History of invention.
The invention of the microwave oven is an invention completely new way cooking.
In the 30s of the 20th century, simultaneously in different countries, work was carried out to obtain powerful radio waves. microwave range. These radio waves were first of all learned to be used in radars. Quite by accident, in 1932, employees of a laboratory in the United States fried two sausages without fire, placing them near a powerful microwave generator.
In 1945, the American engineer Spencer experimented with a magnetron - a radio tube that generates radio waves in the microwave range. Spencer took a few grains of corn and placed them near the magnetron, after a few minutes the grains turned into popcorn. He did the same with a raw egg.
The raw egg, which remained cold on the outside, boiled almost instantly in the middle under the action of electromagnetic waves.
In October 1945, Spencer's firm took out a patent for a microwave oven and began making devices called "radar ovens," large cabinets stuffed with radio tubes, transformers, and cooling fans. The space where food was to be placed was no larger than an ordinary kitchen oven. Used these microwave ovens to defrost strategic stocks of food.
In 1952, the Japanese bought a patent and set up the production of microwave ovens for the home.
And fifteen years later, our domestic microwave ovens appeared in stores.
Gradually, microwave ovens became combined and were equipped grill, convector, "crisp" and other additional functions, with the help of which cooking is simplified, and the taste is equal to dishes prepared in the traditional way. The microwave can cook food five different ways: simple microwave; grill radiation; microwave and grill at the same time; grill using convection; Microwave with convection.
Where do microwaves come from?
Household microwave ovens use microwaves with a frequency of 2450 MHz. This frequency is established for microwave ovens by special international agreements, not to interfere operation of radars and other devices using microwaves.
The radiation source is a high-voltage vacuum device - magnetron. A high voltage must be applied to the magnetron filament - about 3–4 kV. The mains supply voltage (220 V) is not enough for the magnetron, and it is powered through a special high voltage transformer.
The power of the magnetron is approximately 700–850 W. To cool the magnetron, there is a fan next to it that continuously blows air over it. The fan provides forced convection of air in the cavity of the oven with its simultaneous heating, which contributes to uniform baking of products.
Microwaves from the magnetron enter the furnace through a waveguide - a channel with metal walls that reflect microwave radiation.
complex design has a microwave door. It should provide an overview (what is happening inside) and exclude microwaves from escaping to the outside. This is a multilayer "pie" made of glass or plastic plates.
Between the plates there must be a mesh of perforated metal sheet. The metal reflects microwaves back into the furnace cavity, and small perforations (less than 3 mm) do not let microwave radiation through. A seal made of dielectric material is mounted along the perimeter of the door.
For microwave cooking completely unusable metal utensils. Microwave do not penetrate metal, they are reflected from it. This may cause electric discharge (arc) and damage the oven. Besides, reflected microwaves may pass through glass doors, which is unsafe for health
How do microwaves heat food?
In order to heat food with microwaves, the presence of dipole molecules, that is, those at one end of which there is a positive electric charge, and at the other - a negative one. There are many such molecules in food - these are molecules of fats, sugars and water. In an electric field, they line up strictly in the direction of the field lines of force, "plus" in one direction, "minus" in the other. As soon as the field changes direction to the opposite, the molecules immediately turn over 180°. The wave field in which these molecules are located changes polarity 4,900,000,000 times per second!
Under the action of microwave radiation, the molecules turn at a frantic frequency and rub against each other. The heat released in this process is what causes the food to heat up. Heating of products occurs due to heating of the surface layer by microwaves and further penetration of heat into the depth of the food due to thermal conductivity.
Boiling water in the microwave not like in a teapot, where heat is supplied to the water only from below. Microwave heating comes from all directions. In the microwave, water will reach boiling point, but there will be no bubbles. But when you take the glass out of the oven, stirring it up at the same time, the water in the glass will belatedly boil, and the boiling water can scald your hands.
If you want to bring water in a glass or other tall, narrow vessel to a boil, be sure to dip a teaspoon into it before placing the glass in the oven.
How not to do it?
You can not turn on an empty oven, without a single object that would absorb microwaves. Encountering no obstacles on its way, microwaves will be repeatedly reflected from the inner walls of the oven cavity, and the concentrated radiation energy can disable the oven. As a minimum load, you must put at least a glass of water in it.
