In my quest to understand kitchen appliances, I've dug into the difference between microwaves and ovens. Microwaves use radio waves to heat food quickly but aren't ideal for browning or crisping. On the other hand, ovens, which include conventional and convection types, use either gas or electricity to heat elements that cook food more slowly and evenly, perfect for baking or roasting. While microwaves are great for convenience, ovens tend to be preferable when the quality of cooking is paramount. Personally, I find both indispensable in my kitchen for their unique capabilities.