When choosing a microwave oven, housewives are advised to focus not only on brand reliability and cost, but also on functionality, so as not to overpay for unnecessary additional options.
Depending on the functionality, modern microwave ovens are divided into two types: solo (only microwave mode) and multifunctional ones, which allow heat treatment of products in various ways. For example, microwaves come with a grill, convection, a double boiler, a bread machine, and even a coffee maker.
The simplest microwave ovens, or the so-called microwave ovens without additional functions, are excellent for heating food and drinks, as well as for preparing frozen semi-finished products (pizza, pies, meatballs, pancakes, pasties, etc.) and defrosting foods. A distinctive feature of such a stove is that by heating baking in it, it is impossible to achieve the effect of a crisp. Therefore, lovers of fried foods are recommended to choose a stove with grill.
There are two types of grills: quartz and thermoelectric. They differ in principle of operation, size and cost. Quartz grills have several advantages over thermoelectric. They heat up faster and therefore save time when cooking, in addition they consume less electricity. Also, stoves with a quartz heating element have more voluminous working chambers. However, they cost more than thermoelectric stoves.
For gourmets, a convection grill with a fan blowing hot air around cooked foods is better. It is convenient for making pies and various sweet pastries.
Microwaves that have a thermoelectric heater (TEN) are a cheaper option and therefore are in demand among housewives. They do not heat food very quickly (compared to a quartz type grill), have smaller working chambers, but they allow cooking dishes with a golden and crispy crust no worse than quartz ones.
As for microwaves with integrated double boilers, this is an indispensable kitchen tool for lovers of diet food. Any products cooked on hot steam retain a maximum of vitamins and minerals. In a double boiler, you can cook various meat and vegetable dishes without adding oil, and they will not burn and fry. It is worth noting that a stove with an integrated double boiler allows you to cook food much faster than a conventional double boiler.
Stoves can combine the functions of a grill and a double boiler. Their cost depends on such parameters as the type of grill, size of the working chamber, power, brand, control method (mechanics or sensor), coating of the internal walls.
When choosing a microwave oven, you must also pay attention to the size of the inner chamber. Furnaces with a chamber of 16-19 liters are convenient for cooking dishes for 1-2 people. In a sixteen-liter chamber is placed a small chicken on a plate. For a family of 3-4 people, it is advisable to choose a microwave with a camera of at least 23 liters. And to cook meals for 5-6 people, you need a stove with a chamber volume of 38 liters or more, a large goose, a turkey or a large pie can easily fit in it.
