A microwave oven is an appliance that has drastically changed the way we prepare food in our home kitchens. It is developed with the purpose of quickly cooking meals with the help of electromagnetic radiation which heats the food from the inside.
This type of oven is most suitable for tasks that would take a longer time to be completed such as melting butter or boiling water. Instead of the classic ovens, microwaves cook the food from within. Initially, it was mainly employed in commercial kitchens, but now it is mostly used in homes and offices.
Working on a Microwave Oven
A microwave cooks food by emitting electromagnetic energy at a rate of 2.24 gigahertz and a wavelength of 12.2 centimetres. This energy causes the water molecules in the food to vibrate, creating friction with other water molecules and thereby heating up the food from within.
This is why frozen food and dry food (like rice) don’t cook as uniformly; they don’t respond as quickly to microwave radiation due to their lack of moisture. So, to make sure the food cooks consistently, many microwave ovens come with revolving trays to rotate the food during the cooking process.
The Accidental Discovery of Microwave Oven
In 1946, while researching magnetron vacuum tubes to improve radar technology, Dr Percy LeBaron Spencer, a self-educated electronics engineer working with the Raytheon Corporation, unintentionally found out that microwaves from the vacuum tubes could illuminate food. He ran a test by placing popcorn kernels near the tube, which then turned out to be the globe’s first microwave popcorn.
In 1947, Raytheon manufactured the initial Radarange microwave oven, which was bulky and very expensive with a cost of over $2000 and a weight of more than 750 pounds. In 1952, Raytheon gave the Tappan Stove Company permission to use microwave oven technology, and the initial consumer-grade Tappan oven was presented in 1955, however, its high price tag of over $1000 made it inaccessible for many people.
In 1965, Raytheon acquired Amana Corporation, which afterwards released the Radarange microwave oven, a countertop model which was priced at $600 and still considered too expensive for most households. At first, microwave ovens were more sought after in Japan than in the US, however, by 1975, Americans had grown accustomed to them to the extent that they outsold gas ranges. By 1976, over 52 million households had a microwave oven, and they were more favoured than dishwashers.
Accessories associated with Microwave Oven
Every microwave oven is constructed with a few basic components. These consist of a fuse which is linked to the power cable; this can turn off the microwave if it becomes too hot or there is a short circuit. There is also a high-voltage transformer that delivers electricity to the subsequent device, which is a magnetron; the two parts control the microwave radiation levels required to cook the food.
The microwaves produced by the magnetron go through a waveguide found on top of the oven’s cavity where the food is placed. The microwaves then flow through a rotating stirrer blade which heats up the food. The walls of the oven cavity are made of metal to reflect the radiation towards the food. All modern microwave ovens have a safety switch; this will turn off the microwave energy when the oven door is opened.
Microwaves are equipped with timers that shut off after a set amount of time, and lately, they are also coming with clocks, digital timers, as well as rotating trays to rotate food while cooking. They can also have removable racks and sensors to prevent over-cooking, which can be programmed using a keypad.
Categories of Microwave Ovens
Initially, the countertop microwave oven was the first to become available. Subsequently, over-the-range (OTR) microwaves and cabinet-mounted microwave ovens were released too. Countertop microwaves are the most affordable and convenient to move; however, they do occupy useful counter space. The advantage is that these microwaves can be transported easily from one place to another if necessary.
OTR and cabinet-mounted microwaves are more expensive, cannot be relocated, and require a professional to install them. Convection microwave ovens include heating elements and fans that use external heat to cook from both the inside and outside.
Utilizing a microwave oven has various advantages!
Microwaves are quicker than standard ovens when it comes to cooking and reheating. Food cooked in a microwave preserves more vitamins than when cooked in a regular oven, as prolonged cooking periods can deplete essential nutrients. Microwaves only require electricity for use, not gas, charcoal, or oil, reducing their carbon footprint and eliminating additional pollution from the production of electricity.
Microwave cooking does not promote food browning, specifically proteins. Food cooked in a microwave reaches high temperatures rapidly, reducing the amount of time that dangerous organisms have to survive, and allowing it to be served immediately.
6 Best Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens have become indispensable appliances in modern kitchens, offering quick and convenient cooking solutions. To help you choose the best one for your needs, we have compiled a list of the 6 best microwave ovens available in the market.
Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven
Pros:
1. Large Capacity: The Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven has an extra-large capacity of greater than 2 cu.ft., making it the perfect choice for big families or large meals.
2. Safety Lock Feature: This microwave oven comes with a safety lock feature, so you can be sure that your little ones are kept away from the hot food and dishes inside the oven while it’s in use.
3. High Wattage & Fast Cooking Times: With its 1000-watt power output and 28-inch turntable diameter, this countertop microwave offers incredibly fast cooking times – perfect for busy cooks!
