Introduction
- Microwave ovens
Microwave ovens (usually called microwaves)
were invented in the 1940's and started to become widespread in the
1970's. Traditional microwave ovens literally heat food using a microwave
(or radio) radiation technology, which converts the waves into heat
when absorbed by water or other particles such as fat and sugar. They
have become a popular and often indispensible addition to our kitchen
appliances, especially as they are now so affordable.
They heat food much more quickly and
evenly than conventional ovens and are also suitable for defrosting
food fast and efficiently, but the traditional basic-function microwave
ovens are not suitable for some types of cooking such as roasting, browning
or grilling. There are, however some types of combination microwave
ovens which do offer additional functions such as grilling and/ or convection
oven and in this case they can eliminate the need for a traditional
convection oven which can be suitable for smaller households or those
short of space.
Many people associate the use of microwave
ovens with food which is poor in nutritional value, due to the fact
that many people choose to use them for packaged ready-meals which can
be high in salt and/or sugar, but they can in fact be used to prepare
healthy nutritious food using fresh ingredients.
They are available in a very wide range
of brand names and the choice of microwave oven depends on several criteria
including budget, space and usage.
Product Types
Basic
or Solo Microwave Oven
This type of microwave oven offers
microwave cooking only and is not suitable for browning or grilling
the food. It can be used to defrost, reheat or cook foods. All microwaves
come with a timer function so that the user can pre-set how long the
food item is to be cooked for, and a variable power setting. Most models
have at least 5 levels of power including defrost, but some have up
to 10 or more. The majority of microwave ovens have an audible signal
at the end of cooking to alert the user and an interior light to easily
view the contents.
Grill Microwave Oven
This also features a grill function
for crisping and browning in addition to the basic microwave functions.
Combination
Microwave Oven
This type of microwave oven has a grill
and convection oven incorporated in the machine in addition to the microwave
functionality. It can replace the need for a traditional convection
oven although this is only recommended in households where space is
extremely limited or the oven is used infrequently, due to the relatively
small capacity compared to a full-sized oven. It is also useful as a
second 'spill-over' oven when the main convection oven is full.
Most combination microwave ovens have
adjustable shelf positions and many come with 1 or 2 wire racks as standard
as well as an enamel or glass shelf.
There is also a small selection of
combination microwave ovens which includes a steam oven function.
Most microwave ovens use a turntable
system for easier heat distribution, but there are some combination
models available which do not use a turntable and are suitable to use
with a wider choice of dishes. With others the user can choose whether
or not to use the turntable.
Basic, grill and combination microwaves
can be further subdivided into freestanding and built-in variations:
Freestanding Microwave Oven
These are usually positioned on top
of the workspace or in a cupboard. If you are planning to put the microwave
in a cupboard, make sure that there is adequate space to open the microwave
door properly.
Built In
Microwave Oven
These are fitted into the kitchen units
and save valuable space on the worktop. Some have fitting kits as standard
although others are optional.
Product Advice
Budget
If you are looking for a basic microwave
oven with no additional functionality then budget might be the most
import criteria. Basic microwave ovens can be very inexpensive and are
commonly sold in supermarkets as well as electrical stores.
However microwaves can vary enormously
in price and you need to decide whether you are willing to pay for features
over and above the basic microwave functionality. The features may look
attractive in the brochure but you are wasting your money if you are
not going to use them on a regular basis.
The combination microwave ovens are
more expensive however they offer far more functionality.
Features
The most basic microwave functionalities
are cook and defrost and most microwaves will offer a quick start feature.
However many manufactures offer additional
programmes such as:
- Auto-weight programmes for
both defrosting and cooking where the user programmes in the food type
and the weight and the microwave sets the power level and time accordingly.
- Pre-set programmes for different
types of food such as baked potato, pizza or grilled meat.
- Multi-sequence cooking which
allows the user to perform multiple tasks and functions.
- User-set programmes with
memory function.
Other features may include:
- A child-lock to prevent
toddlers being able to access the microwave.
- Pop out controls for easier
cleaning.