Are microwaves dangerous?
Microwaves do not have any radioactive effect on biological tissues and food.
Microwave cooking requires very little fat, so microwaved food healthier and poses no danger to humans.
The design of the furnace provides for stringent measures to prevent radiation from escaping to the outside. Although direct exposure to microwaves can cause burns, the risk of using a properly functioning microwave oven completely missing.
Microwaves decay very quickly in the atmosphere. And already at a distance of half a meter from the microwave, the radiation becomes 100 times weaker. It is enough to move away from the stove at arm's length, and you can feel in complete safety.
Bon Appetit everyone!
Journal "Science and Life"
We talk about the most important characteristics and functions when choosing a microwave oven
Microwave ovens have become as commonplace as ovens and gas stoves. Despite the outward similarity of all microwaves, their "stuffing" is different. Many manufacturers offer microwave ovens with grills, convectors and other functional elements.
Before you start choosing, decide what you need a microwave oven for. Whether you want to cook gourmet dishes in it or plan to limit yourself to only heating and defrosting food. Let's talk about everything in more detail.
Types of microwave ovens
Solo (microwaves only)
Starting to choose a microwave, decide why you need it in culinary terms. If only for heating food and defrosting, then you should pay attention to the “solo oven”. By the way, do not underestimate this type of microwave ovens and limit their functionality to only banal heating / defrosting. In the microwave with microwave function, you can cook wonderful desserts and culinary dishes.
with grill
A microwave oven with a grill and a microwave function is suitable for lovers of well-roasted meat. The grill built into the oven can be a heating element. Such a grill is located in the upper part of the working chamber of the microwave oven. In some models of ovens, the grill is movable, within the working chamber, it can be installed wherever you need. With such a grill, evenly roasted meat is not a problem.
Quartz grill - fixed, it is placed on the "ceiling" of the working chamber. This grill heats up faster, is more economical, and easier to clean. Some models are equipped with both types of grills: thanks to this function, dishes can be browned.
With grill and convection
As practice shows, people who are passionate about cooking and have already mastered microwave ovens with a grill function are unable to resist the temptation to purchase a device with a grill and convection. The principle of convection is simple. In fact, this is a fan built into the microwave that drives hot air through the working chamber. Thanks to this, the dish is baked evenly.
The microwave function is used to speed up the cooking process. At the finish, the grill is connected to brown the dish again. As a result, the cooking time in such an oven is greatly reduced, while the quality is increased.
With grill, convection and steam generator
There are also microwave ovens with microwave, grill, confection and steam functions. The presence of a double boiler, of course, can please an adherent of a healthy lifestyle, however, buns and baked meat in this case will have to move. Apparently, therefore, “advanced” users do not have a single opinion on their account.
Main characteristics
Volume
The volume of the working chamber of the microwave oven can be different - from 13 to 42 liters. Ovens up to 20 liters are enough for heating / defrosting and cooking everyone's favorite grilled chicken. For a large family, take a stove with a chamber volume of 23 to 32 liters. If you have to cook a lot, then take a closer look at stoves with a chamber volume of 40 liters or more.
Power
The power of microwaves in most microwaves is 700-1000 watts. And that only applies to microwaves. If you're looking to purchase a convection grill oven, make sure your home's electrical wiring is in order. The fact is that with the simultaneous operation of all these modes, their powers add up. That is, if the microwave power of your microwave is 900 W, the grill is 1200 W, and the convection is 1350 W, this means that the total power of your microwave will be 3450 W. And this is already a serious load, even without taking into account other electrical appliances working in the apartment.
Control system
The controls for microwave ovens differ in 3 types
Mechanical control - the simplest, as a rule, is implemented in two rotary switches, one of which sets the power and operating mode, and the other - the operating time of the furnace. Used in microwave ovens "solo" and in ovens with a grill
Push-button electronic control allows you to fine-tune the oven. Power level, mode, cooking time are set by one or more pressing the button. Minus one - dirt accumulates under the buttons and is difficult to wash
Touch electronic control - the most convenient. These are the same buttons, but under a protective film. All "advanced" microwave ovens are equipped with a so-called interactive mode, when user tips are displayed on the display.
