How to choose a microwave oven?

Each of us dreams of comfort in own dwelling. Most of all we use the kitchen, which means that it should be the most convenient. The kitchen is often equipped not only with tables and lockers, but also with small sofas and armchairs. Often to equip such premises use "smart" equipment to facilitate the hard work of cooks. Now almost all have microwave ovens. Consider how to choose a microwave oven for your home.

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Types of microwave ovens

There are three types:

• with microwave waves;
• with microwave waves and grill;
• with microwave waves, grill and convection.

Microwave waves

These models are designed to defrost, reheat and cook food. In fact - this is the simplest version with a classic set of functions.

Microwave and grill

In order to organize a more varied diet, not only microwaves are used, but also a grill. It can be TEN or quartz.

Important! Heating elements can be located only from above, and there are models with heaters from above and from below. Thanks to this, the heating of the products is more uniform and a crusty crust appears on them.

In some ovens it is possible to change the grill position from vertical to horizontal.

Microwave, grill and convection

With the help of such a furnace, it is possible to create unique culinary masterpieces. You can use different methods separately, but you can combine them.

In such models there is a heating element and a fan, due to which there is a uniform distribution of air flow through the working chamber. If you want to choose the latest generation microwave oven with the widest functionality and rich features - this is your option.

Important! In the process of cooking, products are obtained, as if baked in the oven. But in the process of cooking, there is no heating of the air, which greatly facilitates the life in the summer.

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How to choose a microwave oven?

In addition to the basic device and the principle of the action of microwave on products, there are a lot of nuances that will prompt which microwave is better.

Type

They are built-in and stand-alone. At them thus can have absolutely identical appearance and characteristics.

When using the embedded model, the kitchen space is saved. But it is worth considering that the cost of such models is slightly higher.

Important! When installing a built-in microwave oven, there must be free space around - in order to take away heat.

Coating

The coating of the main chamber can be several. And the quality and type of this material largely depends not only on the duration and ease of operation, but also on your personal safety.

So, how to choose a microwave oven by this criterion?- Consider the options, their pros and cons:

• Enamel is very popular. It is worth it, it's just clean. The disadvantages are low strength - high temperatures can lead to cracks.
• Stainless steel is a high-strength material. However, it is difficult to clean, because you can not use all the means and washcloths.
• Paint is the most inexpensive coating, but at the same time, and the most fragile. Such microwave ovens, as a rule, are the cheapest and short-lived.
• Ceramics and bioceramics are considered very strong and environmentally friendly coatings. They are easy to wash, they are resistant to carbon deposits. Due to the minimal absorption of microwaves, food is prepared very quickly. The downside is the high cost.

Important! Proceeding from own financial possibilities, it is possible to draw such conclusion, what microwaves is better:

• enamel - optimum cheap variant;
• ceramics - definitely the best choice if you have the necessary amount to buy such a model microwave oven.

It's worth to refrain from paint and stainless steel.

Volume

With the help of small-sized furnaces, you can warm up food and cook hot sandwiches for a family of two. With a microwave oven, medium or large size, you can prepare a full dish.

Based on the number of people in your family, the choice will be as follows:

• If a family consists of two or three people, it will be enough to have a volume of 17-25 liters.
• If the family is twice as large, you should choose a model with a capacity of more than 30 liters.

Power

Microwave ovens differ in power, its performance varies from 500 to 1500 watts and above.

Important! At high power levels, less time is spent in preparing or warming up food. But we do not forget that such power will also affect power consumption, respectively - overestimated accounts, and monthly.

The most optimal power is called 800-1000 watts.

Important! It should also be borne in mind that not every wiring is able to cope with significant loads.

Type of control

Models with mechanical control are inexpensive, they are easy to manage. A round switch is used to adjust the power and operating time. But in this case, you can face the following drawbacks:

• Low adjustment accuracy;
• Limited functionality;
• Inconvenience of care.

The electronic models use a display and a push-button or touch panel. A higher cost overrides multifunctionality.

Important! Looking closely at the sensor models, be sure to consider the fact that over time, sticking of contacts can occur. Of course, once or twice you will repair them, but you will have to wait for the delivery of spare parts, repair work. As a result, it may happen that the sensor will no longer be able to be restored and still have to replace it with a mechanic.

After that, all the "charms" of the sensor for you will drop when compared with a really reliable and trouble-free mechanics.

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Additional functions of

Before choosing a microwave oven, you should familiarize yourself with all the additional functions and capabilities of a particular model. From this will depend a lot - both the available variety of dishes for cooking, and the time of their preparation, and the convenience of handling the unit as a whole.

Modern models are equipped with such options:

• Auto-cook. To prepare enough for a selection of the name of the product and its weight. Household appliances will independently cope with setting the mode, power and time.
• Defrosting. Used to quickly thaw the required products. This mode can be automatic.
• Protection from children. It is possible to disable or block all keys.
• Fast cooking. A higher power is set, which allows cooking much faster.
• Automatic warm-up. Indicates the type and weight of the dish, and the device independently selects time, power.
• Steam cleaning and odor removal. Such functions allow you to get rid of odor, fat, food residues.
• Automatic temperature control. It is necessary for the dish to remain hot for a certain period of time.

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We choose dishes for the microwave

We figured out how to choose a microwave, but the important point is that not all dishes are suitable for it.

What can not be used?

The following types of utensils can not be used:

• Crystal. Crystal consists of lead, silver and other metals. In addition, such dishes - with faces that have a non-uniform thickness. As a result, you can get a handful of crystal shards in the oven instead of a dish.
• One-time. For the preparation of it can be used plastic or waxed cardboard.
• Glass or china. This applies to those dishes, on which there are drawings with gold paint. At the same time, it begins to spark.
• Metal: copper, steel, brass, enameled or cast iron. Microwaves can not overcome the metal layer, the product will not be heated. In addition, the furnace itself may be damaged.
• Plastic. Those are its varieties that are not resistant to high temperatures.
• Aluminum. Forms in which you can warm up or bake food in a conventional oven are not suitable for microwave.

What can I use?

• The best option is considered glassware, for the production of which tempered heat-resistant or refractory glass is used. In such saucepans, the plates are thick, durable, almost without heating them.

Important! This dish is suitable for a conventional oven.

• Porcelain or faience is suitable if it does not have drawings.
• You can use glazed ceramics.
• Plastic is used, but not everyone.

Important! On the plastic container there is a special marking on which a microwave oven is depicted. It can be heated to a temperature of 140 degrees. If there is no marking, plastic can not be used. It will not only melt, but will also release harmful substances.

Rules for using utensils

Even microwaves can not do their job best if they are misused. What conditions should be adhered to:

• If the product closes tightly the lid or film, it should not be placed in a microwave oven. Required holes for the exit of steam. Otherwise, an explosion is possible.
• Do not use glassware with thin walls. Also on the dishes should not be chipped or cracked. Because of such defects, glass can crack.
• Crockery from porcelain or faience should also be inspected for cracks or chips. In addition, such dishes must be obtained with potholders, otherwise - you can get burns.

We are sure that our tips will help you choose the ideal microwave, and also pick up accessories for it. Hence - henceforth the cooking of any dish will be simple and interesting for you, and not laborious and burdensome.