The presence of microwave ovens in modern kitchens is a symbol of culinary convenience and it is fairly obvious that they are radically changing the gastronomic landscape. They have increasingly become an essential part of modern kitchens, even revolutionising the way we prepare and reheat food. In this guide, Findwyse will help you learn how to find the best microwave ovens and the features they will offer to you and optimise them for everyday use.
How do microwave ovens work?
Microwave ovens operate on the fascinating principle of using microwave radiation to heat and cook food. Inside the microwave, a crucial component called the magnetron generates electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz. These waves bounce around the interior, exciting water molecules in the food, creating friction, and producing heat.
Components and functions
Magnetron: The heart of the microwave, the magnetron is responsible for generating the microwave radiation that cooks your food. It converts electrical energy into microwave energy.
Waveguide: This component directs the microwaves into the cooking chamber, ensuring even heating.
Cavity and turntable: The cooking cavity provides space for food, while the turntable ensures uniform heating by rotating the dish during cooking.
Control panel: The control panel is your interface with the microwave, allowing you to set cooking times, and power levels, and access various features.
Types of microwave ovens
- Countertop microwave ovens
Countertop microwaves are the most prevalent and versatile type of microwave oven. Their stand-alone design allows for effortless relocation within the kitchen or even to other rooms if needed. They come in various sizes with different cooking capacities and budget ranges.
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Over-the-range microwave ovens
Over-the-range microwaves or OTR microwaves are made to be installed above your kitchen stove. They come equipped with exhaust fans and filters to remove cooking odours, steam, and smoke and also have built-in lights that illuminate the cooking area below.
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Built-in microwave ovens
Built-in microwave ovens are seamlessly integrated into your kitchen cabinetry or wall. Some models may require trim kits for installation, which further enhance their integration with your kitchen design. They are, in fact, ideal for homeowners who prioritise aesthetics and seamless kitchen design.
Safe and effective microwave cooking
Microwaving in the wrong containers can be dangerous. Stick to microwave-safe materials like glass, ceramic, and certain plastics labeled as such. Avoid metal containers, as they can cause sparks. You should also adjust cooking times and power levels based on your dish like using lower power settings for delicate items like fish or to defrost, and higher settings for reheating or rapid cooking. Stirring and checking your food’s temperature or doneness during cooking is also very crucial for even heating.
Additionally, to ensure your microwave meals turn out perfect every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not covering food when needed, leading to splatters.
- Overcooking, results in dry or tough food.
- Undercooking due to improper settings.
Top picks for microwave ovens
1. Convection MWO with dough proof/yogurt
This microwave offers 15 pre-set cooking modes to cook food that is very juicy and flavourful. The oven even offers a fermentation function that uses advanced technology to set the right temperature and provide fresh yogurt for your family at any time. It also comes with a deodorization setting that forces odour to dissipate rather quickly. The steel and epoxy interiors give it a scratch-resistant finish for a longer life.
2. Glass Front 23 Litre solo microwave
This countertop oven has a stylish design for a supreme kitchen aesthetic. You get a quick defrost feature with which you can defrost any frozen food like meat, poultry, or vegetables real quick. The glass touch control panel has 6 essential buttons that blend seamlessly with the oven’s minimalist look. The smooth and durable ceramic enamel is also very easy to clean and corrosion-resistant. The microwave also has Auto Cook feature which gives you a choice of options for the most frequently cooked dishes with a preset optimal time and temperature.
3. Solo microwave oven
This oven comes with a staggering 20 pre-set cooking modes with a black glass front that is encased in a hairline pattern exterior and a detailed silver dial. You also get an Eco mode with which you can enjoy the lowest standby power consumption to save on energy bills. You can also choose from a wide range of pre-programmed local recipes with no hassle.
4. 23L Solo microwave oven
The smooth surface of the ceramic enamel interior is easy to clean and is scratch-free for longevity. This microwave oven too has a deodorization setting that forces the interior air out through a cavity and eliminates the smell of leftover dishes very quickly. This ensures that the next cooking will always taste fresh and delicious. The oven has a staggering 23L capacity and consumes 1150W which gives you a fast yet silent cooking experience.
Also Read: Spotless And Shining: Discovering The Best Oven Cleaners For Sparkling Results
Conclusion
Microwave ovens have their own unique characteristics and give you different features that can easily change your entire cooking experience, to make it very easy and hassle-free. However, remember to invest only in quality products to ensure that you do not waste your money and have a long-term solution for all your kitchen needs. Samsung already has made a huge name in the electronic market and is a reliable brand for you to get your microwave ovens. Check out these microwave ovens recommended by Findwyse and have a happy time cooking!
