Built-in microwave oven: what you should pay attention to when choosing a device

It is difficult to imagine a kitchen without a microwave oven, because thanks to the presence of the device, time is saved for heating food. The advantage of the device is that you do not need to spend extra time warming it up. Food starts to cook and reheat immediately after turning on the appliance. Microwaves are divided into freestanding and recessed. Unlike a conventional microwave, a built-in microwave oven saves space in the kitchen.

The small dimensions of the built-in microwave allow it to fit into almost any kitchen space

The main advantages of a microwave oven

The microwave has become the same necessary device as the refrigerator and stove, because this device makes it possible not only to heat food, but also to cook simple dishes. If the microwave is designed for cooking, then most often along with the instructions in the kit comes a recipe book, which describes the features of cooking. As you gain experience, you can put the dish in the microwave, set the right time and do other important things at that moment.

Most of the microwave functions are automated - you can cook and do other things at the same time

It is interesting! In addition to vegetable dishes, you can cook meat delicacies in the microwave.

Many people like the defrost function, thanks to which you can immediately put meat from the freezer into the microwave. A properly selected built-in microwave oven will become an interior decoration. The main advantages of using the device:

• saves time;
• thanks to its compact size, it fits in any room;
• differs in easy care;
• does not raise the temperature in the kitchen;
• used for cooking vegetables and some types of meat dishes in its own juice;
• quick defrosting does not prevent food spoilage;
• Suitable for sterilizing canning jars and baby bottles.

Classification of built-in microwave ovens by the nature of work

The most common microwave ovens are equipped only with a magnetron, which produces microwave radiation. This type of appliance is designed only for heating and defrosting.The furnace is based on the interaction of radiation and water molecules. For this reason, the maximum temperature during heating does not exceed 100 ° C, that is, the boiling point. The main purpose of this microwave oven model is to warm up ready-made meals, prepare oatmeal and hot sandwiches, bake apples, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits. As a rule, such devices are inexpensive.

Modern stoves are equipped with the latest features and modes

Microwave ovens, the price of which is somewhat higher, in addition to microwave radiation, are equipped with an additional heating element - a grill. The presence of such a heater allows you to diversify the list of ready-made meals, cook chicken and pies with an appetizing crispy crust. You can also fry sausages, grill vegetables, cook fish and brown toast inside the grill microwave. There are several types of grills.

In a quartz grill, the heating lamp is located inside - on the ceiling under a metal grill. Unlike other types, this element does not take up much space in the chamber, but it has lower power and higher energy consumption. The advantages include the fact that, under the influence of a quartz heater, products are fried evenly, making it much easier to monitor the cooking process.

The heating element of the grill looks like a pipe, inside of which there is a heating element located at the top of the chamber. In some models, this element is movable, so it can be moved or installed at an angle. In some types of appliances, the grill is located at the bottom.

In a quartz grill, the heating lamp is located inside, on the ceiling under a metal grate

The charcoal grill uses halogen heating or a charcoal heater to shorten cooking times and give food an extraordinary flavor. The inside of the heater consists of carbon fiber, which is enclosed in an insulating tube. When heated, the fiber emits radiation, similar in principle to ordinary fire. This heat, penetrating into food, retains vitamins and useful elements, and also does not dry ready meals.

The Samsung microwave oven, equipped with a ceramic grill, allows you to cook as quickly as possible (compared to other types of heaters). Food prepared in this way retains more moisture, and the food is cooked and heated more evenly both outside and inside, which is due to the influence of infrared radiation.

If there is additionally a convection function that creates the movement of hot air inside, then the cooking temperature rises to 240-250 ° C. A microwave oven with convection and a grill is equivalent to an oven. Therefore, if an oven is already present, then such a set of functions will be superfluous. You should choose this microwave if there is no possibility of installing an oven in the kitchen.

Samsung microwave oven, equipped with a ceramic grill, which makes it possible to cook as quickly as possible

Built-in microwave: interior coating options

The cheapest microwave ovens are covered with paint inside. The painted surface is considered fragile: such ovens quickly fail. The most popular option for interior coating is enamel. Usually the price of microwave ovens with an enamel coating is slightly lower than, for example, the cost of a ceramic-coated microwave oven. The advantage of enamel is the ease of maintenance, because it is enough to simply rinse it with soapy water.

Important! The enamel coating can crack when exposed to high temperatures!

More expensive models have stainless steel lining inside, which is characterized by high strength. However, it should be borne in mind that difficulties will arise during maintenance, since steel is sensitive to mechanical stress.Therefore, it is necessary to carefully approach the choice of care products.

