Which microwave is better: mechanical or electronic? How to choose the right microwave oven? Microwave oven rating

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The microwave oven has become an integral part of the kitchen interior today. After all, with its help you can quickly heat up food, defrost food and even prepare lunch for the whole family. Let's look at the question of how to choose a good and inexpensive microwave, and what characteristics and technical parameters need to be taken into account in order for it to become a real helper in the kitchen.

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 electron tube - a magnetron, causing water molecules in products to vibrate chaotically at high speed. This generates a lot of energy, which means heat.

Myths about harm

The World Health Organization (WHO), thanks to a series of studies they conducted, showed that a microwave oven is absolutely safe to use if you adhere to the operating conditions given in the user instructions. Food cooked in a microwave oven also retains the substances, vitamins and minerals needed by the human body, just like food prepared in another way. Moreover, during heat treatment of products (frying, boiling), they lose their beneficial properties.

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 functions: defrosting, cooking and heating food. But for those who are particularly picky, microwaves alone are not enough, so in many models of microwave ovens, manufacturers have included an additional function - a grill.

The grill, in turn, is divided into ten and quartz varieties. In the first case, a heating element spiral is located at the top or bottom of the oven chamber, and ensures uniform heating of the food and the formation of a golden crispy crust, which you will not see in a conventional microwave oven. The quartz grill variety is usually located on 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 cooking time and in energy consumption due to the rapid achievement of operating power. And its only drawback is that a microwave with it costs much more than a similar model with a heating element type of grill.

With convection and grill

In microwave ovens with grill and convection, you can prepare 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 this also has its drawbacks, because comfort requires more costs, the price of such devices is much higher than usual. And the dimensions of a microwave oven with convection and grill are much larger than a regular one.

Microwave chamber volume

The choice of the size of the microwave chamber of a microwave oven directly depends on the questions: how many people will you cook for, how much free space is there 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. Based on the volume of the microwave chamber, they are divided into three groups:

Up to 20 liters

Designed for 1-2 people. This microwave oven has less functionality; it is mainly suitable only for heating and defrosting food and products in portions.

From 20 to 28 liters

The most common volume to use. Suitable for a family of up to 4 people. Such microwaves usually include a grill function, sometimes supplemented with convection. You can cook meat, fish and poultry in them.

Designed for a family of five people. This microwave oven is ideal for preparing a wide variety of dishes from chicken, turkey, goose, and dough products (pizza, pies, various pastries). Having a large space inside the chamber allows you to cook several dishes simultaneously on two or three tiers. These microwaves are equipped with functions: grill, convection, double boiler, 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:

1. Mechanical, using knobs and buttons, time and power are adjusted.
2. 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 cooking time. The user must select only the type of product and press the “start” button.
3. Electronic control. After selecting a product, the display gives hints - what to do and the cooking mode. Some manufacturers also include a voice prompt function 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 when all modes operate simultaneously, their powers add up. For example, if you turn on the microwave function (900 W), the grill function (1200 W), and the convection function (1350 W), the power consumption of the device will be 3450 W. Therefore, first of all, make sure that the electrical wiring in your home is working properly.

Inner coating

Among all the characteristics, it is important to pay attention to the material of the internal coating. The best microwave oven is one with a ceramic or bioceramic coating. This coating option is durable to use, does not leave scratches, does not accumulate grease, and is easy to clean (just wipe with a sponge). In second place is the stainless steel coating. It is resistant to high temperatures, but, unfortunately, caring for it requires a lot of time and effort. On the third line is enamel. The enamel coating is easy to wash and clean, but it does not withstand high temperatures. Therefore, an inexpensive microwave model is usually finished with this type of internal coating.

Which company to choose

If you choose based on price-quality ratio, the leadership in the Russian market is held by such companies as Samsung and LG. Also, if we take into account user reviews on many forums, the most popular brands in use are:

• Vitek
• Electrolux
• Bosch
• Gorenje

If you choose by price, then it is worth considering that the more functions a device has, the higher the price. But here it’s worth considering the functions that you will use, because you shouldn’t overpay for unnecessary functionality.

I suggest watching an interesting video about

Rating of inexpensive microwave ovens 2016

So, we have looked at the main selection criteria. If the presence of a grill in the oven is not particularly important to you, then this option can save a lot of money when purchasing. If, on the contrary, you really want a microwave with a grill, then here you can choose between ovens with heating element and quartz heaters. In addition, there are also ovens with grill and convection. In general, there are many different types in the store, it all depends on the thickness of your wallet. And now we bring to the attention of our dear readers a small rating of the best inexpensive microwave oven models of 2016.

The nice VITEK VT-1681 microwave oven with grill and 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 levels of power adjustment. The device has 8 automatic menu programs, and in addition the functions of automatic heating, automatic cooking, defrosting by weight and defrosting by time. It has child protection, delayed start and a clock. A simple model with a grill deserves the attention of a wide range of consumers, and we recommend it to our dear readers as an option for an inexpensive and high-quality microwave with a grill.

