Guide on how to choose a microwave oven: tips from professionals, an overview of important functions

Microwave is a household appliance that allows you to quickly heat or cook food.

Allows you to heat water almost 3 - 4 times faster than a "traditional" gas stove.

So using a microwave also allows you to save a little money on utility bills.

But according to what criteria should choose such equipment most consumers do not know.

At the same time, the range of microwave ovens offered by retail chains is very wide, which causes difficulties for the average buyer.

What size to choose

The external dimensions are a secondary characteristic. It is necessary to pay attention to the volume of the inner chamber, where the heating or cooking is done. It is indicated in liters (or dm).³).

Freestanding or built-in

Conventionally, all microwave ovens are divided into 2 categories:

1. Built-in. Do not have an external decorative body. They are installed directly in the kitchen unit. Their advantage is the saving of free space. Also, such a technique will elegantly fit into the already decorated kitchen interior. But you should choose strictly according to the dimensions (there are several standardized sizes).
2. Freestanding. A variant for those who have a kitchen set is not designed for the installation of built-in appliances. The microwave has a decorative outer casing, most models are available in different colors.

There are also ovens with microwave function. But they are much more expensive, take up a lot of space and are mainly used in the commercial sector (restaurants, catering facilities). For private kitchens, as a rule, they are not purchased.

What size to choose

According to this characteristic, microwave ovens are divided into 3 categories:

1. Up to 19 liters. The optimal option for warming up food or defrosting semi-finished products, meat at home. In a small microwave you can also easily dry herbs.
2. 20 to 25 liters. Microwaves with this volume of the inner chamber are the best-selling. Universal option, in 90% of cases fully meets the needs of a family of 2 - 4 people. Suitable as for warming up food, and defrosting, cooking.
3. From 26 liters and more. Option for those who prefer to cook in the microwave. Often equipped with a grid for grilling, convection system, which allows you to evenly "bake" the meat.

What power to choose a microwave oven

Microwave power is indicated in watts (W). Denotes the coefficient of dissipation of microwaves to the entire volume of the inner chamber of the oven.

It is possible to follow the specified recommendations:

1. The basic minimum is 800 watts for a 19-liter microwave, 1,000 for up to 24 liters, and 1,500 for over 25 liters. This is enough both for quick heating and for cooking simple dishes.
2. If you plan to cook meat (grill), the power of the microwave should be higher by about 25 - 30% of the base.

And it should be taken into account that some unscrupulous manufacturers in the technical specifications indicate 2 values. The power of the installed magnetron in the microwave oven (responsible just for the generation of microwaves), as well as the electric current consumption (about 20% higher than the power of the magnetron). Pay attention to the first value!

Main functions of microwave ovens

Most modern microwave ovens have the following operating modes:

1. Grill.
2. Grill and convection.
3. Quick start.
4. Automatic defrosting.
5. Automatic cooking.
6. Manual settings.
7. Multistep cooking (with programming mode).

Naturally, some modes are found only in microwave ovens of higher price category. A detailed list is indicated, as a rule, on the packaging of the household appliance itself.

Grill

The key difference between such microwave ovens is the presence of a heating element. That is, an electric heater, which is installed mainly in the upper part of the inner chamber. Allows you to cook food with a crispy crust.

Grill and convection

Is a modification of the grill. In addition to heating elements in such microwave ovens have a built-in fan, which provides uniform distribution of hot air over the inner chamber.

Due to this roasting is performed more evenly, crispy crust is obtained on all sides. Considered to be the best choice for cooking meat dishes.

Rapid start

When you press this button, the microwave oven operates at medium power. There is no need to set a timer, the automatic shutdown is triggered after 1 - 2 minutes.

It is convenient when you just need to reheat the food from the fridge.

Automatic defrosting

Also automatically turns on the microwave on medium power. But in addition, the user is invited to specify the weight of the defrosting food - from this the oven will automatically "calculate" how long it will take to defrost.

Automatic cooking

A wide variety of microwave ovens have a programmed set of popular recipes. For example, "pizza", "chicken", "stew potatoes" and so on.

Just press one button, and the microwave will automatically set the optimal heating mode and auto-off timer.

Manual setting

In this mode, the user can independently specify both the heating power and the auto-off timer.

At any time cooking (heating) of food can be suspended with the "Stop" button (in some microwave ovens for this you need to press the door opening button).

Multistep cooking

Predominantly found in "professional" microwave ovens.

The key difference is that the modes change during cooking. For example, it starts at medium power, and before the timer ends, the maximum heat and the heating element (to get a crispy crust) are activated.

Suitable for experienced professional chefs who cook complex dishes with the microwave.

Most models are also available with multi-step cooking programming. That is, you can manually set each mode, specify the switching of their sequence.

Additional features. Do I need to overpay?

