Various household appliances have become part of our daily life. We can no longer imagine our everyday life without a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, it is these devices that allow us to save time and effort. Well, in the kitchens, there are electric kettles, food processors and other devices that make it possible to show our culinary talents without much effort. Our article will tell you how to choose a microwave for your home in 2019, so that this purchase becomes a reliable, durable and effective assistant in your kitchen.
How the microwave works
The microwave oven was "invented" quite by accident. This is one of those examples when developments in the field of heavy steel industry are successfully applied in everyday life. By the way, the microwave oven celebrates its birthday in December, it is already over 60 years old!
The main working element in a microwave is a magnetron. It generates ultra-high frequency waves, and then they are converted into heat within the heated product. The walls of the microwave oven and the rectangular shape are reflectors of free electron fluxes, and they, in turn, "accelerate" the product molecules. So, your food is heated very quickly and non-contact. The body of the device does not transmit these radiation into the external environment - that is, the microwave does not penetrate into your room and in no way can affect you and your well-being.
On store shelves, you can find a huge number of microwave ovens with different functionality, programs and different configurations. How to find the optimal model? How to choose a microwave oven and not overpay extra money? This is what we will tell our readers about.
See also - The best microwaves by user ratings
Criteria for choosing the best microwave for your home
Let's take a look at the technical specifications and parameters that will help you decide on a purchase.
Configuration
Microwaves can be built-in or free-standing. The built-in appliance will allow you to create a harmonious and consistent interior of your kitchen - no appliance will stand out from the overall composition by its appearance. A built-in microwave oven can often be found in author's design projects, especially if the style of the kitchen does not correspond to the modern era. Freestanding microwaves can be placed in any corner and on any flat surface. Moreover, if desired, they can be rearranged, the main thing is that there is a socket nearby.
Volume
The range of this indicator ranges from 10 to 40 liters. The most compact and inexpensive models, designed only for heating and defrosting a small amount of food, have a volume of up to 17 liters. If you want to cook with the microwave - choose model, volume from 17 to 25 liters. Need a grill? Filter your search for a microwave - you need a volume of 25 liters or more. If you have a large family and you need to heat several servings at once, buy a microwave oven with a volume of 30 liters or more.
Power
This is the most important indicator of the speed of work. Low-power microwaves will heat food longer.Also, direct proportionality should be observed: the larger the microwave is in size, the higher the power should be. Otherwise, it will not work to reveal and appreciate all the advantages of using the oven.
If you need to heat small amounts of food or cook simple meals (hot sandwiches, pizza, etc.), then a power of 300 - 800 watts will be enough. If you plan to use a microwave oven for cooking complex and multicomponent dishes, then the power indicator should be from 900 watts.
Microwaves lining
Enamel - will save you money, it is easy to wash it, but grill is not found in such devices - after all, high temperatures and enamel coating are incompatible. Ceramics or bioceramics are economical, durable, models with such a coating consume less energy per unit of time, and they are just as easy to clean. But for such a microwave, you will most likely have to pay more, think about whether it is worth overpaying? Stainless steel or steel - reliable, stylish, easily withstand any temperatures, but need careful care after cooking.
See also - Is a microwave oven harmful according to experts?
Control type
Mechanics or electronics. Mechanical controls are simple, round knobs that click toggle. They are simple and reliable, they rarely let their owner down. Electronic control - buttons or a sensor panel gives more room for settings, and you can also experiment with the appearance of the microwave when buying. However, sometimes such management brings additional hassle when repairing the device.
Functionality
A modern device is always "overgrown" with additional capabilities. The microwave is no exception and it has a variety of functions:
- Grill - quartz or ten. The first is that it cooks faster and uses energy more economically. Tenovy - evenly heats the product to a crispy crust due to its mobility, models with such a grill are slightly cheaper.
- Convection or circulation of hot air is ideal for dough and baking, such a microwave oven is a complete replacement for the oven.
- Inverter power control, infinitely adjustable, which allows you to gradually increase or decrease the microwave power during cooking in order to preserve the texture and useful properties of the food.
- Automatic defrosting or reheating - will allow you not to count the minutes in your head - just put the dish in the device and turn on the appropriate mode.
Modes
In most models, there is a minimum set of microwave oven operating modes - heating and defrosting. But sometimes the appliance of your choice may have settings for cooking liquid dishes, side dishes, meat and fish, baked goods, roasts, etc. Some microwave ovens may have settings and parameters memory for saving your own recipes.
Additionally, you can pay attention to the equipment: a recipe book, a grill grid or a special dome dish for a crispy crust.
Also, keep in mind that sometimes microwaves can fail, and the ability to repair them without problems, buy the necessary parts or take the device to a service center is an important advantage.
We are sure that these 7 parameters told you how to choose the right microwave oven for yourself and your preferences. Embed or put separately? Grilled or just for healthy food? For warming up and defrosting or for preparing complex culinary delights? It's up to you!
See also - See also - How to choose a toaster for your home: expert advice
Brief overview of popular models
Our short review-rating of the most popular and discussed microwave oven models will also help you choose the right microwave in 2019. If we talk about manufacturers, then such brands as Lg, Panasonic, Bosch, Samsung.
Also, we highlighted the 9 most popular models that were most often bought in 2018-2019 and which received the largest number of positive reviews.
- Best low-cost solo models: LG MS-2042DS (child protection, volume - 20 l, power - 700 watts, display, several operating modes), Samsung ME81KRW-1 (23 l, 800 watt, uniform wave distribution system), SUPRA MWS-1814 (mechanics, 17 l - volume, power - 700 watts).
- The best models with grill function: Samsung MG23H3115NW (volume - 23 liters, power - 800 watts, grill, lighting, blocking), Bosch HMT 84G461 (900 watt, 25 l, grill, timer for 99 min), Panasonic NN-GF574M (touch control, 27 l, 1000 watts, inverter regulation).
- Microwaves with grill and convection: Samsung CE118KFR (32 l, 900 watts, memory of 2 own recipes, 6 operating modes and a timer), Panasonic NN-DS592M (27L, upper and lower grill, steam cleaning, odor removal mode).
- The most popular built-in microwave - Samsung FW77SR-W (20 l, 800 watts, buttons and display).
A convenient and multifunctional microwave oven will help you to show your culinary skills and will help to pamper your household with fresh and always warm delicacies. We told you how to choose a microwave for your home in 2019, now you can safely go to an appliance store or any selling site and make your choice. Successful shopping and "delicious get-togethers" with family and friends!
See also - 10 best microwave ovens under 6,000 rubles according to customer reviews
