Why toast just bread when you can do so much more?
On a rainy September evening in Mumbai or Bangalore, something subtle but important is happening in Indian kitchens.
The toaster once the default companion for buttered bread and rushed breakfasts is being nudged aside.
Not thrown out. I just retired early for the evening.
Because there’s a new appliance quietly taking over. One that doesn’t just toast, but bakes, grills, air fries, and even roasts your monsoon cravings into crispy, golden perfection.
And it’s not sitting on your countertop with crumbs inside it.
It’s sitting above your expectations.
Enter the monsoon multitasker: the convection microwave with air fryer mode
This isn’t your college-day microwave.
The latest models, like the 30L Convection Microwave with In-Built Air Fryer (HIL3001ARSB), are part of a new species of kitchen appliance. They blur the lines between air fryers, OTGs, grills, and yes toasters.
Except they do all of that, with presets.
And without heating up your entire kitchen.
So what’s really changed? Let’s break it down.
1. Toasters are one-trick ponies. Modern ovens aren’t.
The toaster had a simple job: heat slices of bread till they turned brown.
But our food cravings evolved. We moved from butter-toast to bruschetta. From plain sandwiches to open toasties with melting cheese and sautéed mushrooms.
That’s where the convection microwave stepped up.
Take 30L model it comes with:
- 305 auto cook menus
- Dedicated air fryer function with 36 menus
- Motorized rotisserie for tandoori-style skewers
- Stainless steel cavity for uniform heat
It’s not just a reheating device. It’s a legit cooking station.
Perfect for rainy evenings when all you want is something warm, crispy, and made without much mess.
2. Monsoon evenings demand more than toast
To be honest, toast is comforting, but limited.
What really hits the spot in September?
- Air-fried pakoras that don’t drip oil
- Crispy paneer tikka with mint chutney
- Garlic bread with bubbling cheese
- Reheated samosas that aren’t soggy
You can do some of that in a toaster oven, but you’ll probably curse its uneven heating or wait time.
A convection microwave especially with air fryer tech gives you speed, even browning, and way more control.
Because the goal isn’t just to make food hot.
It’s to make it feel fresh-out-of-the-oven.
3. The rise of the ‘everything’ appliance
We’ve all been there. Limited counter space. Shared kitchens. Rental apartments.
Which means every appliance has to earn its real estate.
That’s where this new microwave wins.
One device.
- Toasts.
- Grills.
- Roasts.
- Bakes.
- Ferments curd.
- Reheats without rubberizing.
- Air fries aloo tikki like a pro.
You can even use it to make cake, steam momos, or reheat pizza without turning the base into rubber.
So it’s not just replacing toasters.
It’s replacing 3-4 appliances in one go.
4. It fits modern Indian cravings – without the mess
Most air fryers still need a cleanup routine.
Most OTGs still feel like effort.
And most toasters feel basic.
But a convection microwave like Haier’s:
- Has easy-to-clean interiors
- Comes with dedicated accessories (air fry tray, rotisserie rod, crispy plate)
- Includes multi-power levels so you can crisp and cook precisely
And when you’re done, the built-in deodorizer clears the smell. So your next day’s oats don’t smell like last night’s fish fry.
It’s thoughtful engineering. Built for busy Indian homes that want more with less effort.
So who’s buying this instead of a toaster?
The short answer?
Everyone who’s upgraded their definition of comfort food.
- Parents who want oil-free snacks for kids
- Singles living alone, experimenting with recipes
- Working couples looking for quick dinner hacks
- Home chefs testing their hands at monsoon menus
- Gen Zers ditching Swiggy for something hot and homemade
Because it’s not just about health or features.
It’s about versatility.
In a world of single-purpose gadgets, flexibility wins.
Why September evenings are the tipping point
There’s something about the rain that changes our appetite.
We want food that feels cooked, not just heated. Something crispy on the outside and steamy inside. Something that feels like effort, without the actual effort.
That’s why this shift from toaster to convection microwave isn’t just about specs.
It’s about mood.
Comfort.
And a generation that wants restaurant-style food without the delivery guilt.
This is the month where old habits meet new tech and the upgrade feels obvious.
What does this mean for your kitchen?
One option is to keep the toaster and make peace with its limitations.
The second option is to invest in a multi-function appliance that gives you:
- More space (by replacing 2-3 appliances)
- More variety (across cuisines and moods)
- More health (through oil-free air frying)
- More style (Haier’s mirror-finish and modern design looks sharp on any counter)
And more monsoon joy.
Because what better way to enjoy the rain than with homemade fries, warm cookies, or cheesy baked nachos?
Zooming out: This isn’t just an appliance story. It’s a lifestyle shift
It’s how Indian kitchens are adapting to:
- Smaller spaces
- Busier lives
- Bigger expectations from “small” appliances
Toasters were perfect for the 90s. But September 2025? It’s asking for more.
And convection microwave answers that call.
Quietly. Efficiently. Deliciously.
One last insight to leave with
If toast was a snack, this is an invitation.
An invitation to create more, clean less, and enjoy the kind of food that feels like care even on a Tuesday night.
Because when appliances evolve, so does the way we comfort ourselves.
And this monsoon?
Comfort looks like golden fries. In one tap. No mess.
Just steam rising as the rain falls.