Technically, microwave ovens come in 4 types:

1. Conventional. That is, heating is performed only by emitting radio waves by a magnetron.
2. With a grill. The only difference is the presence of a heating element.
3. With convection. Have both a grill and a built-in fan (in a special "capsule" that protects it from high temperature, as well as moisture and grease).
4. With the support of the function "steam cooking". They usually have an additional "directional" magnetron, which heats only water in a special container.

Conventional .

Suitable for defrosting and heating food.

As practice shows, about 85% of all microwave ovens are purchased for these tasks, the rest of the functionality - is not in demand.

With grill

Suitable for those who occasionally want to cook meat dishes in a microwave oven.

With convection

Buy such microwaves should be those who often cook meat dishes, but do not have the opportunity (or do not want) to use a traditional oven.

For baking, the grill with convection is not suitable, but for other dishes - quite enough.

With the "steam cooking" function

Such models are extremely popular among those who lead a healthy lifestyle.

But there are microwave ovens with support for this function almost 2 - 3 times more expensive and take up more space (with the same volume of the inner chamber).

Controls

Microwave oven settings and modes can be controlled in 3 types:

1. Mechanical.
2. Button controls.
3. Touch controls.

Mechanical control.

The advantage of this option is reliability.

Adjustment of timers, heating power, as well as the door lock are all mechanisms without electronics. The probability of breakage is minimal. But visually it looks "outdated": 2 handles, as well as a massive button for opening the door.

Button

Instead of mechanical handles - the buttons, more often - with a rubberized base (protects against water, grease, dirt inside). Also reliable and functional variant.

Failures are extremely rare. But if a breakdown occurs, it is necessary to change the entire control panel, and such repairs will cost about 30-40% of the cost of a new microwave oven of the same model.

Touch

As a rule, there is either an ABS plastic or heat-resistant glass insert on the case. A touch film and "virtual" button markings are applied to the top.

Externally, such microwave ovens look the most attractive. In terms of reliability, the complaints are minimal, but if there is a breakdown, the repair will cost a lot. Because it is impossible to change the sensor base itself, you have to install a new control unit. And this is 50 - 60% of the cost of the household appliance.

What internal coating to choose

Nowadays, microwave oven manufacturers use the following options for the inner coating of the heating chamber:

1. Stainless steel.
2. Enameled steel.
3. Ceramics (as well as bioceramics).
4. Acrylic.

Models where the inner chamber is simply made of steel are now (2021-2022) almost uncommon.

Stainless steel.

The cheapest option.

The main advantage: stainless steel easily withstands even the highest temperatures. You can heat food, defrost large pieces of meat, use the grill at maximum power.

The main disadvantage is that it is extremely difficult to achieve perfect cleanliness of the inner chamber. It has to be cleaned regularly using aggressive detergents. And if you do not remove grease residues, it will certainly lead to the formation of corrosion. And even with very careful care, steel will eventually become dull, covered with small scratches, that is, visually the microwave from the inside will look quite "unpresentable".

Enameled steel

Enamel collects less "stains" and is easier to clean. Therefore, microwave ovens with this coating of the inner chamber are somewhat more expensive.

But it is forbidden to use detergents with the addition of abrasive components in them. That is, a "delicate" care is required. Otherwise, microscratches are formed, under which the metal later corrodes.

Also of the disadvantages should be mentioned that the enamel coating does not withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures. So it is not recommended to buy a microwave oven with a grill, where the inner chamber has an enamel coating.

Ceramics and bioceramics

One of the best options, according to the buyers themselves.

Ceramic coating does not contribute to the formation of stains, it is easy to wash with an ordinary detergent. Easily withstands prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

But the ceramic coating is quite fragile. So it is strictly forbidden to use detergents with abrasive components, as well as to clean the inner chamber with a "brush". Of additional features it should be noted that bioceramics also has antiseptic properties. That is, it does not promote reproduction of bacteria.

Acrylic

Acrylic in the manufacture of microwave ovens is used relatively recently. Its advantage is a very low cost.

There is such a coating only in microwave ovens of low power, only up to 1400 watts. But for quick heating or defrosting, it is more than enough.

Acrylic does not cloud over time, it is not brittle, easier to clean than stainless steel. But you can't cook meat or other dishes in such ovens.

Useful additional options

A number of microwave ovens have not only a wide list of operating modes, but also useful additional options:

1. Child lock.
2. Self-cleaning.
3. Removal of unpleasant odors.
4. Steam sensor" function.

Child lock.

The function is extremely useful for those families with small children. Although the outside of the microwave is practically not heated, but the dish inside will be hot. And it's hard to imagine what could happen if a child accidentally opens the door of the microwave.

The manufacturers have provided for this option. The child lock function will deactivate temporarily all the buttons and knobs to set the modes of operation.

It is turned on, as a rule, by pressing the "Start" button for 3 - 5 seconds. To deactivate the childproof lock, you will either need to press this button again, or use a special combination (e.g. "Lock" and "Start" buttons). Accidental unlocking - impossible.