The most expensive furnaces are considered, the inner coating of which is made of ceramics and bioceramics. The surfaces are easy to maintain. They are soot-resistant and have minimal microwave absorption for fast food preparation. Built-in microwave ovens from BOSCH, SAMSUNG, SIEMENS, LG and others can boast of such a coating. The best microwave ovens are additionally equipped with antibacterial dusting, which prevents the growth of microbes and pathogens.

Expensive models of microwave ovens have stainless steel lining inside, which is characterized by high strength

How to choose a microwave for the house in terms of volume and power

By volume, microwave ovens are divided into 3 categories:

• small microwave ovens with a capacity of 12 to 20 liters;
• medium - 21-27 liters;
• large - 28-42 liters.

When choosing a device, it should be understood that the external dimensions of a built-in microwave oven depend on the usable volume of the chamber, therefore, before purchasing, you need to determine and measure the space prepared for installation. Compact microwave ovens are designed for heating and do not take up much space in the kitchen, they are also used to prepare a favorite breakfast of many - hot sandwiches. The device is perfect for 2 people.

Medium-sized microwave ovens are suitable not only for heating, but also for cooking. A small chicken or goose carcass can easily fit in the chamber. A microwave oven with a volume of 20-27 liters is quite enough for a family of 4 people. For 6 or more people it is recommended to choose a large good microwave with a capacity of more than 30 liters.

The external dimensions of the built-in microwave oven depend on the useful volume of the chamber.

Microwave power ranges from 500 to 1500 watts. The higher the power, the faster the food will cook and heat up. Most of the built-in Electrolux microwave ovens and appliances from other popular manufacturers are rated at 800-1000 watts. Such options are considered optimal in terms of cost, cooking speed and energy consumption.

Inverter microwave ovens are characterized by high power, which can be adjusted during the cooking process using a special mechanism. The adjustment helps to preserve the texture and vitamin content of ready meals. Most models have several power options for heating different quantities of food. The more options there are, the easier it is to select the radiation power required for a particular dish.

Important! Before you buy a microwave, you need to clarify what voltage the electrical wiring in the apartment is designed for. Note that if you choose a combination microwave oven, the power of the functions is added up, resulting in very high energy consumption.

Most models of microwave ovens have several power options for heating different amounts of food

If you turn on the device and do not select a power level, it will operate at maximum mode, which is not always suitable for a particular dish.

The approximate power required to cook and heat food is shown in the table:

Microwave control types: mechanical, touch, push-button

Mechanical control is considered to be the simplest and most versatile. On the facade of such microwave ovens there are white or other colored handles, with the help of which the setting is carried out. One knob is usually responsible for power, the other is used to program cooking or heating times.The main advantages of such models are ease of use, low probability of breakage. The disadvantage is the inaccuracy of the specified time, because when you turn the handle, you can add an extra minute, while significantly overheating the dish. The cost of a mechanically controlled microwave is lower than the price of sensor counterparts.

Button control has a significant plus - a digital screen, which shows what power is set and for how long the cooking is programmed. Such models are distinguished by a modern appearance, they easily fit into kitchen interiors. Thanks to the push-button control, it is easy to choose the optimal heating time, select the defrosting power. In standby mode, the screen displays the time.

Microwaves with touch control have a significant disadvantage - they break more often than other models

Touch control is practically no different from push-button control. The only difference is that the buttons do not protrude from the body. This makes cleaning the front of the appliance easier, as dirt and grease often accumulate between the buttons and are very difficult to remove. However, microwave ovens with touch control have a significant disadvantage: for some reason, they break down more often than other models, especially often internal elements burn out during power surges. If there are frequent voltage surges in the house, it is better to purchase a Samsung built-in microwave oven with a volt-control system, which allows you to withstand surges up to 400 watts.

It is interesting! Plate Crusty (or Crisp) is a cookware designed specifically for the microwave. Made of special metal, which allows it to be used for some microwave oven models. A special feature is that it can be used to fry food in the microwave just like in a pan. It is allowed to heat the container up to 200˚С, but it should be borne in mind that the plate is not suitable for all models.

How to choose a microwave ovenif additional functions are required

A popular additional option is the ability to supply steam during cooking, which helps to reduce cooking time. At the same time, useful substances of products and their appearance are preserved, as well as energy is saved. Dishes cooked with steam are considered dietary and are equivalent to oven dishes.

Models of microwave ovens equipped with a dialogue mode or the option of voice duplication of messages are very popular.

The function of ventilating the working chamber (deodorizer) will help in maintenance, which eliminates odors a few minutes after cooking. The option is most often available in touch or button models. To get rid of extraneous odors, you just need to press the necessary button - then the work is performed automatically.

