If you’re serious about cooking, baking, or grilling in the Indian kitchen, choosing between an OTG (Oven Toaster Griller) and a microwave oven can be tricky. But here’s the truth: OTGs offer far better results for traditional and modern baking alike. This guide tells you exactly why.
Table of Contents
1. What Is an OTG and Why It’s Better Than a Microwave
🔥 OTG (Oven Toaster Griller)
- Works like a traditional oven using heating coils
- Delivers authentic browning, crisping, and even cooking
- Perfect for Indian-style grilling and baking
Use Case: Cakes, cookies, tandoori, pizza, grilled kebabs, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, etc.
⚡ Microwave Oven (Even Convection Type)
- Uses microwaves + hot air to cook
- Often lacks true convection and even browning
- Better suited for reheating, boiling, defrosting
Use Case: Rice, curry reheating, quick cooking – not ideal for precision baking
2. Why OTG is Better in Most Use Cases
| Feature | OTG (Winner) | Convection Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Quality | Excellent | Moderate |
| Grilling | True rotisserie | Heating element only |
| Cooking Texture | Authentic | Moist, uneven browning |
| Utensil Support | All types | No metal allowed |
| Durability | Fewer electronics | More prone to failure |
| Cooking Space | Spacious racks | Cramped trays |
3. OTG Features You Must Have
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Timer with Auto Cut-off | Avoids burning, improves safety |
| Temperature Control | Critical for baking perfection |
| Motorized Rotisserie | Even cooking of meat & paneer |
| Multiple Racks | Bake multiple trays at once |
| Glass Door + Light | Visual baking inspection |
4. Ideal Capacity for Indian Homes
| Family Size | Recommended OTG Size |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 15–20L |
| 3–4 people | 25–30L |
| 5+ people | 35–42L |
5. Best OTG Brands in India (2025)
✅ Bajaj – Value for money, reliable
✅ Morphy Richards – Best for serious bakers
✅ Agaro – Heavy-duty, stainless steel interior
✅ Usha – Durable with even heating
✅ Philips – Compact, high-quality heating
6. Top Recommended OTG Models (2025)
- Morphy Richards 30RCSS – 30L, motorized rotisserie, 2000W
- Agaro Grand OTG 40L – Great for family baking, heavy build
- Bajaj Majesty 2800 TMCSS – Budget-friendly + timer
7. OTG Energy Consumption & Maintenance
- Power: 1200–2000W depending on size
- Easy to clean rods & trays
- Long lifespan (5–10 years) with basic care
✅ Use with a surge protector for safety
8. Why Not Choose Microwave?
- Cannot use metal cookware
- Limited grilling ability
- Uneven browning while baking
- Often more expensive for same size
- No rotisserie in most models
Microwave ovens are best used only for reheating and quick defrosting. Even in convection types, the true baking texture is missing.
9. Final Verdict: OTG is the Winner
| Task | Best Appliance |
|---|---|
| Baking cakes, cookies | OTG |
| Grilling paneer or chicken | OTG |
| Making pizza, lasagna | OTG |
| Heating leftover curry | Microwave |
| Defrosting food quickly | Microwave |
✅ Conclusion: For Indian families looking to explore baking, grilling, or tandoori cooking, an OTG is far more capable, flexible, and value-for-money than a microwave oven.
10. Final Checklist Before Buying
✅ Choose size based on family
✅ Timer & temperature knob
✅ Rotisserie if you grill often
✅ Easy-to-clean interiors
✅ Local service availability
11. FAQs
Q. Can I use metal trays in OTG?
Absolutely! Steel, aluminium, borosilicate – all supported.
Q. Is OTG slower than microwave?
Yes, but the results are better in terms of taste and texture.
Q. Can OTG be used for reheating?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Use microwave for that.
Q. Which is healthier for cooking?
OTG has no radiation and gives dry, oil-free crispy results.