Today, almost every apartment has such a “miracle of hostile technology” as a microwave oven. This gadget greatly facilitates the life of a modern person, while saving a lot of time. Basically, people use the microwave to quickly heat up food, and in rare cases, they cook entire dishes with it.
But for sure, many do not even realize that the microwave can be used not only for these purposes. Here are 25 invaluable tips to help you use microwave oven in your own interests.
We chop onions without tears
You can end onion tearing once and for all by simply cutting off both ends of an onion and placing it in the microwave. Heat the onion at full power for 30 seconds, and the pores that secrete the juice will dry out. The taste and all the nutrients will remain in place, but the tear-producing enzymes will evaporate, and the onion will be easy to chop without shedding a single tear.
Bringing back the aroma of long-stored spices
Spices, nuts and seasonings can be restored to their former flavor after long storage. To do this, it is enough to heat them in the microwave for 15 seconds at full power.
Melting margarine
Margarine or butter can be melted in the microwave at high temperature for one minute. It's better than leaving it out in the open for hours or drowning it on the stove and risking it catching fire.
Bringing potato chips back to life
Those who wish to restore the crispy properties of chips can easily do this using a microwave. Put a few disposable paper towels in it along with the chips, and the excess moisture during the heat treatment will be completely absorbed by them. Even a short heating will easily bring your crispy chips back to life.
"Reanimate" stale crackers
It's not just chips that can get their "crunchiness" back - stale crackers and flakes can also be greatly improved with the same trick! In this case, paper towels are not needed. Simply heat the crackers for thirty seconds in the microwave and they taste freshly baked.
Bringing freshness back to stale bread
Stale bread can be successfully "refreshed" by wrapping the slices in a damp cloth and microwaving for 10 seconds on full power. If necessary, the operation can be repeated until the desired softness of the bread is achieved.
Cooking bacon chips in the microwave is much faster and healthier than conventional cooking. Place paper towels on a plate, place a few slices of bacon on top and cover with paper towels to avoid oily splashes. Set the time to 3 to 5 minutes on high power and you will get delicious chips without excess fat.
Typically, frozen sandwiches and baked goods become soggy and sluggish when reheated. This can be avoided by wrapping them in paper towels. You will see that the moisture is absorbed into the wipes instead of remaining on the surface of the product.
You can toast cashews or almonds much faster in the microwave than in a conventional oven. Simply sprinkle the nuts on a microwave-safe dish, set the timer to 1 minute on high power. Repeat this operation 4-5 times, stirring the nuts in between.
If you need to test a plastic container for microwave safety, place a mug of cold water in it and heat for one minute. If the water turns out to be hot, but the container remains cold, everything is in order. If the container gets hot, it will have to be discarded.
In the microwave, you can cook delicious scrambled eggs in 3 minutes. Break the eggs into a cup, adding salt, cheese and herbs as desired, set the power to high. When you hear the ready signal, an amazing discovery awaits you - a delicious dish is obtained almost instantly!
Does honey seem too thick to you? If it crystallizes, put the jar without a lid in the microwave for 2 minutes on low power. Honey will again become fluid and fully retain its magical taste.
Microwaving can help speed up the soaking of lentils or beans, which usually takes an entire night. Place the food in a special bowl, fill with water, add a pinch of soda and heat for 10 minutes. Then leave to cool for 30-40 minutes, and you will have beans ready for further processing.
You will definitely need a quick way to make hot chocolate without lumps. Grind the bar as thoroughly as possible and place the chocolate pieces in a special bowl in the microwave for 15 seconds. Then repeat this operation, stirring the product lightly in between until the desired result is achieved.
For proper drying of herbs, use the following advice. Heat them in a container for 2-4 minutes at high power, after shifting them with paper napkins. Then you should slightly wrinkle the napkins with grass, repeat the operation and remove the finished dried plants.
In a hurry, there is a high risk of overcooking brown sugar, after which it turns into a fossil with which it is difficult to do anything. If this happens, put it in a bowl with a slice of bread, sprinkle with water and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Damp sugar can also be saved. Put sugar in a cup and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
To cook fish fillet in the microwave, you must first dry it properly. When placing the fillets on a plate, make sure that the tails intersect, forming the same overall thickness as on the rest of the dish. It is necessary to extract the fish when it still retains partial transparency. It may seem strange to you, but the fact is that the cooking process continues for some time after the oven is turned off. But leaving the fish to cook for a few more seconds, you can easily dry it out.
Chocolate cupcake lovers can easily get one in one minute and forty seconds. You need to mix sugar, cocoa, salt, cinnamon and flour in a bowl. After obtaining a homogeneous mixture of dry ingredients, you need to pour in liquid ones in turn: water, vanilla ice cream and vegetable oil. We mix everything again until the lumps completely disappear and heat it in the microwave at high power, looking forward to imminent enjoyment.
Imagine making lemons or limes juicier and easier to squeeze by placing them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds on high power. Then slice the lemons, put them in the juicer, and you'll be surprised how much juicier than usual they'll be.
You can make wonderful poached eggs in the microwave by cracking the eggs into a special bowl of boiling water and a dash of white vinegar. It is necessary to insert a couple of toothpicks into the yolk, cover the bowl with cling film and only then put everything in the microwave. The dish is cooked at maximum power for 30 seconds. After that, the egg is carefully turned and the operation is repeated for 20 seconds, reaching the full readiness of the product.
Peeling garlic cloves can be a hassle, especially if you're in a hurry. The problem has a simple solution - put the head of garlic in the microwave and heat for 15 seconds at full power. The husk will become moist and can be easily removed.
Place the container of ice cream in the microwave and heat at high power in 10 second intervals. It takes an average of 30 seconds per liter of capacity.
Cut off the bottom of the cob and place the corn in the microwave. Heat the cob on high power for 30 seconds. When you're done, take the top end of the cob and shake it off, and you'll notice that the corn slides out of the husk with ease.
