One of the functions of a microwave oven 12 letters. The useful functions of a microwave oven are unknown to many. Microwave oven device

We will send the material to you by e-mail

On modern kitchen you can find a lot household appliances, these are blenders, coffee makers, electric kettles and other equipment. Among the varieties of new products modern world, I found a place for an oven with a microwave function. The main task of such equipment is to combine the functions of an oven and the ability to heat ready-made dishes.

Built-in model in a modern kitchen

What is an oven with a microwave function and what are its features?

The equipment connects the functions of the oven and the main elements of the microwave oven. There is also another name - with an oven function.

The purpose of creating the microwave oven was to free extra space in the kitchen. This is especially true in Russia, where kitchen spaces in apartments are often so small that even the most minimal set of equipment and furniture is difficult to fit.

All types of such ovens can be divided into:

• By power source:

• Electrical;
• gas.

• Depending on the hob:

• dependent;
• independent.

• By type of installation:

• built-in;
• separate equipment.

Each oven option with microwave function has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, electric powered models provide uniform distribution streams of heated air from several sources at once, are safer during use and have greater functionality. At the same time, gas options heat food much faster, they are cheaper and have a sufficient range of functions.

Regarding the installation option, it is important to use built-in models, the range of which is larger, and they also really save space in the kitchen.

What you should pay attention to when choosing an oven with a microwave function: advantages and disadvantages of the technique

An oven with a microwave function differs from the conventional version in that it contains a magnetron, which serves as a source of ultra-high radiation. In this case, any heating occurs due to heat input from the heating element or gas burner. When radiation and these sources are combined, it is not the food itself that heats up, but the liquid contained in it.

There are a number of advantages due to which more and more consumers are installing such equipment, choosing built-in options with small dimensions. These include:

However, there are also disadvantages to a built-in oven with a microwave:

• the internal volume of the oven is smaller than that of standard equipment, so problems may arise with cooking on two levels at once;
• high cost compared to individual equipment options;
• They are usually installed in a kitchen unit, so you have to bend over to warm them up;
• not too wide range;
• If repairs are necessary, you will need to temporarily lose both the oven and the microwave.

Although, according to buyers, the technology fully justifies itself, and all the listed shortcomings are easily compensated for by the presence additional functions and the resulting free space.

What to look for

To choose the right oven with microwave, you should pay attention to consumer reviews, as well as the following characteristics:

• Power supply. They choose it based on the frequency of cooking; if you cook a lot all the time, it’s cheaper to connect a gas option; if not, you can get by with an electric one.

• Dimensions. On small kitchens Small ovens are quite sufficient, for which you do not need to allocate a special large space.
• Power. The larger it is, the faster the food will warm up or the cooking process will go through. But the cost will also be higher.
• Number of operating modes. In order not to overpay, choose a model that will only have functions that are useful to you.

Let's consider detailed description oven with microwave function as an example famous manufacturer- Bosch.

Related article:

Bosch microwave oven: detailed description of the model

Bosch is famous brand, whose technology is reliable and has a large number of built-in functions. Let's look at a new product from the manufacturer to see the possible number of functions in a microwave oven operating from the mains.

The BOSCH HNG6764W1 model is made in white and its cost is high, thanks to the large number of functions (RUB 158,000). Her photo is presented below:

The following functions have been added to this model, which have become the main advantages of the equipment:

• double boiler;
• microwave;
• pyrolytic self-cleaning.

This is an independent electric oven with not only a microwave function, but also a double boiler. There are 15 different modes heating, and the total volume is 67 liters. Added a large number of options, including the use of 4D hot air, the presence of top and bottom heat, grilling capabilities, a separate mode for cooking pizza, as well as defrosting and the ability to set intense heat.

The oven door is hinged, and there is a very advantageous option for housewives - self-cleaning (pyrolysis). The model is equipped with a touch screen for control and a multifunctional clock (timer). The range of temperatures used is from 30 to 300 ⁰С. Diode lighting is used.

The advantages also include a security system, which includes:

• protection from children;
• auto shutdown in emergency situations;
• residual heat indication;
• built-in fan for cooling.

The dimensions of such a cabinet are 59.5 by 59.5 by 54.8, that is, you will need a niche for installation with dimensions of 60 * 56 * 55 cm.

This model is suitable for those who like to cook a variety of dishes, or for people who want to have the best and new technology in the kitchen. If you don’t want to purchase something new, but are looking for a proven option, below is the user rating.

Related article:

Which is the best electric built-in oven: reviews. Built-in products that can easily be placed inside a kitchen unit are becoming increasingly popular. Read the special publication on how to choose the right built-in electric oven.

Rating of popular built-in ovens with microwaves

To understand by price category and by the quality of equipment, which models were most often purchased, let's look at the rating of the three most popular options.