4 Inverter Technology: Thanks to its advanced inverter technology, users will enjoy constant cooking energy on all power settings without fear of overcooking their food or having cold spots form during heating cycles.
5 Easy Cleanup & Maintenance: The interior cavity is also easy to clean thanks to its stainless steel construction.
Cons:
1. High Energy Consumption: The Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven has a high wattage of 1000 watts which can lead to higher energy bills over time.
2. Limited Countertop Space: At 28 ½ inches in diameter and larger than 2 cubic feet, this microwave oven can take up a lot of counter space – limiting the number of other appliances that you can place on your countertop.
3. Expensive Price Tag: Although the Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven offers advanced technology for faster cooking, it does come with an expensive price tag compared to other models on the market today which may be out of some’s budget range if they are looking for economic options when shopping for microwaves.
4. Not Ideal For Smaller Portions: Since this microwave is large and powerful it’s not ideal for smaller portions as there is often more heat created than needed in these scenarios leading to potential overcooking or burning food items like popcorn etc.
5 Less intuitive settings panel: With the complicated control panel that requires users to familiarize themselves with manual procedures makes operating less user friendly even after one gets used to them operate it becomes much harder when going away from home or needs someone else to use all functions correctly.
Features
- Extra-large (Greater than 2 cu.ft.): cm
- Safety Lock
- Wattage: 1000
- Turntable Diameter (in.): 28.5
Product Details
Introducing the Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven. This countertop microwave is the ideal kitchen appliance for busy cooks who want to prepare delicious meals in a flash. Thanks to its advanced inverter technology, you can enjoy constant cooking energy on all power settings and perfectly cooked food every time.
Enjoy perfectly cooked meals with even heating and consistent results, making meal times easier and more enjoyable. With its sleek and modern design, the Panasonic Solo Inverter Microwave Oven is the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Smeg mp422x1 Linea Microwave Oven & Grill
Pros:
- Powerful Cooker: It comes with two cooking functions – microwave and grill power of 1000W and 1500W respectively, allowing you to cook meals faster than ever before.
2. Child Safety Lock: This microwave oven also comes with a child safety lock feature that prevents children from opening the door while it is in use.
3. Efficient Power Usage: With an impressive 3300W power output, the Smeg SF4101MN1 Linea Microwave Oven & Grill helps you save energy while using it effectively for your cooking needs.
4. Warranty Coverage: As an added bonus, this appliance also includes a 2-year warranty, guaranteeing customer satisfaction every time they purchase this product
Cons:
1. High Electricity Consumption: The Smeg mp422x1 Linea Microwave Oven & Grill has a total capacity of 40 liters and consumes 3300W, making electricity consumption quite high for this model.
2. No Defrost Setting: This model lacks a defrost setting which can make it difficult to prepare certain foods quickly and easily with this oven/grill combo appliance without having to pre-cook them over the stovetop first in order to get rid of excess moisture before placing them in the oven/grill combo appliance..
3. Short Warranty Period : This appliance is covered by only 2 years warranty which means that any repairs after two years will have to be borne by the customer himself resulting in additional financial burden on the customer if something goes wrong during the usage period beyond the warranty period.
4. Risk Of Injury Due To Heat Exposure: As per safety standards all microwaves must come with a child safety lock feature but even so, there is always risk associated with heat emissions from the grill as well as the microwave due to its large power output thus creating potential risk from burns especially when kids are around.
Features
- Total Capacity: 40 litres
- Microwave power 1000W
- Grill power 1500W
- Child safety lock
- Power: 3300W
- 2 Year Warranty
Product Details
Add a touch of elegance to your kitchen with the Smeg SF4101MN1 Linea Microwave Oven & Grill. The stunning black finish ensures that this microwave and grill will fit in perfectly with any kitchen decor.
The versatility of this built-in appliance will make cooking easier than ever before. With a range of matching ovens available, the Smeg SF4101MN1 Linea Microwave Oven & Grill is the perfect addition to any new kitchen. Enjoy the convenience of having a microwave and grill in one appliance and get creative in the kitchen today.
Toshiba Microwave Oven
Pros:
1. Fast Cooking Time: With 800W of power and 30-second start-up time, the Toshiba Microwave Oven is perfect for quickly heating up meals or snacks.
2. Pre-programmed Menus: The oven comes with pre-programmed menus, so you can choose what you want to cook without having to guess the settings on your own.
3. Large Capacity: The 20L capacity gives you plenty of room for larger dishes and multiple servings at once without overcrowding the interior space of your oven.
4 Easy Maintenance & Cleaning; This microwave has an easy-to-clean interior due to its nonstick surface which makes wiping it down quick and simple after each use.