Need whipped cream for hot drinks? Simply pour the cream into the container of your mixer until it is half full. Close the lid and beat them until foam appears. Then remove the lid and place the container in the microwave for 30 seconds on high power. Everything is ready - you can take the foam with a spoon and place it in cups with hot drinks.
Not an easy task, isn't it, peeling tomatoes or, say, peaches? And here again, the microwave can be of invaluable help! Just heat the fruit for 30 seconds on high power and let it cool down for a couple of minutes. You will witness a small miracle: the peel will begin to fall behind right before your eyes, and your goal will be achieved effortlessly.
Microwave ovens have long been as commonplace as a refrigerator or gas oven, and their popularity has not diminished over time. The reason for this is that they can be used to heat and defrost food, it is easy and simple to cook various dishes in them, since with the right time and cooking mode, you don’t even need to follow them. And although the microwave will not completely replace the oven and cooker, it is a very valuable addition to them. However, not everyone knows how use the microwave
, which can lead to breakage or, God forbid, to even worse consequences. This article is written to fill this gap. 
Food in the microwave oven is not heated from the outside, as with conventional ways cooking, but from the inside. The microwaves emitted by the oven penetrate two to four centimeters and cause the molecules to vibrate. The layer accessible to microwaves is heated, and further heat is transferred depending on the thermal conductivity of the product.
Usually the power of microwave ovens is from 600 to 1200 W, and they have several cooking modes. The most common are ovens with a power of 600 to 650 W and five modes of food processing:
Low - low power - used to heat delicate foods;
Medium Low - below average power - used to defrost and reheat food, soften cheese, butter, honey, chocolate;
Medium - medium power - designed for roasting and stewing meat, cooking soups, seafood and fish dishes, as well as dairy products;
Medium High - power above average - used for heating dishes and cooking poultry dishes, as well as various casseroles;
High - maximum or high power - is necessary for dishes from fruits and vegetables, drinks.
In order for the microwave to work flawlessly and for a long time, you need to properly care for it, do not violate the rules for cooking food and use special utensils.
It is not difficult to take care of the microwave oven - you need to regularly clean its chamber, remove food debris and crumbs, greasy stains with a soft cloth, washing it off first with soapy water and then with water. Do not use abrasive materials - they can damage the coating of the stove.
In no case should you use metal utensils or utensils with metal decor elements in the microwave oven. The fact is that the metal reflects microwave energy and can provoke an electrical breakdown, which can render the oven completely unusable. Knowing how to do it right use the microwave
You will never, of course, make such mistakes!
In microwave ovens, it is best to use dishes specially made for them (marked as Suitable for Microwave (“Suitable for microwave oven”) or Microwave Oven Safe (“Safe for microwave oven”), or ordinary dishes made of glass, ceramics, earthenware, porcelain , paper, cardboard or plastic.
Glassware is convenient in that it easily passes microwaves and allows you to monitor the cooking process. In addition, glassware is suitable for all types of heat treatment. The only thing you need to make sure that the glass is not too thin, because it can burst due to strong heat.
Faience and ceramics are convenient in that you can immediately serve dishes on the table without transferring them to other dishes. It is only necessary to ensure that there are no cracks on the cover of such dishes, otherwise, when washing, water can get into them and cause a split due to heating.
Porcelain dishes can only be used in the microwave if they do not have metal decorations (rims, patterns, and so on). In addition, it should be remembered that porcelain is very hot, so take it out of the oven carefully so as not to get burned.
Plastic utensils used in the microwave oven must be heat resistant. Otherwise, you can end up with not only a deformed plate, but also a real “cocktail” of product and plastic.
Wooden and paper utensils can only be placed in the microwave for a short time and put in it foods that do not contain a large amount of fat and sugar.
These are the basic rules for using a microwave oven. But you should not neglect the instructions for use, as the manufacturers prescribe literally everything that can and cannot be done with a microwave oven in it. For example, to dry cats, as Mikhail Zadornov said.
Still touching on the topic of how use the microwave
I would like to say that in no case do not fry seeds, popcorn, nuts - this is tantamount to turning on an empty chamber!
which in most cases simplifies everyday life most people, especially those who do not like to mess around in the kitchen for a long time, and love comfort in all its details, namely - microwave oven, or as people say - microwave. In this article you will learn: what is microwave, what are the types of microwave oven, how to choose a microwave oven, and other nuances that relate to this technique. So…
Microwave . orMicrowave ( English microwave oven ) - a household electrical appliance designed for quick cooking or quick heating or cooking, defrosting food, and also used for industrial purposes to heat certain materials, such as glue.
Unlike classic ovens (for example, an oven or a Russian oven), food is heated in a microwave oven not from the surface, but throughout the entire volume of the product containing polar molecules (for example, water), since radio waves penetrate deep enough into almost all food products . This reduces the heating time of the product.
The history of the discovery of the microwave oven
Like many other discoveries that have significantly affected people's daily lives, the discovery of the thermal effects of microwaves happened by accident. In 1942, American physicist Percy Spencer was working in the Raytheon laboratory with a device that emitted microwaves. Different sources describe the events that happened that day in the laboratory in different ways. According to one version, Spencer put his sandwich on the device, and when he removed it after a few minutes, he found that the sandwich had warmed up to the middle. According to another version, the chocolate that Spencer had in his pocket warmed up and melted when he worked near his installation, and, with a happy guess, the inventor rushed to the buffet for raw corn kernels. The popcorn brought to the installation soon began to burst with a bang ...
One way or another, the effect was found. In 1945, Spencer received a patent for the use of microwaves for cooking, and in 1947, in the kitchens of hospitals and military canteens, where the requirements for food quality were not so high, the first appliances for cooking with microwaves appeared. These human-height Raytheon products weighed 340 kg and cost $3,000 each.