Table 1. Popular built-in ovens with microwaves

Model/Image	Technical specifications		Cost, rub.
	Number of programs	12	18 000
	Type	Electric
	Microwave power	900 W
	Self-cleaning type	Pyrolysis
	Chamber volume	42 l
	Highest temperature	250⁰С
	Additionally	Timer, digital display
	Dimensions (D*H*W), cm	52*46*59,5

Samsung NV70K1340BS

Model/Image	Technical specifications		Cost, rub.
	Number of modes	9	82 000
	Type	Electric independent
	Connection power	3.65 kW
	Self-cleaning type	Pyrolysis
	Chamber volume	71 l
	Highest temperature	300⁰С
	Additionally	Grill, convection, defrost, timer and touchscreen, clock, fan and child lock
	Dimensions (D*H*W), cm	54,5*59,5*59,5

Model/Image	Technical specifications		Cost, rub.
	Number of programs	13	95 000
	Type	Electric independent
	Microwave power	1000 W
	Self-cleaning type	Traditional
	Chamber volume	45 l
	Highest temperature	300 ⁰С
	Additionally	Touch screen, clock, child lock and emergency shutdown, convection, grill
	Dimensions (D*H*W), cm	54,8*45,5*59,5

Many microwave oven owners have no idea what this device is capable of, since they only use it for defrosting and heating food. In fact, the list of its capabilities is much wider, as experts talk about.

Peel

To peel vegetables, such as tomatoes, you can use the microwave. You will first need to make a small cross-shaped cut on the product and leave it to expose to high temperatures for two minutes.

Garlic

Anyone who cooks at least occasionally knows how difficult it can be at times to peel enough garlic for a dish. As it turns out, a microwave will help you achieve what you want much faster and without extra effort. To do this, you need to put the head of garlic in the microwave and run it on maximum power, and 15 seconds is enough to separate the husks from the cloves.

Potato chips

Many people love this delicacy, and to get healthy chips without unnecessary additives and calories, you can make them yourself. To prepare chips in the microwave, cut the potatoes into thin slices, place them on a plate, pour oil on top and sprinkle with your favorite spices. To get crispy chips, it is enough to keep them under the influence of temperatures for three minutes for each side.

Sterilization of jars

Before sealing jars, many housewives spend a lot of time sterilizing them, but thanks to the microwave, this step can be reduced significantly. Clean containers will be required in wet place in the microwave, where in just a couple of minutes the liquid will evaporate and the jars will become safe to seal.

Vegetables

For cooking healthy vegetables For steam, it is no longer necessary to carry out a lot of manipulations on a regular stove. Simply wash all vegetables, cut into cubes/slices, place in a microwave-safe container, season and close tightly. On low power you need to cook the dish for about 20 minutes, and then it will turn out well without much effort.

Bread

Sometimes people don’t even notice that the bread they bought has gone stale, which can ruin a long-awaited lunch. However, in just 15 seconds, dry bread can be turned into soft bread using the microwave. If the product has become very stale, it should be sprinkled with cool boiled water before sending it to the oven.

Purity

A microwave helps not only in cooking, but also in maintaining cleanliness and fighting germs. To rid kitchen sponges and other utensils, such as cutting boards, of germs and unpleasant odor you just need to pop them in the microwave for a few minutes. Before doing this, it is necessary to apply a detergent directly to the contaminated surface, and after exposure to high temperatures, the cleaned items should be rinsed with water.

We choose a microwave oven (microwave) correctly, study the technical characteristics.

We make the right choice of microwave, look at the functions...

Probably, every housewife would dream of having a self-assembled tablecloth that would fulfill all the culinary wishes of every family member. But still, we exist in reality and this fabulous object has not yet been invented by humanity. Although one can argue with this fact, because we have a unique and no less functional household item like a microwave oven. At first glance, it seems that little can be done in a microwave oven, but this is not the case at all. A microwave oven allows us to reheat food, defrost it, boil it, steam it, or with a crispy, aromatic crust. And the functions of this device are actually varied, the most important thing is to be able to understand everything correctly.

The most interesting thing is that the microwave oven prepares the dish in the shortest possible time. All this is due to the fact that food is first cooked inside, and only then outside. And to be more precise, the water that is in the food is heated, that is, the water molecules, and not the food itself. But let's start with everything in order, together with the site you will learn how to choose a microwave oven, what technical characteristics to look at, what functions of a microwave oven will be useful to you.

Technical characteristics of microwave ovens (microwaves)

When choosing a microwave oven, you first need to decide on its size. They may be as follows:

1. Small volume, that is, up to twenty liters. But such ovens are mainly suitable for defrosting food or heating dishes. After all, it is unlikely that you will be able to cram a chicken into it for cooking.
2. Medium size– capacity from twenty to twenty-eight liters. This stove is perfect for a family of three or four people. Many of these microwave ovens are also equipped with a grill, which allows you to prepare dishes with a fragrant and golden brown crust. But we’ll talk about the grill a little later.
3. Large volume– capacity more than twenty-eight liters. This option is perfect for big family. You can cook anything in it, even turkey. Often this type of oven can be equipped with special grates. There is convection and grill.

I would like to give one more piece of advice: if you choose a medium or large oven, be sure to pay attention to the rotating tray. After all, it makes absolutely no sense to take a thirty-liter oven with a small tray - it should be large.

Not less important - choice of location. You yourself understand that a medium and large microwave takes up a lot of space. It should stand freely with the ability to open the door without hindrance.

And of course, decide on the purpose, that is, why you need this stove. As mentioned earlier, many ovens come equipped with a grill and convection, so let's try to understand in detail what they are needed for.

