oil, or butter instead of water. Add the fat to the pan, cover it with a lid, and use low to medium heat. The lid locks in the heat, ensuring even cooking inside and out – a great way to reheat meat without a microwave.
Remember, if using a new pan, don’t forget to season your cast iron pan before reheating to avoid ruining your meal.
Bake in the Toaster Oven
Reheating leftovers becomes a breeze with a toaster oven. It’s perfect for heating up a variety of foods like pizza, casseroles, burgers (just separate the bun and the patties), French fries, fried foods, quiche, grilled meat, and anything with a crust. The toaster oven cooks faster than a regular oven, making it ideal for satisfying hungry little ones or when you’re in a hurry.
Simply place the food on a tray that fits the toaster oven. Set the temperature to a lower range, around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for approximately 3-5 minutes (casseroles might require more time). Check if the food is ready, and adjust as needed. For an extra touch of crispy deliciousness, switch to the broil setting for an additional minute or two.
Air Fryer
The air fryer offers an excellent method to reheat various foods, including pizza, fried foods, steak, BBQ ribs, chicken nuggets, chicken wings, baked potatoes, quiche with a crust, and similar items you would typically use a toaster oven or broil setting for. This appliance ensures your food stays crispy on the outside while being thoroughly cooked on the inside.
To get started, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with a cooking spray like avocado or coconut oil. Place the food in the basket and insert it into the air fryer. Adjust the temperature to 350 degrees and reheat the food for 3-4 minutes. Check the food’s readiness, and if needed, add another 1-2 minutes.
For foods like pizza, BBQ ribs, or anything that can get messy, consider placing parchment paper on the bottom of the basket before putting the food on top. This helps keep the air fryer clean and prevents any potential messes.
Broil in the Oven
Similar to the toaster oven, using the oven works best for foods like pizza, French fries, grilled meat, and casseroles. However, be cautious with pasta dishes or rice, as they may dry out in the oven without some liquid, so consider other reheating methods for those.
Set the oven to a high temperature, such as 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit, or use the broil setting. Once the oven is ready, place the food on a baking sheet and position it on the top tray of the oven. Reheat for 3-5 minutes and then check for doneness. Depending on the food, you may need to flip it over to ensure both sides become crisp.
For casseroles, cover the dish and place it in the oven at a lower temperature, around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The covering will help the heat cook the dish thoroughly inside and out. Reheating casseroles may take a bit longer, approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the dish and the volume of food.
Portable Food Warmer
If you’re wondering how to heat up food while on the go or in a hotel without a microwave, consider using a portable food warmer or crockpot. These options are perfect for reheating meals evenly and without any burning or unwanted odors.
Portable food warmers come in various styles to suit your needs while traveling. Many of them require an outlet or car charger to operate, and they contain a heating element that can effectively reheat foods in heat-safe containers. Some styles even come with the container included, offering extra convenience for your reheating needs.
Steam
Steaming is one of the best ways to reheat foods like rice, quinoa, pasta, and vegetables without sauce. It conserves the fiber, texture, and flavor while adding moisture to the food. This method also helps preserve essential nutrients, such as vitamin B & C, which can be damaged by microwaving. Simply add water to a pot, use a stainless steel or bamboo steamer basket, and heat on low-medium for 3-5 minutes or until ready. Be cautious with vegetables as they may heat faster and overcook.
FAQs about How to Reheat Food Without a Microwave
Q1: What are alternative methods for reheating food without using a microwave?
Answer: Alternative methods include stovetop reheating, oven reheating, toaster oven reheating, and using a steamer. Each method offers different advantages depending on the type of food.
Q2: How do I reheat food on the stovetop without a microwave?
Answer: To reheat on the stovetop, use a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
Q3: Can I use the oven to reheat various types of food?
Answer: Yes, the oven is versatile for reheating. Use low temperatures for gentle reheating of casseroles, meats, and baked goods. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Q4: Is a toaster oven suitable for reheating food?
Answer: Yes, a toaster oven is ideal for reheating small portions of food or items that benefit from a crispy texture, such as pizza or baked goods.
Q5: How do I reheat liquids or soups without a microwave?
Answer: Reheat liquids on the stovetop in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. For small amounts, use a kettle. Avoid high heat to prevent scalding.
Q6: Can I reheat frozen food without a microwave?
Answer: Yes, use the oven for frozen items, adjusting cooking times as needed. Thawing in the refrigerator before reheating can lead to better results.
Q7: What precautions should I take when reheating in the oven?
Answer:* Cover dishes with foil to prevent excessive drying. Check periodically to avoid overcooking, and use oven-safe containers.
Q8: Is it possible to reheat bread or pastries without a microwave?
Answer: Reheat bread in the oven for a few minutes or use a toaster. For pastries, a toaster oven or conventional oven at low temperatures works well.
Q9: Can I use a steamer to reheat food without a microwave?
Answer: Yes, a steamer is a gentle method for reheating, preserving the moisture in food. Steam vegetables, rice, and other dishes until heated through.
Q10: How do I maintain food quality when reheating without a microwave?
Answer: To maintain quality, cover food to retain moisture, use low to medium heat, and stir or check periodically to ensure even reheating. Adjust cooking times based on the type of food and reheating method.
21 December ·
The No-Microwave Meal Warm-Up Guide
By Food And Meal
Discover innovative ways to enjoy warm food without the use of a microwave. Dive into both traditional secrets and modern techniques that bring your leftovers back to life. Whether you're at home or on the go, get ready to explore the art of reheating meals and savoring them just as they were intended, all without the common tech of microwaves. Tune in and heat up your culinary game!
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.