A microwave can be found in almost every kitchen – it allows you to cook, reheat, defrost food without unnecessary difficulties. The advantages of a microwave oven have provided it with considerable popularity among buyers. However, many users eventually abandon such a technique, arguing that its work negatively affects the body. In addition to “harmful” radiation, other disadvantages of the microwave are noted, which give reason to think: is it worth buying it?
In this article, we will determine which is more: advantages or disadvantages. We will also compare several popular options, tell you: are microwave waves really dangerous to health.
Features
Modern stoves are equipped with the latest features and modes. If earlier the microwave was used for defrosting, heating and cooking simple dishes, now a lot has changed.
To begin with, an oven, grill and steamer can be hidden inside at the same time. Different modes allow you to cook almost any dish: from fried meat to hot salads and pies. Some modes can be combined, for example, grill and convection – this will provide products with uniform heating, juiciness, and crispiness.
Any new model has other useful features: automatic recipes, child protection, timer, turbo defrost, auto-off, even self-diagnosis.
Pros
Based on the opinions of users and the benefits listed, there are several main useful qualities:
- Microwave ovens are compact. They do not take up much space – suitable even for a small kitchen.
- Most of the functions are automated – you can cook and do other things at the same time.
- The technique provides fast, efficient defrosting without loss of vitamins and beneficial properties.
- In the microwave, they cook without adding oil – a big plus for lovers of healthy food.
- During cooking, the products do not overcook, do not burn.
- Due to the absence of open flame, the device does not heat the air, unlike gas stoves.
Functions, control, coverage affect the quality and convenience of the microwave. We will describe in detail everything that makes the microwave universal, convenient and indispensable.
Auto menu
The automatic menu is designed for quick preparation of dishes whose recipes have already been memorized. Most manufacturers can find recipes from Eastern, French, Russian and other cuisines. Autocooking consists in selecting the power and cooking mode, you just need to put the necessary products inside, select the volume or number of servings and press the start button. After the process is completed, the technician will stop working by itself, notifying about it with a sound signal.
Child Protection
This addition helps to protect curious kids and save equipment from possible breakdowns. Its job is to block the door or control panel. The function is very useful for users with young children who are just getting to know the world of electrical engineering and are in a hurry to try everything around.
Automatic modes
Automatic shutdown and defrosting allow the equipment to work without human assistance. The appliance will automatically select the power and set the time it takes to defrost, and then turn itself off. Such cunning programs are especially useful for busy and forgetful people.
Sound alert
An audible signal may indicate the end of work or network problems. Mechanically controlled models usually have a short and ringing tone. Microwaves with a wider range of functions have longer sounds and may change. For customers with children, there are devices with the ability to turn off the sound alert so as not to wake the child.
Sensory Cooking
Some brands have stepped forward and introduced models with a sensor inside the chamber that reacts to steam. The oven controls itself, allowing users to enter fewer parameters for cooking, defrosting and reheating.
Microwaves with a sensor have two significant advantages. First, the stove will do everything for you. The second – touch models provide the most efficient cooking or defrosting of products, because the device reacts to the state of the product, and not to the specified settings.
Grill
It is difficult to compare something else with grilled dishes. It is amazing that almost everything can be cooked in this way: meat, vegetables, mushrooms, sausages and even seafood.
There are two types of grill: infrared (TEN) and quartz. They have their own characteristics, so it is recommended to study this point before buying. A quartz grill is economical, and models with an infrared heater are affordable.
Convection
A convection microwave can be considered a full-fledged oven. The built-in fan ensures uniform air circulation, which allows you to cook pies, fish and other products. The advantage is that the dishes cooked in this mode are tender and airy.
Покрытие
An important role in the operation of a microwave oven is played by a high-quality coating of the inner walls of the chamber.
Enamel is the most inexpensive coating that is used most often. It is easy to clean from grease and dirt, but over time it can lose hardness, so it is better to look at models with bioceramics or steel.
