Description and principle of operation
A microwave oven is a combination of a microwave oven and an oven . This device takes up little space and replaces two devices at once.
The body of such an oven contains both heating elements and a magnetron, which emits short waves.
The device can be used as an oven or a microwave.
The operating principle of this technique is different from a conventional oven . In a conventional oven model, food is heated thanks to heat that comes from outside.
In this case, heating elements are built into the side walls and on top, and operate according to a given mode. In microwave ovens, the magnetron is located at the bottom or side and generates low-frequency waves.
They, in turn, affect the liquid that is found in food molecules . Thanks to this, the food heats up quickly and evenly, and the water evaporates a little.
Both types of heating elements are installed in microwave ovens . That is why such devices can be used both for heating and defrosting food, and for preparing baked goods and other oven-baked dishes.
What is a microwave oven?
A microwave oven, popularly called a “microwave”, is an electrical appliance whose operating principle is based on the process of converting an electromagnetic microwave field. The electromagnetic field is converted into heat and the products in the oven are heated in a non-contact manner. Simply put: the waves pass through the food, the water molecules begin to vibrate and this causes them to heat up. This is the fundamental difference between microwave ovens and ovens.
A conventional microwave oven in its simplest design is mainly intended for defrosting food and heating ready-made dishes. You can also boil potatoes or sausages in it, prepare a hot sandwich and some other simple dishes.
But there are also models with advanced functions. For example, a microwave oven with a “grill” in which you can fry meat, fish, and game. In such furnaces, in addition to the main emitter (magnetron), there is an emitter of thermal (infrared) radiation.
Microwave ovens can be recommended for people whose diet strictly excludes fried and fatty foods. After all, here the products are prepared without adding oil, which with the usual frying method becomes carcinogenic.
There are also convection microwave ovens. In a regular microwave, the temperature does not rise above 100 degrees, so there is no way to bake or fry anything. And with the convection mode, the temperature in the chamber rises to 250 degrees and you can cook a lot no worse than in the oven.
The most effective are the three-in-one combined models: microwave radiation + grill + convection.
The peculiarity of this type of technology: microwaves act directly on food and do not heat the dishes.
Microwave cookware is another topic that requires a separate article. For now, we can simply note that not all materials transmit microwave waves and therefore not all dishes are suitable for use in the microwave.
How to choose and what to pay attention to?
When choosing such a device, first of all, you need to pay attention to equipment that meets the consumer’s general requirements.
And after that, choose a model with the necessary functionality:
- Size . In the case of built-in models, you need to take into account that there should be free space on top and on the sides. This is necessary for normal air circulation and avoidance of overheating.
- Power . The speed of cooking directly depends on this parameter. On the other hand, quite powerful devices consume a lot of electricity. Those models that can save electricity are designated class A. The most economical ovens are class A++, however, their cost is higher.
- Type of cleaning . Any oven must be regularly cleaned of grease and steam that settles on the walls. Today there are three types of cleaning microwave ovens: catalysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis.
- Safety . All models are equipped with a child lock, as well as a lock to prevent hands from getting into the heating zone. The overheating protection function is also important.
Useful functions and properties
There are also useful features that are worth paying attention to.
One of these functions is the number of glass doors. In modern cabinets, from 1 to 4 glasses are installed. The more of them, the less the outer part of the oven heats up. If you accidentally touch it while cooking, there is less risk of getting burned.
The door can also be hinged or hinged. This is important because the hinged door can be opened to the left or right. The folding one has one position.
Those who have small children will benefit from the child lock feature. I’ll be honest, I’ve looked at so many modern models – it’s everywhere. This blocking not only prevents the appliance from turning on. It also does not allow you to change the cooking mode.
Another very useful feature is the cleaning system. It comes in three types. The first type is hydrolysis. You will need to fill the container with water and turn on the oven. The water will turn into steam, the fat will get wet and then you will wipe everything off with your hands? The second type is pyrolysis purification.
Here the device cleans itself. The temperature inside reaches 500 degrees, food remains turn to ash. All you have to do is wipe the camera. The third type is catalytic purification. Special plates are installed in the chamber of the device to trap fat. There is no need to wash the camera; you only need to change the plates on time.
If you are a fan of barbecue and often bake large pieces of meat, then a spit in the oven will come in handy. Its presence of a spit can be an alternative to convection. Since the rotating dish is evenly fried on all sides.
If you want to buy a built-in device, it is better that it has a cooling system. Thanks to it, your furniture will not deteriorate due to the strong heating of the device. A special built-in fan creates an air barrier around the camera. It circulates cold air, and the device itself does not overheat and the furniture in which it is built in does not overheat.
I can’t help but mention the telescopic guides. Thanks to the movable runners, the baking trays slide out when the door is open. You can forget about mittens and grips... and burnt hands.
Another useful thing is a temperature probe. This is a metal needle with a dial. The device allows you to assess the readiness of the dish. Indispensable when roasting large pieces of meat.
And of course, the number of trays installed is also important. Two levels are enough for a small family. If there are a lot of you or you often gather guests, choose a 4-5 level camera.
