How to choose a microwave oven for home, a rating of the best models

There are a number of important criteria that will help answer the question of how to choose a quality microwave for your home. The device has many functions and takes up little space in the kitchen. Each model differs in the type of case, main and additional functions, type of control, dimensions. To choose the right microwave oven, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of popular models.

Microwave damage - myth or reality

The microwave oven is a small cabinet with a door.Inside there is a rotating platform for heating food and the heating mechanism itself. Outside there is a control panel. After turning on the device, the microwaves activate the water molecules in the food that is placed in the chamber. Molecules begin to move faster, so heating occurs.

Device damage is associated with radiation during operation. But modern ovens are completely safe for people, because they are created using special technologies. The quality certificate certifies that the instrument has passed the radiation tests.

The safety of equipment is determined by the following moments of protection:

• The microwave door closes tightly. And if you open it, the work will stop.
• Each model has an integrated magnetic trap and a protective net. These elements absorb harmful radiation when the microwave oven door is closed.

You can perform the security test yourself, even in store. A telephone is placed inside the microwave and the door is closed. They make a call if the network is not available, which means high security. The presence of a signal in response indicates a weak defense.

What affects the size of the microwave

The size of the microwave determines the number of functions and the amount of food that can be placed inside the chamber at a time:

• If the device is purchased for heating and defrosting food, it is enough to choose a stove of the minimum size - 13-15 liters.
• If it is supposed to replace the oven with a microwave, then the dimensions of the equipment will be much larger - 20-40 liters.

The more functions are integrated into the oven, the more parts have to be placed in the appliance housing.

hull type

Microwaves are divided into three main types, which differ in the type of housing.

Stationary

The models are self-contained. For them you need to determine the place in advance. The sizes of the equipment may be different. For one model of the microwave, it is enough to select a small corner, for the other, a large space should be prepared.

Embedded

Such models are most often equipped with a wide range of functions, so the dimensions will be quite large.

For such microwave ovens, furniture is specially ordered with the appropriate parameters of the existing niche.

Portable

Some kind of microwave is convenient to take with you on the road. The oven is only intended for heating food and drinks. The interior is small. You can reheat a small portion of the dish at a time.

Types

Before choosing a product, you need to decide for what purpose it is purchased.

Solo

This type of model is equipped with a microwave transmitter only. The oven easily heats and defrosts food, allows you to prepare simple dishes.

Advantages of solo ovens:

• simple control;
• food heats up quickly and evenly;
• compact size;
• low price.

Microwave + grill

The device affects products not only with microwave radiation, but also with a heating device (heating element or quartz grill). The oven will help you prepare complex dishes and cook food until golden brown.

Positive features of this type of oven:

• uniform roasting of the product;
• rapid heating of food;
• you can cook raw food.

Microwave + grill + convection

Such a microwave perfectly replaces the functions of an oven. In addition to the microwave emitter and the heater, there is a built-in fan inside the chamber. Thanks to convection, heating occurs evenly and quickly.

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The advantages of a device type are:

• regulation of heating modes and power;
• the models offer 20 programs that allow you to cook complex and unusual dishes;
• when the device is in operation, the air does not heat up outside.

Inverter ovens

The camera of these models is large and deep. It is possible to independently adjust the radiation power. As a result, more nutrients are retained in the products.

Multifunctional

Such an oven will allow you to bake food until golden brown, and steam the dish. The interior bedroom is spacious. The disadvantage is the high price and large size of the equipment.

Dimensions (edit)

Before buying, you usually already have an idea of ​​where the household appliances will be. It remains only to correlate the area with the dimensions of the device.

Standard

There are some standard dimensions of stationary microwave ovens with a volume of 16 liters:

• length 31cm;
• the width does not exceed 51 cm;
• height 31cm;
• depth 41 cm;
• diameter of the plate 25 cm.

The microwave does not take up much space and will fit perfectly into any interior.

Boundary dimensions

Information on the size of the smallest and largest microwave oven will help you make your choice:

• When planning a purchase, it should be borne in mind that the depth of the smallest microwave oven is 31 cm, the height does not exceed 21 cm, and the length is 46 cm.
• The depth of the large chamber is 60 cm. The height of such models reaches 46 cm, and the width is 61 cm. The dimensions of the device depend on the number of functions it performs and the material from which the body is made.

Built-in ovens

For built-in ovens choose special furniture. The niche for its placement is made according to individual sizes:

• the height is between 31 and 46 cm;
• width from 46 to 61 cm;
• depth from 31 cm to 61 cm.

Portable

This type of device is small, takes up little space, weighs a little, it is convenient to take with you on the road:

• The smallest volume of the chamber is 8 liters.
• It will be possible to find models with dimensions 51 cm wide and 41 cm long.

Choice criteria

It is important to familiarize yourself with all the features of the selected model.

