Not to drown in the waves, or how to choose a microwave oven

The World Health Organization WHO has proven through extensive research that microwave ovens are completely safe. Food, cooked in a microwave oven, also fully preserves all the necessary substances. The market for these devices is expanding with new models year after year. The producers introduce new technologies, experiment with design, new functions and modes appear. Marketers don’t sleep either. What, first of all, you should pay attention to when choosing a “microwave” will tell you this article.

Size matters: optimum volume

Microwave ovens can be freestanding or built-in. But there are several essential indicators that influence the choice of a particular model. One such indicator is the internal volume of the chamber, which is measured in liters. It indicates how much food can be heated/cooked in one load. There is an opinion that the bigger the volume, the better. That’s not exactly true.

For example, your family consists of two people. In this case, a 20- to 25-liter microwave oven is quite sufficient. You’ll only use 50% of the greater volume. Why pay more? Microwave ovens with a small chamber volume have the smallest functionality, all the “frills” start from an internal volume of 20+ liters.

Bath day: the coating of the inner chamber

The better the coating of the inner chamber, the easier to care for the oven – after all, it is nice when your kitchen is clean device, not a dirty and grease-stained incomprehensible structure. The main types of coating of the inner chamber come in three types:

– Heat-resistant enamel. The coating is quite practical. Easy to wash, resistant to temperature changes, looks good. But there is a disadvantage – the surface is sensitive to mechanical damage, easily scratched. Typically, this variant of finish is used on inexpensive models.

– Stainless steel. On the one hand, a noble appearance, excellent temperature resistance, not afraid of mechanical damage and scratches. On the other hand, fatty deposits stick easily. This kind of surface requires constant care. Stainless steel chamber is a clear sign of a prestigious and expensive model. Microwave ovens in this class usually have an option for easy maintenance, such as steam cleaning.

– Ceramic or ceramic surface. The newest coating is probably the best to date. It has many advantages, chief among which is that after cooking it is enough to simply wipe the chamber with a damp cloth or sponge and the surface is good as new again. Only one minus – high price.

Divide and conquer: the control panel

Comes in three types: mechanical, electronic and mixed. The mechanical panel is the most reliable. A distinctive feature of this type of control is the presence of rotary switches. They serve as a timer, are used to select the mode and control the functionality. Mechanical panels are “blind” – there is no display on them and the user cannot see the mode of operation at that, particular moment. Today, only budget models are equipped with a mechanical panel.

Electronic control panels, in turn, are divided into two types – touch and button. Top models are usually equipped with sensor ones. Often the sensor implies a fully automatic cooking cycle: the user only puts the food in and presses the corresponding icon. For example, “pork.”. Next, the user presses the action icon – “defrost”. The oven itself detects the weight of the product, the depth of freezing, and other parameters, finds the right program and turns it on. All the user has to do is take out the cooked food. Control of work is carried out with the help of LED-display.

The keypad is equipped with micro switches small buttons with short-stroke recall . Control of such an oven is very simple – the user presses the button of the desired product or program and then follows the instructions displayed on the LCD screen.

Mixed control is when two types of control are used. For example, the mechanical panel is augmented with an LED display and electronic buttons. Or an electronic panel supplemented by a power switch.

The power is there: the choice of capacity

Microwave ovens in addition to power consumption has such an indicator as the power of microwave waves. Usually the budget models have a microwave power of about 700 W. In more expensive models, this figure is adjustable by the user in the range from 600 to 1200 watts, that is, you pick up the right one depending on the formulation.

If the microwave oven is also equipped with a grill and convection, then pay attention to the total power. For example if you have a mixed mode including: microwave 700 W , convection 1350 W and grill 1200 W . Total power consumption will be 3250 W. Can your wiring withstand the strain??

How the door opens: the door design

Door can be side-opening as in refrigerators or bottom-opening as in ovens . The latter is often more convenient because the door converts into a mini tabletop or shelf when open, but is usually used on the more expensive and multifunctional models. When choosing where to install the oven, you should pay attention to which way the door opens because, unlike refrigerators, in microwave ovens the door cannot be moved.

And then there’s the inverter: inverter motors

On assurances of manufacturers, ovens with such motors feature stepless variation of magnetron power, which is controlled electronically. This avoids power surges and rough handling of the food. This type of oven is more economical in terms of power consumption and the effect on food is more gentle. They are more durable than conventional ones due to the elimination of the start/stop function, but more expensive.

Inside and out: how microwave ovens differ from ovens?

Microwave oven is a rather specific device: heating in it takes place without a heat source. The magnetron creates a wave pattern that causes the water molecules to oscillate. Oven heats from the outside to the inside, while microwaves heat from the inside.

A turntable spins the product to distribute the waves evenly. Vibrations create friction, water heats to a boil. All products consist mostly of water. And the boiling point of the water is 100 ˚C. That is, the microwave heats no more than 100 ˚C, but from the inside of the product. And when you cook meat in the oven at 250 ˚ C, the temperature inside is only 70-80 ˚ C for example. But there is a crust! And to get a bright flavor was invented microwave grill. The main concept of microwave ovens is to cook quickly.

I want chicken: microwave with grill

The most common option in microwave ovens today is the grill: a heater that emits infrared radiation with a certain wavelength and intensity. Food is placed on the adjustable grid for better crispness: If you want crispy crust, put the grid in the upper position, simply crispy – in the lower position.

In microwave ovens more often quartz heater is used, which reaches the working temperature for 1 minute, you can direct it in any direction, just set the reflector. The quartz grill, unlike the metal one, is able to heat up to 800 ˚C, with a higher intensity and lower power consumption. In addition, the quartz grill is more efficient than the metal grill and cooks better and brighter.

