Rules for operating a microwave oven. Microwave: operating principle, structure, interesting facts How to use a microwave oven correctly

"Plate of Crusty", otherwise called "Crisp", allows you to fry food on it like in a frying pan. It is made of special metal and heats up to 200°C.

The “Dual emission” function declared by the manufacturer means that the radiation source is bifurcated. This separation contributes to more uniform heating of the products and increases the efficiency of the oven.
Sometimes microwave ovens are equipped with a dialogue 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 messages displayed on an electronic display.

Electronic cookbook - this feature will greatly ease your wallet during the purchase and your life after the “smart” microwave oven is delivered home. Even a child can cook using this 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 a dialog 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 liability of developers and manufacturers of microwave ovens for your safety, installation and operation rules must be strictly followed.

You are protected from microwave radiation by a metal casing and structural traps around the perimeter of the door. The magnetron and transformer inside the microwave are fan cooled to prevent overheating. When the magnetron is turned on, the door is locked so that it cannot be opened. When the door is opened or the temperature of the chamber wall or stove 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 permissible and decreases sharply with distance.

High power consumption is another reason for increased danger. If your home's electrical system has a third ground wire, conventional shock protection will provide maximum safety.

It is strictly prohibited to use water or gas pipes as a grounding wire. This could lead to the death of your loved ones or neighbors.

If there is no grounding, try to prevent the possibility of simultaneous contact with the microwave oven body and water or gas pipes. Your safety can be increased by installing an RCD (Residual Current Device).

To protect against children, the microwave oven is switched on. Nevertheless, the possibility of children playing dangerous pranks with oven buttons and control knobs 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 impossibility of placing 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 stoves were called upon to solve the problem.

Inverter technology can significantly reduce the volume required to house technical components by replacing the conventional magnetron with more compact components, resulting in an increase in the usable 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 regulation is achieved by their pulsed operating mode). The advantages of inverters, in addition to smaller dimensions, also include more rational use of energy, speeding up cooking processes (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 the belief that an iron plate can cause a high-power microwave to explode. In fact, in the worst case, it will cause damage to the magnetron due to arcing.

— If you keep a microwave oven on at high power for a long time, its powerful electromagnetic radiation can damage all electrical appliances within a radius of several meters. In fact, electromagnetic radiation outside the working chamber is no greater than from the back wall of the computer system unit, although close to it it can still interfere with the reception of a signal 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 with in this case they refer to foreign ones, and foreign ones - to Russian studies, allegedly conducted in the non-existent Russian cities of Kinsk and Rajasthan).

—Microwaves are radioactive or make foods radioactive. This is incorrect: 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 food or make food carcinogenic. This is also incorrect. Microwaves operate on a different principle than X-rays or ionizing radiation, and they cannot make foods carcinogenic. In contrast, because microwave cooking requires very little fat, the finished meal contains less burnt fat with its molecular structure altered by cooking. Therefore, cooking food using microwaves is healthier and does not pose any danger to humans.

— Microwave ovens emit dangerous radiation. This is not true. Although direct exposure to microwaves can cause thermal damage to tissue, there is absolutely no risk when using a working microwave oven. The design of the oven provides strict measures to prevent radiation from escaping outside: there are duplicate devices for blocking the microwave source when the oven door is opened, and the door itself prevents microwaves from escaping outside the cavity. Neither the housing, nor any other part of the oven, nor food products placed in the oven accumulate electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. As soon as the oven is turned off, the emission of microwaves stops.

Those who are afraid to even come close to a microwave oven need to know that microwaves attenuate very quickly in the atmosphere. To illustrate, we give the following example: the microwave radiation power allowed by Western standards at a distance of 5 cm from a new, just purchased stove 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 electromagnetic radiation surrounding us is no higher than, say, from, say, from, in front of which we are ready to sit for hours without any fear, or a mobile phone, which we so often hold to our temple. 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.

Utensils for microwave oven

The choice of utensils for the microwave oven should be taken very seriously. The fact is that if you don’t understand this issue, it can lead to several troubles:

- you can harm your health;
- you can damage the microwave;
- you may lose the dishes themselves;
- you can ruin the product itself.

Choosing material

Dishes for microwave ovens 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 - ordinary table glass and ceramics (as well as some types of food plastics).

Let us dwell on the issue of choosing material in a little more detail.