- LED touch controls for more
precise timing
- Residual heat indicator
on combination microwave ovens to indicate when the interior of the
machines is still hot.
With some combination microwave ovens,
the microwave can either be used independently or in conjunction with
other cooking functions such as grill or convection oven.
Size
Both of the internal and external
size of the microwave oven should be considered.
The external size is important for
both freestanding and built-in models. The user should have adequate
space on the worktop to accommodate the freestanding model. With a built-in
model it should exactly match the size specifications.
The internal size depends on how many
people you are cooking for and the amount of food to be cooked. Microwaves
range from 17 litre capacity to over 43 litres, and most average sized
families would need at least a 25 litre capacity. A higher capacity
microwave oven has the advantages of a larger turntable and increased
height, but bear in mind that the physical external size will also be
larger.
Weight may or may not be a factor
in the decision.
Power
The power of a microwave oven is specified
in watts and models on the market today range from 700W to 1100W. The
higher wattage models offer a quicker cooking time but 800-900 watts
is sufficient for most people.
Design
Some people prefer the traditional
white microwave however there is an incredible choice of designs and
colours available with many microwave ovens available in 'designer'
styles.
On a more practical level, the majority
of microwave ovens have doors which open from a handle on the right
of the machine but there are some which open downwards. This can be
more convenient depending on where it is located and with many models
you can rest items on the opened door but check the specifications for
the maximum weight that it can handle.
Buying Tips
- If you are going to be using
the microwave oven on a regular basis, make sure that it is well-positioned
in the kitchen for easy access. If it is placed too high up or if it
is difficult to access in any way the user runs the risk of accidents
and scalding.
- Choose a microwave oven
that is easy to clean. Some microwaves offer catalytic
oven liners or pyrolytic
technology for self-cleaning and
others have ceramic enamel for easy cleaning. Some use a steam cleaning
technology.
- Stainless steel models can
be more difficult to keep clean although some models offer anti-fingerprint
surfaces.
- There is a huge range of
microwave accessories available to make your microwave cooking as flexible
and efficient as possible, such as egg poachers and bacon trays.
- If design is very important
some manufacturers offer ranges of co-ordinated built-in kitchen appliances.
Brands
AEG Electrolux - they have a
wide range of freestanding and built-in microwave ovens from compact
17 litre capacity models to 38 litre combination ovens.
Baumatic - their range includes combination
microwaves with up to 16 pre-set programmes, both freestanding and built-in.
They also offer a microwave within their co-ordinated 46cm range of
compact kitchen appliances.
Bosch - they have a full range of
freestanding and built-in models including many within their mid -priced
Exxcel range.
Daewoo - their range of microwaves
includes combination convection ovens and models with full touch control.
Hinari - this UK manufacturer offers
microwaves amongst its offering of kitchen appliances.
Miele - their microwave ovens range
from 17 litre to 43 litre capacity and are available in several colours
to co-ordinate with other appliances in the built-in range.
Neff - their built-in range of combination
and standard microwave ovens offers up to 70 automatic cooking programmes
and some models have catalytic or pyrolytic liners for easy cleaning.
Panasonic - they offer a full range
of compact and family sized microwaves and combination models.
Samsung - their range includes freestanding
and built-in microwaves in various sizes including grill and combination
models.
Sanyo - amongst the selection of
freestanding models on offer are grill, combination and solo microwave
ovens.
Sharp - they have models up to 40
litre capacity including combination models.
Siemens - this German manufacturer
has microwave ovens in its iQ500 and iQ700 ranges up to 42 litres, some
with pyrolytic liners.
Smeg - their range includes built-in
and freestanding models with a wide choice of programmes.
Whirlpool - their extensive range
includes freestanding and built in models including those with their
6th Sense and/or Jet Defrost technology.
Jargon Buster
- Catalytic Liner - these
liners are treated with a material that absorbs grease, which is then
automatically burnt off at high temperature.
- Programmable Timer - this
device can be used to programme the microwave oven to come on or off
at a set time.
- Pyrolytic - this is a
self-cleaning oven which reduces any food spillage or grease to ash
at high temperatures, which can then be easily wiped away.