A microwave can be found in almost every kitchen - it allows you to cook, heat, defrost foods without unnecessary difficulties. The advantages of the microwave oven provided it with considerable popularity among buyers. However, many users over time abandon such a technique, claiming that its work negatively affects the body. In addition to "harmful" radiation, other minuses of the microwave are noted, which give reason to think: is it worth buying?
In this article, we define what is more: advantages or disadvantages. We also compare several popular options, tell you: are microwave waves really dangerous to health.
Features
Modern stoves are equipped with the latest features and modes. If earlier the microwave was used for defrosting, heating and cooking simple dishes, now a lot has changed.
To begin with, an oven, grill and a double boiler can be hidden inside. Different modes allow you to cook almost any dish: from roasted meat to hot salads and pies. Some modes can be combined, for example, grill and convection - this will provide products with uniform heating, juiciness, crisp.
Any new model has other useful functions: automatic recipes, child protection, timer, turbo defrost, auto shut-off, even self-diagnosis.
Pros
Relying on the opinion of users and the listed advantages, several main useful qualities can be distinguished:
- Microwave ovens are compact. They do not take up much space - they are suitable even for a small kitchen.
- Most functions are automated - you can cook and do other things at the same time.
- The technique provides fast, effective defrosting without loss of vitamins and beneficial properties.
- In the microwave, cooked without adding oil - a big plus for lovers of healthy food.
- During cooking, the products do not overcook, do not burn.
- Due to the lack of open fire, the device does not heat the air, unlike gas stoves.
Functions, control, coverage affect the quality and convenience of the microwave. We will describe in detail everything that makes the microwave versatile, convenient and indispensable.
Automenu
An automatic menu is created for quick cooking of recipes whose recipes are already stored in memory. Most manufacturers can find recipes from Eastern, French, Russian and other cuisines. Auto-cooking consists in selecting the power and cooking mode, you just need to put the necessary products inside, select the volume or number of servings and press the start button. After the process is completed, the technician herself will stop working, notifying about it with the help of an audio signal.
Child protection
This supplement helps protect curious babies and save equipment from possible breakdowns. His job is to lock the door or control panel. The function is very useful for users with young children who just know the world of electrical engineering and are in a hurry to try everything around.
Auto Modes
Automatic shutdown and defrosting allow the equipment to work without human help. The device itself will select the power and set the time it takes to defrost, and then turn off by itself. Such cunning programs are especially useful for busy and forgetful people.
Sound alert
A beep may indicate a shutdown or a network problem. Mechanically controlled models usually have a short and clear signal. For microwave ovens with a wider range of functions, sounds are longer and can change. For buyers with children, there are devices with the ability to turn off the sound notification so as not to wake the child.
Touch cooking
Some brands stepped forward and introduced models with a sensor inside the camera that responds to steam. The furnace itself controls its work, allowing users to enter fewer parameters for cooking, defrosting and heating.
Microwaves with a sensor have two significant advantages. First, the stove will do everything for you. The second is that touch models provide the most efficient cooking or defrosting of products, because the appliance responds to the condition of the product, and not to the specified settings.
Grill
It is difficult to compare something else with grilled dishes. It is amazing that in this way you can cook almost everything: meat, vegetables, mushrooms, sausages and even seafood.
There are two types of grill: infrared (TEN) and quartz. They have their own characteristics, so before buying it is recommended to study this point. The quartz grill is economical, and models with an infrared heater are affordable.
Convection
Convection microwave can be considered a complete oven. The built-in fan provides uniform air circulation, which allows you to cook pies, fish and other products. The plus is that dishes prepared in this mode are tender and airy.
Coating
An important role in the operation of a microwave oven is played by a high-quality coating of the inner walls of the chamber.
Enamel is the most inexpensive coating that is used most often. It is easily cleaned of grease and dirt, but over time it can lose hardness, so it is better to look at models with bioceramics or steel.