It took a decade and a half to "bring to mind" the oven, in which food is cooked with the help of invisible waves. In 1962, the Japanese company Sharp launched the first mass-produced microwave oven, which, however, did not cause consumer excitement at first. In 1966, the same company developed a rotary table, in 1979 the first microprocessor control system for the oven was used, and in 1999 the first microwave oven with Internet access was developed.
The experience of using millions of microwave ovens in many countries over the past decades has proven the undeniable convenience of this method of cooking - speed, economy, ease of use. The very mechanism of cooking with microwaves, which we will introduce you below, predetermines the preservation of the molecular structure, and hence the taste of the products.
The principle of operation of a microwave oven, or how food is heated using a microwave
The composition of food products includes many substances: mineral salts, fats, sugar, water. To heat food using microwaves, it is necessary to have dipole molecules in it, that is, those that have a positive electric charge at one end and a negative one at the other. Fortunately, there are plenty of such molecules in food - these are molecules of both fats and sugars, but the main thing is that the dipole is a water molecule - the most common substance in nature.
Each piece of vegetables, meat, fish, fruits contains millions of dipole molecules. In the absence of an electric field, the molecules are arranged randomly. AT electric field they line up strictly in the direction of the field lines of force, "plus" in one direction, "minus" in the other. It is worth the field to change direction to the opposite, i.e. change polarity, as the molecules immediately flip 180 o.
So, the microwave frequency that almost all microwave ovens use is 2450 MHz. One hertz is one cycle per second, megahertz is one million cycles per second. During one period of the wave, the field changes its direction twice: there was a “plus”, it became a “minus”, and the original “plus” returned again. This means that the field in which our molecules are located changes polarity 4,900,000,000 times per second! Under the influence of microwave radiation, the molecules somersault with frantic frequency and literally rub against each other during flips. The heat released in this process is what causes the food to heat up.
Microwaves heat food in much the same way that our palms heat up when we quickly rub them together. The similarity lies in one more thing: when we rub the skin of one hand against the skin of the other, heat penetrates deep into the muscle tissue. So are microwaves: they work only in a relatively small surface layer of food, without penetrating deeper than 1-3 cm. Therefore, the heating of products occurs due to two physical mechanisms - heating the surface layer by microwaves and subsequent penetration of heat into the depth of the product due to thermal conductivity .
From here, the recommendation immediately follows: if you need to cook in the microwave, for example, a large piece of meat, it is better not to turn on the oven at full power, but to work at medium power, but then increase the time the piece stays in the oven. Then the heat from the outer layer will have time to penetrate deep into the meat and bake the inside of the piece well, and the outside of the piece will not burn.
For the same reasons, it is better to stir liquid foods, such as soups, periodically, removing the saucepan from the oven from time to time. This will help the heat to penetrate deep into the bowl of soup.
I want to note that the frequency of radiation in some industrial microwave ovens (the so-called English variable frequency microwave, VFM) may vary and not be 2450 MHz
Microwave device
The main components of a magnetron microwave oven:
- a metal chamber with a metallized door (in which microwave radiation is concentrated), where the heated products are placed;
- transformer - high-voltage power supply of the magnetron;
— control and switching circuits;
- directly microwave emitter - magnetron;
— a waveguide for transmitting radiation from the magnetron to the chamber;
Auxiliary elements:
- rotating table - necessary for uniform heating of the product from all sides;
- circuits and circuits that provide control (timer) and safety (blocking modes) of the device;
- a fan that cools the magnetron and ventilates the chamber.
Harm from the microwave
Strictly speaking, an extensive question, but everyone should have their own opinion on this matter. I found a lot of information on the net, both "For" and "Against" the use of microwave ovens. But personally, I still tend to believe that the microwave is no more dangerous, and perhaps less than a CRT TV. Therefore, I did not decide to write another hundred lines. At the end of the article, you can read a couple more lines on this subject in Microwave Myths.
The only thing I paid attention to, and that basically the two “camps” of supporters and opponents agree, is that you can’t heat breast milk in a microwave oven, and then give it to a baby, because. to some extent, the formula of this milk changes slightly.
By the way, on this occasion, I found a photo that shows the range of the harmful effects of a microwave oven. It shows how safe it is to have a microwave in the house.
Precautionary measures
- Microwave radiation cannot penetrate metal objects, so it is impossible to cook food in metal utensils. Metal utensils and metal utensils (spoons, forks) that are in the oven during heating can damage it.
– You can’t heat liquid in hermetically sealed containers and whole bird eggs in a microwave oven - due to the strong evaporation of water, it creates inside them high pressure and, as a consequence, they may explode. For the same reasons, it is undesirable to strongly heat sausage products covered with plastic wrap.
- When heating water in a microwave, care should also be taken - water is capable of overheating, that is, heating above the boiling point. A superheated liquid can boil almost instantly from careless movement. This applies not only to distilled water, but also to any water that contains little suspended solids. The smoother and more uniform the inside surface of the water container, the higher the risk. If the vessel has a narrow neck, then there is a high probability that at the moment the boiling begins, superheated water will pour out and burn your hands.
- It is undesirable to place dishes with metal coating (“golden rim”) in the microwave oven - even this thin layer of metal is strongly heated by eddy currents and this can destroy the dishes in the area of metal coating.
And now let's pay attention to the microwave characteristics that you need to take into account when choosing a microwave.
Types of microwave technical solutions cooking.
Important! There are microwave ovens that combine the functions of a grill with convection.
The volume of the internal working space of the microwave
Microwave ovens by volume can be divided into groups:
- up to 20 l. Suitable for small families, and if you are not going to cook large dishes in it, such as baked fish, or turkey;
- from 20 to 28 liters. The most common volumes, thanks to which you can put a couple of small plates of food on heating at the same time, and cook medium-sized dishes. Such microwaves are suitable for families from 2 to 4 people;
- from 28 liters (up to 42 liters). In these microwave ovens you can cook most of the most diverse dishes, as well as heat up from 2 to 4 plates of food at the same time. In fact, a microwave oven with this volume is best for families of 4 or more people.