Helps save kitchen space
The modern household appliances market offers the buyer a huge range of products for use in the kitchen. Many of them are designed to make the housewife's housework easier. We simply can’t imagine our everyday life without many devices.
When you decide to buy something new for the kitchen, your eyes are filled with possibilities. Multicookers, food processors, blenders, steamers, coffee makers are not a complete list of modern kitchen appliances.
But, unfortunately, not everyone can boast of having a large, spacious kitchen in their house or apartment. And then you have to abandon many devices, since there is simply nowhere to put them.
Engineers from the world's leading equipment manufacturers are familiar with this problem and, year after year, offer new solutions to it. One such option is a device that is designed to perform multiple tasks. By purchasing one item, you simultaneously receive several kitchen “gadgets”.
We present to your attention ovens that also have a microwave function. That is, this is an “all in one” unit – an oven and a microwave. Many housewives appreciated it.
Oven with microwave. Main advantages.
- Saving kitchen space. You don’t need to look for where to put a large microwave, because the oven can perform its functions.
- The price of this oven model is higher, but at the same time, you save on the purchase of a microwave oven.
Rating of TOP 10 best models
On smartphones, you can scroll the table right/left ↔
Place | Name | Price |
TOP 10 best electric ovens with microwave | ||
1 | Fornelli FEA 60 Duetto mw IX | Find out the price |
2 | Weissgauff OE 442 W | Find out the price |
3 | Bosch CMG633BB1 | Find out the price |
4 | Bosch HMG636NS1 | Find out the price |
5 | Bosch CMG636BS1 | Find out the price |
6 | MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9GB | Find out the price |
7 | MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9GW | Find out the price |
8 | Zigmund & Shtain EN 102.112 S | Find out the price |
9 | MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9S | Find out the price |
10 | Siemens HM636GNS1 | Find out the price |
The best electric ovens with microwave
Fornelli FEA 60 Duetto mw IX
The capacity of this oven is 44 liters, which is standard for this type of device..
The model is made in silver color and its design is practically no different from other devices from this manufacturer, but it looks quite elegant.
Electronic control with rotary switches ensures ease of operation.
The digital display always displays the necessary information, which is very convenient. Hydrolysis chamber cleaning does not require much effort to maintain cleanliness.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 44 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.4x54.5 cm.
- Switches are rotary.
- Service life - 7 years.
pros
- laconic design;
- compactness;
- 11 operating modes;
- high build quality;
- child lock;
- timer and camera light.
Minuses
- gets dirty quickly.
Weissgauff OE 442 W
This oven model is made in an elegant white color, thanks to which it will fit into any kitchen interior.
Thanks to the presence of eight functions, you can prepare a wide variety of dishes of any complexity.
Simple touch controls are intuitive and responsive to touch.
The presence of 3D convection ensures that dishes are heated evenly from all sides.
The equipment of the oven is also surprising, which includes a turntable, a spit, a horizontal grill, a grill on legs, and a durable baking tray made of tempered glass.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 44 l.
- Dimensions - 45x59.5x55 cm.
- Switches are touch sensitive.
- Warranty - 1 year.
pros
- 8 oven operating modes;
- 5 microwave power levels;
- the presence of “smart” defrosting by weight;
- child lock.
Minuses
- There is not always enough time set for cooking.
Bosch CMG633BB1
The German manufacturer offers a small oven that has all the necessary functionality.
Because this device can be installed completely independently in any corner of the kitchen, and if necessary, place a hob on top of it.
Control occurs using convenient rotary switches, with which you can select the desired temperature and mode.
The model is also equipped with additional functions such as grill, convection and thermostat.
The three-layer glass of the door reliably protects against burns, and the automatic closer itself closes the door tightly.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 45 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Maximum temperature - 275 °C.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.5x54.8 cm.
- Switches are rotary.
pros
- nice appearance;
- ease of use;
- compactness;
- a large number of preinstalled programs;
- many cooking modes.
Minuses
- Error E0511 may appear.
Bosch HMG636NS1
This model is distinguished by the presence of a special varioSpeed mode, which allows you to connect a microwave to the main cooking mode, thereby saving a lot of time.
The interactive display displays all the necessary information, making the cooking process easier.
The internal enamel coating of the chamber ensures simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 67 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 59.5x59.5x54.5 cm.
- Switches are rotary.
- Warranty - 1 year.
pros
- multifunctionality;
- convenient control;
- does not heat up from the outside;
- Child lock function.
Minuses
- It makes noise during operation and the backlight is constantly on.
Bosch CMG636BS1
This modern multifunctional oven is an appliance with great capabilities and easy control..
The DishAssist function is responsible for automatically selecting the heating temperature.
The touch controls are intuitive and all important information is displayed on the screen.
TitanEmail interior for easy maintenance.
In addition, the oven has a child safety feature, a timer, a residual heat indicator and LED lighting.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 45 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.5x54.8 cm.
- Maximum temperature - 300 °C.