5 Safety Features; Includes a child lock feature that prevents little ones from accessing or operating this appliance when not supervised by an adult user
Cons:
1. Limited Capacity: The Toshiba Microwave Oven has a limited capacity of 20L, meaning it is not suitable for large meals or family-sized dishes.
2. High Power Consumption: Despite being able to cook food quickly and efficiently, the 800W power consumption of the oven could add significantly to energy bills in the long run.
3. Preprogrammed Menus Only: While it does have pre-programmed menus for pizza, potatoes and more, this microwave oven lacks versatility as users are only limited to those pre-programmed menus – limiting its potential uses when compared with other microwaves on the market that may offer additional features such as defrosting or reheating functions
4. Unattractive Design: The Toshiba Microwave Oven doesn’t feature an attractive design – making it less desirable than some other models on today’s market which might have a sleek black exterior design or even built-in LED lighting
5 Short Warranty Period: Another con associated with this product is its short warranty period – with just 1-year cover provided by Toshiba upon purchase
Features
- Capacity 20L
- Dimensions 30.6 x 30.4 x 20.6cm
- Power 800W
Product Details
Experience the speed and convenience of cooking with the Toshiba Microwave Oven. Boasting 800W of power, you can start cooking in as little as 30 seconds with the ability to increase your cooking time by 30 seconds with each press.
This 20L capacity oven also features pre-programmed one-touch menus, including pizza, potatoes, popcorn, vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate, so you can quickly whip up a meal with the push of a button. Get your Toshiba Microwave Oven today and discover the convenience of express cooking.
VYTRONIX Digital Microwave Oven
Pros:
1. Powerful 1400W input: The VYTRONIX VY-C900M Digital Microwave Oven has a power input of 1400W, making it great for fast cooking.
2. Child safety lock: This microwave comes with a child safety lock to keep your little ones safe from accidentally operating the oven
3. Large 25L capacity: With its large 25L capacity, you can easily cook up meals for the whole family without having to worry about running out of space inside
4. Removable glass turntable plate: The removable glass turntable plate makes it easy to clean and maintain this oven so that you can enjoy delicious meals without having any worries about dirt or grime getting in there
5 . 1-Year Guarantee: Lastly, all purchases come with a one-year guarantee so that no matter what happens during those 12 months, you’ll still be covered if something goes wrong.
Cons:
1. Limited Power Output: Despite its 1400W input, the VYTRONIX VY-C900M Digital Microwave Oven only has a 900W output which could limit some functions and activities.
2. Bulky Size: At 28 x 48 x 39 cm (HxWxD), this microwave may not be suitable for kitchens with limited space or countertops that can’t support such an appliance’s weight of 13.9Kg
3. Short Power Cord Length: The included power cord is only 0.5m in length so it may not reach desired locations easily if an extension cord is needed to cover further distances then it will need to be purchased separately at added expense.
4. No Defrost Setting: This model does not come with a dedicated defrost setting so users will have to manually calculate different settings and times for thawing foods before cooking them.
5. Limited Warranty Period: Although the product comes with a 1 year guarantee there are other microwaves on the market that offer longer warranties which could provide more peace of mind when making your purchase decision
Features
- Powerful 1400W input / 900W output
- Child safety lock
- Weighs 13.9Kg
- Large 25L capacity
- 0.5m Power cord
- Removable glass turntable plate
- Product dimensions: 28 x 48 x 39 cm (H x W x D)
- 1 Year Guarantee
Product Details
The VYTRONIX VY-C900M Digital Microwave Oven is the perfect addition to any kitchen, big or small. With its slim exterior design, it won’t take up too much of your precious worktop space, yet it still has a 25L capacity inside to give you plenty of room to cook up delicious meals.
The easy-to-use controls and multiple cooking programmes make this microwave oven ideal for all kinds of cooking – from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen meat or fish with ease.
Plus, its sleek design adds a touch of style and sophistication to any kitchen. So don’t wait any longer – get the VYTRONIX VY-C900M Digital Microwave Oven today and start cooking up a storm.
Cookology Integrated Microwave Oven
Pros:
1. 800W Microwave Power: This powerful microwave offers quick and efficient cooking, allowing you to reheat food or cook meals in minutes.
2. 95-Minute Cooking Timer: The timer allows you to accurately keep track of your food as it cooks so that everything is cooked perfectly every time.
3. Child Lock Feature: Keeps curious little hands away from the hot oven with a simple control switch on the outside of the unit for added safety and peace of mind
4. 245mm Turntable: Ensures even heat distribution throughout each dish, giving all your food an evenly cooked finish every single time
5. 20 Liter Capacity: Enough space for all types of dishes including large platters – ideal when entertaining guests at home or preparing family meals
Cons:
1. Limited Warranty: The Cookology Integrated Microwave Oven only has a limited warranty and doesn’t cover any defects caused by use or wear and tear.