Grill type
— Tan grill. Outwardly, it resembles a black metal tube with a heating element inside, located in the upper part of the working chamber. Many microwave ovens are equipped with a so-called "movable" heating element (TEH), which can be moved and installed vertically or obliquely (at an angle), providing heating not from above, but from the side.
The movable heating element grill is especially convenient to use and provides additional options for cooking dishes in the grill mode (for example, in some models you can fry chicken in a vertical position). In addition, the internal chamber of the microwave oven with a movable heating element grill is easier and more convenient to wash (as well as the grill itself).
In some models, in addition to the upper heating element of the grill, there is also a lower grill.
— Quartz grill. Located at the top of the microwave oven, it is a tubular quartz element behind a metal grill.
Quartz Grill Benefits:
- Unlike a heating element grill, a quartz grill does not take up space in the working chamber.
- The power of a quartz grill is usually less than a grill with a heating element, microwave ovens with a quartz grill consume less electricity.
- Ovens with a quartz grill roast more gently and evenly, however, a grill with a heating element can provide more intense work (more "aggressive" heating).
- There is an opinion that the quartz grill is easier to keep clean (it is hidden in the upper part of the chamber behind the grate and is more difficult to get dirty). However, we note that over time, splashes of grease, etc. they can still get on it, and it will no longer be possible to simply wash it, like a heating element grill. There is nothing particularly terrible about this (splashes of fat and other contaminants will simply burn out from the surface of the quartz grill).
Ceramic grill. In combination with a traditional and quartz grill, a ceramic grill (heating element) allows you to cook even faster, as well as find the optimal cooking conditions for any food. Using a ceramic grill also allows you to retain more moisture in food, as well as heat and cook food outside and inside more evenly thanks to the deep penetration of far infrared radiation.
Type of interior coating
Inside the chamber of the microwave oven can have a different coating, which also needs to be taken into account when choosing a furnace.
The walls are painted under enamel. This is the cheapest cover. It does not withstand high temperatures and long cooking modes.
Durable enamel. It is easy to keep clean, it makes the walls smooth, depriving them of porosity. This is an inexpensive cover.
Special coating(antibacterial - LG, bioceramic - Moulinex) is a special compound that is sintered at high temperature, so that the coating of the camera is an absolutely smooth surface.
A special coating has undeniable advantages:
Very durable;
perfectly smooth;
it is difficult to scratch;
has a high resistance to deposits;
saves better nutrients and ;
retains more heat in the furnace, because the thermal conductivity of the chamber is 2-4 times less than that of a stainless steel chamber, therefore it consumes less energy;
From such a surface, everything is easily washed off.
The disadvantages include the fragility of the coating and its high cost.
Stainless steel- a durable, beautiful coating that can withstand any temperature (this is especially important when working with a grill and convection). However, it is harder to care for him, keep clean, maintain shine. Stainless steel can be cleaned with abrasive products.
Types of microwave oven control
There are three types of control:mechanical, push-button, touch.
— mechanical- the simplest type of control by means of handles, without an electronic scoreboard. Two handles set the radiation power and start the timer. Mechanical control is the simplest, most reliable, less likely to break, cheaper. But the mechanics do not provide the necessary accuracy in setting the time, and a difference of a few seconds can ruin the dish.
— push-button- the time on the electronic dial is set using the buttons. Less reliable than mechanical, but more reliable than touch. Allows programming. Has a beautiful appearance.
— touch- push-button, but the buttons are clearly not visible, there are no protruding parts. It has a beautiful appearance, you can program the cooking process. Since there are no protruding buttons, dirt does not accumulate. But it is not very convenient to press these buttons, with strong jumps in the network, the sensor elements sometimes burn, they are more expensive. Microwaves with touch control make up about 60-70% of all microwave ovens sold.
Microwave power
When choosing a microwave oven, you should pay attention not only to the volume of the chamber and the degree of equipment, but also to the power of the device. The power of a microwave oven largely depends on what kind of heat source is used. If the oven is equipped with only a microwave emitter, then its power can be equal to 500-1100 watts. When the grill is operating, the rated power will be 850-1500 watts. If the device is also equipped with a convector, then its power will be equal to 1350-2000 watts.
Each oven has several modes of operation of the microwave emitter. In the simplest and most inexpensive microwaves, there are only 4 levels, in the most complex ones - 10. But most often, microwaves are equipped with emitters capable of operating in 5 modes.
The most powerful is the so-called "full mode" (HIGH). When operating in this mode, the emitter power is maximum (100%). In this mode, you can cook various sauces, drinks, bake vegetables and fruits.
The level "above average" (MEDIUM / HIGH) suggests that the power of the emitter is 70-75% of the possible. In this mode, you can cook a bird, warm up the first and second courses.
"Middle" (MEDIUM) level (50% of the maximum possible power) is optimal for cooking fish, roasting meat, cooking various soups.
The “below average” (MEDIUM / LOW) level, when the power is only 25% of the maximum, is well suited for defrosting food, preparing hot snacks, and reheating food.
Finally, the "minimum" power level (10%) can be used to heat "delicate" foods (asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.) or to keep an already cooked meal hot.
Additional functions and accessories of microwave ovens
One of the additional functions of the microwave oven is the ability to supply steam, which helps to prevent overdrying of certain foods during their preparation. Thanks to this function, food cooks two to three times faster and retains its natural texture.
The possibility of airing the working chamber can be called a trifle, but very pleasant. The smell of fish or meat with spices is removed in a matter of minutes, and shortly after preparing a hot dish, puffs or pies can be baked.