Related article:

Built-in electric oven: advice on choosing

Varieties of devices. Dimensions and functionality of built-in electric ovens. Features of choice. Oven rating.

 

The possibility of automatic weighing in models equipped with built-in scales is considered convenient, which makes it easier to calculate the required heating and cooking time. Dual radiation function means microwave bifurcation. This allows food to be heated more evenly and reduces the amount of time spent. Models equipped with a dialogue mode or the option of voice duplication of messages that appear on the screen are very popular in the rating of microwave ovens. Other additional functions of microwave ovens:

1. Bread maker. Allows you to bake bread, rolls, pies and other products without using the oven.
2. Steam cleaning (self-cleaning). A convenient function that reduces the time it takes to clean the camera: just put a container filled with water inside and select the desired mode.Even old carbon deposits and stubborn dirt are softened, and it becomes possible to easily remove them with a regular sponge or microfiber.
3. Temperature sensor. Measures the temperature inside the chamber, this eliminates the need for adjustment, which is especially important when reheating ready meals.
4. A sound signal indicating the completion of cooking or the need to perform other manipulations with the stove. If desired, the signal can be turned off.
5. Timer. Allows you to control the time it takes to cook.
6. Protection from children. All microwave ovens stop emitting radiation when the door is suddenly opened. In some models, you can lock the buttons, after which the device is turned off, and this function also prevents accidental key presses.
7. Ability to connect to the Smart Home system. This allows a suitable device to be connected to a smartphone or computer so that operation can be remotely controlled.

An important function is considered a sound signal, indicating the completion of cooking or the need to perform other manipulations with the stove.

Important! It is absolutely forbidden to use cookware with metal elements, as for this reason the magnetron can burn out!

Elements that make it easy to work with the microwave

Any microwave, be it an expensive Bosch multifunctional built-in microwave or a small convection microwave, is designed to save time in the kitchen. Additional equipment that helps to operate the device include:

1. Built-in digital display, which shows an accurate display of the selected operating mode, power and cooking time, as well as the current time of day.
2. A spit, which helps to process the dish with hot air from all sides, which contributes to an even distribution of heat (in most cases, a microwave oven with a grill is equipped with a spit). Thanks to the spit, you can cook whole chicken, duck, fish and bake large pieces of meat.
3. A turntable, which helps to evenly heat food inside the chamber, turning it in different directions to the heating element, and the size of the table depends on the parameters of the microwave.

Built-in digital display, which shows an accurate display of the selected mode, simplifies microwave operation

A small microwave oven only for heating has a small diameter - 20 cm, in large microwave ovens the diameter is 30 cm and more. Previously, all Siemens, LG built-in microwave ovens and appliances from other manufacturers were made without a turntable, but in them the food was heated unevenly, and this process took a long time. Manufacturers have now returned to non-turntable microwave ovens again, but they have organized the operating principle in line with current trends.

To speed up food preparation and make heating evenly, manufacturers have placed a heating element that creates microwave radiation, not on the side surface, but underneath. During cooking, it is not the dish that rotates, but a special radiation distributor that is not visible to the user. These microwave ovens cook food 13% more intensely and defrost food 12% faster.

There is also another technology that eliminates the presence of a turntable - the triple microwave distribution system. Many models of Samsung microwave ovens have this function. The meaning of the work consists in the presence of a main antenna to which the magnetron supplies radiation, as well as 2 additional ones, which evenly distribute heat throughout the chamber. In general, the absence of a circle makes it easier to care for the microwave, since the bottom surface is absolutely flat, and there is also no possibility of breaking the rotating plate.

Microwave with grill is a good choice for meat lovers

Important! A significant advantage of ovens without a turntable is the increase in the usable volume of the chamber and the ability to install several plates at once, even in a small microwave oven. The absence of a table does not in any way affect the operation of other functions, such as convection, grill and others.

How to choose a microwave: overview of manufacturers and models

Sometimes it is very difficult to make a choice, because the list of the best models is constantly changing in the rating of microwave ovens. Manufacturers are constantly adding new functions, playing with the design, removing unnecessary things and adding useful options. The power indicator, which affects the cooking speed, is different for all manufacturers, but the average power is 800 watts. The main criterion for the reliability of the device is the quality of the assembly and the materials used; the inner coating of the chamber also affects the durability.

When choosing the optimal kitchen device, you should consider how many people will use it. If the purpose of the purchase is hot sandwiches or an omelet in the morning, it will be enough to purchase a small microwave, which will take up a minimum of space. If you also need to cook, then it is better to immediately buy a large combined electrical appliance. Of course, do not forget about the design, since the built-in microwave oven should perfectly fit into the interior of the kitchen.