2. Installation Difficulty: Installing the built-in microwave might be difficult for those unfamiliar with the process, which can be time-consuming and complicated if not done properly.
3. Costly Repairs: If something goes wrong with your microwave, repairs may cost you a lot of money as these appliances are usually expensive to repair or replace due to their complex design structure
4. Heating Inconsistency: There is a possibility that there will be some inconsistency in heating when using this oven as it has lower power than its other competitors in the market
5. It is Not Compact Friendly: Due to its large 20-litre capacity size, this oven cannot fit into small kitchen spaces easily making it unsuitable for compact kitchens
Features
- 800W Microwave Power
- 95-Minute Cooking Timer
- Child lock
- 245mm Turntable
- 20 Litre Capacity
Product Details
Bring your kitchen to the next level with the Cookology Integrated Microwave Oven. This IM20LBK Built-in Microwave with its beautiful, quality Black Frame Kit will instantly transform your kitchen’s look and feel.
With this sleek and stylish built-in microwave, your kitchen will seem more organized, modern, and luxurious. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about taking up counter space and valuable room ever again!
What’s more, the Cookology Integrated Microwave Oven comes with multi-section cooking so you can program the microwave to defrost food, and then start cooking when it’s done. You can also choose from a variety of other settings, allowing you to customize your cooking experience.
Samsung 1100W Microwave Oven CM1089
Pros:
1. Compact Design: The Samsung CM1089’s compact design is ideal for small restaurants and cafés, taking up minimal counter space and ensuring efficient use of energy.
2. Durable Construction: Its stainless steel construction ensures maximum durability, meaning it will last longer than other microwaves on the market.
3. Easy to Clean & Maintain: With its user-friendly programmable controls, this microwave is easy to use, clean and maintain – a great choice for busy kitchens!
4. Space Saving Capacity: This oven has an impressive capacity of 26L with interior dimensions 336 x 349 x 225mm – allowing you to make bigger batches in less time!
5 High Power Output: It offers a powerful output of 1
Cons:
1. High Power Consumption: This microwave uses 1.1kW of power which makes it energy-inefficient and more expensive to run in the long term.
2. Lack of Cooking Options: This microwave has limited cooking options, making it unsuitable for larger-scale food preparation operations or advanced culinary tasks such as baking cakes or roasting vegetables at home.
3. Heavy Weight & Bulky Design: The Samsung Microwave Oven CM1089 weighs 19kg and has interior dimensions 336 x 349 x 225 mm, making it bulky compared to other models available on the market today that are much lighter and more compact in size.
4. Limited Capacity & Space Restrictions: With a capacity of 26L, this model may not be suitable for large batches of food due to its limited space restrictions.
5. Poor Durability: Due to its stainless steel construction, this model may lack durability over time with frequent use leading up to poor performance.
Features
- Weighs 19kg
- Capacity 26L
- Power output: 1.1kW
- Interior dimensions 336 x 349 x 225 mm
Product Details
Introducing the Samsung 1100W Microwave Oven CM1089 – the perfect solution for all your cooking needs. This compact microwave is ideal for reheating, defrosting and occasional cooking, and is perfect for busy cafés, bistros and small restaurants.
With its robust, energy-efficient design and user-friendly programmable controls, the Samsung CM1089 is easy to use, clean and maintain. Plus, its stainless steel construction ensures maximum durability and long-lasting performance.
Features for Safety
The US Food & Drug Administration has laws in place that dictate that contemporary microwave ovens must have dual shut-off switches that will stop the microwaving the instant the door is opened. Some microwaves have detectors that sense steam or heat levels and they will end the cooking cycle once it reaches a certain point in order to stop food from becoming dehydrated.
Microwaves must also meet a set standard enforced by the Federal government that says they cannot emit more than 5 milliwatts of radiation for each square centimetre further than 2 inches away from the appliance; this is to protect pacemakers from any potential harm.
Effects of Microwaves Ovens on Nutrients
Microwave ovens can lessen the vitamins B, B1, C and E in edibles. It can also affect the protein and amino acid contents in meat and reduce its dietary value. Even though it is superior to boiling the same edibles, heating them for an extended period will cause more of the nutrients to be lost. It is suggested not to utilize microwaves to heat up bottled breast milk, as it can decrease its nutritional value; it is suggested to warm up the breast milk using hot water instead.
FAQ
What are the safety precautions for a microwave oven?
- Under no circumstances should a microwave oven be used if the door is defective or not shutting properly.
- Items made from metal should not be placed in the oven unless it is specifically designed to be used with microwaves.
- When heating liquids inside the microwave, protective gloves should be worn.
- Microwaves must be routinely wiped down and should never be used when empty.