The multi-level plate rack allows you to heat several dishes at the same time.
With two grill racks, you can cook twice as much food in one "session".
Some ovens are equipped with a function "auto-weight", that is, equipped with built-in electronic scales. In such models, there is no need to indicate the weight of the products placed in the working chamber - the microwave oven will determine it itself.
"Plate of Krusty", otherwise called "Crisp", allows you to fry food on it like in a pan. It is made of special metal and heats up to 200°C.
The “Double emission” function declared by the manufacturer means that the radiation source is bifurcated. This separation contributes to a more uniform heating of the products and increases the efficiency of the oven.
Sometimes microwave ovens are equipped with an interactive mode, with which even a child can cook. The leading question is displayed on the display, and you only need to answer it for the next one to appear. Some models voice duplicate the messages displayed on the electronic scoreboard.
Electronic cookbook - this feature will greatly facilitate your wallet during the purchase and life after the "smart" microwave oven is delivered to your home. Even a child can cook with the help of a collection of recipes, you just need to understand how to use it. However, in our computer age, children are much better friends with electronics than adults.
In modern microwave ovens, there is an interactive mode when recommendations for the hostess are displayed on the display.
Safety
Safety from radiation, electric shock, mechanical and thermal injuries is confirmed by certification according to international standards. Despite the criminal responsibility of the developers and manufacturers of microwave ovens for your safety, you must strictly follow the rules for installation and operation.
You are protected from microwave radiation by a metal casing and constructive traps around the perimeter of the door. The magnetron and transformer inside the microwave oven are cooled by a fan to protect against overheating. When the magnetron is turned on, the door is locked so that it cannot be opened. When the door is opened, the temperature of the chamber wall or the oven casing rises, special sensors instantly turn off the magnetron. Experts say that the level of radiation even in the immediate vicinity of a microwave oven is several times lower than the permissible level and decreases sharply when removed.
High power consumption is another reason for increased danger. If in your house electrical network has a third ground wire, conventional electric shock protection will provide maximum safety.
It is strictly forbidden to use water or gas pipes as a ground wire. This can lead to the death of your neighbors or neighbors.
In the absence of grounding, try to exclude the possibility of touching the microwave oven housing and water or gas pipes at the same time. Your safety can be improved by installing an RCD (Residual Current Device).
To protect against children, a microwave oven lock is provided. However, the possibility of dangerous pranks by children with the buttons and knobs of the oven must be excluded.
Inventory technology in microwave ovens
Very often, the desire of consumers to purchase a large volume microwave oven is faced with the inability to place the desired oven in a small kitchen due to the very impressive dimensions of the oven. In addition to the actual volume of the working chamber, there are also technical elements that ensure the functioning of the microwave oven and, unfortunately, take up a lot of space. Inverter ovens were called to solve the problem.
Inverter technology can significantly reduce the volume required to accommodate technical components by replacing the conventional magnetron with more compact components, resulting in an increase in the useful volume of the chamber.
The use of inverter technology for microwave ovens is based on the principle of direct control of the output power level (as opposed to classical magnetrons, which always operate at maximum power, and power control is achieved by their pulsed operation). The advantages of inverters, in addition to smaller dimensions, also include a more rational use of energy, accelerating the cooking process (heating, defrosting) and reducing energy consumption.
Currently, inverter technology is used mainly in Panasonic microwave ovens (in which it was first used), but there is no doubt that inverter technology has a great future.
Myths about microwave ovens
- Many people hold on to the claim that an iron plate can cause a high-powered microwave to explode. In fact, in the worst case, it will cause damage to the magnetron due to sparking.
- If you keep the microwave oven turned on for a long time at high power, it can damage all electrical appliances within a radius of several meters with its powerful electromagnetic radiation. In fact, electromagnetic radiation outside the working chamber is no more than from the back wall of the computer system unit, although close to it it can still interfere with signal reception at a close frequency. Some oven models may interfere with Wi-Max, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
“A microwave oven can cause allergies to… electromagnetic waves.
- That for the first time a microwave oven, called "Radiomissor", was allegedly developed by German scientists during the Second World War, it was even allegedly used in the active German army to heat food, but allegedly turned out to be unsafe and was abandoned (Russian sites at this refers to foreign, and foreign - to Russian research, allegedly conducted in the non-existent Russian cities of Kinsk and Rajasthan).
Microwaves are radioactive or make foods radioactive. This is not true: microwaves are classified as non-ionizing radiation. They do not have any radioactive effect on substances, biological tissues and food.
Microwaves change the molecular structure of foods or make foods carcinogenic. This is also incorrect. The principle of operation of microwaves is different than that of x-rays or ionizing radiation, and they cannot make products carcinogenic. On the contrary, since cooking with microwaves requires very little fat, the finished dish contains less burnt fat with a changed molecular structure during cooking. Therefore, cooking with microwaves is healthier and does not pose any danger to humans.
— Microwave ovens emit hazardous radiation. This is not true. Although direct exposure to microwaves can cause tissue damage, there is no risk when using a properly functioning microwave oven. The design of the oven provides for strict measures to prevent radiation from escaping to the outside: there are duplicated devices for blocking the microwave source when the oven door is opened, and the door itself prevents microwaves from escaping from the cavity. Neither the casing, nor any other part of the oven, nor the food placed in the oven accumulates electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. As soon as the oven is turned off, microwave radiation stops.
Those who are afraid to even get close to a microwave oven need to know that microwaves decay very quickly in the atmosphere. To illustrate, let's take the following example: the power of microwave radiation allowed by Western standards at a distance of 5 cm from a new, just purchased oven is 5 milliwatts per square centimeter. Already at a distance of half a meter from the microwave, the radiation becomes 100 times weaker.