Space

This criterion is related to the amount of food supposed to be reheated at one time:

• For a small family, it is quite enough to purchase a device with a volume of 15-17 liters.
• If the family consists of more than three people, you should take a microwave oven with a capacity of up to 30 liters.

Power

The speed of all actions depends on the power of the microwave oven. The bigger the device, the higher the power:

• For a solo oven, normal power is considered less than 800 kW.
• Appliances equipped with a grill must have an average power of 1.4 kW.
• Normal operation of the convection oven is provided with a power of 1.9 kW.

Options

The most basic options that a modern microwave oven should have are:

• heating food;
• defrost food;
• the presence of a grid;
• steam cooking.

The cost of different models ranges from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Control

The management of all microwave programs is different:

1. Type of mechanical control. There are two control levers on the panel. One is responsible for power, by turning the other it will be possible to adjust the operating time.
2. Push button control is convenient.Each button located on the microwave panel is responsible for a specific function.
3. The electronic type control assumes the presence of a touch screen. It allows you to easily control the various functions of the oven.

coating

There are four main types of interior linings:

1. Heat resistant enamel.
2. Stainless steel.
3. Bioceramics.
4. Acrylic.

Inner surface material

The service life of the furnace depends on the material from which the inner chamber of the furnace is made.

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This material has the following positive aspects:

• withstands sudden temperature changes;
• firmly resists the influence of external factors;
• any kind of stains are easily washed off the enamel surface.

The service life of such a surface does not exceed 8 years, since the enamel does not tolerate long-term high temperatures well. In addition, the surface is easily damaged and scratched.

Stainless steel

The strongest material is steel:

• the inner chamber, made of steel, is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature;
• withstands high temperatures;
• the surface is resistant to damage.

The downside is the difficult removal of contaminants. To tidy up the technique, you need to stock up on special tools and spend a little time.

Bioceramic surface

The bioceramic surface combines all the positive properties of enamel and steel:

• high resistance to external damage;
• ease of care;
• well tolerates temperature fluctuations;
• long life expectancy.

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The only downside is the high cost.

Functions

Each model of microwave oven has a set of basic and additional functions. Each of them facilitates the work of the hostess in the kitchen.

The main

All modern microwave ovens have three main functions.

Defrosting

With this function you can quickly defrost food. Automatic or manual control mode is used.

In the first case, the product independently sets the time and speed of work, depending on the number of products.

Warming up

In the case of automatic mode, press the button corresponding to the name of the dish. In manual mode, the required parameters are selected independently.

Cook

With a microwave, you can quickly prepare a simple or complex dish. In this case, the products are placed in the chamber and the name of the dish is selected.

Additional

Additional programs make it possible to expand the capabilities of a modern household appliance.

Grill

You can broil or broil meats or vegetables using the microwave grill.

Bread maker

The presence of this function will make all family members happy with baked goods.

Water bath

Some device models have a built-in steam humidifier. It will help to cook steamed dishes, preserving all the useful substances of the products.

Steam cleaning

This function independently cleans the inner surface of carbon deposits, grease droplets and other contaminants. A special program allows you to clean the inner surface effortlessly. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. The price of such models is much higher.

Eliminate odors

With this function, it is not necessary to ventilate the inside of the oven from odors. Dishes can be cooked one by one. There is a built-in fan inside which successfully ventilates the air within 6 minutes.

Review of popular models

The evaluation of the best models with a description of the positive sides and shortcomings will help to finally determine the product.

Samsung ME81KRW-2

The type of stove belongs to the solo. The interior lining is in bioceramic enamel. Type of mechanical control. The advantages of this model are the following characteristics:

• compact size;
• chamber capacity up to 22 liters;
• built-in timer (up to 35 minutes);
• you can adjust the power of the waves;
• food is thawed or reheated quickly and evenly;
• the technique is simple and convenient to use;
• the surface is easy to clean from dirt;
• the average cost of the device is 5,500 rubles.

The only drawback that buyers note is the opaque glass of the door. This makes it impossible to check the condition of food in a closed device.

LG MS-1744W

The model has compact dimensions, the interior coating is enamel, the control is electronic, touch.

Distinctive features of household appliances:

• the volume of the chamber is small, up to 18 liters;
• there is a program that blocks the children's panel;
• timer lasting up to 90 minutes;
• 3 built-in automatic programs;
• there are several automatic defrost modes.

Disadvantages include low microwave power.

Hotpoint-Ariston MW HA1332 X

The model belongs to the type of microwave oven with grill. Quartz heater. The inner surface is enamelled steel. The capacity is 13 liters. Convenient touch program control.

Positive properties of the technique:

• compact size;
• unusual design;
• built-in timer for 30 minutes;
• availability of automatic cooking programs;
• Thanks to the quartz grill, meals are cooked faster with minimal energy consumption.

A disadvantage is that the rotation does not stop when the cooking or preheating time has elapsed.

