How to Choose a Microwave. Part I

Miracle of Modern Technology

Nowadays microwaves become more and more essential in our day-to-day lives, saving our time and energy. They are not only for reheating ready meals or leftovers, but for cooking meals and defrosting food in no time. Especially, when they really suit your needs.

Basically, there are three main reasons to buy a new microwave:

  • you didn’t have one before;
  • your microwave oven malfunctions;
  • you want a new model.

Whatever reasons you have (a broken home appliance beyond any repairment or a desire to upgrade) we really want to help you in choosing the best quality microwave at the best price. That is why our appliance repair experts gathered some useful information for you, including the most important characteristics and functions. Keep reading and you’ll get a microwave that will serve you well over the years. 

TOP-5 Criteria

The choice should be based on five main criteria:

  • basic parameters;
  • types of microwave ovens;
  • types of cavities;

  • types of control panel;

  • essential features.

Choosing an essential kitchen appliance: built-in microwave ovens

Basic Parameters: Size and Capacity

Microwaves vary from small countertop models to huge ovens designed for commercial purposes. So the main question is how much space you are really ready to sacrifice. And don’t forget about clearance space – every microwave oven requires some extra space for sufficient air ventilation. Please, check the necessary clearance space before buying the microwave.

Ok, sizes. Small microwaves have capacity of 19 liters or less. Such ovens are suitable for defrosting food or reheating meals.

Microwaves of average size have a capacity of 20-25 liters. These ovens are perfect for a family of three to four people. Many models of this size also have a grill, so you’ll be able to cook meals with a crust.

Large microwave ovens for domestic purposes usually have capacity of 26-32 liters. They are irreplaceable for large families. Besides, such ovens have convection and grill, broadening your cooking horizons.

Basic Parameters: Power

Considering microwaves wattage usually equals power. And the higher the wattage, the quicker you’ll get your food.

The power of microwaves in most ovens is 700-1 000 watts. And this applies only to microwaves. If you intend to purchase a grill or convection oven, make sure that your electrical wiring is perfect. When you use all these modes simultaneously, their powers synergize. 

That is, if the microwave power in your oven is 900 watts, the grill is 1 200 watts, and the convection is 1 350 watts, this means that the total power of your microwave is 3 450 watts. And this is a serious load on your wiring, even without other electrical appliances working in the apartment.

To simplify choice microwaves have the heating category which reflects the wattage. Category A is the least powerful and E is the most powerful with the quickest cooking time. 

Types of Microwave Ovens

Microwaves are divided into three main types:

  • Solo” microwave 

“Solo” is a basic model using only microwave radiation to reheat food. The main difference between models is power. Food reheating speed is in direct ratio to the oven’s power.

  • Microwave grill

Using the grill you can fry vegetables, fish and meat with a crispy and golden crust. There are two main grill types:

    • Quartz. A hidden quartz lamp is located in the ceiling of the microwave, heating food in a short time. Quartz microwave is perfect for cooking snack foods like sausages, pizza, cheese on toast and so on. And it is quite easy to wash.
    • Tubular heater. In these types of microwaves a tube with a heating element  is usually located in the upper part of the working chamber. Many ovens are equipped with a “moving”  heater, which can be moved/ installed vertically or at an angle, to provide heating from the side. A chamber with a moving tubular heater is easy and convenient to clean. And for foodies special microwave models with an additional lower heating element were designed. These models are perfect for cooking crispy cookies, crackers, pizza with a crispy crust.

 

  • Convection

The microwave oven with convection mode is optimal for baking and appetizingly baked meat or poultry fanciers. The fan pumps air heated to a predetermined temperature into the oven, evenly heating food to a beautiful golden crust. The convection mode is combined with a microwave. This combination speeds up cooking and preserves the natural taste and appearance, including vitamins.

Some new models are equipped with charcoal convection. A heater is located in the upper part of the inner chamber. The carbon fiber core is placed in an insulating tube filled with vacuum or inert gas. When heated, a carbon fiber emits heat comparable with real fire by its radiation power and wavelength. The heat penetrates deeply into the food, making your dishes  juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. 

About three more criteria you can read in our next article How to Choose a Microwave. Part II.

Fish cooked in microwave oven equipped with charcoal convection

P.S.

P. S. If your microwave is broken or any of your home appliance malfunctions just call us at (431)33-88-388 and get a free quote. Maybe we can fix your broken kitchen or laundry appliance and you won’t have to buy a new one.