If you go to any major hardware store, you can see how huge a range of microwave ovens is offered today to the buyer. Simultaneously, 20-30 models can be displayed on the counter. Everything from different manufacturers, they look different, they have different sets of internal functions.
But most importantly, all models differ in value. Today, the range of prices for microwave ovens can range from 1500 rubles to "infinity"( figuratively speaking).The maximum price can amount to several tens of thousands of rubles. Any buyer can have quite a logical question, how to choose a microwave oven. And is it worth taking the most expensive?
In fact, there are several selection criteria:
- a kind of microwave oven;
- size;
- power;
- control method;
- country of manufacture;
- design and additional "tasty" options.
Each of these indicators to some extent affects the final cost of the microwave oven. Some more, others less. Therefore, if there is a desire to save, the problem of choice should be approached in a comprehensive manner. Do not think that cheap technology will necessarily be bad.
A variation of the microwave oven
Perhaps the simplest thing to decide on is what type of microwave oven you need. There are only two of them - built in and a classic separate. Everything is simple. The first option looks better, and the place in the kitchen allows you to save. But at the same time it is more expensive, because in addition to the technology itself, you also need to buy special hollow furniture for it and make special wiring.
Assignment
Before buying a microwave oven in order not to overpay extra money, answer for yourself one question: "Why do you need it? !"Most citizens use this technique only to warm up already prepared dishes. And sometimes to defrost the food. If you belong to the same type, then you need the most common device that only works with microwaves.
The next type is microwave ovens with grill. In this technique, you can already cook. The option "grill" allows you to bake the products until golden brown. By the way, the heating of food in this microwave is more even. But, accordingly, this type of equipment is worth a little more expensive.
And finally, the most "cool" version of the microwave oven for today is the one in which, in addition to grilling and microwave radiation, there is a function of convection. If you do not go into technical details, let's just say. This microwave works, in fact, also as a classic oven.
It is already possible to fully prepare any dish. If desired, a microwave with convection can completely replace the oven. But again, these models are worth much more than their "simple" counterparts.
Camera size
Microwave ovens are small, medium, large and very large in size. There are even models in which the inner chamber can be separated by a special grate and cook several dishes at the same time. Sounds, of course, great. But think, but do you need it?
If you live alone, or your family consists of only two people, then you do not need a large microwave oven. First, it will take up too much space in the kitchen. And secondly, you will exploit it, well, 30-50 percent. But at the same time pay in the store for 100%.
For a small family of 1-2 people, experts recommend a technique up to 20 liters. If your family has 3-4 people, then you can already find a microwave oven for 30-35 liters. All that is higher is for very large families and at a very high price.
Power
The higher the microwave power, the faster it warms up and prepares. The lower, the correspondingly slower. True, this does not mean that in the first case you have to wait a minute, and in the second - for an hour. The time difference is not that big.
Therefore, the best advice in this case is - choose the "golden mean".Choose microwave ovens with a capacity of 800-850 watts. That will be enough.
Control
According to the control method, all microwave ovens are divided into two categories - with mechanical control and push-button.
The first option is the easiest. As a rule, these instruments have only two rotating handles. One puts the power of work, the other sets the time. But, by the way, such management is considered the most reliable.
First, handles are much less likely to break than buttons and touch panels. And secondly, it is also a certain protection from children. With handles, they are more difficult to indulge in puzzles than with buttons. Well, of course, there are such microwave ovens noticeably cheaper.
The second way to control - as already hinted a little higher, using the buttons. These can be standard convex parts, or sensor sensors. Yes, it looks prettier, but a strong jump in electricity can take all this electronics out of action. And repair will cost "a pretty penny."
- See also: What's more convenient: mechanical or sensory control of the microwave
Manufacturer
Today, probably, any self-respecting company, engaged in household appliances, produces its own models of microwave ovens. And they all differ in design, functionality, technical characteristics and so on. In this situation, the buyer is easily confused.
Many, of course, "peck" at well-known brands. For example, German and Korean manufacturers have long established themselves in this segment of the market. But there is a reverse side to this medal.
The more famous and popular the manufacturer, the less it reduces the price of its products. The name works on it, and there is no need to dump it. And it turns out that buying a product of a well-known brand, consumers part of the money only pay for the brand, that is, in fact, for nothing. For the air!
On the other hand, do not jump from the technique every time, if it says "Made in China".At one time, the Chinese really did in most cases consumer goods. But today the situation has changed a little.
Producers from China are no longer inferior in quality to their European and overseas competitors. Simply they were not lucky. Against them, old prejudices still operate, that "all Chinese is bad."Although this is not so. And the Chinese continue to support the low cost of their goods due to low wages in their homeland.
- See also: Which microwave oven is best to choose and buy depending on the firm
Design
The classic color of the microwave oven is white. Today is also very popular black color with various chrome inserts. It is more versatile and suitable for any kitchen interior.
But you can find in stores and very exotic for household appliances coloring. There is a green technique, red, blue, pink and other. And some still design more like a picture or a panel, rather than an ordinary microwave.
And then you need to understand a simple principle. The more unusual the appearance of the device, the more expensive it is. When choosing a microwave oven, simply consider the design of your kitchen. If white is completely out of place, well, buy a dark one. It will definitely work. And chasing after exotic things - throwing money away.
Additional functions of
Microwave manufacturers like to equip their products with various additional functions today. Among the most common:
- display, which displays the cooking parameters;
- temperature maintenance;
- timer;
- sound sensors and more.
Also often on the front panel of the microwave you can see whole rows of buttons. Each of them is a pre-set cooking mode. For example, separate buttons for fish, for meat, for soups, for chicken and so on.
All this can and is convenient, but we must clearly understand: any additional function is a constant increase in the cost of the whole device.
So. Once again, we repeat the main parameters by which to choose a microwave oven. These are:
- type of microwave oven;
- size;
- power;
- control method;
- country of manufacture;
- design and additional "tasty" options.
As we have demonstrated, each of them can influence the final cost of household appliances.
Michelangelo said to his students: "I do not invent anything new. I just take a stone and cut off all that is superfluous! ".By the way, it was on this principle that the famous statue of David was created, which is considered the peak of the Renaissance. That's exactly the way you do with microwaves. Cut off all the parameters you do not need, and you get the ideal model for you!