Stainless steel coated ovens are more expensive and can withstand high temperatures. However, the material fades and loses its appearance, but this does not affect the quality and properties.
Almost all expensive options have a bioceramic or ceramic coating. It is inferior in strength to steel or enamel, but has its advantages: easy cleaning and reduced thermal conductivity, which allows you to cook or defrost even faster.
Control
All modern microwave ovens are easy to operate. This is another plus in the piggy bank, because usability depends on it. Regardless of the type of panel (mechanical, electronic or touch), you can always set the desired mode in seconds.
An electronic or touchpad is simpler and more functional than classic mechanics. Despite this, many brands produce the lion's share of models with mechanical regulators. And this is not surprising, because durability and reliability are paramount.
Disadvantages
There are not so many shortcomings in a microwave oven, but they repel many buyers.
Radiation
Many people think that the main and most serious drawback is the microwave radiation itself, due to which the equipment works. Manufacturers seek to maximize the safety of users by creating special retaining lattices and updating the protection of the case.
Of course, radiation is harmful, but they can not spread beyond 20 centimeters from the switched on device. If you are worried about your health and afraid of microwave waves, do not stand close to the microwave and the problem will cease to exist.
Taste
Another negative point is the unusual taste. After food cooked in the oven or on the stove, food from the microwave will seem strange. In addition, you can not cook dishes with a high oil content. This factor can be attributed to the pluses and minuses.
Power
To bake potatoes or meat, the power must be at least 1000 watts. Due to the rather high energy consumption, microwave cooking can be called an expensive pleasure.
Limitations
It is strictly forbidden to cook eggs in the oven, and in sausages it is imperative to make incisions. Otherwise, get ready for lengthy cleaning and tidying. You will also have to forget about the big pies with the filling, otherwise everything will just leak out.
Comparison
What are microwave ovens? Compare several popular models of different classes.
Gorenje MO-17 MW
Let's start with a simple and inexpensive stove brand Gorenie. It really can be called reliable, practical and convenient. The design is quite simple and modest, will not look catchy and distract attention from the main interior. Despite the popular brand, the price of MO-17 MW is more than affordable - 3500 rubles.
Power is set at 6 levels using a mechanical regulator. From the equipment: automatic shutdown and sound signal. The door is opened using the button on the front panel.
Specifications:
- Volume - 17 liters.
- Enamel coating.
- Price - from 3,500 rubles.
LG MS-2042DS
LG Microwaves are practical and versatile kitchen helpers. The advantages of the MS-2042DS include convenient touch controls and a digital display. There is an automatic cooking function. There are only three recipes, so they are only suitable for testing the device. Coating the inside of the case - enamel with protection from grease and dirt. Among the shortcomings, we select a too short cord.
If you need equipment only for heating and defrosting, choose the cheaper option, the difference will not be noticeable. Want to cook? Then take a look at the LG MS-2042DS.
Specifications:
- Volume - 20 liters.
- The coating is enamel.
- The price is about 7,000 rubles.
LG Mh-6595 CIS
This microwave oven has all the necessary functions for the most comfortable use. Amazing design combines matte and glossy elements, such a stove will become a separate element of the interior. It is equipped with Smart Inverter technology, which serves for precise power control.
Unlike previous versions, the MH-6595 CIS has a high-quality 900 W quartz grill. The functional includes modes for automatic defrosting, melting, baking and frying, 8 programs, a popular menu and a function for preparing yogurt. There is one significant minus - the high price. We must come to terms with the fact that multitasking, high-quality and stylish equipment can not be cheap.
Specifications:
- Volume - 25 liters.
- Coating - Easy Clean.
- The price is about 13,000 rubles.
Perhaps this is all you need to know about the pros and cons of buying and using microwaves. We found out: this technique does not have significant shortcomings, except for individual requirements and inflated prices for some models. By choosing a suitable microwave oven, you will forever forget about the problems of cooking and defrosting. Caring for the technology will ensure you smooth operation from year to year.