Samsung ME83KRS-2

Microwave oven Samsung ME83KRS-2 with grill and internal volume of 23 liters. has electronic controls and a digital LED display with a clock. The device has an internal bio-ceramic enamel chamber lining and has no corners for easy cleaning. Grill power – 800 W. The device has the functions of automatic cooking, quick heating, quick start, child lock and timed defrosting. This simple and reliable stove has already proven itself in many homes on the most positive side, as evidenced by the extremely positive reviews of its owners on the forums.

SAMSUNG ME83KRW-1

The Samsung ME83KRW-1 microwave oven is an excellent inexpensive device with electronic control using touch buttons and a digital display with a 35-minute timer. The device with an internal volume of 23 liters has a system for uniform distribution of microwaves, a child-lock door and an internal coating made of bioceramic enamel. The oven has 6 power levels reaching 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.

The LG MS-20R42D microwave oven with touch control has a digital LED display with a clock and timer. The internal chamber volume of the model with Easy Clean coating is 20 liters. The power of the microwave device is 700 W with 5 levels of power adjustment. The device has the functions of auto-defrosting, quick start and child protection. In addition, it implements the following programs: Russian chef, Italian chef, French chef and Oriental chef. Based on general ideas about the quality level of LG, and based on the opinions of stove owners, we are confident that this neat and reliable stove will delight owners with its trouble-free operation for many years.

Beautiful silver microwave oven – ZELMER ZMW 3002 X (29Z021) with grill and mechanical control. The device with an internal volume of 20 liters has a microwave power of 700 W and a quartz grill power of 900 W, with 5 power switching levels. The diameter of the furnace turntable is 24.5 cm, the internal coating is enamel. The model has functions of delayed start and defrosting by time, as well as a combined cooking option. The simple, well-made device attracted our attention due to the presence of a grill, which is a significant bonus for such a price.

Conclusion

When puzzling over the problem of how to choose a good microwave, first of all you should evaluate your cooking habits. Based on them, select the type of oven (microwave or grill), internal volume and power. Of course, pay attention to the design of the equipment. Remember to inquire about the type of control, internal coating and safety of use. And when the desired coincides with the actual, the microwave oven will become a real assistant in the kitchen, and not a beautiful and expensive household appliance.

Enjoy the shopping!

hi-tech-pro.ru

How to choose the right microwave oven?

The world of kitchen appliances is rich in various new products, which are sometimes very difficult to understand on your own. The question of how to choose the right microwave oven worries many today. Knowing the types of microwave ovens, their most important characteristics, getting to know the most famous manufacturers will help you figure out which microwave to choose, which brand is best to buy this device, which model is the best for your home.

Microwave features

Household kitchen appliances are designed to make a person’s life easier, freeing him as much as possible from the everyday worries of cooking, leaving more time for other activities. Modern microwave ovens are no exception. Purchasing such a device will allow you to immediately heat up a ready-made dish on a plate in a matter of minutes, quickly cook food, bake delicious pastries or defrost meat. The cooking process takes place so quickly that maximum nutrients remain in the products.

A microwave is an electrical appliance that uses microwave radiation generated by a magnetron to influence food. The waves act in such a way that the food is cooked or heated as if from the inside. Here the consumer will not have to worry about a burnt crust, since this simply will not happen. Today, inverter devices are especially popular, differing from conventional ones in the absence of a transformer and the presence of an electronic control unit, with which you can control the power of the magnetron.

Advantages of a microwave oven:

• versatility (here you can heat, cook, bake, defrost, sterilize);
• heat treatment does not last long, so the products do not lose nutrients;
• many devices can be programmed to perform certain functions, which will eliminate the need for a person to control the process;
• Heating or cooking food can be done in dishes for serving, saving time on rearranging and washing plates;
• no odors in the room;
• compact dimensions allow you to install the device anywhere in the kitchen;
• ease of use, intuitive controls.

Criterias of choice

If your kitchen still does not have a microwave oven or you want to replace old appliances with new ones, knowing the basic parameters will help you choose a microwave oven - a reliable assistant for every housewife. So, let's look at how to choose the right option for your home.

Main types of microwave ovens

Solo stoves are considered the most affordable. These models are suitable for defrosting food, heating ready-made food and preparing simple dishes. These microwaves fit perfectly into the kitchen interior and are ideal for modern offices.

If you want to cook more complex dishes, we choose a multifunctional microwave oven. These devices are equipped with grill and convection functions, and can also combine several modes at the same time. Choosing a microwave oven with a grill will allow you to achieve a fragrant crispy crust on meat, fish or vegetables. Convection mode guarantees the fastest and highest quality cooking. The fan installed in the device creates the most favorable conditions for cooking. Modern models of microwave ovens can be equipped with ten or more automatic programs.

Small microwave ovens deserve special mention. The volume of these devices does not exceed 10 liters, width - no more than 50 cm, depth - 40 cm or less.