As a consequence of such strong attenuation, the contribution of microwaves to the general background of the electromagnetic radiation around us is no higher than, say, from, in front of which we are ready to sit for hours without any fear, or a mobile phone that we so often hold to our heads. Just don't lean your elbow on a running microwave or lean your face against the door trying to see what's going on in the cavity. It is enough to move away from the stove at arm's length, and you can feel completely safe.
Dishes for microwave oven
The choice of dishes for the microwave oven must be taken very seriously. The fact is that if you do not understand this issue, then this threatens with several troubles:
- you can harm your health;
- you can disable the microwave;
- you can lose the dishes themselves;
- you can spoil the product itself.
Choosing a material
Microwave cookware can be fireproof or heat resistant. The first can withstand temperatures of 250-300°C, the second - only up to 140°C. Both types of dishes can be made of glass, porcelain, ceramics, plastic, but the properties of these materials will be different. Refractory materials are subjected to special hardening, as a result, the resulting containers can be used even on electric and gas burners. Heat-resistant materials - common table glass and ceramics (as well as some types of food-grade plastics).
Let's dwell on the choice of material in a little more detail.
— Glass- one of the most common materials of dishes suitable for cooking in a microwave oven. It is not recommended to use thin-walled dishes in the microwave - although stable, such glass can burst under the influence of high temperatures. The best choice in this case would be bowls, bowls or dishes made of thick frosted or clear glass: they can conveniently place pieces of food.
— Porcelain. Porcelain dishes are very convenient for portioned heating of food: it is enough to put a plate intended for serving on the table in the microwave - and in a few minutes you will get a hot dinner. If you purchase plates without wide sides, of small diameter, you can put several pieces in the microwave at once, thereby providing dinner for the whole family. Porcelain cups can be used to warm drinks.
— Ceramics, faience. Dishes made of such material are suitable for a microwave oven if they are glazed on all sides (when buying, be sure to read the label on the product - it should indicate that it is acceptable for use in the microwave). It is necessary to carefully monitor that the top layer of the glaze does not crack or fall off - otherwise the dishes will not be able to withstand high temperatures. Ceramic dishes, plates and bowls are not the best choice for microwave: they are not transparent enough for microwaves and get very hot. However, you can use such dishes for cooking omelettes or meat dishes: on a very hot surface, you can even get a beautiful golden crust, like in a regular frying pan. If desired, you can use ordinary tableware for cooking, many of its types are microwave safe.
— Paper- a very convenient and safe enough material for use in a microwave oven, provided that the cooking time is not long, and the food does not contain a large amount of fat or moisture (otherwise they will soak the paper too much). Avoid colored paper, however, as it can stain your food when exposed to heat. Paper towels can be used to wrap food, spread it on baking sheets.
— Plastic has become quite widespread, but still many people prefer to use plastic containers exclusively for storing and carrying products. Meanwhile, only plastic dishes can be placed in the microwave immediately after being removed from the refrigerator (if it is used as a "storage" for food) - it withstands such drops. Plastic food storage containers marked "Thermoplast" or "Duroplast" can become great solution for office workers who prefer to carry homemade food from home and warm up already at work.
The shape of the container also matters.. Having correctly selected the parameters of the dishes, you can control the time and quality of cooking. So, in deep dishes, food cooks longer than in shallow ones. The round shape will provide the most uniform heating of products. Beware of dishes with slanted edges - the food will burn around the perimeter, and the inside will still be completely raw.
foil it is permissible to use only for wrapping protruding parts of food. If you use a piece of foil that is too large, arcing may occur.
Important! When choosing dishes for a microwave oven, immediately purchase a suitable lid (of course, also from a suitable material). Covered food retains more moisture and cooks faster. So you can use special materials for better cooking - waxed paper, paper napkins, transparent film. Typically, recipes (if you use them and don't improvise) tell you how to wrap your food to get the best result.
Thus, the right choice of dishes for the microwave oven will not only get a guaranteed result, but also improve the taste of the dish, as well as reduce its cooking time.
How to care for your microwave oven
- It is necessary to wash the walls of the chamber with special detergents for microwave ovens, abrasive - only stainless steel.
- If the chamber is too dirty, put a glass of water in it and boil for 1 minute. The dirt will loosen up and wash off easily.
— Do not leave the inside of the microwave oven dirty, as If the area where the door touches when closed becomes dirty, the door may not fit tightly, causing microwaves to leak out.
1. If your electrical network experiences frequent voltage drops, get a voltage stabilizer, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), because. during drops, especially in microwave ovens with LCD displays and touch controls, it is these components that fail.
2. When buying a microwave, it is better to immediately purchase microwave care products, because. these products are most often sold only in specialized stores, and when caring for the product, it is best to use them.
3. When buying, pay attention to the warranty card, because. if the store where you purchased the product does not cooperate with a certain service center microwave manufacturer, in the event of a possible breakdown, you may be “sent” from one place to another, in search of the truth.
4. When buying, pay attention to the pallet, which is mainly made of glass. Sometimes he can get stabbed, or with other unpleasant surprises.
5. When buying, always, I repeat once again - always open and view the appearance of the product. The words of the seller, who in a hurry says that the goods they say have already been checked, and leave everything in it well for others, because often some representatives of the seller company are too lazy to fulfill their duties.
6. Be sure to check the package when buying. There are times when something is missing.
Video on choosing a microwave oven
Do you want a good mood? Watch a humorous video about a "talking" microwave
Well, it seems like everything. I wish you a pleasant purchase, and may you get exactly the microwave oven that is right for you!
The first microwave oven was sold half a century ago. But you can still become an unwitting witness or participant in a heated debate about the dangers and benefits of microwaves. Opponents frighten everyone with harmful electromagnetic radiation, and supporters, chuckling, enjoy the benefits of household appliances. We are not going to convince either one or the other. Armed with the common sense of the former, as well as the experience and resourcefulness of the latter, we have created a small list of rules on how to use the microwave as safely, comfortably and profitably as possible.
