How to Choose the Best Microwave Cookware? 3COINS Cooking Container vs. Arnest Microwave Cooker: A Comprehensive Comparison
Can a microwave "fry fish"? These two gadgets are talking about the same thing
In recent months, whether it's IG recipe accounts, Facebook cooking groups, or Threads discussions, two names keep coming up: 3COINS multi-purpose microwave cooking box and Arnest microwave cooker.
Both products boast the same concept – using only a microwave, they can perform six major functions: frying, stir-frying, boiling, steaming, stewing, and cooking rice. They claim no open flame is needed, and even beginner cooks can prepare a decent meal.
This sounds appealing, but how similar are the two, and what are their differences?
3COINS Microwave Cooking Box: Why is it the first choice for so many?
There's a clear reason why the 3COINS microwave cooking box became so popular. Priced around HK$120 in Hong Kong, it can achieve pan-fried fish, stir-fried vegetables, cooked rice, and steamed tofu – this "surprise factor" alone was enough to spark a buzz.
Points to note
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Affordable price, low barrier to entry: Low cost for trying it out, no regret if it doesn't work out, suitable for beginners who want to explore microwave cooking.
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Lightweight: Main body weighs approximately 260g, easy to handle daily, convenient for storage.
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6-in-1 functional design: Frying, stir-frying, boiling, steaming, cooking rice, heating – officially stated as six uses in one box.
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Dishwasher safe: Lazy-friendly, easy to clean.
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Abundant online resources: Numerous recipe demonstrations on IG and YouTube, easy to follow once purchased.
Some things are only noticed after using it for a while
The 3COINS main body weighs only 260g, which means the overall material is relatively light. For daily heating and occasional cooking, this is perfectly fine.
However, if you are accustomed to using it at high temperatures, for long durations, and frequently, lightweight materials will show differences in even heat distribution and long-term durability more quickly than similar products made with thicker materials. This is not theory, but a basic physical fact – thicker material retains heat better, leading to more even heat distribution.
In addition, regarding its dimensions (H 7.4 × W 22.7 × D 12.5cm), if you want to fry a whole mackerel or a large piece of beef, the space will be a bit cramped. Plating and flipping will require a little more patience.
Arnest Microwave Cooker: Same six functions, but some numbers already tell a story
Arnest is a Japanese kitchenware brand, and this microwave cooker, like 3COINS, also boasts six major functions. But when looking at the product specifications, one number immediately stands out—440g.
It's almost twice as heavy as 3COINS.
Weight is not a bad thing. In the world of kitchenware, weight usually means thicker, denser material. Thicker material retains heat better during heating, distributes heat more evenly, and over long-term use, the likelihood of deformation and wear on the coating will be lower.
What's the difference in actual cooking?
On the feature list, the two are almost identical. But pan-fried and grilled foods—pan-fried mackerel, grilled steak, pan-fried turnip cake—best illustrate the difference.
Arnest's bottom heating design, combined with thicker material, ensures more stable heating of the food's contact surface. The crispiness and browning results are usually more stable and superior compared to similar products with thinner materials. This is why for the same "microwave-fried fish," the texture can vary significantly between different appliances.
Other noteworthy points
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Slightly longer overall dimensions: More ample space for cooking large ingredients, no need to worry about food exceeding the boundaries.
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Includes 32 Japanese recipes: Systematic cooking guidance, especially useful for novice cooks.
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Japanese minimalist design: Ivory white with dark grey design, aesthetically pleasing to serve directly on the table after cooking.
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Higher price: Market price is more than double that of 3COINS, which is a factor to consider.