In addition, stoves are divided into free-standing and built-in. The latter are installed in niches, kitchen cabinets or on shelves. This placement will help you use space in your home or office more efficiently.

Volume

Before choosing a microwave for your home, it is important to decide how many people you plan to serve with this device, how much free space is available in the room, whether you are planning to only heat ready meals or whether you need a full-fledged oven for cooking.

Microwaves are:

• small-sized (volume does not exceed 20 l);
• medium size (up to 27 l);
• large-sized (the volume of the working chamber varies between 28-42 l).

A 30-35 liter stove is considered the best option for a family of 3-4 people.

Coating inside the chamber

The most common and affordable is enamel. Such a surface can be easily cleaned of oily drops and other contaminants. However, the durability of the enamel coating leaves much to be desired.

Stainless steel is a strong, durable coating that is not afraid of high temperatures. There were some drawbacks here too. This surface requires extra effort to clean.

Ceramics or bioceramics are the safest and most durable surface. If you want to choose the most reliable and durable device, look towards these microwave ovens. The surface is practically not covered with grease, is easy to clean, and does not scratch. Disadvantages: high cost, may crack if hit hard.

Housing material

Most stoves are made of metal, painted with special paints in any color, and the palette can be varied: from classic white to silver, black or red. Today on the market there are models whose body is made of high-quality stainless steel. The choice of color depends entirely on the personal preferences of the housewife, design, as well as the color scheme of the kitchen.

Convection in a microwave oven: what is it and why is it needed?

Door Features

Frequency of use affects the choice of door opening method. A more familiar and reliable method is a regular pen. Just pull lightly and the door will open. The second option is a button that, when pressed, will open the microwave.

Power

This parameter directly depends on the type of appliance and affects the speed of cooking. For example, an indicator of 300-900 W is enough for defrosting meat, heating ready-made dishes or preparing simple dishes. Typically, standard solo stoves have this power. Multifunctional devices consume more energy. If you decide to choose a good oven with a grill function, look for models with a power of 1.2 kW to 1.5 kW. If you want to buy a good microwave with convection, keep in mind that such a device has an ultra-high power rating (over 1.8 kW).

Workflow management

Let's consider which microwave oven is better to buy: with mechanical, push-button or touch controls.

The first option involves the presence of handles for setting the required power and turning on the timer. The plus of this model is the reliability of the mechanism, the minus is the minute-by-minute time setting in increments of one or two minutes.

The push-button model has a number of buttons with which you can set the cooking time. Such devices have a screen and the ability to program cooking.

Ovens with touch controls look very stylish and modern. The device is controlled by lightly touching the sensor. An additional advantage is that the completely flat surface is easy to care for, but the disadvantage is that it is expensive and power surges can cause breakdowns.

Modes

Multifunctional appliances are equipped with a grill, convection, or can have both functions.

The grill can be shadow (a rotating spiral, most often located at the top of the chamber, less often at the bottom) or quartz (a wire placed in a quartz tube is placed on top, heats up faster, is more economical, and is easy to clean). Convection involves the presence of a special fan, which ensures the creation of the most favorable conditions for cooking. An oven equipped with this function can easily replace a traditional oven and will allow you to experiment with different recipes. In addition, various combinations are possible: grill and microwaves, convection plus microwave waves, grill and convection.

Auto defrosting guarantees high-quality and fast defrosting of food, and the required temperature is set automatically. The keep warm mode will keep food hot for a long time. A unique function that delays start will turn on the device at a specified time, which is very convenient, as it will not distract a person from other matters.

Thanks to the auto-cooking option, the most popular recipes will be stored in the microwave’s memory. Advanced models of microwave ovens can independently set the cooking mode, having previously specified the name of the product and its weight. The functions of a built-in bread maker or steamer, steam cleaning or odor removal can also be found in modern microwave ovens.

Set of additional accessories

The standard set of parts is a tray with a lid, a grill grate. Some models have a frying disk that acts as a frying pan or a steam disk that copes with the functions of a double boiler. Setting a sound timer will warn you about the end of the cooking or defrosting process, and a child lock will make the device even safer.

The best manufacturers

So, we figured out how to choose a microwave oven correctly, all that remains is to clarify which company to give preference to.

If you need a good solo microwave, we recommend paying attention to the LG MS2042DS model. A device with a 20-liter chamber and a power of 700 W is enough not only for defrosting and heating. This microwave is quite capable of preparing food. The oven has a child lock, is controlled by touch buttons, and operating data is displayed on a special display. The enamel chamber is easy to clean, the instructions contain three recipes for automatic cooking.

In many ratings, the Bosch HMT 84G461 device is recognized as the best among devices with microwave waves and a grill. The stove, like all products of this brand, is reliable, durable, and easy to use. The inside of the 25-liter chamber is made of stainless steel. The power of the device is 900W.

The Sharp R-8771LK multifunctional microwave allows you to cook in microwave, grill and convection modes, either individually or by combining different options. The device is made of stainless steel and can easily replace a conventional oven. A convenient touch panel will make it easier to control the cooking process, allowing you to quickly set the required program.

Thus, in order not to be disappointed in buying a stove, we recommend choosing according to the above parameters. A high-quality modern microwave will become a reliable assistant in the kitchen, freeing up more time for rest and doing other things.

tehnopanorama.ru

How to choose the right microwave

The pace of life, which is accelerating every decade, stimulates our search for new ways to save personal time to provide for our daily life. Therefore, almost every day more and more complex and improved household and kitchen appliances appear on the household appliances market that can help us solve everyday problems. Let's consider the topic of microwave ovens - how to choose and which microwave oven to choose and what parameters need to be taken into account. Thanks to the outstanding consumer properties of this kitchen appliance, interest in it never wanes!

What is a microwave oven and how does it work?

The food in the oven chamber is processed by microwaves, and not by high temperatures, as in other ovens. Microwave radiation is provided by a built-in unit - a magnetron. The waves emitted by the magnetron cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate at astronomical speeds, releasing enormous energy. This energy heats the molecular water in products.

Based on this unusual method of heat treatment of food, it becomes clear that products are cooked without loss of moisture and nutrients, since the waves process them at the molecular level. This is the most important advantage of this kitchen gadget!

The very first models of microwave ovens could not form a beautiful and crispy crust on dishes, so beloved by everyone. But modern models can provide us with such preparation! After all, the difference between the generations of these devices is huge!

If you want to use the device’s capabilities to the fullest, then you need to study the features of various models and choose the one that best suits your needs.

How to choose a microwave model

By volume and size

Models differ primarily in volume: from small (only 9 liters) to very large - 41 liters. When choosing, you should take into account the number of family members for whom the dishes will be prepared. For a family of 3-4 people, the optimal volume is 25-27 liters, if the stove will be actively used for cooking, and not just for heating it.

It is clear that the size of the device also depends on the volume. Before going shopping, determine the location of the new kitchen item and take the necessary measurements. It is possible that you will not find space for the 27 liter model. Then you will have to choose a device of smaller volume and size.

According to food preferences

If you are interested in healthy food that retains maximum nutrients, then a microwave oven will undoubtedly help you! In this case, it is enough to choose a device of a suitable volume and only with a microwave mode. Your table will be a “free” zone from carcinogens!

If you also strive for a beautiful (and familiar!) appearance and taste of food, then look for a model with a “grill” function.

Types of grills in microwave ovens

Microwaves with grills are very popular kitchen appliances! Many families use their capabilities not only for preparing meat and fish dishes, but also for baking bread, pastries and desserts. Built-in heating elements come in two types:

The ten is convenient because it can be installed in the position required for cooking the product. Those. The grill can be lowered or raised, mounted on the back wall of a cabinet or tilted. Models with a heating element are not that expensive.

Some grills come with a real spit. Most often these are vertical spit grills.

A quartz grill does not take up much of the internal volume of the oven when compared with shadow models. In addition, you will save energy, because... it quickly reaches operating power. It is much more practical to clean than shades - that’s why the prices for such models are higher.

But what is the point of all this if your kitchen already has a good oven, where you can cook the most aromatic food with a beautifully fried crust? Using a simple microwave oven to cook food, you can put it in the oven for a few minutes and get your favorite crust!

And why do we need all these difficulties if progressive manufacturers of microwave ovens can offer us a universal machine that combines the functions of processing products with microwave, grill and hot air? Blowing hot air over the food is provided by a convector (fan), thanks to which, together with microwave radiation, the food is treated with hot air currents and covered with the same beautiful crust.

According to consumer properties

Many people are now thinking about their health and are trying to create a health program for themselves, in which nutrition plays a major role. Microwave ovens can significantly shorten your path to health. This is their “great advantage”.

1. Operating modes

To prepare healthy food, it is enough to choose a device with a microwave mode of a suitable size and prepare food that can rightfully be called “nutrition”. The grill will only get in the way here. Convection mode is necessary if you often prepare homemade pastries and bread.

If convenience, cooking speed and versatility are your priority, then a machine with all the functions: microwave, grill and convection will suit you. In fact, you can prepare one product in 5 different ways:

• Microwave radiation;
• Using the grill;
• Microwave and grill;
• Grill and convection;
• Microwave and convection.

2. Interior decoration of the stove

The consumer properties of this device also include the interior decoration of the microwave chamber. There are 4 types of internal coating:

• Particularly durable enamel, which is quite easy to care for. The more expensive the microwave oven model with this finish, the more durable the enamel.

• Enamel paint is a “democratic” interior finishing material that influences the “popular” prices of some microwave oven models. This coating can last for a very long time if you purchase a similar model for heating food or for quickly defrosting food. It is clear that high temperatures over a long period of time quickly destroy such a coating.

• Ceramic is a very durable coating that is also easy to care for. The density and smoothness of the material prevents deep contamination of its surface. The disadvantage of ceramic coating is that the material is fragile, but it is quite difficult to damage it.

• Stainless steel is a beautiful, durable and heat-resistant coating, which is often used in appliances with grills and convectors. Maintenance, of course, requires effort, because returning the metal to its former shine is not so easy, but it is quite doable.

Of necessity

When necessary, we buy a stove to replace a worn-out or faulty one, and also if we want to keep up with the times and strive to have the latest developments in kitchen appliances.

Which newest microwave to choose? In addition to all the above modes, manufacturers offer two more: “Dual radiation” and “Crisp”.

Crisp means “crust”, translated from English. Some manufacturers want to please customers' preferences so much that they offer an additional element to the device - a special metal plate, which is heated by microwaves to 200 degrees and becomes a frying pan, albeit with a gentle frying mode!

Double radiation means that there are two radiation sources in the device. Manufacturers convince us that this bifurcation increases the efficiency of the stove. This may be true, but not yet proven for certain.

Mechanical control - with handles or buttons you give the machine a program (power and time), and it executes it.

Touch control is similar in appearance to mechanical control, only the buttons are not visible, and control is carried out by simply touching the inscriptions or circles on the panel. But the main advantage of sensor machines is that the sensors determine the exact weight of the product and the exact start time of cooking, i.e. when the moisture in the product reaches 100 degrees. Users of such models only need to indicate the type of product and start by pressing a button. The display will begin counting down the remaining time until the dish is completely cooked.

Electronic control is already a semblance of a dialogue between technology and the user! The display tells you what to do after selecting the product and cooking mode. The most progressive manufacturers even provide some of their models with voice prompts.

Tips on how to choose a hood for the kitchen

They say that during the war in Yugoslavia, the Serbian army used microwave ovens without doors as radar simulators, without, however, understanding the brands of manufacturers. And today the question of which brand of microwave is better to buy is very relevant, even though these kitchen machines are purchased for completely peaceful purposes: defrosting, heating or cooking.

In order to decide which company produces the best microwave ovens, let us recall that, depending on the design content, they are:

• “solo”, performing only the function of heating or defrosting due to the operation of microwave waves;
• “grill” with a built-in heating element or quartz grill, which fry meat, fish and other products, preserving their beneficial substances;
• “with convection”, where, thanks to the built-in fan, hot air is supplied and thus the products in the chamber are evenly baked.

Controlled by remote controls:

• push-button;
• mechanical;
• sensory.

Microwaves are also divided by volume and power, which starts at 500 W and ends at 2500 W. The volume is chosen depending on family members and the amount of food being prepared.

1. The leader in sales is a trademark of the Korean company LG.
2. Products from the Italian-American company Whirlpool, which ranks second in sales, are successfully sold.
3. Korean Samsung is slightly behind.
4. In honorable fourth place is the Japanese company Sharp.
5. The top five is completed by the Korean Daewoo.

The Swedish company Electrolux has a very good result and the Japanese Panasonic, German Miele and Siemens have good results. Russian Vitek is also among the top ten manufacturers, as it meets the increased demands of customers.

But this same competition forces creators to use innovative solutions, work on design perfection, and develop multifunctional and at the same time easy-to-use models. So it is very difficult to determine which company’s products are better.

Let's get acquainted with the products of the first three leaders of the list presented above.

New products from the top seller

The world's best company developing microwave ovens, LG, never ceases to amaze with its products.

Thus, among the latest new products, the “Duo grill” series stands out, which means “2 grills”.

This includes the following models: LG MH-6346 QM, LG MH-6346 PQ MS, LG MH-6346 HQ MS.

Let's reveal the secret of these mysterious Latin letters and at the same time find out why this series is so attractive.

“MN” means that the oven is covered with an antibacterial layer, which does not allow pathogenic microbes into the working chamber of the electrical appliance and that there are 2 grills. One of them is movable PETN, and the second, upper one is quartz.

The number 63 indicates the volume of the furnace working space. These numbers, translated from Korean, mean that the displacement is 23 liters.

Number 4 - indicates touch control and the display on the front panel, where the controls are reflected. It must be emphasized that controlling an electrical appliance is complex due to the many modes and large program of functions. To understand it, you need to carefully study the attached instructions.

The number 6 indicates the year from which this model began to be developed; “P”, “H” - these letters indicate the type of design developed.

“QM” indicates the “master grill” function, which is responsible for the good roasting of a large piece of meat and the appearance of a crust on the chicken. This is ensured by the two grills mentioned above. To operate this function, the heating element grill is lowered to a horizontal position, and the product is additionally processed with heat both from below and from above.

“S” – indicates the color of the product, in this case it is silver.

Furnaces of this series operate in 3 modes:

• grill mode;
• microwave;
• combined mode for quick cooking, in which either the two previous modes are used simultaneously or sequentially.

Each mode has its own powers. So, for the microwave mode the power is 800W, and for the grill – 2050W.

The panel contains touch controls for minutes, seconds, hours and the “more” and “less” positions. But you don’t have to set the modes manually, but use automatic settings.

The “Quick Start” setting dispenses heated food 2 minutes after pressing the button for the corresponding dish.

Using “Automatic Defrost” you can defrost 4 types of food. To do this, you just need to indicate the weight, and the microwave will select the time itself.

"Auto-cook" has 2 modes. The first one turns on after selecting a dish and indicating its weight. The second mode “Russian Chef” offers 4 programs with popular Russian dishes.

Child protection is ensured by long pressing the “start-reset” button.

So, having looked at the latest generation of LG microwaves, we can conclude that these devices have excellent functionality. And the opportunity to purchase them at an affordable price attracts buyers even more.

Almost a computer for cooking

We can confidently call one of the latest new products from Whirlpool the JT 479 IX model. In terms of functionality, this stove is not much behind a computer.

Judge for yourself. This model has a program for automatically preparing 90 dishes. But recipes for new dishes cooked in this oven and unknown to the smart microwave also remain in memory.

This miracle oven will defrost the product almost without the owner’s participation and cook it itself. All this happens under the control of Assisted Chef technology.

The steamer mode is used for preparing dietary dishes and baby food. There is also a mode for defrosting bread.

Whirlpool JT 479 IX turns into a real oven thanks to proprietary Crisp technology, providing operating temperatures up to 210 C. But this does not prevent you from getting a well-baked dish with a crispy, browned crust on top and bottom.

Combination of modes:

• microwave grill;
• convection with microwaves;
• grill with convection.

This makes it quick and easy to prepare dinner for the family. The cooking is controlled by the “6th sense” technology, which evenly distributes 3D waves in the 33-liter working chamber.

Whirlpool ultra high frequency ovens are very popular due to their high speed and efficiency. And many buyers believe that it does not matter which microwave oven is mechanical or touch-sensitive. It's better if it's Whirlpool.

Thus, the Whirlpool GT 284 SL mechanical oven with buttons has all the necessary functions for housewives to call it the main chef in the kitchen. In addition to the standard defrosting and reheating of food, this “master chef” will grill and sear food with a powerful quartz grill and brown it while baking. Each of the six microwave powers and 3D heating will create optimal conditions for preparing the intended dish, including drinks.

This kitchen electronic device, like all Whirlpool developments, is distinguished by successful functionality and attractive design, ease of use and ease of maintenance, for which it enjoys well-deserved popularity.

Family model

The third place in the international ranking among the creators of electronic stoves is occupied by the Korean company Samsung. One of the latest developments is the improved model Samsung MC28H5013AW; it offers 85 programs for preparing healthy and tasty food. True, there is no mode for creating a crispy, crispy crust, as well as a readiness sensor.

In addition to the standard characteristics of microwaves, this model is distinguished by such functions as:

• "preheating" With this function, the cooking chamber itself is preheated before cooking;
• “healthy food” allows you to prepare healthy dishes without oil, preserving vitamins. To do this, this oven has at least 15 programs in automatic mode;
• “fermentation” replaces the yogurt maker and bread maker;
• “deodorizer” allows you to clean the microwave from unpleasant odors and smoke;
• "Turn sound on and off." A very useful function for families with small children who sometimes need silence;
• “wire dish holder” is used when during cooking it is necessary to remove liquid released from the product;
• “Auto defrost” is different in that it allows you to use 5 programs for this.

This is only a small list of functionality that is inherent in this model. Its volume of 28 liters allows you to cook food for a large family, and if this volume is not enough, then the turntable with a diameter of 32 cm is turned off and large rectangular dishes are placed in the oven. But it still works quietly.

The working surface of the chamber is covered with bioceramic enamel, which is easy to clean and prevents the appearance of bacteria.

It must be admitted that the Samsung brand has been known on the market for a long time, but it is one of the best in terms of quality/functionality/price ratio.

So, the reviewed products of the 3 leaders in the production of modern high-frequency furnaces are at the same level of high technology and are characterized by high-quality and reliable operation. And it’s quite difficult to single out the best manufacturer among them. The main thing is that the purchase pleases the buyer.

It is difficult to imagine the everyday life of a modern family without a microwave oven. This piece of household appliance has become firmly established in the lives of ordinary people. At the same time, it is important to understand that there are different so-called microwave ovens, therefore, when going to the store to purchase this miracle of scientific and technological progress, or looking through the pages of selling sites, you need to know what criteria should be used to choose a specific model.

First, you need to decide for what purposes the microwave oven will be intended.

If all that is expected from this household appliance is banal heating of food, then you should not buy, for example, an oven with a grill. Additional functions will inevitably affect the cost, and if no one plans to use them, then there is simply no need for such an overpayment.

If you need a microwave oven to prepare a wide range of dishes, then you cannot do without a grill or convection function. In order to make an informed choice, you need to understand the difference between a grill and a convection. Although, if you wish, you can purchase a model that combines both options.

The main difference between a microwave oven with a convection function is the presence of a fan, which creates an even distribution of hot air inside the microwave, which allows you to easily cook even complex dishes.
With such capabilities, a microwave oven, if necessary, can even replace an oven.

When considering this option, you need to take into account that models with a convection function are much more expensive than conventional microwaves and take up significant space in the kitchen.

The grill function is needed in order to reproduce the effect of the so-called crispy crust, which cannot be obtained in a conventional microwave oven.

If you have a grill, the list of dishes that can be cooked using a microwave increases significantly. It is worth noting that the grill can be located at the top, bottom, or have a design that allows you to change its position.

If you purchase a microwave oven with grill and convection, this piece of household appliance will completely replace the stove and oven. In any case, in a microwave with such functions you can cook almost any dish.

Of course, the more capabilities a stove has, the higher its price and larger dimensions.

The coating on the inner surface of the slab directly determines its service life and ease of cleaning.

If the budget allocated for the purchase of a microwave oven allows you to focus on quality without being distracted by savings, then it is better to opt for a model whose chamber has a bioceramic coating.

Bioceramic coating is the most modern and, accordingly, combines all the qualities necessary for comfortable use.

First of all, bioceramics have remarkable scratch resistance. Also, owners of such a microwave oven will be able to forever forget about burnt fat deposits on the walls of the chamber and tedious cleaning.

For such properties you will have to pay approximately 2 times more than for a stove with similar functions, but with an enamel coating.

For those who want to have above-average coating quality, but do not have a large amount of money to purchase a microwave oven, models with a stainless steel chamber are suitable.

The main advantage of steel is that it significantly increases the service life of the furnace. But cleaning such an oven will be more difficult. The fact is that fat deposits easily stick to stainless steel surfaces, and in order to clean them, you need to put in a lot of effort.

But you don’t have to worry about any damage to the camera - the steel will withstand any kind of impact.

Heat-resistant enamel is a good budget option that allows you to easily remove traces of burning. But you still have to tinker with grease stains.

If you often use high temperatures when operating a microwave oven, this will have a negative impact on the service life of the chamber surface. Therefore, microwave ovens coated with heat-resistant enamel should be purchased only for simple tasks (quick heating and nothing more).

In addition, if you clean it carelessly, the enamel can be scratched, which will also shorten the service life of the stove.

If you need a microwave oven to fit as harmoniously into the interior of a modern kitchen as possible, then it makes sense to pay attention to built-in models. They will cost more, but will save space and maintain the style of the kitchen.

Sergey Vasilenkov for Women's magazine "Prelest"

If previously microwave ovens were used only for heating food, modern models provide ample opportunities for full-fledged cooking. Being multifunctional devices, they cook, fry and bake, and do it faster than traditional kitchen appliances.

Operating principle of a microwave oven

• tight fit of the door;
• screen with a protective mesh that captures electromagnetic waves;
• locking the door of a working device or automatically turning off the oven when opened.

The uniqueness of microwave devices

• compact dimensions;
• ease of care;
• no odors from cooking products;
• high efficiency: energy is spent on heating food, not the surrounding space;
• preservation of vitamins in products.

Selection options

Volume

• A unit with a volume of 12-15 liters is optimal for 1 person. You can heat sandwiches, bake potatoes or defrost food in it.
• A stove with a capacity of 16-20 liters is sufficient for 2 people. There you can cook soup in a small saucepan or bake chicken.
• Units from 20 to 30 liters are designed for the average family of 3-4 people and the preparation of a wide variety of dishes: from borscht to pies.
• A device with a volume of more than 30 liters is capable of satisfying the appetites of 5-6 eaters. This chamber will fit a whole goose or turkey; you can bake cake layers in it and prepare a large number of soups and side dishes at one time. But remember that such a microwave will cost many times more than models for 1-2 people.

Design Features

Power

• It is better to set 100% power for quick heating;
• 70% for roasting meat and poultry;
• 50-60% for cooking fish and semi-finished products;
• 20-30% for brewing herbs;
• 10% for proofing the dough.

Functions

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Cost of microwave ovens

A microwave oven can be used for different purposes: some people only need it to heat up food, others hope to replace a gas stove with it. The manufacturer plays a significant role when choosing equipment: each user has his own favorite company.

The market offers consumers a considerable number of models that differ from each other in terms of functionality, internal surface coating and control system features. Next, we will talk about how not to make a mistake and buy a reliable microwave that is capable of solving certain problems.

Criteria for choosing a microwave oven

When answering the question of how to choose a microwave for your home, it is recommended to pay attention to six characteristics, which are considered the most important when choosing a device. They will be discussed further.

Types of microwave ovens

If the device will only be used for heating food and defrosting, it is wiser to opt for a “solo oven”, which uses only microwaves for cooking.

For lovers of baked meat with a crust It is better to give preference to equipment with a built-in grill. PETN looks like a metal spiral with a heating element, and quartz is a wire made of a nickel and chromium compound, enclosed in a glass tube. The latter option consumes less electricity, heats up faster, and is easier to clean.

A microwave oven with grill and convection is needed for those who want to cook gourmet dishes. This is possible because in the process of cooking in such ovens three technologies are used simultaneously:

• When the convection function is working, hot air circulates throughout the entire internal chamber of the device. Thanks to this, the food is cooked evenly.
• At the same time, microwaves penetrate the product, thereby reducing its cooking time.
• Using the grill allows you to brown the finished dish.

Some models are equipped with a steam cooking function, and it can be activated simultaneously with the grill, microwaves and convection. This will please those who love a healthy lifestyle.

Volume of food prepared

When choosing a device based on this criterion, you should take into account the number of people for whom you will need to prepare food, as well as volume of food, which will need to be cooked or reheated in one go.

One person needs 12-14 liters, two people will need a stove with a volume of 17-20 liters, and a large family needs at least 30 liters. For those who plan to cook in the microwave most often, it is better to opt for a volumetric device. This decision will also be correct for those who often bake or fry meat and poultry in large quantities.

Furnace power

The greater the power of the oven, the less time it will take to cook the dish. All modern models allow you to adjust this indicator. 450 W can be considered low power for most stoves the maximum is 700−1000 W, which is quite enough for the home.

If the model allows you to cook in different modes, read the instructions and find out how much electricity is consumed in each of them. Typically the difference is several hundred watts.

When choosing an oven with grill and convection, it is worth considering that when using all functions simultaneously, their powers add up. For example, if the microwave power is 500 W, the grill is 1200 W, and the convection is 1300 W, the device will consume a total of 3000 W, and this is quite a large load on the electrical network.

Power also depends on the problem that needs to be solved:

• To keep the dish warm, 150 W is enough.
• To quickly defrost any food in small quantities, 400-500 W is required.
• To heat and cook food in a short period of time, you need a power of 800-900 W.
• The grill can consume about 1200 W, convection - about 1300-1400 W.

In any case, a microwave consumes quite a lot of electricity, which means that before purchasing it, you definitely need to check the condition of the electrical wiring. When choosing a device based on this criterion, it is important to remember what load the network in the apartment can withstand (taking into account the use of other electrical appliances).

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Most common options- This is an enamel coating, stainless steel and bioceramics. Advantages and disadvantages of coatings:

Types of control

Microwave ovens are equipped either mechanical or electronic control. On the front panel of the devices of the first group there are power and cooking time regulators, and the second - with physical or touch buttons (the latter are smaller in size and covered with a protective film).

Electronically controlled microwave ovens allow you to more finely tune the cooking time and mode, as well as the functions that will be used during this process. Mechanically controlled devices have a much lower price.

Required functionality

One of the most important functions of a microwave oven is automatic heating and defrosting, as well as programmed recipes. When heating and defrosting, it is enough to indicate the type of product (meat, fish, poultry or vegetables) and its weight in grams, and the process time and power will be determined by the device.

Some oven models contain multiple recipe programs. They are very convenient for cooking, for example, meat, fish or vegetable dishes, and baked goods. If you select the time and mode for preparing such a delicacy yourself, there is a risk of making a mistake and ruining everything, but if you use the desired program, it is enough to indicate only the type and weight of the products.

Most devices contain from 4 to 8 such recipes in memory. Some even allow the user to save the algorithm he has developed. This function is useful for those who often eat some complex multi-component dish: having come up with a step-by-step recipe, you can add it to the microwave’s memory, and then simply reproduce it by pressing a few buttons.

From additional functions It is worth noting the option of automatically cleaning the camera using steam. It eliminates the need to clean the inside of the oven yourself. Instead, just pour water into the built-in container, add detergent to it, start the auto-cleaning mode and wait 10-15 minutes.

The Crisp mode allows you to brown your food. Microwaves that support it include a ferrite plate. This material ensures the conversion of wave energy into thermal energy. The dish will heat up more strongly on the side on which it lies on the plate - as a result, a crust will form.

Some models are equipped with additional accessories: grates, tray, skewers, dishes and stands made of materials suitable for cooking in the oven. If they are available, it becomes possible to cook in the microwave, for example, barbecue, grilled meat or baby food.

Pros of an inverter microwave oven

This type of device differs from a conventional microwave oven no transformer(and therefore smaller dimensions), as well as a softer effect on food during the cooking process.

The structure of products in the inverter model is preserved much better; more water and nutrients remain in them. In such an oven it is easier to cook or reheat chicken liver, eggs, dairy products and other dishes with a delicate structure. The risk of products losing their shape and desired consistency is reduced.

An inverter microwave oven uses less electricity by gradually reducing power during the cooking process. In standby mode, this model consumes significantly less electricity than a standard microwave oven.

Rating of the 5 best models