Rule one - a competent installation
Correct installation will help to avoid breakage, short circuit, fire and even explosion.
What you should pay attention to:
- Solid, level, stable, suitable surface for installation. You must be sure that the device will not fall or tilt.
- Separate grounded socket. The microwave is a pretty powerful appliance. Grounding will protect you in case of network overload, short circuit.
- Free ventilation. Do not push the stove close to the wall, leave a gap of at least 15 cm to avoid overheating. If you are installing the device in a cabinet, drill ventilation holes in the back wall.
- "Conflict" of household appliances. Microwave on fridge will make it work at full capacity to cool the food. Near the TV or radio receiver will interfere with electromagnetic waves. And the washing machine, wringing out your favorite jeans under the stove, can easily splash freshly heated soup.
Cleanliness rules
Proper, timely care will help to avoid many breakdowns and problems:
- After each use, wipe the inside of the oven with a damp, clean cloth or sponge.
- For care, use specialized soft products.
- Do not use chlorine, alkali or other aggressive, abrasive cleaning agents.
- Do not scratch the enamel, mica plate with coarse brushes.
- Periodically pull out for cleaning all internal removable parts: grills, tray, crosspiece - grease and dirt also accumulate on them.
- Do not forget to wipe and vacuum the ventilation grill in time so that it does not become clogged with dust and grease.
emergency cleaning
You neglected the rules of operation and one of the ingredients of your future meal exploded? Proven tricks will help eliminate the consequences of the valiant death of a tomato or sausage. Place a container of water in the oven, after adding a small amount of soda, lemon juice, citric acid or vinegar to it, to choose from. Heat five minutes. Moisture will settle on the walls, soften the dried residues, you can easily remove them with a soft sponge. Do not abuse this method - acid can gradually destroy the enamel, you will have to scrap the microwave ahead of time. Therefore - only for emergencies! Always unplug the appliance from the mains before manual cleaning.
Instructions and more instructions!
Some operating instructions take up more space in the box than the instrument itself, and are quite tedious to read. But master household appliances the method of scientific poke is also not the best option, you can break or suffer. Therefore, do not neglect the useful document, because each model is somewhat unique. Moreover, each microwave comes with a plate with the indicated defrosting and cooking time for common foods, recipes for quick and healthy meals that can be cooked in your oven. As well as error codes, unlocks (if you don't remember how to unlock child protection). If for some reason you do not have this wonderful book, you can download it for free on the Internet. Links to resources https://mnogo-dok.ru, http://verttrev.ru/inst/ may be useful to you.
Rules of use, universal for all brands:
- Do not turn on an open or empty microwave.
- Do not put metal objects inside, dishes with a golden rim.
- Don't heat up the eggs!
- Products with a dense shell (sausage products, fruits, vegetables), pierce in several places.
- Do not heat baby (adult) food with a closed lid, canned food, vacuum-packed juices.
- Cover the reheated dish with a special plastic cap.
- Put on oven mitts before removing reheated food.
- Do not dry pets in the microwave. Take my word for it - don't even try.
- Do not use a defective device. If there is external or internal damage, sparks, suspicious sounds, unpredictable behavior - in an armful and repair! Or home masters. Do not operate until the cause is officially corrected.
First use - how to enable?
How to use a microwave oven so as not to harm the device and your health? Not all users know the rules of operation and safety of the microwave oven. Most of those who bought "smart" household appliances prefer to master it on an intuitive level. But in vain: by reading the instructions, you can prevent many breakdowns.
What are microwaves
Many owners of microwave ovens are not aware of their principle of operation and do not know how food is heated and defrosted in them. However, from the name itself it is clear that the main "actor" is microwaves.
This is electromagnetic radiation of ultra-high frequency - 2.4 GHz. From physics, many people remember: when a substance is heated, its molecules accelerate - first those that are closer to heat, and then they share energy with other, distant molecules.
If you put a frozen product in a pan, it will be warm on the outside and icy on the inside. In microwave ovens, the opposite is true. There are waves that penetrate inside. When you take a heated cake out of your Samsung or LG “smart” oven, you will see that it is hot inside and warm on the surface.
Microwave - a short electromagnetic radio wave, the frequency of which practically coincides with the frequency of radiation from mobile phones. That is why mobile communications do not work well near microwave ovens.
Bought a microwave oven - what to do
If you are just getting acquainted with the microwave device, you need an instruction manual that comes with the package. How else can you find out about the purpose of the buttons and the functions of the purchased equipment? Unless by experience - but it will take a lot of time, and you can inadvertently damage something.
The first thing that worries people who have bought a microwave oven is how to turn it on? When using for the first time, proceed as follows:
- Place the appliance on a table, shelf, or other level place.
- Turn on the machine by inserting the plug into the power outlet.
- Now start the device. AT different models activation can be done in different ways:
- "Start" or "Cook" button;
- by turning the timer - after setting the time, the stove turns on.
If the oven is working properly, after turning it on, it will work.
Why you need a timer
The timer in some models plays the role of a switch, but its main purpose is to regulate the cooking time. With it, you can set how long the dish will be cooked.
Timers are different. The time can be set by turning the dial until the value entered by the user lights up. It can also be set by dialing numbers using the keyboard. To find the optimal time, look at the information on the package or in the recipe.
Main user mistakes
The biggest mistake is ignoring instructions. Without understanding the essence of the operation of the device, it is easy to provoke its breakdown.
It is important to understand that microwaves only act on H2O molecules. Therefore, only food containing water can be cooked in a microwave oven. When heating foods with a low content of it, a container with liquid should be placed nearby.
If the stand does not rotate, the dish will not heat up evenly - it will burn on one side and be raw on the other. This does not apply only to inverter models, they do not have a rotating tray.