- Switches are rotary.
pros
- 12 operating modes;
- multifunctionality;
- informative display;
- quiet operation;
- simple, intuitive settings.
Minuses
- The side walls get hot.
MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9GB
This model is a compact oven equipped with convenient touch controls.
The inner surface of the chamber is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is quite easy to clean.
The door does not heat up during operation, which ensures safety and protection against burns.
The color information display shows all the necessary information. In addition, the cabinet is equipped with a child lock function.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 44 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.5x55 cm.
- Switches are touch sensitive.
- Warranty period - 1 year.
pros
- the presence of a defrost function;
- stylish design;
- large space;
- 9 heating modes;
- great power.
Minuses
- price.
MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9GW
The MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9GW oven features grill, convection and microwave functions.
Thanks to the Smart Eye panoramic glass from which the door is made, you can monitor the cooking process.
Touch control, which makes using the oven even simpler and more comfortable.
Thanks to the stainless steel inner surface, the camera is easy to clean from dirt.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 44 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.5x55 cm.
- Switches are touch sensitive.
pros
- stylish appearance;
- many modes and settings;
- convenient touch control;
- protection from children;
- Beautiful design.
Minuses
- high price.
Zigmund & Shtain EN 102.112 S
Zigmund & Shtain EN 102.112 S - will be an excellent choice for housewives who love to cook deliciously and take care of their family.
Thanks to the microwave function, you can cook absolutely any food.
Triple tempered glass and child lock make the device completely safe for small children.
By cleaning the camera with steam, the camera will always be kept clean.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 40 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Width - 60 cm.
- Switches are touch sensitive.
- Warranty period - 3 years.
pros
- presence of a timer;
- convenient control;
- the presence of a defrost mode;
- food does not burn.
Minuses
- not found.
MAUNFELD MCMO 44.9S
This oven model is an excellent combination of versatility and stylish design..
9 power modes allow you to cook a wide variety of dishes, and touch controls will make this process even more comfortable.
The timer allows you to cook food without having to constantly monitor it.
The stainless steel from which the inner chamber is made is very easy to clean and does not require special care.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 44 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 45.5x59.5x55 cm.
- Switches are touch sensitive.
- Warranty period - 1 year.
pros
- multifunctionality;
- affordable price;
- informative display;
- the presence of a grill;
- sufficient volume;
- excellent build quality.
Minuses
- It takes some getting used to the control panel.
Siemens HM636GNS1
Siemens HM636GNS1 is one of the first full-size microwave ovens.
13 heating modes allow you to cook a variety of dishes, and the microwave can warm them up or even defrost them.
In addition, by combining microwave and normal cooking mode you can save time.
The color display is quite informative and displays all the necessary information.
In addition, the oven is equipped with a timer that turns off the oven after the time has elapsed.
Characteristics:
- Volume - 67 l.
- Energy class - A.
- Dimensions - 59.5x59.5x54.8 cm.
- Switches are rotary.
- Warranty period - 1 year.
pros
- stylish design;
- a large number of programs;
- clear controls;
- large capacity.
Minuses
- high price.
Microwave function - operating principle
An oven with a microwave function (oven with a microwave function) differs from its counterparts without this option only in that it additionally has a magnetron, which is a source (generator) of microwave radiation.
In an electric or gas oven, any dish is heated by external heat from a gas burner or electric heating element. When using the microwave function in combination, it is not the food that is heated, but only the liquid it contains.
Under the influence of ultra-high frequency waves, the speed of movement of water molecules sharply increases and the temperature increases sharply due to the friction of molecules, which leads to a reduction in cooking time.
Microwave radiation generated by the magnetron penetrates products to a depth of no more than 1.5-3.0 cm, strongly heating this surface layer.
The entire dish is heated by internal heat transfer. Therefore, the microwave function is most often used when heating a ready-made dish or when it is necessary to defrost semi-finished products.
Operating modes
For most needs, the consumer needs four operating modes of the oven: standard heating (bottom and top), grill mode with fan, simple grill and convection.
Today you can find different combinations of modes. Modern models can have from 4 to 25 or even more.
- The grill can be in the form of a metal heating element or infrared. In the second case, a halogen lamp is used as a heating element.
- An air grill is a combined convection and grill mode. Well, a very useful turbo grill is the combination of infrared radiation with a fan. Then the crust forms not on top, but on the entire surface of the product.
- Convection is another necessary mode. It allows any dish to bake evenly. This feature also reduces cooking time.
- Defrosting. Can be defrosted using microwave or convection. In the second case, air at room temperature circulates in the chamber. It defrosts the product evenly from all sides.
But if you are a lover of healthy eating, choose a device with a steamer function. It can be implemented in two ways.
- The cabinet has a removable water container. Water is poured into the container. The steamer function is selected on the display, after which water flows into the generator. It instantly converts water into steam.
- In the second case, water is simply poured into a special heat-resistant container. It comes complete with the device. Such a container with water is installed in the working chamber. Water is heated by high temperature. The dish is placed over it and it is thus prepared.