— Glass– one of the most common materials of cookware 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 when exposed to high temperatures. The best choice in this case would be bowls, bowls or dishes made of thick frosted or transparent glass: you can conveniently place pieces of food in them.

— Porcelain. Porcelain dishes are very convenient for portion-wise heating of food: just place the plate intended for serving in the microwave - and in a few minutes you will get a hot lunch. If you buy plates without wide sides and a small diameter, you can place several pieces in the microwave at once, thereby providing lunch for the whole family. Porcelain cups can be used to heat drinks.

— Ceramics, faience. Dishes made from this material are suitable for the microwave oven if they are covered with glaze on all sides (when purchasing, be sure to read the labeling on the product - it should indicate that it is acceptable for use in the microwave). You need to carefully ensure that the top layer of glaze does not crack or fall off - otherwise the dishes will not be able to withstand the high temperature. Ceramic dishes, plates and bowls are not the best choice for the microwave: they are not transparent enough for microwaves and get very hot. However, you can use such dishes for preparing 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 types are microwave safe.

— Paper- a very convenient and fairly safe 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 saturate the paper too much). However, avoid dyed paper as it may stain your food when exposed to heat. Paper towels can be used to wrap food and place it in baking pans.

— Plastic has become quite widespread, but many still prefer to use plastic containers exclusively for storing and carrying food. Meanwhile, only plastic dishes can be placed in the microwave immediately after removal from the refrigerator (if they are used as “storage” for food) - they can withstand such changes. Plastic food storage containers marked “Thermoplast” or “Duroplast” can be an excellent solution for office workers who prefer to carry home-cooked food from home and heat it up at work.

The shape of the container also matters. By choosing the right cookware settings, you can regulate the cooking time and quality. So, food takes longer to cook in deep dishes than in shallow ones. The round shape will ensure the most even heating of the food. Beware of dishes with sloped edges - the food will burn around the perimeter, but the inside will still be completely raw.

Foil It is permissible to use only for wrapping protruding parts of food. If you use too much foil, arcing may occur.

Important! When choosing dishes for a microwave oven, immediately purchase a lid of a suitable size (of course, also made of a suitable material). Covering food will retain more moisture and cook faster. This way you can use special materials for better cooking - wax paper, paper napkins, transparent film. Typically, recipes (if you use them and don't improvise them) will tell you how to wrap the food to get the best results.

Thus, choosing the right utensils for a microwave oven will not only allow you to 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

— You need to wash the walls of the chamber with special detergents for microwave ovens, abrasive detergents only for stainless steel.

— If the camera is too dirty, put a glass of water in it and boil for 1 minute. The dirt will liquefy and wash off easily.

— Do not leave the inside of the microwave oven dirty, because... If the area where the door touches when closed becomes dirty, the door may not seal tightly, causing microwaves to leak out.

1. If your electrical network experiences frequent power surges, get a voltage stabilizer or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), because When there are changes, especially in microwaves with LCD displays and touch controls, it is these components that fail.

2. When purchasing 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 a product, it is best to use them.

3. When purchasing, pay attention to the warranty card, because If the store where you purchased the product does not cooperate with a specific service center of the microwave manufacturer, in the event of a possible breakdown, they may begin to “send” you from one place to another in search of the truth.

4. When purchasing, pay attention to the tray, which is mainly made of glass. Sometimes he may get stabbed, or with other unpleasant surprises.

5. When purchasing, always, I repeat once again, always open and look at the appearance of the product. The words of the seller, who in a hurry says that the goods have already been checked, and leave everything in it well for others, because often some representatives of the selling company are too lazy to fulfill their duties.

6. Be sure to check the package contents when purchasing. There are times when something is missing.

Video about choosing a microwave oven

Do you want a good mood? Watch a humorous video about a “talking” microwave

Well, that seems to be all. I wish you a pleasant shopping experience and may you get exactly the microwave oven that is right for you!

Today, almost every apartment has such a “miracle of hostile technology” as a microwave oven. This gadget makes life much easier for a modern person, while saving a lot of time. Mostly, people use a microwave oven to quickly heat up food, and in rare cases, cook entire dishes with it.

But many people probably don’t even realize that a microwave can be used not only for these purposes. Here are 25 invaluable tips to help you use your microwave to your advantage.

