How to choose a microwave?

In just a few years, the microwave oven has evolved from a device for heating food to appliances for cooking various recipes. Today you can spend a lot of time in front of the storefront to choose the right microwave for the home. Understanding the purpose of different types of microwave ovens will help you avoid wasting time:

1. Classic models- The principle of operation of such a technique is simple: a magnetic field acts on water molecules, heating food as soon as possible. An element called a magnetron generates radiation, the power of which can be different. On average, for simple units, the average is 800 watts.
2. Convection Microwaves- equipped with convector and fan. The first element is responsible for heating the air, and the second for its uniform distribution throughout the furnace. As a result, food is heated evenly. As a rule, such models are more expensive than ordinary counterparts.
3. Microwaves with grill- There are quartz, coal and TEN models. The first option, as a rule, costs more, due to increased power. The quartz heating element is located above the grill. Easy to clean. TEN new models are in the greatest demand owing to the price / quality ratio. When buying such a model, make sure that the heating element is movable and that heat is distributed evenly throughout the chamber. Coal-grilled microwave ovens add new flavors to dishes. Such models are less commonly found on sale. They work on the basis of carbon fiber hidden in an insulating tube. The principle of operation is reminiscent of ordinary fire: heat penetrates deep into the fibers of food, which allows for maximum efficiency. In this case, the radiation efficiency depends on the power of the microwave.

Regardless of the type of design, we recommend buying a microwave with a moving table, as it is much more convenient and efficient.

According to the installation method, microwave ovens are divided into solo models and freestanding.The first can be placed anywhere, observing one rule: the magnetron (located in the same part as the controls) should emit radiation into the wall, but not towards the user. Avoid the waves moving in the direction of another technique, this will negatively affect the life of other electronics.

When choosing a built-in microwave, keep in mind that they are designed for specific sizes, and it is not always possible to install in a specific niche of the cabinet. Therefore, it is necessary to make accurate measurements of the kitchen set in advance or you will then need to buy furniture specifically for the dimensions of the purchased model. In terms of efficiency and functionality, they are no different.

To date, on sale you can find models with three control methods:

1. Mechanical - represented by round handles, one of which is designed to control power, and the second is a timer. The advantage is a simple mechanism of operation and low price. The lack of a large time interval, which is why dishes often turn out to be overheated;
2. Push-button - presented in the form of a dial or screen. You can set programs for heating or cooking. The downside is that dirt is constantly gathering on the panel under the buttons;
3. Touch is the most expensive type of control, attracting a maximum of useful functions for choosing the speed, time or cooking mode of a particular dish. At the same time, such models break much more often during voltage drops.

It’s not just that many users are wondering if the microwave oven is safe for health ... The fact is that many equipment manufacturers convince themselves that modern technology is safe. You should know that the main element of any microwave oven is a magnetron, which produces radiation up to 4000 Volts. This is a fairly powerful magnetic field. When choosing a microwave oven, pay attention to where the indicated element is located (always from the side of the control panel).

If on the right side of the structure, then the rays follow from right to left. In this case, install the device in such a way that the left side of the microwave is pressed against a corner or a kitchen unit. Accordingly, if the magnetron is on the left side, the rays will come from left to right. Therefore, such a microwave oven should be placed right next to the other equipment or wall.

Thus, food cooked in the microwave is harmless, which cannot be said about the radiation itself. You can minimize harm by properly installing the device. At the same time, you should pay attention to ensure that the inner coating is of high quality, the magnetron and grill are protected, so that there is enough power to meet the needs. Let's talk about everything in order.

Many mistakenly believe that, first of all, when choosing a microwave oven, you need to pay attention to the power of the microwave oven. In fact, this parameter depends on the volume, design and directly the tasks that the customer poses for the equipment. Please note that the figure in the utility payment for electricity depends on this indicator.

As practice shows, most classic models for defrosting and heating food give out about 800-900 watts. Models with a grill are much more powerful, up to 1500-1600 watts. Accordingly, they support more functions.

As you understand, it is necessary to choose the power of the microwave oven, starting from the number of people in the family, therefore, from the volume. For a small family, a capacity of up to 20 liters is enough for a power (without the presence of a grill) of about 800 watts.

