The process of warming previously cooked food to a safe and palatable temperature without the use of microwave radiation is often necessary. Methods employed to achieve this vary depending on the type of food and available equipment. For example, leftover pizza may be reheated in a conventional oven, while soup can be reheated on a stovetop.
Employing alternative heating methods can lead to improved texture and taste retention compared to microwave reheating, which can sometimes result in uneven heating and moisture loss. Historically, methods such as steaming, baking, and pan-frying were the primary options for reheating food before the advent of microwave technology. These methods continue to offer viable and, in some cases, superior alternatives.