Chopping onions without tears

You can put an end to onion chopping tears once and for all by simply cutting off both ends of the onion and placing it in the microwave. Heat the onion on full power for 30 seconds and the pores that produce juice will dry out. The taste and all the beneficial substances will remain in place, but the enzymes that provoke lacrimation will evaporate, and the onion will be easy to chop without shedding a tear.

Bringing back the aroma of long-stored spices

Spices, nuts and seasonings can be restored to their original flavor after long storage. To do this, just heat them in the microwave for 15 seconds at full power.

Melt the margarine

Margarine or butter can be melted in the microwave on high for one minute. This is better than leaving it out in the open for hours or burning it on the stove and risking it catching fire.

Bringing potato chips back to life

Those who want to restore the crispiness of chips can easily do this using the microwave. Place several disposable paper towels in it along with the chips, and excess moisture during heat treatment will be completely absorbed by them. Even a short heating will easily bring your crispy chips back to life.

“Reanimating” stale crackers

It's not just chips that can be restored to their crispness - stale crackers and cereals will also benefit greatly from the same trick! In this case, there is no need for paper towels. Simply heat the crackers for thirty seconds in the microwave and they will taste like freshly baked.

Bringing freshness back to stale bread

Stale bread can be successfully “refreshed” by wrapping the slices in a damp cloth and heating in the microwave for 10 seconds at 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 traditional cooking. Place paper towels on a plate, place a few slices of bacon on top, and cover with paper towels to avoid grease splatters. 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 limp when reheated. This can be avoided by wrapping them in a paper towel. You will see that the moisture will be 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 scatter the nuts on a microwave-safe plate and set the timer for 1 minute on high. 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 it 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, you will have to discard it.

You can cook delicious scrambled eggs in the microwave 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 comes out almost instantly!

Does honey seem too thick to you? If it crystallizes, microwave the jar, uncovered, for 2 minutes on low power. The honey will become fluid again and will fully retain its magical taste.

The microwave can help speed up the soaking of lentils or beans, which usually takes overnight. Place the food in a special bowl, add 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'll probably need a quick way to make lump-free hot chocolate. 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.

To properly dry your herbs, use the following tip. Heat them in a container for 2-4 minutes on high power, first transferring them with paper napkins. Then you should lightly crumple 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 that is difficult to do anything with. If this happens, place it in a bowl with a slice of bread, sprinkle with water and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Raw sugar can also be saved. Place sugar in a cup and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

To cook fish fillets in the microwave, you must first dry them thoroughly. When placing the fillets on the plate, ensure that the tails intersect, creating the same overall thickness as the rest of the dish. It is necessary to remove the fish when it still retains partial transparency. This may seem strange to you, but the fact is that the cooking process continues for some time after the oven is turned off. But by leaving the fish to cook for a few more seconds, you can easily dry it out.

Chocolate cake lovers can easily get it 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 the liquid ingredients one by one: water, vanilla ice cream and vegetable oil. Mix everything again until the lumps completely disappear and heat in the microwave at high power, anticipating the 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 they are than usual.

You can make great poached eggs in the microwave by cracking the eggs into a special bowl of boiling water and a splash of white vinegar. You need 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 this, the egg is carefully turned and the operation is repeated for 20 seconds, until the product is fully cooked.

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 husks will become moist and can be easily removed.

Place the container of ice cream in the microwave and heat on high in 10 second intervals. On average it takes 30 seconds per liter of container.

Cut off the bottom of the cob and place the corn in the microwave. Heat the cob on high for 30 seconds. Once 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, filling it halfway. Close the lid and beat them until foam appears. Then remove the lid and microwave the container for 30 seconds on high. Everything is ready - you can take the foam with a spoon and place it in cups with hot drinks.

It’s not an easy task, isn’t it, to peel tomatoes or, say, peaches? Here again, a microwave can be of invaluable help! Simply heat the fruit for 30 seconds on high and leave to cool for a couple of minutes. You will witness a small miracle: the peel itself will begin to come off right before your eyes, and your goal will be achieved without effort.

Microwave ovens have long become as common a household item as a refrigerator or gas oven, and their popularity has not diminished over time. The reason for this is that with their help you can heat and defrost food; it is easy and simple to prepare various dishes in them, since if the time and cooking mode are set correctly, you don’t even need to monitor them. And although the microwave will not completely replace the oven and stove, it is a very valuable addition to them. However, not everyone knows how use the microwave , which can lead to breakdown or, God forbid, to even worse consequences. In order to fill this gap, this article was written.