For a family of 3-4 people, as practice shows, you need a medium-sized microwave - with a capacity of 20 to 25 liters. Optimum power up to 900 watts.

The largest microwave ovens hold from 26 to 32 liters.More capacious units are used for commercial purposes. Their power can be up to 1200 watts, provided that there is no grill.

If in each of the described cases, you choose a model with an electric grill and additional modes, you can safely increase the power by another 500 watts.

As a rule, manufacturers of equipment try to reduce the cost of their products due to materials, while paying more attention to additional functions. When choosing a microwave for the home, do not neglect the quality of the surface of the camera, which can be made of the following materials:

• antibacterial coating - bioceramics, attracting with perfect smoothness and wear resistance. This material is characterized by high resistance to deposits, protection from scratches and harmlessness to health;
• stainless steel is a sufficiently durable coating that can withstand high temperatures, which is especially important for models with a grill. As a rule, metal cameras are cheaper, but less convenient in terms of cleaning. Wash with abrasives;
• enamel is the cheapest coating subject to minor mechanical damage. In addition, it has poor resistance to high temperatures.

It is worth saying right away that premium manufacturers are constantly trying to improve their products with a specific option. When choosing a microwave oven, professionals are advised, first of all, to focus on value for money, and only then look at the functions. As for the most useful, their list is small:

• airing the working chamber - a useful mode that allows you to get rid of the fatty fumes of the food inside the chamber in a few seconds (available only for models with touch control);
• automatic weighing - a function designed for users who monitor their health and excess calories. Models with electronic scales are 15-20% more expensive;
• double radiation - such microwave ovens have increased efficiency, which positively affects the uniform heating of food;
• double boiler - an option for diet food, which provides for a dialog box on the display;
• odor removal;
• steam cleaning;
• child protection;
• maintaining temperature.

Additionally, some models can be equipped with a special plate called Crisp or Crusty. With it, you can fry food, like in a pan. Please note that this element is made of metal and is suitable only for a number of premium microwaves. Operation of this plate in a non-native microwave oven can lead to critical consequences!

Focusing only on the functionality of different models, you won’t be able to choose the right microwave for your home. It is important to pay attention to the level of safety, and the quality of individual parts, and even existing stereotypes. Therefore, we decided to draw your attention to the opinion of professionals who know perfectly well, because of which modern microwave ovens most often break down. Oddly enough, for cheap and expensive models there is only one reason for premature wear - improper operation. Never place metal in a microwave oven. In doing so, pay attention to the quality of protection and cable.

When choosing a microwave, professionals are advised to pay attention to the condition and length of the power cord. We are talking about energy-intensive household appliances, and contacts often burn out. It is important that the plug is of high quality without defects and reliable in appearance. Experts recommend a refrigerator, microwave, washing machine to be connected to separate outlets. Therefore, the cable must be long so that the internal contacts do not burn. Note that when the voltage decreases, the speed of cooking slows down significantly. Therefore, it is better to use an individual outlet, rather than an adapter.

To date, the vast majority of microwave ovens are equipped with a mica plate (magnetron screen). In the process of preparing various dishes, fat vapor is released, which is a catalyst and the cause of the most common breakdowns of microwave ovens. To avoid premature wear, make sure that the plate installed inside the microwave on the control panel side has a reliable appearance and a good coating. Please note that professionals recommend periodically wiping the magnetron screen with a swab dipped in alcohol, regardless of the cost and quality of the model.

Another popular question that arises when choosing a microwave oven for the home - is it possible to put a microwave on the refrigerator? Often, users resort to buying brackets for installing equipment on the wall due to the fact that they worry about the possible harm allegedly caused by vibrations from the refrigerator or washing machine. Repairmen assure that due to such a neighborhood, none of these devices will suffer. It is only important that high-quality suction cups or legs are installed at the bottom of the microwave to prevent minor mechanical damage. The brackets, in turn, make sense to operate solely to preserve the free space in the room.

We sincerely hope that we have revealed the main issues that will help you choose a good microwave for your home. Good luck friends!