When choosing the best microwave oven, consider how many people will use it.

Manufacturers have made sure that it is easy to pick up microwaves for high-tech, modern, retro design, as well as for vintage kitchens. Nowadays they produce not only black and white facades - the manufacturers make the door in different colors to adapt it to any style.

Inverter microwaveand Camsung, BOsh and Siemens: their advantages

To understand the question of which microwave is better: inverter or conventional, you need to understand the meaning of the oven. The advantages of Bosch built-in microwave ovens with an inverter include the way the radiation is fed into the inner chamber. In an oven with an ordinary magnetron, the power delivery is always the same, which can be compared to cooking in a pan or in a saucepan on an electric or gas stove.

In the inverter type of the device, you can adjust the power: it is recommended to select the maximum and minimum at the beginning of cooking and at the end. This means that the closer the cooking process is completed, the less stressful the work of the magnetron will be. Different intensity of radiation input contributes to the preservation of the structure of the finished dish, does not dry out products, and favors uniform baking.

An important advantage of Bosch built-in microwave ovens with an inverter is the way the radiation is fed into the inner chamber.

Products cooked in Samsung inverter microwave ovens retain the maximum amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This has been proven experimentally at the NFRI. Scientists have verified that the content of vitamin B1, which is found in pork meat, after cooking in an inverter oven is 42% higher than after cooking in a conventional microwave. The content of vitamin C and calcium in cabbage was higher by 31 and 16%, respectively.

Due to the fact that the inverter gradually reduces the input power of the microwaves during the cooking process, energy is saved. In this case, the magnetron in Bosch microwaves turns on only at the beginning of cooking and works constantly. In a conventional oven, it turns on and off, as a result of which the power consumption increases. This happens because at the moment of switching on the magnetron consumes the maximum amount of electricity, forcing the counter to spin more intensively.

Siemens built-in microwave ovens of the INNOWAVE series also use an inverter, which is characterized by an increased cooking speed.The device also has a special grill - the development of the company with the function of automatic cooking taking into account the weight. The device starts to work according to the program stored in the memory, you just need to select the type of product and indicate the weight. Further, the microwave will select the optimal mode and cooking time by itself.

The products cooked in Samsung inverter microwave ovens retain the maximum amount of nutrients and vitamins

Short review microwave ovens Lg: variety of choices, device functions

A popular model is the roomy MC8289BRCS microwave oven, which has a working chamber volume of 32 liters. The appliance is equipped with a microwave function, grill and convection. In fact, this microwave can replace the oven, and the steamer function is also available here. Special utensils for cooking are included. The "Russian Chef" program allows you to cook everyone's favorite dishes, such as mashed potatoes, buckwheat porridge, apple jam. Defrosting is offered here in different modes for different types of meat and depending on the weight. In general, a microwave oven of this type replaces an oven, a double boiler and even a multicooker, which makes it possible to save space in the kitchen.

It is interesting! The South Korean brand LG offers a huge selection of microwaves - both built-in and free-standing models, appliances with a grill, a converter and without them.

The best LG microwave ovens are considered to be models with a double grill, one of which can rotate and ensure an even frying, while there is no need to turn the dish over. After cooking in this mode, the products get a crispy crust, which is no worse than after cooking in the oven. The manufacturer gives a 10-year warranty for many models.

Many models of LG microwave ovens can replace an oven, steamer and even a multicooker, which saves space in the kitchen

Built-in microwave oven: price overview

Of course, each buyer is interested in how much a microwave oven costs from different manufacturers. As a rule, the cheapest brands are Delfa, Hansa, Vitek, Saturn, Indesit. They do not differ in a large set of functions, and the average price for such microwave ovens is from 13 thousand rubles.

Expensive brands Miele, Bork, Franke, Smeg are distinguished separately, which are characterized by thoughtful design, often exclusive. However, the cost for them starts from 90-100 thousand rubles. Sometimes the price is not based on the quality of the product, but on the promotion of the brand and is often overpriced.

The table shows the most popular brands and prices for microwave ovens, depending on their characteristics:

A properly selected microwave should not only fit beautifully into the kitchen interior, but also help to significantly save time in the kitchen. Indeed, with its help, you can not only warm up ready-made dishes, but also cook something new, as well as quickly defrost food from the freezer. Microwaved food is considered dietary because it is cooked in its own juice. The main thing is to follow safety measures when using the device: make sure that the door closes tightly, check the condition of the seals, use dishes that are designed for microwave ovens. To prevent the multiplication of pathogens, wash the chamber of the device more often.