With help grill functions You can fry whatever you want - it can be vegetables or fish, as well as meat. Thanks to this available device, you can enjoy dishes with a crispy and golden-brown crust. And you don’t need to spend a long time at the stove. Your microwave will do everything for you. The grill can be as follows:

1. Quartz. Here, in the ceiling of the microwave oven, there is a hidden quartz lamp that heats food in a relatively short time. short term. This lamp takes up very little space, and it is very easy to clean, since it is located under metal grille. But over time, drops of fat will get inside, and then it will be more difficult to clean the lamp. These drops may burn out, but after a while you may begin to smell an unpleasant odor while cooking.
2. TENEvy. A microwave oven contains a black metal tube that contains the heating element itself. It can be located on the ceiling of the stove or change its place, that is, it can be located at an angle. Some models microwave ovens contain both upper and lower grills. This grill will be somewhat cheaper.

Many housewives do not perceive a microwave oven as an alternative to an oven, look carefully and which one. But still, probably, not many people have heard of such a function as a confection. Thanks to this function, water or air moves in a circle. It can be carried out either naturally or forcefully. This function works on the same principle as all ovens. Having this function, it is possible to bake your favorite dishes directly in a microwave oven, and in addition, you will need exactly half as much time as is needed for the oven.

Basic types of microwave oven controls

There are three types of microwave oven controls:

1. Mechanical. The most reliable and simple type of control. Here you just need to turn two knobs and the oven will start working. One knob allows you to select the power, and the second - the cooking time. This type Perfect for older people or children. After all, it will be much easier for them to understand this system.
2. Button. It is more difficult to use, but still more interesting. Here you can select the cooking time of the product depending on its weight. You can simply select the type of product and weight, and the microwave will do the rest of the work for you. The time can be entered on the display, and the oven itself can store several recipes in its memory.
3. Sensory. In principle, the functions are the same as those of the push-button type of control, but you just need to press not the buttons, but the touchpad. This option is less reliable.

Deciding on the interior decoration of the microwave oven chamber

It may sound strange, but the taste of food cooked in a microwave oven directly depends on its interior decoration. Finishes come in the following types:

1. Enamel. The most popular type of finish. It is the easiest to keep clean and tidy, and besides, this coating is not very expensive.
2. Ceramic. A very durable coating that is difficult to scratch. Drops of fat that flow down the walls stop on it, and then are very easily removed with a regular kitchen sponge.
3. Made from stainless steel. This coating looks very elegant and besides, it is durable. It is resistant to temperature changes. And that's why this finish used in the manufacture of grill and convection ovens. But there is still a minus - it is much more difficult to keep clean.

Microwave functions

1. Defrosting. Thanks to this function, you can defrost the necessary products very quickly. Some microwave ovens have an automatic defrost function. In this case, the oven itself selects the power level and also determines the heating time.
2. Automatic cooking. All you need to do is select the type of product and its weight, but the microwave oven itself will set the mode, power, time, and so on.
3. Automatic heating. This function of a microwave oven is no different from the previous function. All you need to indicate other than the type of food and its weight is that you want to reheat the food, not cook it. This mode usually includes: “Soup”, “Ready dish”, “Drinks”.
4. Autostart. A very convenient feature in the microwave. It allows you to start the cooking mode at any time convenient for you. You just need to download the product and select this mode.
5. Safety or child lock. This function allows you to disable or block all keys, because, as you know, microwave ovens are not installed high and are quite accessible to a child. This function is intended to protect it.
6. Quick cooking. This function of the microwave oven allows you to cook food in a very short time. You can heat up a dish even in 30 seconds at high power.
7. Steam sensor. Everything is very simple here - when the oven begins to emit very active steam, a special sensor notices it and sends information to the microwave oven computer, which in turn decides how long the dish will be cooked based on the data. You can see all the information about the cooking time on the display.
8. Automatic temperature maintenance. An excellent microwave function if your guests are staying late and the dish needs to be kept hot during this time. This mode will help you cope with this task - place the dish in the microwave and set this mode.
9. Sound signal. This function of the microwave oven notifies you when cooking, defrosting or reheating has finished.
10. Operation and convenience. Remember that the microwave oven should be convenient for you. It should not bring discomfort, because microwave ovens are designed to make the life of the housewife easier. Make sure that the doors open easily and lock well. The functions should be as clear as possible, even if there are certain intricacies. The necessary buttons should be conveniently located.

And don't forget to pay attention to what is included with the microwave oven. This could be a spit, grilles, bowls, stands for baby bottles, and so on.

– this is a real gift for every housewife. It will do a lot of work in a fairly short time and no worse than in the oven or on kitchen stove. But do not forget to adhere to all operating recommendations that you received when purchasing the stove and use useful features microwave oven, and the technical characteristics of microwave ovens set the breadth of imagination in culinary masterpieces!

Which is necessary when you need to heat something up, make hot dishes, or prepare simple snacks. This technique is aimed at saving time. Even those who prefer to cook food in the oven sometimes use microwave ovens. In a modern home, a microwave is simply necessary; it is difficult to live without it. At the moment, there is already an oven with a microwave function. You can consider what its advantages are.

Some users highly appreciate the fact that the device has small dimensions. In a small kitchen it is difficult to place something large, so it is much easier to buy one appliance, namely an oven with a microwave function, than to purchase an oven and microwave separately. It is worth saying that the combined device has much great opportunities. In a microwave it is impossible to find some modes available in an oven. The microwave device is not capable of using bottom and top heating. How big amount Each device is equipped with functions, the more varied the diet is.