Today, the number of models is so large that a reasonable question arises: “How to choose a microwave oven and not make a mistake?” Let's figure out what you need to pay attention to when standing in a store or choosing a microwave oven in an online store.
Microwaves - safe or harmful?
Allegations that microwave ovens are dangerous are not true - its harm is only noticeable if you stand at a distance of 5 cm from the microwave oven for 8 hours every day. Each modern model has a special protective mesh on the window on the inside, as well as an electromagnetic "trap". Microwave (microwave) radiation cannot enter through a tightly closed door. So the cons of the microwave are rather invented.
The first factor is cost.
The decisive factor in the question of how to choose a microwave for the home will be the budget allocated for the purchase. The average cost of such a device is about $ 150. For this price, you can get a device with a wide range of features. The more expensive the oven, the more functions it has. But simple budget models are only suitable for defrosting / heating and preparing simple dishes. They can cost 60-80 dollars. These models are most often purchased for offices to warm up lunches.
The second factor is the volume of the working chamber
To make your choice correctly, you must also take into account the technical characteristics of the microwave. The most important parameter here is the internal volume of the chamber. The recommendations here are:
- If the equipment will be used by one person, then the volume can be in the range of 12-14 liters. Such ovens are also called "solo";
- For two family members, 17-20 liters of volume will be enough;
- For a family of 3-4 people, 20-25 liters will be enough. Perhaps, models of microwaves with such a volume can be called optimal in terms of price, functionality and capacity;
- Those who cook often and a lot should buy a model with a volume of more than 30 liters, then even a whole bird will fit inside. The same recommendations are valid if there are 5-6 people in the family.
Factor three - power
Characteristics such as microwave power are just as important. The advantage of powerful ovens is that they cook food faster. The power range can vary between 450-1680 watts, but when choosing, you should focus on energy costs for a particular culinary process:
- To keep the dish warm, 100-150 W is enough;
- For the preparation of “delicate” products and slow defrosting - up to 300W;
- For quick defrosting of a small amount of products - 400 ... 500W;
- Slow cooking / heating - 550 ... 700W;
- Fast cooking/reheating - from 800 to 900 watts.
It should be borne in mind that the power should be proportional to the volume - the larger the inner chamber, the more powerful the device.
And do not forget that the power in the process of cooking different products should be adjusted (by default it is set to 100%). For example, for meat dishes, 50-70% of the power is recommended, then the product will not become tough.
Factor Four - Inner Coating Material
The advantages of proven microwave oven manufacturers are that they guarantee the quality of the internal coating of the chamber. Today, models are often produced using innovative materials, but there are several main proven coatings:
- Heat resistant enamel. Practical and easy to care for, but not too durable. Although enamel is considered heat-resistant, it cannot withstand extremely high temperatures for a long time, and therefore the service life of such a furnace will be less than 7 years. In order not to aggravate the process of enamel destruction, it should be washed without abrasive products and hard brushes that leave micro-scratches.
- Stainless steel. This type of coating is better than the previous one in terms of durability, because it does not lose its properties and strength at all due to heating or temperature changes. However, stainless steel quickly becomes greasy, so this type of coating will require careful and time-consuming maintenance.
- Among the new coatings, it is worth highlighting bioceramics. It combines all the advantages - easy to clean, durable, strong and reliable, not covered with grease. The only drawback is the high price, about twice as expensive as compared to the model of the same functionality, but with an enamel coating. But the life of the furnace will differ several times.
The fifth factor is the type of management
The mechanical control is familiar and reliable, with two rotary knobs for adjusting the power and setting the time.
And electronic control is buttons or sensors. The touch surface is easier to clean than the button surface, and is also considered more modern.
The sixth and most important factor is the functionality
Of course, technical characteristics and appearance matter, but it is impossible to ignore the issue of functionality. Before making a choice, you must definitely decide what the microwave will be used for at home - solely for heating or as a full-fledged worthy alternative or oven?
First, let's look at what microwave ovens can do:
- Defrost food. Here you can select manual or automatic mode.
- Preparing meals according to recipes. The food is loaded into the camera, and all you have to do is select the recipe and enter the weight of the product. The furnace adjusts the power and time itself.
