How to choose a microwave?

Each of us dreams of comfort in our own home. 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 cabinets, but also with small sofas and armchairs. Often, they use “smart” equipment to equip such premises to facilitate the difficult work of culinary specialists. Now almost everyone has a microwave. Consider how to choose a microwave for your home.

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Types of Microwave Ovens

They come in three types:

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

Microwave waves

Such models are designed to defrost, heat and cook foods. In fact, this is the simplest option with a classic set of functions.

Microwave and grill

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

Important! Heating elements can be located only on top, and there are models with heaters on top and bottom. Thanks to this, the heating of the products turns out to be more uniform and a crisp appears on them.

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

Microwave, grill and convection

With the help of such an oven it is possible to create unique culinary masterpieces. You can use different methods individually, or you can combine them.

In such models there is a heating element and a fan, thanks 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 capabilities - this is your option.

Important! In the process of cooking, products are obtained, as if baked in the oven. But in the cooking process there is no heating of the air, which greatly facilitates life in the summer. A separate post with an overview of characteristics and a rating of the best models is dedicated to this technique option on our website. To find out all the details, follow the link “Microwave with grill and convection”.

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How to choose a microwave?

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

Type of

They are built-in and freestanding. In this case, they can have exactly the same appearance and characteristics.

When using the built-in model 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, it is imperative that there is free space around so that heat is removed. Our instructions will help you make the right fit anyway. microwave shelf.

Coating

There can be several coatings of the main camera. And not only the duration and ease of use, but also your personal safety largely depends on the quality and type of this material.

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

• Enamel is very popular. It is inexpensive, it is easy to clean. The disadvantages are low strength - high temperatures can cause cracks.
• Stainless steel is a high strength material.However, it is difficult to clean, since you can not use all 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 durable and environmentally friendly coatings. They are easy to wash, they are resistant to tan. Due to the minimal absorption of microwaves, food is cooked very quickly. The downside is the high cost.

Important! Based on our own financial capabilities, we can conclude which microwave oven is better:

1. enamel is the best cheap option;
2. ceramics is by far the best choice if you have the necessary amount to buy such a model of microwave oven.

Still worth refraining from paint and stainless steel.

Volume

With the help of small-sized ovens, you can heat food and prepare hot sandwiches for a family of two. Using a medium or large microwave, you can cook a complete meal.

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

• If the family includes two or three people, a volume of 17-25 liters will be enough.
• If the family members are twice as many, you should choose a model with a volume of over 30 liters.

Power

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

Important! At high power indicators, less time is spent on cooking or heating products. But do not forget that such power will affect power consumption, respectively - overcharge, and on a monthly basis.

The most optimal is called the power of 800-1000 watts.

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

Type of control

Mechanically controlled models are inexpensive and easy to manage. A circular switch is used to adjust power and runtime. But in this case, you may encounter the following disadvantages:

• Low accuracy of adjustment;
• Limited functionality;
• The inconvenience of leaving.

In electronic models, a display and a button or touch panel are used. Higher cost overrides multifunctionality.

Important! When looking closely at touch models, be sure to consider the fact that contacts may stick over time. 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 recover and still have to replace it with mechanics.

After that, all the “charms” of the sensor will disappear for you when compared with a truly reliable and reliable mechanics.

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Additional functions

Before choosing a microwave oven, you should familiarize yourself with all the additional functions and capabilities of a particular model. Much will depend on this - 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 the following options:

• Auto cook. For cooking, just select the name of the product and its weight. Household appliances will independently cope with the installation of the mode, power and time.
• Defrosting. Used to quickly defrost necessary products. This mode can be automatic.
• Child protection. It is possible to disable or lock all keys.
• Quick cooking. A higher power is installed, which allows you to cook much faster.
• Auto warm up. The type and weight of the dish is indicated, and the device independently selects the time, power.
• Steam cleaning and odor removal. Such functions allow you to get rid of odor, fat, food debris.
• Automatic maintenance of temperature. It is necessary for the dish to remain hot for a certain period of time.

Important! Having figured out the theory, proceed to practice - look at the proposed current models, compare their pros and cons. You will find all useful information in the article. "The best microwaves".

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We choose the 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?

Never use the following types of dishes:

• Crystal. Crystal consists of lead, silver and other metals. In addition, such dishes - with faces that have a heterogeneous thickness. As a result, instead of dishes, you can get a handful of crystal fragments in the oven.
• Disposable. To prepare it, plastic or waxed cardboard can be used.
• Glass or porcelain. This applies to the dishes on which there are drawings with gold paint. She begins to sparkle.
• Metal: copper, steel, brass, enameled or cast iron. Microwaves cannot overcome the metal layer; the product will not heat up. In addition, a breakdown of the furnace itself is possible.
• Plastic. Those varieties that are not resistant to high temperatures.
• Aluminum. Forms in which you can heat or bake food in a conventional oven are not suitable for microwave.

What can i use?

• The best option is glassware, for the manufacture of which tempered heat-resistant or fire-resistant glass is used. In such pots, plates, the walls are thick, durable, and practically no heating occurs.

Important! Such cookware is also suitable for a conventional oven.

• Porcelain or earthenware is suitable if drawings are not applied to it.
• Glazed ceramics may be used.
• Plastic is used, but not everyone.

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

Terms of use of dishes

Even the best microwave ovens will not cope with their task if they are used incorrectly. What conditions should be adhered to:

• If the product tightly closes the lid or film, it must not be placed in a microwave oven. Necessarily need openings for the exit of steam. Otherwise, an explosion is possible.
• Do not use glassware with thin walls. Also, dishes should not be chipped or cracked. Due to such defects, the glass may crack.
• Porcelain or earthenware dishes must also be inspected for cracks or chips. In addition, such dishes need to be taken with tacks, otherwise you can get burns.

Important! To practice cooking fast, tasty and healthy food for a variety of occasions, be sure to keep yourself a selection for future reference. the best recipes for microwave.

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Stock footage

We are sure that our tips will help you choose the perfect microwave, as well as pick up accessories for it. So - from now on, cooking any dish will be simple and interesting for you, and not labor-consuming and burdensome.