Food in a microwave oven is not heated from the outside, as with conventional cooking methods, but from the inside. The microwaves emitted by the oven penetrate two to four centimeters and cause molecules to vibrate. The layer accessible to microwaves is heated, and then the heat is transferred depending on the thermal conductivity of the product.
Typically, the power of microwave ovens ranges from 600 to 1200 W and has several cooking modes. The most common are ovens with a power of 600 to 650 W and five food processing modes:
Low – low power – used for heating delicate foods;
Medium Low - power below average - used for defrosting and heating food, softening cheese, butter, honey, chocolate;
Medium - medium power - intended for baking and stewing meat, cooking soups, seafood and fish dishes, as well as dairy products;
Medium High - power above average - used for heating dishes and preparing poultry dishes, as well as various casseroles;
High – maximum or high power – necessary for fruit and vegetable dishes, drinks.
In order for a microwave to operate smoothly and for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it, not violate the rules for preparing food, and use special utensils.

Caring for a microwave oven is not difficult - you need to regularly clean its chamber, remove food debris, crumbs, and greasy stains with a soft cloth, rinsing first with a soap solution and then with water. Do not use abrasive materials - they can damage the stove coating.
Under no circumstances should metal utensils or utensils with metal decorative elements be used in a microwave oven. The fact is that metal reflects microwave energy and can cause an electrical breakdown, which can render the oven completely unusable. Knowing how to do it right use the microwave , you will certainly never make such mistakes!
In microwave ovens, it is best to use dishes specially made for them (marked as Suitable for Microwave or Microwave Oven Safe), or ordinary dishes made of glass, ceramics, earthenware, porcelain , paper, cardboard or plastic.
Glass dishes are convenient because they easily transmit microwaves and allow 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 is that the glass is not too thin, as it may burst due to strong heat.
Faience and ceramics are convenient because you can immediately serve dishes on the table without transferring them to other dishes. You just need to make sure that there are no cracks in the cover of such dishes, otherwise when washing, water may get into them and cause a split due to heating.
Porcelain dishes can only be used in a microwave oven if there are no metal decorations (rims, patterns, etc.) on them. In addition, you should remember that porcelain gets very hot, so you should remove it from the oven carefully so as not to get burned.
Plastic containers used in a microwave oven must be heat-resistant. Otherwise, you may end up with not only a deformed plate, but also a real “cocktail” of product and plastic.
Wooden and paper dishes can only be placed in the microwave for a short time and foods that do not contain large amounts of fat and sugar should be placed in it.
These are the basic rules for using a microwave oven. But you should not neglect the instructions for use, since in them the manufacturers prescribe literally everything that can and cannot be done with a microwave oven. For example, drying cats, as Mikhail Zadornov said.
Still touching on the topic of how use the microwave I would like to say that under no circumstances should you fry seeds, popcorn, or nuts - this is tantamount to turning on an empty camera!

A microwave oven, or microwave, is an almost indispensable attribute of any Russian kitchen. Why is this household appliance so common? The point is its speed - heating time in a microwave oven is measured in seconds, whereas on the stove it will take much longer. Convenience also plays an important role - the microwave is small in size and will fit even in the smallest Khrushchev apartment. What if there is no stove and there is no way to install it? A microwave can replace it in many ways!

How the microwave came into being

The American physicist Percy Spencer is rightfully considered the “father” of the microwave oven. He developed ultrahigh frequency emitters, and during his experiments he noticed that organic matter heats up under the influence of microwaves. How exactly this happened, history is silent, but there are two most common versions: according to one of them, he absent-mindedly forgot a sandwich on the device that was turned on, and when he remembered it, it was already very hot. The second version claims that Spencer carried a chocolate bar in his pocket, which naturally melted under the influence of ultrahigh frequencies.

Domestic use

One way or another, having discovered the “food” properties of microwave radiation in 1942, already at 45 the physicist received a patent for his invention. And just two years later, in 1947, the American military warmed up their breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the microwave. Whatever the microwave did, the military did not care about the operating principle of its mechanism - the main thing was that it gave quick results. True, the microwave oven in the 40s was still “not the same” - the weight of the device exceeded 300 kilograms!

Then the Sharp company got down to business - already in 1962 it released the first model of a consumer microwave oven to the people. It did not cause a particular surge of interest, because buyers were scared off by the use of microwave radiation. Later, the same company invented the “rotating plate”, and in 1979, an electronic control system.