To date, there are microwave ovens with halogen grill Panasonic, LG, built-in models Bosch , ceramic elements with enhanced thermal conductivity and minimal heating time LG, Samsung .

Often the following layout is used: quartz is installed at the top, while in the bottom part of the grill is a fan classic or ceramic . If grill-lamp is used, it is installed both at the top and at the bottom. Dual grill operation simulates cooking in an oven.

Grill” mode in microwaves is used as a combined magnetron or inverter turns on alternately with the grill, the duration of each cycle depends on the settings laid down by the manufacturer , and as a solo, without the influence of microwave waves.

Now for the steak! Medium rare! Microwave with Convection

In his desire to make a versatile appliance microwave oven developers have brought it as close to the oven, providing the option “Convection. Convection heating occurs through a circular element mounted on the back wall. The heat is distributed by a special fan installed in the center of the ring. Since the hot flame is evenly distributed throughout the cooking cabinet, you can have several layers of food. This is done with the help of a special grid that comes in a kit.

As a rule, the arrangement occurs in two tiers, but in some models in three. Heating usually reaches 200 °, but due to the even distribution of heat it is enough. Top models are able to heat up to 250 °. Convection mode allows you to cook meat in pots, steaks, baking, fish, casserole and more. Limits only the space inside the oven.

And since recently there are ovens without a turntable, you can use oversized dishes – rectangular and volumetric forms, silicone large forms, pots, etc. And since the principle of microwave oven construction – speed, this mode is combined with microwave radiation, significantly saving cooking time. By the way, in some Samsung ovens, the grill stands on the back wall in front of the fan and works with it.

Shouldn’t we taste the glade?? Microwave with baking function

Some models of microwave ovens are equipped with an unusual function – bread oven. This is not just a baking mode, available on any model with the “Convection” option, but an entirely new one. Included with the device comes a special mold with a dough mixer paddle. This form is inserted in the allotted space, the corresponding program is activated – and the user receives a coveted “brick” of flavored bread after a certain period of time. Less cooking time than in a dedicated appliance. And the consumer qualities are not inferior to bread cooked in a bread machine.

Now the steam room: microwave ovens with steam function

This option is activated either by a special form or by turning on a separate mode, it all depends on the manufacturer. You can use a steamer in almost any modern microwave oven. The steamer is an airtight container with water on the bottom. Products are placed in the oven and covered with an airtight lid. Radiation causes water to turn to steam. You can buy such a reservoir separately, in some models it is included in the delivery set.

In Panasonic and some other ovens, there is a built-in steam generator with water in it. It is heated to a boil, turned into steam and fed inside the chamber. In this type of oven, this option is used not only solo, but also in combination with any mode, such as defrosting or heating. In this case the products do not lose their juiciness, and the quality of the food is as close as possible to the fresh fraction. An added benefit of this option is hydrolysis, which is the steam cleaning of the oven interior.

And what to do without drinks? Yogurt maker.

Some microwave ovens have learned to make yogurt. The function is called “Fermentation”, it runs at low temperatures about 30 degrees and high humidity. Fermentation creates the perfect microclimate for perfect fermentation of yoghurt and pie dough.

Oven or microwave oven? Competing the mature way.

But only microwave ovens of large volume, starting from 30 liters, can truly compete with the oven. Their small size makes them easier to place in the kitchen, especially in a small apartment. Inverter models are deprived of the usual magnetron, so their internal space is larger for the same external dimensions. The working space is saved in different ways.

For example, Whirlpool in the JT series simply placed the control panel on the door. There are microwave ovens with “round backs” designed for installation in the corner. A hinged door allows you to fit into a confined space without having to remove the door. But oven manufacturers don’t fall behind. And going towards each other microwave ovens with convection function and ovens with microwave function. Only the data sheet is able to dot the i’s and cross the t’s with what this product is.

More options, exclusive and not so exclusive

First, the exotic:

Crisp. Whirlpool option. The oven comes with a “plate” with a special fast-heating layer in the bottom. Heating time to 170 ° – only 2 minutes, the maximum heating – 210 ° C. Microwaves are sent directly to the “plate” through the lower opening of the waveguide. This turns it into a kind of frying pan, on which you can fry any food.

LG has developed the Solar Dom series of ovens. The ovens in this series come equipped with special round trays that help distribute the heat evenly. According to the manufacturer, these trays not only improve the taste of food, but also reduce cooking time by a factor of four.

“Pyrolysis. This option is very rare and is available only on models with convection. Option makes it much easier to clean the oven by burning grease residue and food crumbs to ashes. At the end of the cycle just take the ash out of the oven. Manufacturers recommend using this option infrequently.

Less exotic options. But extremely useful:

Odor Removal. Care-related option has been gaining in popularity lately.

Without turntable. Microwave rays race around in a circle while the container with the food stands still in the center.

Illuminated chamber. Unfortunately, not all models have.

Audible alarm. Most models have it, but not all. And the signal is different: almost always at the end of the cycle, sometimes – when you change the rotation of the turntable, still at the discretion of the manufacturer.

Childproofing. Delayed start. Clock.

Memory. In the memory of the manufacturer enters popular and most frequently in their opinion used recipes. Sometimes there are microwave ovens that have the ability to write down your recipes.

And lastly.

When buying a microwave oven, pay close attention to the quality of the assembly – the gaps between the parts, the quality of plastic or metal, paint and other. Give preference to a trusted manufacturer. Choose exactly the options you need. For example, if you have an oven, why would a microwave oven with convection function? And may your new purchase last you for years to come!