At present, we often hear the most controversial opinions about the benefits and harms of microwave ovens. But while supporters and opponents of this household appliance break their spears in lengthy discussions, the microwave oven remains an invaluable assistant not only in the kitchen, but also in offices, hospitals, other places where the kitchen is not provided for, and yet it is necessary to eat.
Modern models are not very similar to the classic microwave oven, which was used only for defrosting and heating products. Microwave oven today is a multifunctional tool that provides the widest opportunities for culinary lovers.
Therefore, before choosing a microwave oven, it will be very useful to get theoretical training and get acquainted with the whole list of "gadgets" and "bells and whistles" that are equipped with these devices today.
What can an ordinary microwave oven do?
In its simplest form, a microwave oven is a protected chamber, inside of which is a 2450 MHz electromagnetic radiation generator. High-frequency oscillations cause the water molecules to rotate, so that the products in which this water is contained begin to heat up. The parameters of electromagnetic waves in all microwaves are the same, they are stipulated by special international agreements, so there is nothing to choose from.
The traditional task for a conventional microwave oven is to warm up or defrost products. It is also suitable for those who are used to doing simple dishes like hot sandwiches and that sort of food. At the same time, conventional microwave ovens are relatively inexpensive and quite compact.
Most often, such models are bought for offices, so that at lunchtime it is possible to warm up the "brakes" brought with them, or bachelor cuisine, whose owner is not used to "soar" about culinary delights. If you prefer to eat tasty and varied, and the book with recipes lies in your most prominent place - choose a microwave with a grill.
Microwave oven with grill
For a long time the consumer had to agonizingly choose between a microwave oven and its competitor - an electric oven equipped with an infrared electric heater( the so-called grill).Later in the war machine was put a fat point: the production of microwave ovens with built-in grill began.
The owner of such a device can not limit his culinary creativity by a boring defrost, a microwave with a grill allows you to cook a variety of delicious dishes. These include baked meat, grilled chicken, as well as hot sandwiches with a fragrant crusty crust.
Fans of fried to crunch dishes should know that grills are different:
TEN grill
Represents a metal flask inside which is placed an electric heater. Most models of microwave ovens are equipped with one heating element installed at the top of the camera, but there are models with an additional grill mounted on the side or bottom.
Oven with movable heater is very popular which can be installed in horizontal( top), inclined or vertical( side) position, if necessary. In addition to uniform processing of products, such a heater makes it possible to wash the inside surface of the furnace chamber more thoroughly.
Quartz grill
Quartz tube is a more perfect type of grill. It is installed only at the top of the camera, but it does not take up any space at all, unlike a TEN heater. Another advantage of the quartz grill is its low power consumption, which makes microwave ovens with such a heater very economical.
Quartz grill provides a uniform, but less intense, than TEN roasting. In addition, a tube of quartz is almost impossible to wash out because of the protective grid, which closes it. However, it should be noted that this is not a significant problem: the droplets of fat and oil falling on the quartz grill burn very quickly, leaving virtually no trace.
Modes "Grill" and "microwave" can work not only individually, but also together. In this case, the dishes are prepared much faster.
Convection mode
It is impossible to achieve an even heat distribution when processing products with a grill alone. To reduce this deficiency to a minimum allows the convection regime. For its implementation, a fan is installed in one of the walls of the microwave oven chamber. It is he who provides full convection, that is, mixing of air inside the chamber.
Convection mode significantly improves the quality of heat treatment, the dishes are baked and fried evenly from all sides. Thanks to the convection mode in the microwave oven, you can extinguish vegetables, cook dishes in pots, bake pies and other pastries.
Naturally, for these advantages you have to pay both materially and a useful volume of the kitchen space: microwave ovens with grill and convection can hardly be called compact.
The volume of the camera
Depending on the volume of the camera, all models of microwave ovens can be divided into three subgroups:
With a volume of 9 - 20 liters.
. The strong side of these "kids" is compact size, weak - a modest set of functions. Most often in such furnaces only a microwave radiator is installed, the grill is extremely rare. Such microwaves are used for heating and defrosting products per one or two people.
With a volume of 20 - 28 liters
This group is the most in demand among buyers. Microwave ovens with this volume do not take up too much space, at the same time they allow you to prepare a fairly diverse list of dishes. Microwave with an average volume - an excellent option for a family of three or four people.
With a volume of more than 28 liters
If you have a large family or you often cook for guests, you will need a larger stove that belongs to the last group. Most likely it will be a full-function unit with a good grill, convection mode, as well as many additional features, which are discussed below.
Owners of such furnaces know no restrictions, they are subject to dishes of any composition and size. You can easily bake a turkey, cook a cake for a large family or put out the fish in a large oval dish. The main thing is that in your kitchen there is a place for such a giant. When you plan to install it, do not forget to provide easy access to the oven.
Material of the chamber walls
The durability of the microwave oven, as well as the possibility of high-quality care for it, largely depend on the material of the working chamber. The most common are:
Enamel
Enamelled coating is the best option for conventional furnaces equipped with only a microwave radiator. It has a smooth surface, it is easy to clean, but it can be unstable to high temperatures.
Stainless steel
The best option for microwave ovens with a powerful grill and convection mode. Steel is a very ductile material, it tolerates temperature changes well, while it is easy to maintain in proper condition. Microwave furnaces with a chamber made of steel are considered to be the most durable.
Special materials
This group includes bioceramics and various materials with antibacterial properties. They are well advertised and are relatively expensive, although absolutely ideal they can not be called. For example, when exposed to high temperatures, the surface of the bioceramic chamber is covered by a network of cracks.
Control type
In the simplest models mechanical control is established. Most often, it consists of two rotary controls, one of which sets the power of radiation, and the other - the duration of heat treatment.
A more "advanced" version of control is electronic. The choice of modes and settings is made using the keys or the touch panel. An indispensable element of the electronic control system is a display with the ability to display text prompts, greatly facilitating the work with the device.
Electronic control is used in models that have a rich set of functions. By means of electronics it is possible to set and change the operating modes of the furnace and even program your own, if necessary.
- See also: What's more convenient: mechanical or touch control of the microwave
Additional features
In this section, we list the pleasant little things that some models are different. If you like anything from this list, you can purposefully find a microwave for the house with this option.
- Key for turning the table off:
Useful if the dish is cooked in an oval or square bowl that fits in the oven chamber, but can not rotate in it.
- Automatic defrost, warm up and cooking modes
- Steam sensor:
Allows you to defrost any product in the most optimal mode by analyzing its state by the amount of steam released.
- Possibility to create your own programs
- Presence of a timer with an audible signal:
Here we mean an independent timer that is not related to the operation of the furnace. With its help, you can detect the time of any process, even if you do not cook anything at that moment in the microwave.
- Function "Child protection".
When choosing a microwave oven, be sure to pay attention to the accessories that come with it. Do not rush to buy the model you like, with a more thorough analysis of the assortment, you may be able to find a similar one, but with a richer bundle. Do not ignore this: different podstavochki, capacity and grids will greatly enrich your possibilities.