What does a microwave oven consist of?

A microwave oven consists of several required parts:

1. Transformer.
2. The magnetron in the microwave is actually an emitter
3. A waveguide through which radiation is transmitted to an isolated chamber.
4. The metallized chamber is the place where the food is heated.

Additional elements of the microwave are: for more uniform heating of food, electronics for controlling various modes, a timer, and a fan.

How does a microwave heat food?

Despite the apparent “magic” that a microwave oven has, the principle of operation is absolutely scientific and logical. Almost any food contains molecules of water and other elements that have both positive and negative charges. In the absence of a magnetic field, the charges in the molecules are arranged arbitrarily, chaotically. A strong magnetic field instantly organizes electric charges - they become directed strictly in accordance with the course of the magnetic field lines.

The peculiarity of microwave radiation is that it “turns over” dipole molecules not just quickly, but unimaginably - almost 5 billion times per second! The molecules move in accordance with the changing magnetic field, and the high speed of “switching” literally creates a friction effect. This is why food is heated in a microwave oven in a few seconds.

Types of Microwave Ovens

What types of microwave ovens are there and how they differ from each other:

1. Solo oven, or ordinary microwave. It is one of the most budget models and is intended only for defrosting and heating food. As a rule, such microwave ovens are mechanically controlled and are quite reliable, since there is nothing special to break.
2. Microwave with grill and convection. These microwave functions can be used both together and separately. The grill consists of an additional heating element, which is most often located under the ceiling of the chamber, and a rotating spit. Convection is the circulation of hot air inside the chamber, which provides additional and more uniform heating of food. Such microwaves, as a rule, belong to the middle price category and operate with both mechanical and electronic controls.
3. Multifunctional microwave ovens. Many modes, of course, convection and grill, a double boiler function, as well as a whole range of culinary solutions for your kitchen. Of course, such serious household appliances are classified as expensive and controlled using sophisticated electronics.

Despite the differences in details, a microwave oven for 20 dollars and one for 200 are still the same microwave. The operating principle is the same.

How else do microwave ovens differ from each other?

1. Volume. Household microwave ovens differ from each other, but not too much. But industrial microwaves are completely different - they can heat several dozen portions at once.
2. Grill type. It can be ceramic, quartz or PETN. With the same semantic load, they differ in details: for example, a quartz grill heats up more evenly and spends less electricity, but a heating element can work more intensely and is also easier to clean.
3. Method of covering internal walls. There are also several of them - enamel painting, durable enamel and special coatings (bioceramics and antibacterial). Painting is the cheapest and short-lived; enamel is already better, although prolonged and intensive use also renders it unusable. Special coatings can be called eternal. Disadvantages include high price and fragility in relation to shock loads. And yes, there is also stainless steel - a great option for those who are not ready to fork out too much for a microwave. Durable, reliable, great-looking coating can easily withstand prolonged and intense heat. The disadvantages of stainless steel include difficulty in washing - several cleanings with abrasive agents create a network of micro-scratches on its surface, into which burnt fat “clings” with all its molecules.
4. Types of management. There are only three of them - mechanics, buttons. The mechanics are cheap, easy to use, reliable, the disadvantage is the accuracy of timing. The buttons break a little more often, but the time can be set second per second. Disadvantages include dirt accumulating on the controls, which requires additional time for wiping. The sensor is beautiful, stylish, dirt does not accumulate, you can program the cooking process. Disadvantages - it breaks more often than others, it costs significantly more. Repairing microwave ovens, especially expensive ones, is not a cheap service, so it’s worth thinking about: is it worth getting one with a sensor?
5. Microwave oven operating modes. There can be from 3-4 of them in cheap models, to 10-12 in the most expensive ones. The main modes include the following: full mode - frying meat, baking vegetables. Medium-high, 3/4 power - quickly heats undemanding foods. Medium - cooking soups, cooking fish. Medium-low, 1/4 power - defrosting food, “soft” heating of food. The smallest, about 10% power, is intended for defrosting “capricious” foods like tomatoes, and keeping already hot foods warm.

Additional functions of microwave ovens

One of the most interesting additional features for a microwave oven is the supply of hot steam. This addition prevents the food from drying out, and it also cooks much faster. Here you can also add ventilation of the chamber - despite its apparent insignificance, for many housewives this function has become a life-saver - now their vegetables do not smell like fish, and fish do not smell like apples.