It is important to remember: you cannot interrupt the set cooking process, add spices before the start or after completion.
How to extend the life of your microwave
Using a microwave oven according to the rules, you can significantly extend its life. A good stove can serve without malfunctions for a whole five years and even more. If the oven is working:
- she works quietly;
- no sparks in the chamber;
- no odors;
- door closes tightly.
Important! Remember, furnace breakdowns are also dangerous for its owner. If there are malfunctions, immediately take the microwave to a service center.
The duration of operation depends on compliance with the rules of use: use special dishes and cook, taking into account the recommendations of the developers.
So that the first use does not bring disappointment, it is important to follow the manufacturers' recommendations. It is forbidden:
- turn on the device with an empty chamber;
- turn on the device if the weight of the food is less than 50 g;
- use metal utensils;
- exceed a reasonable cooking time - there is a risk of fire;
- forcefully wipe the protective screen - a mica plate (it is located in the chamber, usually on the side wall);
- include in the presence of obvious defects: cracked glass, loosely closed door, etc.;
- warm or boil eggs;
- load tightly sealed containers and cans with food into the chamber.
- Place a cup of water inside before starting the grill.
- Close the door tightly.
- If you are going to reheat food in a skin or vacuum-packed, pierce them with a sharp object in several places before turning on the stove.
- To keep the chamber clean, and you do not have to wash it every time after cooking, close the dish with a special lid. Due to splashes of grease and food residues, the mica protective screen may become unusable ahead of time.
- Do not leave the device unattended.
- Do not handle the dishes immediately after turning off the appliance - you will get a steam burn.
- Wash the oven from food residues with soft sponges.
The average life of a microwave oven is five years. By following the recommendations of the manufacturers, you can double it.
How to choose dishes
The specificity of microwave ovens is the ban on the use of metal utensils. Also, containers that melt easily or become very hot should not be placed in the chamber. It is better to use special dishes that say:
- microware oven;
- microware oven safe
- suitable for microware;
- bowls for microwaves.
All of the above inscriptions indicate: this dish can be placed in a microwave oven.
It is better to check non-special dishes before putting them in the oven. Place a glass of water inside, next to the dishes you want to test. Turn on the device - you need to increase the power to the maximum. If after a minute the object does not heat up, you can use it for cooking.
Attention! It is better to buy round dishes: a lot of heat accumulates in the corners, and the plate may burn a little.
Where to put the microwave
The location of the microwave oven determines its capabilities. For example, if you hoist the oven on the refrigerator, it can be used exclusively for heating.
When installing a new device, consider the following nuances:
- Ventilation must not be blocked.
- It is forbidden to place near equipment that emits radio waves - malfunctions may occur.
- Any instruction also says that it should not be placed near a heat source.
- You can put the stove on other household appliances, but you must first make sure that the vibrations from the microwave do not harm it.
- The surface for installing the device should be as even and firm as possible.
When moving a microwave oven, keep in mind: the front is heavier than the back. You need to properly pick it up so as not to drop it and break it.
What influences power
Proper use is impossible without knowledge related to the power of the device. The speed of operations and the capabilities of the device depend on its value.
- 1.4 kW - enough to soften butter or ice cream, raise yeast dough.
- 1.4-2.8 kW - you can defrost and melt food.
- 2.8-4.2 kW - enough for baking.
- For a good warm-up, a power of at least 4.4-5.6 kW is required.
At maximum power, you can boil water or cook food in a minimum of time.
Before setting a program of action, familiarize yourself with the features of the preparation of the product. It may need to be thawed first and only then cooked.
Care rules
Microwave ovens save time for their owners, but require regular attention. The cleanliness of the chamber is an important condition for the correct functioning of the equipment. Timely care will prevent the appearance of odors and grease on the walls of the chamber and on the mica screen.
Stick to these rules:
- Be sure to unplug the appliance before cleaning.
- To clean the camera thoroughly, remove the removable parts.
- Wash internal parts with warm soapy water. Wait for drying.
- It is better not to use water, so as not to get inside the device, you need to use a damp sponge.
- It is forbidden to clean the stove with metal brushes - the coating may be damaged.
- It is forbidden to use alkaline and chlorine-containing products.
If you find dirt that cannot be washed or removed with a rag, turn on the vacuum cleaner. Use a thin nozzle. Ventilation openings can also be cleaned in this way.
If you bought a Samsung
According to statistics, 20% of families use Korean brand microwave ovens. For all microwave ovens, the rules for care and operation are almost the same.
Samsung stoves may differ from each other in the control panel. In digital models, control is carried out using buttons, in analog models - through manual control. The second option is simpler and cheaper, and, in addition, eliminates system errors. Touch models include many additional features, such as self-cleaning.
When installing Samsung stoves, remember: you need to maintain at least 20 cm distance to any other objects.
Be careful with blocking!
Those who are too lazy to read the instructions often face the problem of blocking. Most modern models are equipped with a useful function - child protection. However, it happens that it becomes an obstacle for owners who cannot unlock the microwave.
The unlocking procedure is described in each manual. So, for example, to remove the block in the Samsung CE1110R, you need to simultaneously press the "Microwave", "Grill" and "Convection" buttons.
How to cook
It is important that the products are evenly heated, especially for meat, fish, poultry. After all, if bacteria remain in them, you can harm your health. It is recommended to cut them into pieces.
It is also useful to know:
- Hard foods take longer to heat up than porous and soft foods.
- When reheating baby food, stir it after removing it from the cooking chamber to evenly heat the mixture pieces.
- Fruits and vegetables with a dense skin should be pierced before cooking.
By carefully studying the operating instructions for your microwave, you can avoid many problems and extend its service life. This is especially important for new generation modifications, equipped with a mass of functions and modes.
A little diligence and attention, and your microwave oven will serve you flawlessly for many years, and the food will be tasty, of high quality and safe.