The oven with microwave function is equipped combined modes. It is generally believed that a microwave oven cannot cook. If you use the capabilities of the oven, the speed of the first device will become an excellent assistant in achieving the common goal - quick and tasty dishes.

If the topic of the advantages of such a device is touched upon, then it is worth considering its disadvantages. can heat up dinner or defrost chicken in just a few minutes, but for an oven it takes a little longer. However, the difference is not that big. Although it will take you a little longer, the dish will heat more evenly. An oven with a microwave function is usually located under hob, that is, on the floor. If you need to heat several bowls of soup in a row, you will need to sit down several times without spilling the contents of the bowls. That is why it is important to think through the most appropriate place for the device.

What can you use the oven for?

In such an appliance you can prepare full-fledged meals, and not just heat and defrost food. The pie usually bakes for about 30-40 minutes, and longer if it is made from shortcrust pastry. You can bake any meat in such a device; the cooking time will depend on the size of the pieces. The whole chicken can be cooked in 20-30 minutes. To do this, lay it breast side down, and after 15 minutes of cooking, turn it over. By combining the functions of the oven and microwave, you can prepare meat casserole, omelet, etc.

If you decide to choose an oven with a microwave, then you should know about some points. There are a number of foods that are not suitable for microwaves: flammable foods, foods that contain little water, and items that have a hard shell. It is strictly forbidden to use aluminum cookware, pour hot water into the oven chamber, or cook popcorn at high power.

Which in most cases simplifies daily life most people, especially those who do not like to tinker in the kitchen for a long time, and love comfort in all its details, namely - microwave oven, or as people say - microwave. In this article you will learn: what is microwave, what types of microwave ovens are there, how to choose a microwave oven, and other nuances that relate to this technique. So…

Microwave . orMicrowave ( English Microwave oven ) - a household electrical appliance intended for instant cooking or rapid heating or cooking, defrosting food, and also used for industrial purposes to heat certain materials, such as glue.

Unlike classic ovens (for example, an oven or a Russian oven), food is heated in a microwave oven not from the surface, but throughout the entire volume of the product containing polar molecules (for example, water), since radio waves penetrate deep enough into almost all food products . This reduces the heating time of the product.

The history of the discovery of the microwave oven

Like many other discoveries that have had a significant impact on people's daily lives, the discovery of the thermal effects of microwaves happened by accident. In 1942, American physicist Percy Spencer worked in the laboratory of the Raytheon company with a device that emitted ultra-high-frequency waves. Different sources describe differently the events that happened that day in the laboratory. According to one version, Spencer put his sandwich on the device, and after removing it a few minutes later, he discovered that the sandwich had warmed up to the middle. According to another version, the chocolate that Spencer had in his pocket when he was working near his installation warmed up and melted, and, struck by a lucky guess, the inventor rushed to the buffet for raw corn kernels. The popcorn brought to the installation soon began to burst with a bang...

One way or another, the effect was discovered. In 1945, Spencer received a patent for the use of microwaves for cooking, and in 1947, the first devices for cooking using microwaves appeared in the kitchens of hospitals and military canteens, where the requirements for food quality were not so high. These Raytheon products, as tall as a man, weighed 340 kg and cost $3,000 apiece.

It took a decade and a half to perfect the oven, in which food is cooked using invisible waves. In 1962, the Japanese company Sharp launched the first mass-produced microwave oven, which, however, did not initially cause a consumer stir. The same company developed a rotating table in 1966, used a microprocessor oven control system for the first time in 1979, and developed the first microwave oven with Internet access in 1999.

The experience of using millions of microwave ovens in many countries over the past decades has proven the undeniable convenience of this method of cooking - speed, efficiency, ease of use. The very mechanism of cooking food using microwaves, which we will introduce you to below, determines the preservation of the molecular structure, and therefore taste qualities products.

The principle of operation of a microwave oven, or how food is heated using a microwave

Food contains many substances: mineral salts, fats, sugar, water. To heat food using microwaves, it requires the presence of dipole molecules, that is, those with a positive end at one end. electric charge, and on the other - negative. Fortunately, there are plenty of such molecules in food - these are molecules of fats and sugars, but the main thing is that the dipole is a molecule of water - the most common substance in nature.

Every piece of vegetables, meat, fish, and fruit contains millions of dipole molecules. In the absence of an electric field, the molecules are arranged randomly. In an electric field, they line up strictly in the direction of the field lines, “plus” in one direction, “minus” in the other. As soon as the field changes direction to the opposite, i.e. change polarity, as the molecules immediately turn over 180 o.

So, the microwave frequency that almost all microwave ovens use is 2450 MHz. One hertz is one vibration per second, a megahertz is one million vibrations per second. During one wave period, the field changes its direction twice: it was “plus”, became “minus”, and the original “plus” returned again. This means that the field in which our molecules are located changes polarity 4,900,000,000 times per second! Under the influence of microwave radiation, molecules tumble at a frantic frequency and literally rub against each other during revolutions. The heat released during this process is what causes the food to warm up.

Microwaves heat up food in much the same way that our palms heat up when we quickly rub them together. There is one more similarity: when we rub the skin of one hand against the skin of the other, heat penetrates deep into the muscle tissue. So are microwaves: they work only in a relatively small surface layer of food, without penetrating deeper than 1-3 cm. Therefore, heating of products occurs due to two physical mechanisms - heating of the surface layer by microwaves and subsequent penetration of heat into the depth of the product due to thermal conductivity .

