Oven vs Microwave: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 13 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
13
Oven Faster
0
Microwave Faster
13
| Food | Oven Temp ? | Oven Time | Microwave Temp ? | Microwave Time | ← Oven fasterMicrowave faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | 400°F | 40-55 min | high | 8-12 min | 38 min faster → |
| Bacon | 400°F | 12-18 min | high | 3-6 min | 10 min faster → |
| Baked Potato | 400°F | 45-60 min | high | 5-10 min | 45 min faster → |
| Chicken Nuggets | 400°F | 12-16 min | high | 1-3 min | 12 min faster → |
| Corn Dogs | 375°F | 14-18 min | high | 1-2 min | 14 min faster → |
| Corn on the Cob | 400°F | 25-30 min | high | 3-5 min | 24 min faster → |
| Frozen Broccoli | 425°F | 20-25 min | high | 3-5 min | 19 min faster → |
| Frozen Burritos | 375°F | 30-40 min | high | 2-4 min | 32 min faster → |
| Frozen Cauliflower | 425°F | 25-30 min | high | 4-6 min | 23 min faster → |
| Hot Pockets | 350°F | 25-30 min | high | 2-3 min | 25 min faster → |
| Pizza Rolls | 425°F | 8-11 min | high | 1-2 min | 8 min faster → |
| Spaghetti Squash | 400°F | 35-45 min | high | 10-15 min | 27 min faster → |
| Sweet Potato | 400°F | 40-55 min | high | 5-8 min | 41 min faster → |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oven faster than Microwave?
Microwave is faster for 13 out of 13 foods in this comparison. Oven is faster for 0 foods.
Should I use Oven or Microwave?
Both methods produce great results. Oven and Microwave each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Oven and Microwave?
13 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Oven and Microwave. See the full comparison table above.