Stainless steel coated ovens are more expensive and can withstand high temperatures. However, the material fades and loses its appearance, but this does not affect the quality and properties.
Almost all expensive options have a bioceramic or ceramic coating. It is inferior in strength to steel or enamel, but has its advantages: easy cleaning and reduced thermal conductivity, which allows you to cook or defrost even faster.
Management
All modern microwave ovens are easy to operate. This is another plus in the piggy bank, because ease of use depends on it. Regardless of the type of panel (mechanical, electronic or touch), you can always set the desired mode in a matter of seconds.
An electronic or touch panel is simpler and more functional than classic mechanics. Despite this, many brands produce the lion’s share of models with mechanical regulators. And this is not surprising, because durability and reliability are above all.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of a microwave oven are not so many, but they are the ones that repel many buyers.
radiation
Many people think that the main and most serious drawback is the microwave radiation itself, due to which the technique works. Manufacturers strive to protect users as much as possible by creating special retaining grills and updating the protection of the case.
Of course, radiation is harmful, but they cannot spread further than 20 centimeters from the switched on device. If you are worried about your health and afraid of microwaves, stay away from the microwave and the problem will cease to exist.
Taste
Another negative point is the unusual taste. After food cooked in the oven or on the stove, food from the microwave will seem strange. In addition, you can not cook dishes with a high content of oil. This factor can be attributed to both pluses and minuses.
Power
To bake potatoes or meat, the power must be at least 1000 watts. Due to the rather high consumption of electricity, cooking in microwave ovens can be called an expensive pleasure.
Restrictions
It is strictly forbidden to boil eggs in the oven, and cuts must be made in sausages. Otherwise, get ready for a long cleaning and cleaning. We’ll have to forget about big pies with fillings, otherwise everything will just leak out.
Comparison
What are microwave ovens? Let’s compare several popular models of different classes.
BURNS MO-17 MW
Let’s start with a simple and inexpensive stove brand “Gorenie”. It can really be called reliable, practical and convenient. The design is quite simple and modest, it will not look catchy and distract attention from the main interior. Despite the popular brand, the price of MO-17 MW is more than affordable – 3500 rubles.
Power is set at 6 levels using a mechanical regulator. From the equipment: automatic shutdown and sound signal. The door opens with a button on the front panel.
Features:
- Volume – 17 liters.
- Enameled finish.
- The price is from 3 rubles.
LG MS-2042DS
LG microwaves are practical and versatile helpers in the kitchen. The advantages of MS-2042DS include convenient touch control and digital display. There is an automatic cooking function. There are only three recipes, so they are only suitable for testing the device. The coating of the inside of the case is enamel with protection against grease and dirt. Of the shortcomings, we single out a too short cord.
If you only need equipment for heating and defrosting, choose the cheaper option, the difference will not be noticeable. Do you want to cook? Then take a look at the LG MS-2042DS.
Features:
- Volume – 20 liters.
- The finish is enamel.
- The price is about 7 rubles.
LG MH-6595 CIS
This microwave oven has all the necessary functions for the most comfortable use. Amazing design combines matte and glossy elements, such a stove will become a separate element of the interior. It is equipped with Smart Inverter technology for precise power control.
Unlike previous options, the MH-6595 CIS has a high-quality 900W quartz grill. The functionality includes modes for automatic defrosting, melting, baking and frying, 8 programs, a popular menu and a function for making yogurt. There is one significant disadvantage – the high price. You need to come to terms with the fact that multi-tasking, high-quality and stylish equipment cannot be cheap.
Features:
- Volume – 25 liters.
- Coating – EasyClean.
- The price is about 13 rubles.
Perhaps this is all you need to know about the pros and cons of buying and using microwaves. We found out that this technique has no significant drawbacks, except for individual requirements and inflated prices for some models. By choosing the right microwave oven, you will forever forget about the problems of cooking and defrosting. Taking care of the technology will ensure you trouble-free operation year after year.