This immediately follows a recommendation: if you need to cook, for example, a large piece of meat in the microwave, it is better not to turn on the oven for full power and work for medium power, but increase the time the piece remains in the oven. Then the heat from the outer layer will have time to penetrate deep into the meat and cook well. inner part piece, and the outside of the piece will not burn.

For the same reasons, it is better to stir liquid foods, such as soups, periodically, removing the pan from the oven from time to time. This will help the heat penetrate deep into the soup container.

I would like to note that the radiation frequency in some industrial microwave ovens (the so-called variable frequency microwave, VFM) may vary and may not be 2450 MHz

Microwave oven device

Main components of magnetron microwave oven:

— a metal chamber with a metallized door (in which ultrahigh-frequency (microwave) radiation is concentrated), where the heated products are placed;
— transformer - source of high-voltage power supply for the magnetron;
— control and switching circuits;
- direct microwave emitter - magnetron;
— a waveguide for transmitting radiation from the magnetron to the camera;

Auxiliary elements:

— rotating table - necessary for uniform heating of the product from all sides;
— circuits and circuits that provide control (timer) and safety (mode locking) of the device;
- a fan that cools the magnetron and ventilates the chamber.

Harm from a microwave oven

Actually, this is a broad question, but everyone should have their own opinion on this matter. I found a lot of information on the Internet, both “Pros” and “Cons” of using microwave ovens. But personally, I am still inclined to believe that a microwave oven is no more dangerous, and perhaps less dangerous, than a CRT TV. Therefore, I didn’t decide to write another hundred lines. At the end of the article, you can read a couple more lines on this topic in “Myths about Microwave Ovens.”

The only thing I noticed, and that basically two “camps” of supporters and opponents agree, is that you can’t heat it in a microwave oven. breast milk, and then feed the child with it, because to some extent the formula of this milk changes slightly.

By the way, on this occasion, I found a photo that shows the range of the harmful influence of a microwave oven. It shows how safe it is to have a microwave in the house.

Precautionary measures

— Microwave radiation cannot penetrate metal objects, so it is impossible to cook food in metal utensils. Metal utensils and metal appliances(spoons, forks) that are in the oven during the heating process can damage it.

— You cannot heat liquids in hermetically sealed containers and whole bird eggs in a microwave oven - due to the strong evaporation of water, water inside them is created. high pressure and, as a result, they may explode. For the same reasons, it is not advisable to overheat sausage products covered with plastic film.

— When heating water in the microwave, you should also be careful - water can overheat, that is, heat above the boiling point. A superheated liquid can boil almost instantly from careless movement. This applies not only to distilled water, but also to any water that contains few suspended particles. The smoother and more uniform the inner surface container of water, the higher the risk. If the vessel has a narrow neck, then there is a high probability that when it starts boiling, superheated water will spill out and burn your hands.

— It is undesirable to place dishes with a metal coating (“golden border”) in a microwave oven - even this thin layer of metal is strongly heated by eddy currents and this can destroy the dishes in the area of ​​the metal coating.

Now let's turn our attention to the microwave characteristics that you need to take into account when choosing a microwave oven.

Microwave types a heating element) and a spit with which you can cook, for example, grilled chicken;

— Microwave with convection. This microwave oven has the function of blowing a hot air stream over the cooking product, which is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the product, which gives the effect of cooking food like in an oven. Thanks to convection, food is better baked and fried. In such a microwave oven you can bake chicken, stew meat, bake pies, etc. I just want to note that pies will still be baked better in a real oven, because... an oven is an oven.;

— Multifunctional microwaves. The most expensive microwaves from household microwaves, which in addition to standard functions, have additional ones - grill, convection, and many more additional modes and others technical solutions cooking.

Important! There are microwave ovens that combine grilling and convection functions.

Microwave internal working space volume

Microwave ovens can be divided into groups based on volume:

- up to 20 l. Suitable for small families, and if you are not going to cook large dishes in it, such as baked fish or turkey;

- from 20 to 28 l. The most common volumes, thanks to which you can simultaneously heat a couple of small plates of food and cook medium-sized dishes. Such microwaves are suitable for families from 2 to 4 people;

- from 28 l (up to 42 l). In these microwaves you can cook most of a wide variety of dishes, and also heat up from 2 to 4 plates of food at the same time. In fact, a microwave oven with this volume is best purchased for families of 4 or more people.

Grill type

— Tenov grill. Externally it resembles a black metal tube with a heating element inside, located at the top working chamber. Many microwave ovens are equipped with a so-called “moving” heating element (TEN), which can be moved and installed vertically or inclined (at an angle), providing heating not from above, but from the side.

The movable heating element grill is especially convenient to use and provides additional features for preparing dishes in grill mode (for example, in some models you can fry chicken in vertical position). Besides, inner chamber A microwave oven with a movable heating element grill is easier and more convenient to clean (as is the grill itself).

In some models, in addition to the upper heating element of the grill, there is also a lower grill.

— Quartz grill. Located at the top of the microwave oven, it is a tubular quartz element behind a metal grid.

