things to consider before buying a microwave oven

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A MICROWAVE OVEN

1) SIZE OR CAPACITY

Size is denoted in Liters. Size of the oven denote its capacity or it is the amount food that can be kept in the oven. More the size or capacity of the Oven, more the amount of food it can hold. What is the size of the Microwave oven that I need in my home?. It is the main question asked by many before buying a Microwave oven. If the Microwave oven is the main source forcooking food , then go for a larger one, like 20 to 30 liters capacity. If the oven is going to be used only for defrosting or reheating the food then go for the capacity of 10 to 20 liter. Larger the family and usage, greater should be the capacity of the Microwave oven.

2) Shape of the Oven

When selecting a Microwave oven one should pay attention to shape also. Narrow , tall oven is suitable for keeping a roast. A squat, broad cavity is suitable for large casserole or number of plates. One can use chinaware,glass, porcelain, thermoplastic wares utensils in the Microwave oven.

3) Shape of the cavity

Select one with less pointed one. Go for a more rounded one. Select the one with convex door. Advantage of these are ease of use and ease of cleaning and free rotation of turntable.

4) Power

Upto 20 Liter- 800 to 1200 watt

from 20 to 25 liter- 1200 to 1800 watt

from 25 liter onwards- 1800 watt

Microwave oven come with different power levels. Usually it varies from 5 power level in a simple microwave oven to 10 power level in a compact one. The power levels for each and every food items is denoted in the product guide. Higher the power, less the time taken by the oven to cook food. In countries where cost of power is unaffordable, one must pay attention to power efficiency also. Adjustable power levels helps one to select the particular power levels for cooking each and every food items.

5) Type of the cavity

Stainless cavity is the best one since it is easier to clean and it also retards bacterial growth.

6)Controls

Controls are used to do perform various activities. Mechanical controls are useful if the Microwave oven is used for extensive use. Touch pad controls are accurate and precise. Electronic panel is useful to set the controls automatically and precisely.

7)Child lock

In home where children are there one should also pay attention to child lock. It helps the parents to keep a tab on the use by the children. It is a pass code based electronic lockout system. It is useful to prevent misuse or accidental operation by the children.

8) Automatic sensors.

These sensors can sense when the food is cooked. No need to setup a timer. When the food is cooked well, the Microwave ovan shuts off itself thereby ensuring that the food is neither overcooked or under cooked.

9) Warranty and Service

When there is nothing to select from among the companies go for the company which offers more warranty period better dealer network and service access points. Feed back from among the existing customers must be sought before pinpointing a company,

10)Price of the Microwave oven

All the companies offer Micorwave oven at varying prices. But generally price points for Microwave oven are as follows.

Micro wave oven (solo) 80 $ to 130 $

Microwave oven with Grill 100 $ 170 $

Microwave oven with convection 150 $ 400 $

Other factors

Overheating protection, speed defrost, auto reheat, precooked menu, express cooking, multi stage cooking,quick start, clock, alarm.

                                      In today's world Microwave oven is an integral part of our day to day life. Every one facing severe time shortage. No time. Here is the importance of Microwave oven. But before buying a Microwave oven, one should pay attention to important factors. The Microwave oven selected should go along with the present conditions of the family. The Microwave oven selected should satisfy the needs of the family. It is considered best in the sense that it keeps all the nutrients safe while cooking. Microwave oven drastically reduces cooking time and also with the less consumption of energy. So what are the things one should consider before buying a Microwave oven?. In this hub I am going to familiarise you about the A to Z of Microwave oven. One can consider all these factors and attributes of Microwave oven and come to the purchase decision of a Microwave oven.

WORKING OF A MICROWAVE OVEN

Inside the oven there is a specialised vacuum tube called Magnetron. Magnetron converts electricity into radio frequency energy. This Radio frequency energy makes rapid vibration of food molecules and food is cooked by the heat generated due to friction. Food is cooked from outside to inside by the radiant transmission of heat from outer layers. This is the basic principle behind the working of a Microwave oven.

SOME FACTS ABOUT MICROWAVE OVEN

It is one of the common misconception that use of Microwave oven is risky. It is not true. Use of Microwave oven simple and safe. Its operation is easy to do. There is no risk of shock and fire. The Microwave oven automatically shuts off in most brands even if the door of the Microwave oven accidentally opens. Another concern among the people about Microwave ovan is, It is costlier to operate. But it is entirely false. The cost of operation of a Microwave ovan is less when compared with gas or electric current. The use of oil and other additives are less in Oven cooking thereby reducing the cost. The natural taste and aroma of the food is kept afresh in oven cooking. In Microwave oven we can cook all type of food except making soft or boiled eggs or deep frying of food.

USES OF MICROWAVE OVEN

1) To cook food

2) For heating food materials

3) For defrosting

4) For baking

5) For crisping

One can cook Rice, meat, fish,vegetables, snacks, dal cake, wheat etc.

Average time taken to cook articles in Micro wave oven

Rice-15-20 min.

vegetables- 10-15 min.

Chicken- 20-30 min.

Fish- 10-15 min.

CLASSIFICATION OF MICROWAVE OVEN

Microwave oven are of different types. It is classified based on its mode of use, size and shape. Each and every family need a particular type of Microwave oven. The use of Microwave oven for a 5 membered family differs from that of 3 membered family.

Based on nature of use

1) Basic- For simple cooking + heating + defrosting.

2) Microwave with grill- For simple cooking + heating + defrosting + baking.

3) Microwave with grill and convection- For simple cooking + heating + defrosting + baking + crisping. These Microwave oven have a built in fan which circulates hot air around the food.

Based on size and volume

1) Portable

Smallest sized Microwave oven. Usually 25 to 30 cm tall, 30 to 40cm wide, 25 to 30 cm deep.

2) Compact

It is the most popular one. 45 to 50cm wide, 30 to 40cm deep, 25 to 35cm tall. It usually come with 25 to 35 liter capacity and work with 500 to 1000 watts. It is used for reheating and light cooking.

3) Medium

It is little more in size to compact one. Average watt is 1000 to 1500 watt. It has more features than compact.

4) Large

For cooking large quantities of food. Large sized casserole can be incorporated in it. More sophisticated one. It works in 2000 watt and handle 60 litres. 40 to 60 cm wide, 45 to 55 cm deep, 30 to 40 height.

5) Built in

Built in are incorporated along with the construction of new home or with the renovation of kitchen. It is expensive but has many advantages.

Brands

Daewoo, Bajaj, Electrolux, Ifb, Videocon, Haier, Lg, Onida, Philips, Sony, Ge Microwaves, Sharp, Panasonic.

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