Chamber dividers. Different grates allow you to cook several portions at the same time. The disadvantages of this function include the lack of rotation, which makes heating of food less uniform.

“Crisp” is a special plate for the microwave that allows you to cook in it the same way as in a frying pan. Made from it “holds” temperatures up to 200 degrees.

Mica. Why is mica in the microwave? It protects the waveguide from various contaminants and increases the service life of the device.

Dual emission function. How does this microwave work? The design and operating principle of such a microwave oven differ only in the presence of two sources of high-frequency radiation. This allows for better and more uniform heating of food.

Built-in cookbook. It’s not a cheap feature, but for those who like to eat delicious food without spending a lot of time and money on it, this is it.

Necessary safety rules when using a microwave oven

Quite often, ordinary people are concerned about the question of whether a microwave oven is hazardous to health. Its operating principle, of course, is based on microwave radiation. But there is no need to be afraid of this.

A fully functional microwave oven poses no more danger to the consumer than a computer or TV. Contrary to persistent myths, radiation from a microwave oven is not radioactive or carcinogenic, and a microwave oven does not begin to “fog” after a couple of months of operation.

Microwave radiation can indeed cause serious burns, but to achieve this from your home microwave, you will have to work hard - even the cheapest models are equipped with multi-level protection. And, for example, you won’t be able to put your hand into a switched-on device - the automation will immediately turn off the power.

What dishes should you use in your microwave oven?

It is best if the microwave plate that you are going to use in the microwave oven is specialized, with appropriate markings. This includes, for example, sets of cookware made of heat-resistant glass. If you don’t have one at hand, then pay attention to the following recommendations:

1. Glass. Excellent material for the microwave, as long as it is not too thin and there are no cracks or chips.
2. Porcelain and faience. Suitable materials are provided that they are completely glazed and not painted with metallic paint. Again, porcelain or should not have mechanical damage.
3. Paper. Suitable material, but with assumptions - the paper must be thick, not colored, and it is better not to use it for a long time.
4. Plastic. Yes, but only specialized ones. Today, many companies produce entire lines of plastic containers for heating in microwave ovens. An ideal option for an office worker who does not want to splurge on business lunches and trips to cafes.

The most unsuitable plate for the microwave is a metal one. High-frequency radiation causes it to spark, which will soon send you looking for a place where microwave ovens are repaired.

How to care?

The microwave instructions will help you with this. It indicates which special detergents should be used to clean it. There is no shortage of them, and it’s worth buying them right away, with a microwave. You should not delay cleaning - you will have to scrub off the repeatedly heated and compressed fat on the walls of the chamber for a painfully long time, cursing everything in the world, and daily cleaning will come down to a few light movements with a rag. If you still achieve the formation of “ancient deposits”, then before washing, put a glass of water in the oven for a minute and turn on the maximum mode. Grease and dirt will accumulate and wash off much easier.

A little humor...

One lady in the US won a lawsuit after she “dried” her cat in the microwave. In the statement of claim, she indicated that she did not know that “you cannot dry cats in the microwave.”

Despite the fact that raw chicken eggs explode in the microwave, enthusiasts around the world are trying to come up with a way to get around this problem - pierce a hole in the shell and wrap it in a special film. But despite all their efforts, the eggs still explode.

Recently, the Internet exploded with a fake message that the new iPhone model can be recharged from a microwave. It is unknown how many smartphone owners fell for this prank, but dozens of photos with damaged iPhones speak for themselves.

Nowadays, almost every person in the house has a microwave oven. With its help, it is convenient to heat food, defrost it, you can cook interesting dishes and even grill meat. However, not everyone knows how to use a microwave so that it lasts as long as possible and the food turns out to be of high quality.

Instructions for use

When purchasing your first or new microwave, you should first read the instructions. In it you can learn about the purpose of the buttons and all its capabilities, for example, about the grill function in the device. Only after this can you begin operation.

How to turn on the microwave?

This is the first thing people think about. Brief instructions for activating the device:

1. First, you need to place it on a flat surface, for example, on a table.
2. Then plug into the outlet, since the device cannot work without electric current.
3. After this, you may need to click on the “Start” or “Cook” button. On some devices you can do without buttons. Just turn the cooking timer. After all these steps, the oven should work.

As for the timer, this is an important element, since it is the one that regulates the cooking time. Now you can find different types of timers, it’s hard to say which one is better. The most common is the dial, which must be turned clockwise until the desired time is displayed on the screen. There is also a numeric keypad that requires you to enter seconds and minutes.

You need to know exactly how long to reheat or cook specific foods so they don't spoil. The information is often found on the product packaging.

What utensils are needed?

Having figured out how to turn on the microwave and set the time, you need to decide on the dishes that can be placed in the microwave. It is not recommended to place metal bowls or objects that could melt into the oven. It is also undesirable to place plates that can become very hot. Utensils designed specifically for the microwave are ideal. It meets all the requirements and will not harm the microwave.

If you need to heat foods that tend to splash or burst, they should be covered with a special plastic cap. These could be tomatoes, apples, sausages, pea soup, etc.

Defrost function

Each microwave has a defrost mode, which is designed for frozen foods. It should be used before cooking iced meat. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for defrosting to be complete.

After learning how to use a microwave oven, you need to take care of its care.

Rules of care:

• It needs to be cleaned regularly, having first been disconnected from the network.
• To achieve the best result, you should remove the grates, turntable and other similar items.
• They need to be washed in warm water with liquid soap, and then allowed to dry on their own.
• The microwave itself should be cleaned with a barely damp cloth, removing all crumbs and grease stains that are present on the surface.
• It is important not to use water as it may cause the appliance to malfunction. The article – How to clean a microwave oven – will tell you how to properly care for your equipment.
• When the microwave becomes clean, you can return the grates, turntable and other items to their place.

Now you can use the microwave again.

How many years can it be used?

When wondering how many years you can use a microwave, you need to remember the quality of the device.

Expensive microwave ovens can last 5-8 years without failures, but cheap ones can break down after 3 years.

Also, the duration of operation depends on how many times a week a person uses the microwave and how well he takes care of it. There are cases when the microwave operates normally even after 11 years. Although experts do not recommend using such old devices. They can be hazardous to health, as the protective layer on the screen is depleted and harmful radiation begins to affect the person. In addition, the device becomes outdated and begins to work worse. To make it last longer, you need to know how to use the device correctly.

From this we can understand that the question of how long you can use a microwave is purely individual. Usually the owner himself understands when it is time to replace the device, since the device becomes inconvenient to use after a certain period of time.

Is there any harm from a microwave?

Almost every person may have heard or read that microwave ovens are dangerous to health. However, despite such statements, the devices continue to be sold, and many people do not stop cooking with them. Is it harmful to use a microwave - this is what every owner of such a device should know.

Anyone who cooks in the microwave can be immediately reassured. Microwaves are not dangerous to humans and do not poison food.

Yes, microwave radiation in itself is harmful, but the device body reliably protects against it. If it is intact, then there is nothing to worry about. But if the door glass is broken or there is another malfunction, then the device should be sent in for repair or thrown away. It cannot be used in this case, as it becomes really dangerous.

In studies designed to answer the question of whether it is possible to use a microwave, there was no negative effect on food. On the contrary, products that were cooked in a microwave oven retain about 90% of vitamins, and those for which traditional culinary methods were used retain only 40-60% of vitamins. From this we can conclude that if you know exactly how to use a microwave, then it will only be beneficial.

Grill function - what is it?

Microwave grilling is a very common function that many appliances support. However, not all people know whether it is possible to cook delicious food with it or not. Of course, this is possible, especially if the microwave oven model is high-quality and expensive. You can make delicious vegetables, chicken, meat and other products in it.

Understanding how to use a microwave grill isn't always easy. It is rarely possible to prepare a product the first time, since it is not yet clear what temperature and time to set. In addition, the grill can be PETN or quartz, and their functions differ greatly.

To cook, for example, chicken, you will need:

1. Place it on wire racks or thread it onto a skewer, if you have one.
2. Turn on the grill function and set the time to about 30-40 minutes. It’s good if you have a quartz heater, as it cooks food better.
3. Wait the specified amount of time.

As a result, the chicken should be completely fried and crispy on the grill. If it does not cook in 40 minutes, then the time should be increased by 15-20 minutes. The same can be done with other products, since the grill function in the device is truly universal and useful.

Video instruction

Modern microwave ovens can often seem difficult to use, so it is recommended to watch a video that, using the example of one of them, explains how to turn it on, set the timer, and all the functions of the device.

Happy cooking!

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