Advantages of quartz grill:

— Unlike a heating element grill, a quartz grill does not take up space in the working chamber.
— The power of a quartz grill is usually less than that of a grill with a heating element; microwave ovens with a quartz grill consume less electricity.
— Ovens with a quartz grill roast more gently and evenly, but a grill with a heating element can provide more intense operation (more “aggressive” heating).
— There is an opinion that a quartz grill is easier to keep clean (it is hidden in the upper part of the chamber behind a grill and is more difficult to get dirty). However, we note that over time, grease splatters, etc. They may still get on it, and it will no longer be possible to simply wash it, like a heating element grill. There is nothing particularly terrible about this (grease splashes and other contaminants will simply burn off the surface of the quartz grill).

Ceramic grill. In combination with traditional and quartz, a ceramic grill (heating element) allows you to cook even faster, and also find optimal conditions preparation for any products. Using a ceramic grill also allows you to save more moisture in foods, and heat and cook food inside and out more evenly thanks to the deep penetration of far-infrared radiation.

Type of inner covering

The inside of the microwave oven chamber may have a different coating, which you also need to pay attention to when choosing an oven.

The walls are painted to resemble enamel. Exactly this cheap coating. It cannot withstand high temperatures and long cooking times.

Durable enamel. It is easy to keep clean, it makes the walls smooth, eliminating porosity. This is an inexpensive coating.

Special coating(antibacterial - LG, bioceramic - Moulinex) is a special compound that is sintered at high temperatures, making the chamber coating an absolutely smooth surface.

The special coating has undeniable advantages:

Very durable;
perfectly smooth;
it is difficult to scratch;
has high resistance to soot;
preserves better nutrients And ;
retains more heat in the oven, since the thermal conductivity of the chamber is 2-4 times less than that of a stainless steel chamber, therefore it consumes less energy;
Everything from such a surface can be washed off without difficulty.

The disadvantages include the fragility of the coating and its high cost.

Stainless steel- durable, beautiful coating, which can withstand any temperature (this is especially important when working with grill and convection). However, it is more difficult to care for, keep clean, and maintain shine. Stainless steel can be cleaned with abrasives.

Types of microwave oven controls

There are three types of control:mechanical, push-button, touch.

— Mechanical- the simplest type of control using knobs, without an electronic display. Use two handles to set the radiation power and start the timer. Mechanical control the simplest, most reliable, less likely to break down, cheaper. But the mechanics do not provide the necessary accuracy in setting the time, and a difference of a few seconds can ruin the dish.

— Push-button— the time on the electronic dial is set using buttons. Less reliable than mechanical, but more reliable than touch. Allows you to program. Has a beautiful appearance.

— Touch— push-button, but the buttons are clearly not visible, there are no protruding parts. It has a beautiful appearance, you can program the cooking process. Since there are no protruding buttons, dirt does not accumulate. But it’s not very convenient to press these buttons; with strong surges in the network, the touch elements sometimes burn, which are more expensive. Microwaves with touch control make up about 60-70% of all microwave ovens sold.

Microwave power

When choosing a microwave oven, you should pay attention not only to the volume of the chamber and the level of equipment, but also to the power of the device. The power of a microwave oven depends greatly on the heat source used. If the oven is equipped only with a microwave emitter, then its power can be equal to 500-1100 W. When the grill is operating, the rated power will be 850-1500 W. If the device is also equipped with a convector, then its power will be 1350-2000 W.

Each oven has several modes of operation of the microwave emitter. The simplest and most inexpensive microwaves have only 4 levels, the most complex ones have 10. But most often, microwaves are equipped with emitters capable of operating in 5 modes.

The most powerful is the so-called “ full mode"(HIGH). When operating in this mode, the emitter power is maximum (100%). In this mode, you can prepare various sauces, drinks, bake vegetables and fruits.

The “above average” level (MEDIUM/HIGH) assumes that the emitter power is 70-75% of the possible one. In this mode, you can cook poultry, reheat first and second courses.
“Medium” (MEDIUM) level (50% of the maximum possible power) is optimal for cooking fish, roasting meat, and cooking various soups.

The “below average” level (MEDIUM/LOW), when the power is only 25% of the maximum, is well suited for defrosting food, preparing hot snacks, and reheating food.
And finally, the “minimum” power level (10%) can be used to heat up “delicate” foods (asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.) or keep a ready-made dish hot.

Additional functions and accessories of microwave ovens

One of the additional features of a microwave oven is the ability to supply steam, which helps prevent some foods from drying out while cooking. Thanks to this function, food cooks two to three times faster while maintaining its natural consistency.

The ability to ventilate the working chamber can be called a small thing, but very pleasant. The smell of fish or meat with spices is removed in a matter of minutes, and soon after preparing a hot dish you can bake puff pastries or pies.

The multi-level plate rack allows you to heat several dishes at the same time.

With two grill grates, you'll cook twice as much food in one grilling session.

Some ovens are equipped with a function "auto-weight", that is, equipped with built-in electronic scales. In such models, there is no need to indicate the weight of the products placed in the working chamber - the microwave will determine it itself.

"Plate of Crusty", otherwise called "Crisp", allows you to fry food on it like in a frying pan. It is made of special metal and heats up to 200°C.

The “Dual emission” function declared by the manufacturer means that the radiation source is bifurcated. This separation contributes to more uniform heating of the products and increases the efficiency of the oven.
Sometimes microwave ovens are equipped with a dialogue mode, with which even a child can cook. The leading question is displayed on the display, and you only need to answer it for the next one to appear. Some models voice-duplicate messages displayed on an electronic display.