- Ability to program your own recipes. Provided only in expensive models.
- convection mode. Ovens with convection heating ensure uniform baking of the product. Convection, in fact, is an oven mode - which means that ruddy pastries will turn out in a microwave oven, and useful substances will be completely preserved in the products. The convection mode is considered energy-consuming.
- The grill mode allows you to fry meat or fish with a golden brown crust. The grill can be quartz or standard heating element. Quartz works both more economically and faster. In addition, it does not require special care, since it is hidden in the ceiling, but the uniformity of frying will be worse. The heating element grill is a spiral with the ability to adjust in height and angle of inclination - the roasting is uniform, models with such a grill are a little cheaper, but they have a high energy consumption.
- Steam cleaning will allow you to quickly and efficiently "wipe" the inner surface from food debris and fat.
- Odor removal. Provides a "ventilation" mode that eliminates the "flavors" of food from the inner chamber.
There are also models with a built-in and double boiler.
- Installation method. You can purchase built-in or freestanding appliances. The built-in one is placed inside the kitchen set, allowing you to save space on the work surface, while the free-standing one retains mobility. At the same time, the built-in one may be more expensive than the usual one.
- Color is also important. Choose it so that it matches the shade of the kitchen unit or finish.
- Pick the right one additional accessories. For example, a multi-level plate rack is very convenient to use, with which you can heat several dishes at once, placing them one above the other.
- Some microwave ovens come with oven mitts and plastic caps to keep grease from splashing onto the walls.
Do's and Don'ts When Using Microwave Ovens
To make the use of the microwave safe, you should not violate 9 simple prohibitions:
- when the door is open, the equipment does not turn on;
- without products in the chamber is not used;
- dishes made of metal, porcelain with gilding or silvering are not placed in a microwave oven, otherwise visible electrical discharges occur, which are unsafe for appliances;
- frying in oil is not carried out - you will not be able to control its temperature, and therefore there is a high risk of ignition;
- eggs are not boiled or heated in the shell, as they can explode;
- products are not placed in hermetically sealed vessels - canned food, cans, tied plastic bags;
- products with natural shells (liver, corn, potatoes, and so on) are cut or pricked, otherwise micro-explosions will occur due to bursting shells;
- Do not place hot objects on a cold turntable.
All microwave ovens, depending on the functional content, can be divided into the following types:
Solo- conventional microwave ovens are only capable of defrosting and heating food. These models use only microwaves. Other features are missing.
Grill microwave ovens- in addition to the basic functions of defrosting and heating food, it also has a built-in heating element and a spit for cooking dishes in the grill mode (grilled chicken, grilled meat, etc.). The heating element grill can be movable, that is, change the slope.
microwave ovens with convention- has the function of circulating hot air around the cooked product. In such a microwave, you can cook many different dishes, as well as in a traditional electric oven.
Multifunctional microwave ovens - in addition to standard functions, they also have many additional modes that make the cooking process safer, more comfortable and varied.
For our safety, manufacturers implement the following protective functions in their models:
- Blocking the operation of the device in case of opening the door during the cooking process;
- Child lock - eliminates the possibility of accidental activation;
- A radiation shield is a protective tool that should be in every model.
It is clear that it is the versatility of the model that makes its operation especially comfortable for us. A variety of modes and additional tools allow you to cook complex dishes, help to reveal your culinary abilities. In expensive multifunctional models of microwave ovens, the following functions are most often found:
I have listed the most requested functions of microwave ovens, but this is probably not a complete list. In different models, these functions are combined in different ways.
Types of microwaves by control method
According to the control method, all microwave ovens can be divided into three types:
mechanical adjustment- This is the easiest and cheapest way to control equipment, which is inherent in budget solo models. Two round handles set the radiation power and turn on the timer (warming up or defrosting food). For models where there are several different modes, two switch knobs are not enough. Therefore, other types of microwaves use electronic control.
Button control- This is a more convenient electronic control of equipment. Push-button control is represented by a set of buttons on the instrument panel and is used in models where there are different modes.
Touch control- in fact, these are the same buttons, only touch. In such models, as a rule, there is a display that shows the time, the programs used, the degree of readiness of the dish. Touch control is the most successful in terms of programming. It also allows you to set more precise parameters for the technique.
