The presence of a buzzer in a microwave oven but not in an electric oven is primarily due to differences in their cooking methods and user experience.
Cooking Time and Alertness: Microwave ovens are known for their speed in cooking and heating food. Most microwave cooking times are significantly shorter than those in traditional electric ovens. As a result, a buzzer or timer is essential in a microwave to alert the user when the cooking cycle is complete. Since microwave cooking can be completed in just a few minutes, it's easy to forget about the food, and the buzzer serves as a reminder to avoid overcooking or leaving the food unattended.
Precision Cooking: Microwaves offer precise control over cooking times, often in increments of seconds. The buzzer is helpful in notifying users when the food has reached the desired cooking time.
Different Cooking Methods: Electric ovens generally operate on a slower, more continuous cooking process. Users typically set the temperature and cooking time, and the oven maintains a consistent heat until the timer runs out. Since electric ovens are designed for longer cooking times, there is no immediate need for a buzzer to signal the end of the cooking cycle.
Cooking Complexity: Microwave ovens are commonly used for reheating, defrosting, and quick cooking tasks, where timing is critical. In contrast, electric ovens are often used for baking, roasting, and other more complex cooking processes, where monitoring the cooking progress is part of the culinary experience. Users of electric ovens are more likely to rely on visual and aroma cues to gauge the readiness of their food.
While some modern electric ovens may include timers or alert features, they are not as commonly found as in microwave ovens due to the factors mentioned above. The primary reason for the presence of a buzzer in a microwave is to ensure convenience and prevent overcooking, considering the rapid and precise nature of microwave cooking.