For over five decades, the microwave has been the centerpiece of American convenience cooking. From dorm rooms in Boston to high-rise apartments in Los Angeles, this box-shaped device has served as the default solution for quick meals and reheated leftovers. But as technology advances and consumers become more health-conscious and connected, the microwave is beginning to feel… outdated. Enter the new wave of smart appliances—offering healthier meals, better taste, and seamless integration with today’s connected homes. One standout option is a smart air fryer for modern kitchens that delivers crisp, evenly cooked meals with smart controls, making it an ideal alternative for today’s tech-forward lifestyle.
Enter the smart kitchen appliance to replace microwave usage for good. These aren’t just gimmicks. From smart convection ovens to air fryers and steam ovens, a new wave of intelligent cooking tech is sweeping across homes in New York, San Francisco, Austin, and beyond—offering healthier meals, better taste, and deeper integration with the smart homes of today.
The Decline of the Microwave in Modern Kitchens
The microwave isn’t exactly dead—but it’s losing its dominance. Originally introduced in the late 1940s, it revolutionized home cooking in the U.S., with widespread adoption by the 1980s. It became a symbol of speed and efficiency. But in the era of smart homes, automation, and health-first eating, it’s struggling to keep up.
Microwaves have major drawbacks:
- Uneven heating
- No browning or crisping
- Nutrient loss in reheated food
- Zero smart connectivity
With so many new appliances delivering better texture, taste, and tech, it’s no surprise that many Americans are looking for a smart kitchen appliance to replace microwave functions completely.
Meet the New Smart Kitchen Stars
So, what’s causing the microwave’s reign to crumble? A few intelligent contenders are quickly becoming favorites in U.S. homes.
1. Smart Convection Ovens
These countertop ovens use fans to circulate hot air, resulting in even cooking, browning, and crisping—everything a microwave fails at. Many models, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, come with:
- Built-in sensors
- Smart presets
- App control
- Integration with Alexa or Google Assistant
They’re perfect for city dwellers in places like Seattle or Denver who want a single device that can bake, broil, toast, and roast—all in one compact unit.
2. Air Fryers
Air fryers have become a cultural phenomenon. According to a report by NPD Group, nearly 40% of U.S. households now own an air fryer. They’re especially popular in younger, urban populations who prioritize health, crispiness, and speed. Unlike microwaves, air fryers can:
- Reheat pizza to perfection
- Create crispy fries without oil
- Cook proteins like chicken or salmon without drying out
If you live in a studio in Brooklyn or a shared house in Chicago, chances are an air fryer is already taking the spotlight.
3. Steam Ovens
Though less common, steam ovens are rapidly gaining fans in premium smart homes. They’re especially popular in tech-heavy cities like San Jose or Austin, where residents prioritize nutrition and design.
Steam ovens:
- Retain vitamins and moisture
- Are ideal for reheating rice, fish, and vegetables
- Offer sous-vide capabilities in higher-end models
Many include Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreens, and customizable cooking modes—features microwave manufacturers haven’t kept up with.
Microwave vs. Smart Appliance: A Head-to-Head Tech Breakdown
Let’s stack up the microwave against the leading smart contenders:
| Feature | Microwave | Smart Kitchen Appliance |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Speed | ✅ Fast | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Even Heating | ❌ Often uneven | ✅ Very consistent |
| Crisping/Browning | ❌ Not possible | ✅ Excellent results |
| Smart Controls | ❌ None | ✅ App + Voice control |
| Nutrient Retention | ❌ Low | ✅ High (especially steam ovens) |
| Versatility | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Bake, roast, air fry, dehydrate |
| Smart Home Integration | ❌ | ✅ Seamless IoT compatibility |
If you’re building a smart kitchen in the U.S., investing in a smart kitchen appliance to replace microwave functions is both practical and future-proof.
What Real Users Are Saying
“I replaced my microwave with a smart oven in my SF apartment. I cook more now and eat less processed food—it’s been a game changer.”
— Jules M., San Francisco
“Air fryers are a lifesaver in NYC. I haven’t touched a microwave in a year.”
— Tyrell S., Brooklyn
“Got a steam oven last year in Austin. It rehydrates leftovers better than any microwave ever could.”
— Lisa R., Austin
Reviews across Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok echo the same message: smart kitchen appliances aren’t just better—they’re redefining the way people cook.
Expert Opinions: Why Tech Leaders Are Making the Switch
Appliance experts and tech reviewers agree that the microwave’s days are numbered—at least in its current form.
A report from Statista shows a growing trend in U.S. cities: smart kitchen appliance sales are increasing year-over-year, while traditional microwave sales have plateaued.
Nutritionists support the move as well.
“Microwaving food often dehydrates and degrades texture. Steam and convection methods are far superior for preserving nutrients.”
— Dr. Amy Lawson, Food Scientist, Chicago
For consumers building IoT-connected kitchens, choosing a smart kitchen appliance to replace microwave capabilities is a natural evolution.
Should You Replace Your Microwave?
It depends on your lifestyle—but if you’re living in a modern U.S. city and enjoy smart tech, the answer is likely yes.
Replace your microwave if:
- You value better taste and texture in reheated food
- You’re already using smart home devices
- You cook or meal prep frequently
- You want a healthier cooking option
Keep your microwave if:
- You rarely cook and only heat drinks
- You have extremely limited space
- You prioritize speed over quality
The shift is happening. As more American households upgrade their kitchens with voice-activated lights, smart refrigerators, and AI-powered thermostats, sticking with a decades-old microwave just doesn’t fit the vibe anymore.
A smart kitchen appliance to replace microwave use isn’t just a fancy upgrade—it’s an essential move for modern living. It means better food, more control, and smarter kitchens.
Whether you’re living in a Manhattan high-rise, a tech loft in Portland, or a townhome in Atlanta, now might be the perfect time to ditch the microwave for good.
