Microwave oven - an indispensable thing in the kitchen, allowing you to simplify the process of cooking. Those who are just going to buy this device, it is advisable to read the recommendations on how to choose a microwave for home.
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Microwave harm - myth or reality?
Before we can figure out whether microwave radiation is harmful, we need to understand what a microwave oven is. Microwave is a household electrical appliance, which is designed for fast cooking, heating food and defrosting food.
Microwave radiation is not radioactive because its frequency is less than that which is dangerous to human health. In addition, various types of protection are provided to prevent microwave radiation from leaking outside the appliance. Whatever the company, manufacturers make it so that when the door is closed, the waves do not penetrate outside the oven chamber, and the glass door is shielded by a frequent metal mesh.
How to choose the right microwave oven for the home?
Before choosing a microwave oven, you need to decide for what purpose it will be intended. The cheapest microwave "solo" is suitable for heating, defrosting food and cooking simple dishes. Therefore, if these functions are sufficient, it is not worth overpaying for options that will not be used. However, in such a microwave will not be able to roast or bake a dish to a crispy crust. Even in the budget version of the device is not recommended to cook anything for a long time, because the enamel coating inside is not designed for high temperatures.
Manufacturers of microwave ovens make devices with different volume of the working chamber, power and interior finish. Microwave power affects how fast food is heated and cooked. Each model has an adjustable power level for cooking different types of food.
The volume of microwave ovens range from 9 to 41 liters. For a small family, you can buy an oven with a volume of 17-23 liters, with 3-4 people - from 23 liters. But it is worth considering that the larger the capacity of the chamber, the more and its power.
The taste of food cooked in the microwave depends on its internal finish. The coating of the inner surface can be:
- Enamel. A type of finish that is popular. It is easy to care for.
- Ceramic. Durable enough coating, easy to clean from grease with a sponge.
- Stainless steel. Durable coating, resistant to temperature fluctuations. In most cases, this finish is used in the manufacture of microwaves with a grill and convection. Minus coating - the complexity of care.
Main characteristics
There are some technical characteristics, according to which experts divide all microwaves into classes. The main ones are:
- capacity of the working chamber;
- modes of operation;
- control system;
- the possibility of embedding.
If you have a small kitchen, it is recommended to buy a simple microwave oven of small size, which can be placed on the kitchen table or a special shelf. People who prefer built-in appliances, you can choose such a microwave oven, which will be in good harmony with the kitchen set.
Type of control
According to the method of control all microwave ovens are divided into 3 types:
- mechanical;
- push-button;
- touch.
Mechanical control is a reliable and simple type of control, which is suitable for the elderly or children. By means of 2 round knobs the radiation power and cooking time are set.
Button control is represented by a set of buttons on the panel of the appliance. It is used in models with different modes. It is possible to select the cooking time depending on the weight of the food.
The touch control has the same functions as the button control, only the touch panel is pressed. It allows you to set the household appliance more precise parameters. However, this type has a disadvantage - sensitivity to voltage fluctuations in the mains.
Main functions
Choosing a microwave oven, you need to know that they all have 3 main functions:
- Defrost. With this function, you can quickly defrost the desired products. To do this, you need to specify the name and weight of the product, and the device itself will select the power and time required for defrosting.
- Automatic cooking. To do this, you need to select the type of food and its weight, and the unit itself will set the mode, power and time.
- Automatic heating. It is necessary to specify the dish to be heated and its weight.
Additional features
Modern microwave ovens not only have a beautiful design, but also equipped with additional features:
- Childproofing, which disables or locks all buttons, thereby limiting access to small children.
- Quick Cooking. It can be used to cook food quickly or heat a dish in 30 seconds at high power.
- Steam cleaning. This function removes grease and food remains from the inner surface of the appliance by means of steam.
- Rapid defrosting which allows to reduce the time of food defrosting by half.
- Odor-removal mode. Neutralizes cooking fumes and smells.
- Steam Sensor. Enables steaming at +100°C. Keeps food warm. Using this button you can keep the dish hot for a long time.
- Automatic weighing function. The device is equipped with built-in electronic scales.
- Audible signal of switching off. The oven notifies about the end of work.
In addition, many modern microwave ovens are equipped with a grill function. With its help, you can fry vegetables, meat and fish dishes. Food cooked on the grill, has a crispy golden crust on top and retains the juice inside.
More microwave ovens are equipped with both grill and convection. The latter function is good for baking and roasting meat. The built-in fan blows air heated to a predetermined temperature into the electric device, ensuring even heating. This creates a ruddy crust on the food and preserves more vitamins in the food.
What kind of cookware for the microwave?
Before you buy a microwave oven, you must consider that not all cookware available in the house is suitable for use in this electric appliance. For cooking, heating and defrosting foods, dishes with shiny or metallic rims are not suitable, since they induce a high-frequency current of great strength, leading to sparks that can turn into electric arcs.
Only heat resistant cookware should be used in the microwave oven. These may be made of:
- glass;
- plastic
- Ceramic and porcelain.
For defrosting and reheating foods, plastic bags with holes are suitable. For baking dishes, it is recommended to use dishes with high sides.
The best option not only for reheating, but also for using the electric appliance in different modes is heat-resistant glassware. But it is forbidden to be exposed to sudden changes in temperature.
Top 5 best microwave ovens
Now almost all the famous manufacturers of home appliances produce their lines of microwave ovens. Based on customer reviews, specifications and pricing policies, you can highlight the top 5 microwave ovens. So, the best microwave ovens of 2018:
- Horizont 20MW800-1479. Not a bad microwave oven with a good rating. The model has all the basic built-in programs, electronic control and grill. In addition, inThe inner coating of the chamber is enamel..
- Daewoo Electronics KOR-8A4R. The appliance has a function of removing unpleasant odors and protection against accidental pressing. In this model, you can cook pizza or use the device as a steam cooker. The steam can be used to clean the inside of the appliance.
- Samsung ME83KRW-1. The appliance has convenient and easy operation, touch buttons and bioceramic coating. The microwave oven does its job well and is equipped with additional modes.
- BEKO MGC 20100 S. The device is distinguished by its reliability and unpretentiousness in operation. The model has an interesting appearance, mechanical adjustment. Additional options: passive and active chamber illumination, sound alarm after cooking, grill.
- Horizont 20MW700-1378B. Model with mechanical control. Good for use in the heating-defrosting mode Low price, positive customer reviews.
Since it is difficult to choose a microwave among the variety of products offered, after reading the rating of microwave ovens, you can easily decide which microwave to choose for the home.
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