Self-Cleaning

It is believed that this function first appeared in microwave ovens from Gorenje. Now it is found everywhere.

It works in the following way:

1. Pour a small amount of water into a container, put it in the microwave.
2. Press "Self-clean" (or "AutoClean"). Heating will start at maximum power.
3. Due to the formation of a large volume of steam, most stains and grease stains on the inner wall will soften. All you have to do is wipe them off with a damp cloth or wipe.

This function allows you to completely eliminate the use of "aggressive" detergents, and simplifies the care of appliances.

Odour Removal

A predominant feature found on models with convection support. Allows you to get rid of pungent odors after cooking dishes with lots of spices.

Press the corresponding button for 5 to 15 minutes to purge the cavity.

Steam Sensor" function

Allows the microwave oven to "adjust" the cooking time more accurately.

The function engages an additional sensor that takes into account the temperature of the steam released from the food being cooked. Once it reaches 100 degrees, the power is automatically reduced (or the microwave ends cooking altogether).

Truth and myths about microwave ovens

The most common myths are:

1. Microwave radiation is harmful. No, that's not true. For humans, animals - they are absolutely safe. The food also does not become harmful. But what the technique can really harm - it is other household appliances. But only if the microwave oven is malfunctioning and the radio waves spread outside the inner chamber.
2. The microwave does not insulate, meaning the radio waves "get" outside. The myth is explained by the fact that if you put a working phone in it (without turning on the heat), the device still receives the operator's signal. Except that the internal coverage is focused on a frequency of 2.45 GHz. It is easy to check this - the WiFi signal does not really spread through a closed microwave.
3. Cheap microwave ovens are not safe. And this is also a myth. Since these appliances are certified by special supervisory bodies (for example, in the Russian Federation it is Rosstandart). If the appliances were really unsafe, they would not appear in retail outlets.

What company to choose a microwave oven

There is no single answer. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages.

But if you believe the statistics, some of the most popular are (according to sales statistics, according to experts):

1. Samsung ME83KRW-.
2. LG MS-20R42D.
3. Gorenje MO17E1W.
4. Hansa AMG20BFH.
5. Candy CMS 20 W.

Samsung ME83KRW-1.

One of the advantages of the model is an increased volume of the inner chamber up to 23 liters. At the same time, its external dimensions are the same as in other microwave ovens for 19 - 20 liters.

An excellent option for those who have a minimum of free space in the kitchen.

The main advantage of this model from Samsung is the low price. At the same time, the manufacturer gives a warranty of 3 years, as well as an additional 10 years for the inner chamber.

Of the disadvantages we can mention only not the most attractive external design, the enamel color is black.

Technical specifications:

• modes - solo (without grill and convection);
• the type of control - with buttons;
• there is a digital display;
• power - 800 W;
• coating - enamel.

LG MS-20R42D

LG budget model, the volume of the chamber of 20 liters.

Coating - enamel, there is a function of energy saving (at first the maximum or medium power is turned on, further automatically reduced to the minimum). Power - 1000 W.

No grill and convection. There are more than 10 integrated cooking programs.

Of the disadvantages mention:

• quickly "erase" the labels of the buttons;
• Very short power cord.

Gorenje MO17E1W.

One of the best-selling models of this manufacturer. The simplest microwave oven in technical terms.

Available only in one color - white (the inner coating is similar).

Of the disadvantages - only 12 months warranty, as well as a short power cord. And one of the key advantages is the low cost. But there are no complaints about the quality of the equipment in the reviews.

Features:

• 800 W;
• coating - enamel;
• control - only mechanical (handles, door opening button).

Hansa AMG20BFH

It is a built-in model with grill, the volume of the inner chamber is 20 liters. Power - only 700 W, but at the expense of the internal coating (stainless steel) distribution of microwaves is more uniform.

There are two color options: black and white. Control - touch control. Grill - quartz (longer life).

Of the disadvantages: low power, quickly formed spots on the inner surface.

Candy CMS 20 W.

Model "solo" without the grill and convection.

Control - mechanical (rotary knobs), power - 700 W, the volume of the chamber - 20 liters. There is a function of a fast defrost.

The main advantage is the low cost. The material of the inner chamber is heat-resistant enamel.. If you believe the reviews, it does not fade even after 3 - 4 years of active use. But it collects stains quickly, so you have to clean it often.

Of the disadvantages mention only a short power cord, as well as a very simple design.

The warranty from the manufacturer is 12 months.

To summarize, when choosing a microwave oven for the home, you need to focus on: the volume of the inner chamber, the material of the coating, power, support for additional cooking modes (if necessary).

And even before you go to the store, you should decide for what purposes you plan to use the technique. This will allow you to not overpay for additional unused functionality.

Useful Videos

A lot of tips about how to choose a microwave oven, give in the video: