How to choose a built-in microwave oven

Contents

Types of embedded models
Features of the functional
Popular models of 2018
How to choose a built-in microwave oven: results

A built-in microwave oven can emphasize the sophistication of a kitchen set and a design solution in general. We will help you: consider the main selection criteria, functionality, dimensions of equipment, specific examples from well-known manufacturers.

Types of embedded models

Built-in microwaves can vary in:

external execution (design);
dimensions;
chamber capacity;
power, number of modes;
type of management;
internal coating;
functionality, options.

Method of heating food

There are only 3 types of built-in microwave ovens:

with microwave radiation (solo);
with a grill (a heating element or a quartz heater is provided);
with grill, convection (multifunctional).

The first type equipped exclusively with microwaves, or “solo” is the simplest construction. This technique is suitable for those who are not going to create culinary masterpieces, will use it for heating or thawing. Most often they are taken to offices, to rented apartments.

The second type is oven with grillwill appeal to gourmets who love crispy dishes. The golden color of the chicken or steak is achieved by the heater. This may be the upper heating element – more often one, sometimes two – the second is located below for uniform frying.

Another type of heater is quartz. It takes up less space, which is great for the increased dimensions of the camera. The advantage of ovens with a quartz grill is that they reach maximum power faster than their counterparts. But the price of these options is somewhat higher than with a conventional heating element.

The third type, in the design of which there is grill and convection function, will be a welcome purchase for housewives who are used to pampering their family with culinary delights. With it, you can not only fry a steak or make pizza, but also bake: cakes, desserts, pies.

Convection is the circulation of hot air through the chamber. It is baking with it that comes out especially successful.

dimensions

Let us immediately clarify the main point: any built-in appliances – whether it is a dishwasher or washing machine, oven, refrigerator or microwave oven – are bought or selected at the stage of planning kitchen furniture. Design the kitchen yourself or involve an experienced designer, combine the parameters of the technique with the future set.

Chamber volume

One of the main points worth paying attention to. A person free from family ties or a young married couple will have enough volume of 16-20 liters, no more. This capacity is enough to heat food, defrost a semi-finished product or cook a dish for 1-2 people.

Families with children will need a larger unit – from 23-25 liters. Of course, it all depends on the intensity of use and the appetite of family members – perhaps a small stove will suffice.

For large families, who are happy to host crowds of guests, an overall and voluminous design, about 40 liters, is suitable. In such a cabinet, you can cook something special – even bake a duck or an impressive batch of pies.

Power

Another equally important characteristic that the user must pay attention to. The average range of modern devices is 700-1200 watts. Much depends on it: the speed of heating, defrosting, cooking, the number of modes.

The most advanced models have a regulator at their disposal. Usually these are 5 modes, but there may be 10, 15 or more. Grill and convection have their own power, so when emitting waves of 1200 W, the design with grill and convection can draw all 3,5 kW. Take this into account when laying electrical wiring – it is important that it withstands all your kitchen arsenal of household appliances.

How microwave modes are related to power, read in a separate article.

Management

Innovative design solutions include pushbutton or touch control. A combination of these two technologies is possible. Button control is simpler and cheaper. The touch panel will make technology more expensive, but will provide great functionality, which is especially appreciated by young people. The touch panels are unpretentious in care – they do not have slots and holes into which dust would clog.

Lock the touch keys before leaving so as not to lose the settings.

Need to buy a stove for elderly grandparents who snort at touch phones and prefer the tried and true classics? Buy options with rotary switches. Manufacturers Gorenje, Kuppersberg, Midea have models in a “retro” design that will appeal to connoisseurs of the Baroque style.

Hopper lining

Most often, the following materials act as a coating:

enamel;
stainless steel;
ceramics or BIO-ceramics;
combination of BIO-ceramics with stainless steel.

We talked about each in detail in the review “Which microwave cover to choose“. Therefore, we suggest not being distracted by these nuances, but following the goal – choosing the best built-in microwave oven.

Features of the functional

Some new items are equipped with useful features, consider them:

3D-wave distribution. The system heats the food evenly, so there are no dry or wet spots in the food.

Inverter power control system. In this case, the magnetron does not work by the on / off method, but is in a constant working state, smoothly changing the strength of its radiation. This speeds up cooking and also reduces electricity costs.

Automatic programs. This applies not only to heating and thawing, but also to the preparation of a number of dishes. Some imported units are even adapted to Russian cuisine, so they offer to cook not only schnitzel or pudding, but also porridge, soup, etc. All you need to do is load the ingredients, select the desired program. The oven will do the rest.

Blocking. A very useful option if there is little space in the kitchen and there is a risk of touching the buttons with careless movements. And for families with small children, this option is necessary – household appliances attract kids like a magnet. It is better to protect the child by blocking access to control.

Popular models of 2018

Consider several popular stoves that have already managed to become leaders in 2018.

Midea AG820BJU-BL

Small microwave brand Midea, dimensions 59,5×38,8×34,4 cm (WxDxH). Designed for 20 liters, equipped with electronic control with display. The chamber is covered with enamel. Additionally equipped with a 1000 W grill. The radiation power is 800 watts. There are 10 modes in total.

There are defrosting modes, including automatic, auto-cooking programs. The camera lights up. At the end of the work, an audible signal sounds. Child lock option. The hinged door opens at the push of a button. Elegant shapes combined with black accentuate the elegance of a kitchen decorated in classic white or black tones.

The cost is from 10 rubles.

Svetlana, Moscow

I liked the look, at first it worked fine. But a little less than a year after the purchase, the display went out. And the service did not warn in advance that they did not repair the built-in stoves. So check all the details before buying. If it weren’t for the breakdown, which they refused to fix under warranty, I would have put the highest score, and so it’s a two.

Electrolux EMS 26004 OK

25-liter stove with parameters: 59,4×45,9×41,7 cm (WxDxH). The tray is 32,5 cm in diameter.Electrolux» no grill and no convection. Radiation – 900 W, only 5 levels of adjustment. At the same time, the stove is equipped with electronics with a display.

You can defrost in normal or automatic mode. Implemented the ability to program the cooking process. Optional: fast mode. Illuminated camera, sound alert, user panel lock. The door opens with a button.

The price is from 30 rubles.

Galina, g. Almaty, Kazakhstan

I was looking for a stove 45 cm high, in this 45,9 it also came up (the niche in the closet is only 55 cm, but I needed 10 cm of stock according to the instructions). It works quietly, looks interesting, the door opens conveniently. But the power let us down – a full plate of rice is heated for 3,5 minutes. Therefore, I use it mainly for quick heating of breakfasts, it is also convenient to defrost with it. As with the old microwave, the dishes heat up, but for some reason the plate heats up more than the contents. I give four.

Bosch BFL634GS1

This stove is from the world famous German concern “Bosch» received recognition from customers due to its parameters and additional functionality.

Features:

volume 21 liters;
weight – 19 kg;
width x depth x height: 59,4×31,8×38,2 cm.

Features:

radiation – 900 W;
5 power modes;
electronic control;
the presence of a display;
touch buttons;
auto programs – 7 recipes;
defrosting;
illumination from the inside;
panel blocking.

The price is within 33 rubles.

Antonina, Sochi

It looks stylish, the assembly is excellent, high-quality. Absolutely safe. Electricity bills have not increased, which means that it is economical. A little pricey, but built-in appliances always cost so much (( Easy to care and use. Can defrost, heat, cook. Weaker than an oven, but cooks just as well. By the way, we chose between siemens, Neff, TIME и Bosch, but my husband and I decided to stay on it. Never regretted.

Hansa AMM20BEIH

The 20-liter Hansa AMM20BEIH has the following dimensions: 59,5×38,5×32 cm. The pallet is 24,5 cm. The inside of the chamber is covered with stainless steel. There is a top grill for 1000 watts. Radiation – 800 watts. Standard 5 levels of regulation.

Management: electronics with the screen. There are defrosting, auto-cooking (8 programs), auto-defrosting. Illuminated camera, sound alert, panel lock. The door opens with a button. The furnace is completed with one lattice for a grill.

The price is 12 rubles.

Sergey, Arkhangelsk

Long time to choose between Ariston и Indesit. For a while, I even looked at Whirlpool – they have one interesting narrow model there. But! Everything was decided by chance: I went to visit a familiar married couple, where I was introduced to this German beauty. They fed a chicken from it, so I “bought” – I bought it. The main thing — was satisfied. I like everything, no complaints so far.