Electronic cookbook– this function will greatly ease your wallet during the purchase and your life after the “smart” microwave oven is delivered home. Even a child can cook using this collection of recipes; you just need to understand how to use it. However, in our computer age, children are much better friends with electronics than adults.

In modern microwave ovens, there is a dialog mode when recommendations for the hostess are displayed on the display.

Safety

Safety from radiation, electric shock, mechanical and thermal injuries is confirmed by certification according to international standards. Despite the criminal liability of developers and manufacturers of microwave ovens for your safety, installation and operation rules must be strictly followed.

You are protected from microwave radiation by a metal casing and structural traps around the perimeter of the door. The magnetron and transformer inside the microwave are fan cooled to prevent overheating. When the magnetron is turned on, the door is locked so that it cannot be opened. When the door is opened or the temperature of the chamber wall or stove casing rises, special sensors instantly turn off the magnetron. Experts say that the level of radiation even in the immediate vicinity of a microwave oven is several times lower than permissible and decreases sharply with distance.

High power consumption is another reason increased danger. If your home's electrical system has a third ground wire, conventional shock protection will provide maximum safety.

It is strictly prohibited to use water or gas pipes as a grounding wire. This could lead to the death of your loved ones or neighbors.

If there is no grounding, try to prevent the possibility of simultaneous contact with the body of the microwave oven and water or gas pipes. Your safety can be increased by installing an RCD (Residual Current Device).

To protect against children, the microwave oven is switched on. Nevertheless, the possibility of dangerous pranks by children with the buttons and control knobs of the stove must be excluded.

Inventory technology in microwave ovens

Very often, the desire of consumers to purchase a large-volume microwave oven is faced with the impossibility of placing the desired oven in a small kitchen due to the very impressive dimensions of the oven. In addition to the actual volume of the working chamber, there are also technical elements that ensure the functioning of the microwave oven and, unfortunately, take up a lot of space. Inverter stoves were called upon to solve the problem.

Inverter technology can significantly reduce the volume required to house technical components by replacing the conventional magnetron with more compact components, resulting in an increase in the usable volume of the chamber.

Based on application inverter technology for microwave ovens, the principle of direct control of the output power level is based (as opposed to classical magnetrons, which always operate at maximum power, and power control is achieved by their pulsed operating mode). The advantages of inverters, in addition to smaller dimensions, also include more rational use energy, accelerating cooking processes (heating, defrosting) and reducing energy consumption.

Currently, inverter technology is used mainly in Panasonic microwave ovens (in which it was first used), but there is no doubt that inverter technology has a great future.

Myths about microwave ovens

— Many people hold the belief that an iron plate can cause a microwave oven to explode. high power. In fact, in the worst case, it will cause damage to the magnetron due to arcing.

— If you keep a microwave oven on for a long time at high power, its powerful electromagnetic radiation can damage all electrical appliances within a radius of several meters. In fact, electromagnetic radiation outside the working chamber is no more than from back wall system unit computer, although close to it it can still interfere with the reception of a signal at a close frequency. Some oven models may interfere with Wi-Max, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

— A microwave oven can cause allergies... to electromagnetic waves.

— That for the first time a microwave oven, called “Radiomissor,” was allegedly developed by German scientists during the Second World War, it was even allegedly used in the active German army to heat food, but allegedly turned out to be unsafe and was abandoned (Russian sites with in this case they refer to foreign ones, and foreign ones - to Russian studies, allegedly carried out in non-existent Russian cities Kinsk and Rajasthan).

—Microwaves are radioactive or make foods radioactive. This is incorrect: microwaves are classified as non-ionizing radiation. They do not have any radioactive effect on substances, biological tissues and food.

— Microwaves change the molecular structure of food or make food carcinogenic. This is also incorrect. Microwaves operate on a different principle than X-rays or ionizing radiation, and they cannot make foods carcinogenic. On the contrary, since microwave cooking requires very little fat, ready dish contains less burnt fat with a molecular structure changed during heat treatment. Therefore, cooking food using microwaves is healthier and does not pose any danger to humans.

— Microwave ovens emit dangerous radiation. This is not true. Although direct exposure to microwaves can cause thermal damage to tissue, there is absolutely no risk when using a working microwave oven. The design of the oven provides strict measures to prevent radiation from escaping outside: there are duplicate devices for blocking the microwave source when the oven door is opened, and the door itself prevents microwaves from escaping outside the cavity. Neither the housing, nor any other part of the oven, nor food products placed in the oven accumulate electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. As soon as the oven is turned off, the emission of microwaves stops.

Those who are afraid to even come close to a microwave oven need to know that microwaves attenuate very quickly in the atmosphere. To illustrate, we give the following example: the microwave radiation power allowed by Western standards at a distance of 5 cm from a new, just purchased stove is 5 milliwatts per square centimeter. Already at a distance of half a meter from the microwave, the radiation becomes 100 times weaker.

As a consequence of such strong attenuation, the contribution of microwaves to the general background of electromagnetic radiation surrounding us is no higher than, say, from, say, from, in front of which we are ready to sit for hours without any fear, or a mobile phone, which we so often hold to our temple. Just don't lean your elbow on a running microwave or lean your face against the door trying to see what's going on in the cavity. It is enough to move away from the stove at arm's length, and you can feel completely safe.

