How to choose a microwave - expert advice

When choosing a microwave oven for the home, it is worth considering first of all the technical characteristics and functional features of the device.

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1. What microwave to choose: what to look for
   
2. Types of microwave ovens
3. Heating modes
4. The main criteria for choosing a microwave oven
5. Top manufacturers
6. Microwave selection video

What microwave to choose: what to look for

When choosing a microwave oven, you should pay attention to the following parameters and characteristics of the device:

1. View (built-in and detached);

2. Type of door (hinged or folding);

3. Grill and convection;

4. Power;

5. Volume;

6. Coating material;

7. Type of management;

8. Additional functions.

9. Also important is the manufacturer of the device.

Types of microwave ovens

Microwave ovens can be classified both according to the type of installation (and then they are divided into built-in and free-standing), and by the way the door is positioned (hinged or hinged).

Types of microwave ovens by type of installation

Despite the fact that most microwave ovens are performed in a separate construction, recessed also exist. There are no special differences in technical characteristics between them, the only question is the presence of the external case.

In embedded it is not. Instead, they are integrated directly into the kitchen. Therefore, these microwaves look very stylish. The only problem is that during the repair of such a device, you will have to partially disassemble the kitchen set in order to remove the broken stove.

But the built-in microwave ovens do not occupy the working space, as it is done separately. In addition, devices designed for self-installation, can be more powerful - due to the effective system of thermoregulation through the holes in the case.

Types of microwave ovens on the placement of the door

The door in the microwave ovens can be mounted or folding. They differ in the type of locking device.

Microwaves with a hinged door

In microwaves with a hinged door, there is no separate locking device. Instead, conventional mechanical latches are used. The door itself is equipped with a handle, and opens if you pull it.

Microwaves with hinged door

The hinged door is not equipped with a handle. Instead, on the front of the microwave there is a special button for opening the door.

Heating modes

Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food. However, depending on the functionality of the device, it may be supplemented by the functions of the "Grill" or convection.

1. Standard microwave ovens, also called “mono”, are designed for heating and defrosting products. Cooking a dish in them is quite difficult - unless, of course, its composition is “optimized” for this particular type of cooking.

2. In microwaves with the “Grill” function, in addition to the microwave radiator, a heating element is also installed. Therefore, they can be used not only for heating, but also for preparing various dishes - including meat and fish. An important advantage of the "grill" function is the formation of an appetizing fried crust.

3. In the microwave ovens with the “convection” function, an additional heat exchange system is installed. Due to the movement of hot air, such devices can cook pastries and similar dishes.

The more functions in the microwave - the better. However, in the "Grill" mode and with active convection, power consumption is significantly increased. Also, additional functionality leads to an increase in the price of the device - a microwave with a grill and convection cost from 10 thousand rubles, while "mono" - from 2 thousand.

However, if the budget allows, it is worth buying a multifunctional microwave oven.

The main criteria for choosing a microwave oven

Important characteristics that determine the functionality of a microwave oven are power, volume, coating material and type of control.

Power

The temperature and rate of heating of the products depend on the power of the microwave oven. The higher it is - the faster the device will cope with defrosting or even the preparation of some dishes. For heating prepared food, the power does not matter much (in particular, a dish that is heated for 1.5 minutes at 800 W, for 500-600 W will be heated for 2 minutes).

Optimal for home use are microwaves, designed for 600-800 watts. More powerful should be taken only if you plan to use them for cooking.

Volume

Not the most important parameter that has no special meaning. The fact is that microwave waves penetrate into the product by about 2.5 cm, and the rest of the “thickness” is heated due to natural heat transfer.

However, in ultra-compact microwaves of less than 10 liters it will be difficult to fit large-sized dishes. Therefore, it is desirable to acquire devices with a capacity of more than 15 liters.

Coating

The coating of the internal container in microwave ovens can be made of stainless steel, enamel or ceramics. Also there are models with bioceramic enamel.

1. Stainless steel without additional coating is quite rare. This material differs in an optimum practicality - pollution of practically any kind is easily rubbed off from it. Before scratching. Mechanical damage not only spoils the appearance of the surface, but also leads to the emergence of persistent dirt that is difficult to remove even with the use of special cleaning agents.

2. Enamel coated stainless steel is more scratch resistant. However, mechanical damage leads to degradation of the material. However, serious efforts are required to scratch or chop the enamel. Therefore, this material is found in the vast majority of models of microwave ovens.

3. Ordinary ceramics are often found in microwaves with grill and convection. The main advantage of this material lies in its excellent thermal insulation properties, which ensure the preservation of high temperature in the working capacity of the device. However, ceramics darkens with time, and also tends to accumulate unpleasant odors due to its porous structure.Therefore, the recommended operational period of such microwaves is no more than 5 years.

4. Bioceramics is free from this disadvantage. It retains the insulating properties of conventional ceramics, but it has a dense and smooth structure. Therefore, this material does not darken over time, and is not impregnated with odors, and at the same time it is very easy to clean - it is easy to wash off any dirt. .

Control

The control system in microwave ovens can be mechanical or electronic. They differ not only in construction, but also in terms of ergonomics.

1. Mechanical control is two or three dials on the front panel. Through them, the operation mode (power or pre-installed programs) and the timer are configured.

2. Electronic control is a keyboard (mechanical, membrane or touch) on the front panel. Similarly, through it the timer, power and mode of operation are adjusted.

The type of control does not affect the functionality. It depends only on the convenience of use. Choose in this case, the microwave is based on their preferences.

Additional functions

Additional features that define the practical qualities of a microwave oven include:

1. Removing odors - the mode of ventilation of the working capacity of the microwave oven. It is quite convenient, especially if a ceramic coating is used and fragrant dishes are heated in the device;

2. Radiation protection is an automatic system that turns off the microwave when the door is open. Almost all devices are equipped with this mode;

3. Warming up mode to the desired temperature is quite a convenient and useful function, which is found in electronically controlled microwaves;

4. Combination with a double boiler is realized through an additional accessory - a “pot” in which water boils and a dish is prepared;

5. The automatic defrost mode is intended, as the name implies, to defrost various products. In it, the microwave independently determines the radiation intensity and other operating parameters. Therefore, the food is defrosted, and not boiled soft;

6. The system of uniform distribution of microwaves provides accurate, comprehensive heating of the products. A fairly convenient feature, thanks to which ready-made meals are made warm, including inside;

7. Child protection - the function of blocking the start and control of the microwave until a certain button or key combination is pressed;

8. Recipe programming is the function of microwave memorization of certain settings packets (temperature, power, time, etc.). The function is only useful for people who often cook or heat the same dishes;

9. "Smart" features like connecting to Wi-Fi or launching from a smartphone. Useful modes for geeks or just the owners of the "smart home".

These functions make the microwave more convenient to use. Therefore, to choose models equipped with them, is based on their needs or simply desires. Well, the budget, of course.

Top manufacturers

One of the best manufacturers of microwave ovens are:

1. Samsung, Panasonic, Supra - in the budget and average price segments;

2. LG, Bosch, BBK - in the middle and top price segments.

3. You can also select the Panasonic premium microwave ovens with convection mode, but among the manufacturers of embedded models - the German company Siemens.

Microwave selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.