What is an inverter microwave

What is an inverter microwave oven, how is it different from a conventional one? Is it worth overpaying for the benefits promised by consultants? To get to the bottom of the truth, let’s look at their device and find out how a microwave oven with an inverter differs from a simple microwave.

Manufacturers claim that such models are much better. Is it true that food cooked in them is tastier, prettier and retains more nutrients?

Why you need an inverter

Even for those who do not know physics well, it is clear that in the microwave, food becomes hot and edible under the influence of ultra-high frequencies – microwaves. Molecules set in motion by an electromagnetic field release thermal energy. Since the waves are able to penetrate objects through and through, the food in the chamber warms up evenly, not only on the surface, but also inside.

Where do waves come from in a microwave oven? They are emitted by the magnetron – the “heart” of the apparatus, its main detail. In conventional furnaces, the magnetron is fed through a transformer, in those under consideration, from an inverter. This is a control unit and a DC-to-AC converter. It is in this block that the difference between conventional and inverter systems lies.

Since the inverting element is much smaller than the transformer, a winning difference in size and weight is obtained.

The principle of operation of inverter microwaves

The magnetron, generating microwaves, gradually reduces the radiation power. The impact on the molecules becomes softer – this helps prevent them from overheating.

In conventional stoves, the magnetron does not reduce power, but only shortens the intervals of wave shocks and increases the pauses between them. This is more “traumatic” for molecules, moisture is lost – the product dries out. In the inverter, due to the smooth decrease in radiation, it is possible to preserve the structure of the molecules. What is the practical interest in this for the consumer? Products retain their shape better, they are more attractive on the outside and healthier on the inside.

The essence of technology

An innovative way of cooking food is proposed – Inverter Combination Cooking. This technique eliminates the disadvantages of traditional devices. Microwave ovens cook quickly, but only inverter control makes it possible to brown food. By combining the grill or other functions with the inversion system, you can quickly heat up and cook food – healthy and appetizing in appearance.

Fast defrost

Consumers looking at microwave ovens with an inverting element are interested in: what does Turbo defrost mean. This is a technology that uses the principle of sequentially changing power. Thanks to the Turbo mode, food is defrosted twice as fast. The “chaos theory” was used, in which it is possible to distribute the energy of microwaves, alternating the principles of regularity and irregularity in the best possible way.

External differences

If we compare external data, the device with adjustable power is no different from the usual one, except that it weighs less. All differences are in the principle of operation of the device. Due to the absence of a bulky transformer, the developers were able to reduce the weight and increase the volume of the camera, while maintaining the external dimensions.

Power Consumption

A huge plus of the system is the economical use of electricity. The magnetron, which turns on only once per cycle, gradually reduces power, consuming 28% less energy. If standby mode is enabled, the savings are up to 72%.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any technique, a microwave oven with an inverting element has its pros and cons. Advantages:

• Compactness: capacious chamber, small weight.
• Uniform heating. The control system allows you to smoothly reduce the impact during the cooking process.
• Large set of features. Dishes are prepared quickly and at the same time retain their usefulness. By combining microwaves with a grill, you can cook food with a crispy crust – like an oven. Microwave radiation can also be combined with steam and other options.
• Rapid defrosting. A number of models have this function and defrost food twice as quickly. Since the intensity of the magnetron changes, defrosting proceeds in a mild mode – useful substances are not destroyed, freshness is better preserved.
• No turntable. The absence of a plate gives more opportunities for placing the container, one thing is important – that it fits in the chamber.

Experts and users find only one drawback with the stoves in question – the price. They are more expensive than conventional microwaves. There are also a limited number of modifications.

How much healthier is food from an inverter microwave oven

The question of the usefulness of dishes from the microwave has always worried consumers. How true are the claims about the benefits of food cooked in a new type of oven? Any processing negatively affects the usefulness of the products. It is clear that due to the traumatic effect of electromagnetic waves, food loses its original concentration of nutrients – vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are destroyed.

After repeated experimentation and research, experts were able to state that inverter-based ovens can preserve the content of vitamins and minerals by about 30% more than conventional microwave ovens.

How to choose

The selection criteria are practically the same as the factors considered when buying a traditional inverterless model. Need to evaluate:

• dimensions;
• power;
• spaciousness;
• control;
• functional;
• price

You also need to take into account the expected intensity of use. To heat up ready meals, 0,6 kW is enough – you can buy a solo stove. With additional functions, the power reaches 1,5 kW.

The capacity of the chamber is 14-20 liters. A large volume is recommended for families of 4-5 people. Spacious microwaves will also come in handy for partygoers cooking for guests.

When choosing a suitable modification, you also need to pay attention to:

• Control. Typically, models with a large range of options use a touch or electronic version – faster, more accurate and more efficient to set up.
• Protection. If there are kids in the family, take a model with a child lock function.
• Grill. Its functions can be performed by a heating element or a quartz lamp. In the latter case, the dishes seemed to be cooked on a fire. Some models have a vertical or double grill.
• Internal coating. The best option is ceramics or bioceramics. This is an easy to clean material that does not form carbon deposits. It has high resistance to heat and mechanical stress.

Who is the manufacturer

The most eminent manufacturer of monitored microwaves is Panasonic.

Panasonic NN-DS596

The described technology is applied in the NN-DS596 model supporting the combined mode. Chamber volume — 27 l. Without turntable. There is a powerful steam generator and an upper grill.

Panasonic NN-CD565B

A compact 1 kW model that is not inferior in functionality to full-size versions. Dimensions are reduced due to the special placement of the fan. There is a quartz grill.

Panasonic NN-SD 366 M

Silver stove 22 l, 0,8 kW. Electronic control. Rotating tray with a diameter of 24,5 cm. Dimensions: 28x48x36 cm.

What Siemens offers

Panasonic is not the only manufacturer of these microwaves, Siemens also produces them. Among the models of this manufacturer, it is worth noting the HF 25M2L2.

Its capacity is 21 liters. The chamber cover is stainless steel. There is a defrost and autocooking. Button control.

Microwave from Whirlpool

The large AMW 848 IX microwave oven has the most capacious chamber that can be: 40 liters. A whole Christmas goose will fit in here. The oven has all the functions that the hostess dreams of – grill and convection. Suitable for roasting meat and cooking pastries. Touch control. There is a defrost and autocooking.

Although inverter stoves are produced by a limited number of manufacturers, buyers have plenty to choose from. This technique will be a reliable help in culinary delights.

Reviews

Panasonic NN-DS596: Oleg I., Sochi

Interested in a new approach to cooking. I am satisfied with the purchase. The oven has all the main functions – microwaves, steam, grill, convection and plus their combinations. There are many pluses. Very quiet operation – you can barely hear the fan. There is self-cleaning. Food cooks much faster. There are no shortcomings, except for fingerprints that remain on the super glossy surface of the control panel.

Siemens HF25G5L2: Valentina T., Stary Oskol

I spent a long time choosing a microwave, I wanted to find the perfect one. I like that there are a bunch of auto programs: I set a task, and I’m free – the stove will cook everything by itself. High power – food cooks quickly. The food tastes good, you can’t say it’s microwaved. I can memorize my favorite recipes. Beautiful design, there is a powerful grill – it comes out like in the oven, with a crispy crust. Defrosts very quickly.

Inverter microwaves, using a new approach to power management, make food tastier and healthier. The technique itself loses weight and dimensions – these models are lighter, more compact and roomy. The only downside is the higher price. But the benefits of buying it are worth it.