Elenberg MS-1400M

The interior is in acrylic enamel. The capacity is 14 liters.Mechanical program control with rotary switches. The freestanding stove model is characterized by a whole list of positive qualities:

• the presence of a timer designed for 35 minutes;
• heats food quickly and evenly;
• makes little noise;
• simple control;
• there is camera lighting;
• the weight of the device is 11 kg, so it is possible to take it on the road.

The disadvantage is the low power, which is 600 kW.

Daewoo Electronics KOR-5A37W

The model will help you warm up and prepare meals, fits perfectly into any interior. Any user will be able to understand the control. The interior walls of the chamber are covered with enamel. Mechanical control, there are rotary switches.

The following qualities are considered the advantages of the device:

• the device is lightweight, weighs only 9 kg, so it is easy to rearrange it from place to place;
• there is a backlight;
• the internal volume of the chamber is 16 liters;
• food is heated evenly.

A negative point is considered low working power - 500 kW.

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Samsung FG87SSTR

The microwave grill will heat food evenly and brown meat until browned. The inner surface of the chamber is made of bioceramic. The advantages of household appliances are:

• sufficiently large chamber capacity (up to 24 liters);
• microwave power supply 800 kW;
• the presence of a grill with a capacity of 1100 kW;
• electronic control;
• 90 minute timer;
• integrated more than 300 automatic cooking programs;
• there are 4 automatic defrost programs;
• practical child safety.

The disadvantages of a microwave oven of this model can only be attributed to the high cost - 15,000 rubles.

Panasonic NN-L760

The interior of the chamber is made of stainless steel. The volume is spacious, it is 27 liters. The presence of a quartz grill and a convection mode.

The model is also characterized by a number of other positive qualities:

• high microwave power, up to 1000 kW;
• the power of the grill is 1300 kW;
• built-in timer for 98 minutes;
• there are many automatic cooking programs;
• practical camera lighting;
• The set includes a non-stick pizza pan.

The disadvantages are the high price and bulky dimensions of the device.

LG MJ-3965 BIS

Microwave oven with convection and inverter mode:

• Thanks to the high power, up to 1100 kW, food is quickly defrosted and ready meals are heated evenly.
• With different cooking modes, it is convenient to prepare a variety of dishes.
• The quartz grill allows you to cook food with a golden and juicy crust inside.
• The chamber is covered with an antibacterial layer that prevents the spread of germs.
• Bright camera lighting.
• Touch program control.

The disadvantages are the overall dimensions and the high weight.

Panasonic NN-CS894B

Inverter convection steam oven. Chamber volume 33 liters. A large number of automatic cooking programs.

Other advantages of the model are the following features:

• a powerful burst of steam quickly affects food, making it easy and quick to prepare healthy meals;
• the grill cooks the product with a crispy crust;
• a spacious chamber allows you to warm up or cook a large amount of food;
• child protection mode;
• works quietly.

The disadvantage is the rather high price of the device.

Korting KMI 482 RI

Built-in microwave oven with electronic touch control type, convection, grill and a large number of automatic programs. The inner chamber is large, with a volume of 44 liters, with a stainless steel lining.

The advantages of this model include:

• device control can be locked by children;
• uniform and rapid heating of food;
• microwave power 900 kW;
• grill power 1600 kW;
• there is a memory function.

The microwave can successfully replace the oven. The price of such a device is high.

BBK 23MWG-923M/BX

The model is equipped only with the basic functions. But the presence of a grill significantly expands the capabilities of the oven. The following features are considered the advantages of the product:

• space;
• child lock buttons;
• working power;
• easy to clean the surface;
• the average cost of the device is 5800.

The downside is the high weight of the microwave.

Sharp R-8771LK

You can cook dishes in the microwave as usual or using the grill and convection. Some functions are equipped with automatic operating programs. The positive aspects of the device are:

• sufficient habitability;
• the inner chamber is made of stainless steel;
• practical control;
• dual grid;
• the presence of convection;
• the set includes a book with recipes.

The cost of such a model of a microwave oven is 19,200 rubles.

Midea MM720 CMF

The oven is light and easy to use. Thaws and reheats food well. Other positive features include:

• attractive appearance;
• enamel coating is easy to clean from dirt;
• takes up little space;
• low cost (the price is 4300 rubles).

How to install correctly

The device will work for a long time and correctly if it is installed correctly:

• The oven is placed on a perfectly flat surface.
• There must be good air circulation around the microwave to cool it. The distance between the wall and other objects should be at least 12 cm.
• It is undesirable to use extension cords when connecting to the network.

Rules of operation

In order for a household appliance to work properly for many years, you must follow the rules of use:

• do not use metal dishes or dishes with metal inserts;
• no need to turn on an empty microwave;
• heating a small amount of food is better controlled;
• it is not recommended to use plastic or paper dishes;
• it is undesirable to put food in a plastic bag inside the camera.

If you use the technique correctly, it will last for many years.