Unfortunately, this type of control has one drawback: the touch buttons are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations in the mains. With strong drops, they cease to function normally.
Chamber volume of microwave ovens
The volumes of microwave ovens range from 9 to 41 liters. For a small family, it is enough to have a microwave oven with a volume of 17-23 liters. For a family of three or four people - from 23 liters or more. Almost all models of microwave ovens are equipped with a timer and illumination of the working chamber.
The larger the volume of the microwave chamber, the greater its power. The speed of cooking also depends on the power.
Types of internal coating of the chamber in microwave ovens
The interior of the camera is most often a coating of extra strong enamel, which is easy to keep clean.
Ceramic coating is also quite common. Some manufacturers refer to it as "biocoating". It is also very durable. It is difficult to scratch, which prevents the growth of microbes in the oven. Fat on a perfectly smooth ceramic surface does not linger and slides down the walls of the chamber, so it is easy to care for the device.
The inner lining of the chamber is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel can withstand any temperature, but it is somewhat more difficult to care for it.
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The microwave oven has become an integral part of the kitchen interior today. After all, with the help of it you can quickly warm up food, defrost food and even cook dinner for the whole family. Let's look at the question of how to choose a good and inexpensive microwave oven, and what characteristics and technical parameters you need to consider in order for it to become a real helper in the kitchen.
Principle of operation
Microwave oven, a device that uses ultra-high frequency radiation (2450 MHz), called microwave and consisting of electromagnetic waves. Microwaves are produced by a powerful electronic lamp - a magnetron, causing water molecules to oscillate randomly in products at high speed. This produces a lot of energy, which means heat.
Myths about harm
The World Health Organization (WHO), thanks to a number of studies conducted by them, has shown that the microwave oven is absolutely safe to use if you follow the operating conditions given in the user manual. Food cooked in a microwave oven also retains the substances, vitamins and minerals necessary for the human body, just like food cooked in another way. Moreover, during the heat treatment of products (frying, boiling), useful properties are lost in them.
Types
Household microwave ovens according to their main functions are divided into three large groups:
- Without grill
- with grill
- With convection and grill
Without grill
Each model of the first type includes the following functions: defrosting, cooking and heating food. But for particularly fastidious, microwaves alone are not enough, so in many models of microwaves, manufacturers have included an additional function - a grill.
with grill
The grill, in turn, is divided into heating elements and quartz varieties. In the first case, the heating element spiral is located above or below the oven chamber, and ensures uniform heating of the products and the formation of a golden crisp, which you will not see in a conventional microwave oven. The quartz type of grill is usually located at the top of the microwave. Its advantages in comparison with a heating element grill are that it takes up much less space in the oven chamber, is not demanding in maintenance, is economical in terms of cooking time and in energy consumption due to the rapid achievement of working power. And its only drawback is that a microwave with it is much more expensive than a similar model with a heating element type of grill.
With convection and grill
In microwave ovens with a grill and convection, you can cook a wide variety of dishes, since thanks to their wide functionality, they create a wide variety of temperature conditions. And the result is the same as if you used an oven, but at the same time, the air temperature in the room does not rise. This makes the cooking process convenient, even in the hottest weather. But even here there are drawbacks, because comfort requires more costs, the price of such devices is much higher than usual. Yes, and the size of a microwave oven with convection and grill is much larger than the size of a conventional one.
Microwave chamber volume
The choice of the size of the microwave chamber of a microwave oven directly depends on the questions: for how many people will you cook, how much free space in the interior of your kitchen and what are you going to cook in it? The size depends on the volume of its chamber, the larger its capacity, the correspondingly larger the size of the device. By volume, microwave chambers are divided into three groups:
Up to 20 liters
Designed for 1-2 people. Such a microwave oven has less functionality, it is mainly suitable only for heating and defrosting food and products in portions.
20 to 28 liters
The most common volume to use. Suitable for a family up to 4 people. Such microwave ovens usually include a grill function, sometimes they are supplemented with convection. They can cook meat, fish and poultry.