Utensils for microwave oven

The choice of utensils for the microwave oven should be taken very seriously. The fact is that if you don’t understand this issue, it can lead to several troubles:

- you can harm your health;
- you can damage the microwave;
- you may lose the dishes themselves;
- you can ruin the product itself.

Choosing material

Dishes for microwave ovens can be fireproof or heat-resistant. The first can withstand temperatures of 250-300°C, the second - only up to 140°C. Both types of dishes can be made of glass, porcelain, ceramics, plastic, but the properties of these materials will be different. Fireproof materials are subjected to special hardening, as a result the resulting containers can be used even for electrical and gas burners. Heat-resistant materials - ordinary table glass and ceramics (as well as some types of food plastics).

Let us dwell on the issue of choosing material in a little more detail.

— Glass– one of the most common materials of cookware suitable for cooking in a microwave oven. It is not recommended to use thin-walled dishes in the microwave - although stable, such glass can burst when exposed to high temperatures. Optimal choice in this case, bowls, bowls or dishes made of thick frosted or transparent glass will be used: you can conveniently place pieces of food in them.

— Porcelain. Porcelain dishes are very convenient for portion-wise heating of food: just place the plate intended for serving in the microwave - and in a few minutes you will get a hot lunch. If you buy plates without wide sides and a small diameter, you can place several pieces in the microwave at once, thereby providing lunch for the whole family. Porcelain cups can be used to heat drinks.

— Ceramics, faience. Dishes made from this material are suitable for the microwave oven if they are covered with glaze on all sides (when purchasing, be sure to read the labeling on the product - it should indicate that it is acceptable for use in the microwave). It is necessary to carefully monitor that upper layer the glaze did not crack or fall off - otherwise high temperature The dishes won't be able to withstand it. Ceramic dishes, plates and bowls are not the best choice for the microwave: they are not transparent enough for microwaves and get very hot. However, you can use such dishes for preparing omelettes or meat dishes: on a very hot surface you can even get a beautiful golden crust, like in a regular frying pan. If desired, you can use ordinary tableware for cooking; many types are microwave safe.

— Paper– very convenient and sufficient safe material for use in the microwave, provided that the cooking time is not long and the food does not contain large amounts of fat or moisture (otherwise they will saturate the paper too much). However, avoid dyed paper as it may stain your food when exposed to heat. Paper towels can be used to wrap food and place it in baking pans.

— Plastic has become quite widespread, but many still prefer to use plastic containers exclusively for storing and carrying food. Meanwhile, only plastic dishes can be placed in the microwave immediately after being removed from the refrigerator (if they are used as “storage” for food) - they can withstand such changes. Plastic food storage containers marked "Thermoplast" or "Duroplast" may become great solution for office workers who prefer to carry food homemade from home and warm it up at work.

The shape of the container also matters. By choosing the right cookware settings, you can regulate the cooking time and quality. So, food takes longer to cook in deep dishes than in shallow ones. Round form will ensure the most even heating of food. Beware of dishes with sloped edges - the food will burn around the perimeter, but the inside will still be completely raw.

Foil It is permissible to use only for wrapping protruding parts of food. If you use too much foil, arcing may occur.

Important! When choosing dishes for the microwave oven, immediately purchase a suitable lid (of course, also from suitable material). Covering food will retain more moisture and cook faster. This way you can use special materials for better cooking - wax paper, paper napkins, transparent film. Typically, recipes (if you use them and don't improvise them) will tell you how to wrap the food to get the best results.

Thus, right choice Using utensils for a microwave oven will not only allow you to get a guaranteed result, but also improve the taste of the dish, as well as reduce its cooking time.

How to care for your microwave oven

— The walls of the chamber need to be washed with special detergents for microwave ovens, abrasive - only stainless steel.

— If the camera is too dirty, put a glass of water in it and boil for 1 minute. The dirt will liquefy and wash off easily.

— Do not leave the inside of the microwave oven dirty, because... If the area where the door touches when closed becomes dirty, the door may not seal tightly, causing microwaves to leak out.

1. If there are frequent voltage drops in your electrical network, get a voltage stabilizer, or a source uninterruptible power supply(UPS), because When there are changes, especially in microwaves with LCD displays and touch controls, it is these components that fail.

2. When purchasing a microwave, it is better to immediately purchase microwave care products, because... These products are most often sold only in specialized stores, and when caring for a product, it is best to use them.

3. When purchasing, pay attention to the warranty card, because if the store where you purchased the product does not cooperate with a certain service center microwave manufacturer, in the event of a possible breakdown, they may begin to “send” you from one place to another, in search of the truth.

4. When purchasing, pay attention to the tray, which is mainly made of glass. Sometimes he may get stabbed, or with other unpleasant surprises.

5. When purchasing, always, I repeat once again, always open and look at the appearance of the product. The words of the seller, who in a hurry says that the goods have already been checked, and leave everything in it well for others, because often some representatives of the selling company are too lazy to fulfill their duties.

6. Be sure to check the package contents when purchasing. There are times when something is missing.

Video about choosing a microwave oven

Do you want a good mood? Watch a humorous video about a “talking” microwave

Well, that seems to be all. I wish you a pleasant shopping experience and may you get exactly the microwave oven that is right for you!