How to choose a microwave – expert tips

When choosing a microwave oven for your home, you should consider the specifications and features of the device.

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1. What microwave oven to choose: what to look for
2. Types of microwave ovens
3. Heating modes
4. The main criteria for choosing a microwave oven
5. Best manufacturers
6. Video on choosing a microwave oven

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We recommend reading the rating of the best microwave ovens according to the reviews of experts and buyers.

What microwave oven 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. Type (built-in and freestanding);
2. Type of door (hinged or hinged);
3. Grill and convection;
4. Power;
5. Capacity;
6. Coating material;
7. Type of control;
8. Additional functions.
9. The manufacturer of the device is also important.

Types of microwave ovens

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

Microwave oven types by installation

Although most microwave ovens are made in a freestanding design, recessed ovens also exist. There are no particular differences in technical characteristics between them, the only question is the presence of the outer casing.

Concealed ones do not have one. Instead, they are integrated directly into the kitchen unit. That is why these microwaves look very stylish. The only problem is that when repairing such a device will have to partially disassemble the kitchen unit to remove the broken oven.

But built-in microwave ovens do not take up working space like freestanding ovens do. In addition, devices designed for self-installation can be more powerful – due to the effective system of thermoregulation through the holes in the body.

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If it’s important to save workspace in the kitchen by providing a large countertop area, you should consider recessed models. In all other cases, a freestanding oven will do.

Types of microwave ovens by door placement

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

Microwave ovens with hinged door

Microwave ovens with a hinged door do not have a separate locking device. Regular mechanical latches are used instead. The door itself has a handle and can be opened by pulling.

Microwave ovens with a hinged door

The hinged door has no handle. Instead, there is a special button on the front of the microwave oven to open the door.

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It is better to choose a microwave oven with a hinged door. It has an ergonomic, flat front surface. In addition, it is safer to use, so it is better suited for use in homes with small children.

Heating modes

Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food. However, depending on the functionality of the device, it can be supplemented with “Grill” or convection functions.

1. Standard microwave ovens, also called “mono” ovens, are designed for heating and defrosting foods. It is quite difficult to cook any dish in them – unless, of course, its composition is “optimized” specifically for this type of cooking.
2. In microwave ovens with the “Grill” function, in addition to the microwave emitter, a heating element is also installed. Therefore, they can be used not only for reheating, but also for cooking various dishes – including meat and fish. An important advantage of the grill function is the formation of appetizing browning.
3. Microwaves with the “Convection” function have an additional heat exchange system. Thanks to the movement of hot air, such devices can cook baked goods and similar dishes.

The more functions in the microwave oven – the better. However, in the “Grill” mode and active convection mode, the energy consumption increases significantly. Also, the additional functionality leads to an increase in the price of the device – microwave ovens with grill and convection cost from 10 thousand rubles, while the “mono” – from 2 thousand.

Nevertheless, if the budget allows, it is worth buying a multipurpose microwave oven.

Top criteria for choosing a microwave oven

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

Power

Microwave oven power affects the temperature and speed at which the food is heated. The higher it is, the faster the device will cope with defrosting or even cooking some dishes. To reheat oven-warmed food, the power is not important (in particular, a dish that is reheated in 1 litre or less).5 minutes for 800 watts, for 500-600 watts will heat for 2 minutes).

Optimal for home use are microwave ovens rated at 600-800 watts. The more powerful ones are worth buying only if you plan to use them for cooking.

Volume

Not the most important parameter that does not matter. The microwave waves penetrate the food by about 2 cm.5 cm, and the rest of the “thickness” is heated thanks to the natural heat exchange.

Nevertheless, in an ultra-compact microwave with a volume of less than 10 liters will be difficult to fit large-sized dishes. Therefore, it is desirable to purchaseDevices with a capacity of more than 15 l.

Coating

The coating of the inner container in microwave ovens can be made of stainless steel, enamel or ceramic. There are also models with bioceramic enamel.

1. Stainless steel without any additional coating is quite rare. This material is distinguished by its optimal practicality – dirt of almost any kind can be rubbed off easily. Before scratching. Mechanical damage not only spoils the appearance of the surface, but also leads to the appearance of permanent dirt, which is difficult to remove even with the use of special cleaning agents.
2. Stainless steel with enamel coating is more scratch-resistant. However, mechanical damage causes the material to degrade. Nevertheless, it takes a lot of effort to scratch or chip the enamel. That is why this material is found in the vast majority of microwave oven models.
3. Ceramics are often found in microwave ovens with a grill and convection oven. The main advantage of this material is its excellent thermal insulation properties, which ensure the preservation of high temperature in the working capacity of the device. Nevertheless, the ceramic darkens with time, and also tends to accumulate unpleasant odors due to its porous structure. Therefore, the recommended operating period of such microwaves is no more than 5 years.
4. Bioceramic is free of this disadvantage. It retains the thermal insulation properties of conventional ceramics, but has a dense and smooth structure. Therefore, this material does not darken over time, nor does it become saturated with odors, and at the same time it is very easy to care for – it can be easily cleaned of any dirt..

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Optimal materials for microwave ovens are enamel-coated steel and bioceramic. That’s why you should choose microwave ovens with this coating. The only question is the price – enameled microwave ovens are inexpensive, while the bioceramic ones belong to the medium or premium class

Control

The control system in microwave ovens can be mechanical or electronic. Not only do they differ in terms of design but also in terms of ergonomics.

1. Mechanical control is two or three dials on the front panel. Through them set the mode of operation (power or preset programs) and timer.
2. Electronic controls are keypad (mechanical, membrane or touch screen) on the front panel. Similarly, the timer, power and mode of operation can be adjusted through it.

Type of control does not affect functionality. It only affects the user-friendliness. In this case you should choose a microwave oven according to your preferences.

Additional functions

Among the additional functions that determine the practical qualities of the microwave oven can be distinguished:

1. Odor removal – mode of ventilation of the working capacity of the microwave oven. It is quite convenient, especially if you use a ceramic coating and in the device heated aromatic dishes;
2. Radiation protection – an automatic system that turns off the microwave when the door is open. Almost all devices are equipped with this mode;
3. Heating mode to the desired temperature – quite a convenient and useful function, which can be found in microwave ovens with electronic control;
4. Combination with a steam cooker is realized through an additional accessory – a “pot” in which water boils and cooks the dish;
5. The automatic defrost mode is designed, as the name suggests, to defrost various foods. In it, the microwave determines the intensity of the radiation and other operating parameters independently. Therefore, the food is defrosted rather than boiled;
6. The system of uniform distribution of microwaves provides accurate, all-round heating of food. Convenient enough function, thanks to which the cooked food turns out warm, including inside;
7. Child protection – the function of blocking the start and control of the microwave until you press a certain button or combination of keys;
8. Recipe programming is a function of how the microwave oven remembers certain packages of settings (temperature, power, time, etc.).d.). The function is useful only for people who often cook or reheat the same dishes;
9. “Smart features like connecting to Wi-Fi or starting from your smartphone. Useful modes for geeks or just “smart home” owners.

These features make the microwave more convenient to use. Therefore, it is worth choosing models equipped with them, based on your needs or just desires. Well and budget, of course.

The best manufacturers

Some of the best manufacturers of microwave ovens are:

1. Samsung, Panasonic, Supra – in the budget and medium price segments;
2. LG, Bosch, BBK – in the middle and top price segments.
3. You can also highlight the premium microwave ovens Panasonic with a convection mode, but among the manufacturers of built-in models – the German company Siemens.

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In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose the right multicooker for the whole family and the secrets of choosing a mini oven for the kitchen.

Video on choosing a microwave oven