28 to 42
Designed for a family of five. Such a microwave oven is ideal for preparing a wide variety of dishes from chicken, turkey, goose, dough products (pizza, pies, various pastries). The presence of a large space inside the chamber allows you to cook several dishes at the same time on two or three tiers. These microwaves are equipped with functions: grill, convection, steamer, etc. Due to the impressive size of these appliances, it is advisable to take them built-in to save space in the kitchen.
Control type
There are 3 main types of microwave oven controls:
- Mechanical, with the help of handles and buttons, time and power are adjusted.
- Touch control, carried out by simply touching the inscriptions on the panel. Their advantages are that these microwaves determine the exact mass of the product and the cooking time. The user must select only the type of product and press the "start" button.
- Electronic control. After choosing a product, the display gives hints - what to do and the cooking mode. Some manufacturers also include voice prompts in their models.
Power
One of the important characteristics of microwave ovens is their power. The larger the size, the more powerful it is. For most microwaves, the power is regulated in the range of 700-1000 W, but, with the simultaneous operation of all modes, their powers add up. For example, if you immediately turn on the microwave function (900 W), the grill function (1200 W), the convection function (1350 W), then the power consumption of the device will be 3450 W. Therefore, the first step is to make sure that the electrical wiring in your home is working properly.
Internal coating
Among all the characteristics, it is important to pay attention to the material of the inner coating. The best microwave is ceramic or bioceramic coated. This coating option is durable in use, it does not leave scratches, grease does not settle, it is easy to clean (you just need to wipe it with a sponge). Second is stainless steel. It is resistant to high temperatures, but, unfortunately, caring for it requires a lot of time and effort. On the third line - enamel. The enamel coating is easy to wash and clean, but does not tolerate high temperatures well. Therefore, this type of internal coating usually finishes an inexpensive model of a microwave oven.
Which company to choose
If you choose in terms of price-quality ratio, the leadership in the Russian market is held by such companies as Samsung and LG. Also, taking into account user reviews in many forums, the most popular brands in use are:
- Vitek
- Electrolux
- Bosch
- Gorenje
If you choose by price, then it should be borne in mind that the more functions a device has, the higher the price. But here it is already worth considering the functions that you will use, because you should not overpay for unnecessary functionality.
I suggest watching an interesting video about
Rating of inexpensive microwave ovens
So, we have considered the main selection criteria. If the presence of a grill in the oven is not particularly important to you, then you can save a lot of money on this option when buying. If, on the contrary, you really want a microwave with a grill, then here you can choose between ovens with heating elements and quartz heaters. In addition, there are also ovens with grill and convection. In general, there are many different types in the store, everything depends on the thickness of your wallet. And now we bring to the attention of dear readers a small rating of the best inexpensive models of microwave ovens.
Nice microwave oven VITEK VT-1681 with a grill and a timer has an internal volume of -17 liters and push-button control with a rotary switch. The device has a microwave power of 700 W and a grill power of 1000 W with 5 power levels. The device has 8 automatic menu programs, and in addition the functions of automatic reheat, automatic cooking, defrost by weight and defrost by time. It has child protection, a delay start and a clock. A simple model with a grill deserves the attention of the widest range of consumers, and we recommend it to respected readers as an option for an inexpensive and high-quality microwave oven with a grill.
Microwave oven Samsung ME83KRS-2 with a grill and an internal volume of 23 liters. has electronic control and digital LED display with hours. The device with bio-ceramic enamel inside the chamber has no corners in it for easy cleaning. Grill power - 800 watts. The device has the functions of automatic cooking, quick heating, quick start, child protection and defrost by time. This simple and reliable oven has already proven itself in many homes from the most positive side, as evidenced by the extremely positive feedback from its owners on the forums.
The Samsung ME83KRW-1 microwave oven is an excellent inexpensive device with electronic control, carried out using touch buttons and a digital display with a 35-minute timer. The device with an internal volume of 23 liters has a system of even distribution of microwaves, a door with a child lock and an internal coating of bioceramic enamel. The oven has 6 power levels, up to 800 W, backlight and sound signal. The device has automatic defrosting and automatic cooking programs. Simple, convenient, and most importantly - a high-quality device without unnecessary "bells and whistles" will be your faithful assistant in the kitchen for many years.