A microwave is a common household kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic waves to heat and cooks food quickly. It works by generating high-frequency radio waves that cause water molecules in the food to vibrate and generate heat. Microwaves can also be used for defrosting and reheating food. However, some types of cookware or containers may not be suitable for use in a microwave and can cause damage or even become a safety hazard.
Here’s some additional information about microwaves:
- Microwaves were first invented in the 1940s and became popular as household appliances in the 1970s.
- Microwaves work by emitting microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation, into food. These microwaves cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate rapidly, creating heat.
- One of the benefits of using a microwave is that it can cook food faster than conventional ovens or stovetops. It can also be more energy-efficient for certain types of cooking.
- However, microwaves have limitations when it comes to certain types of cooking, such as browning or crisping food. Some people also have concerns about the safety of using microwaves, although they are generally considered safe as long as the user follows the manufacturer’s instructions and takes appropriate precautions.
- It’s important to use microwave-safe containers when cooking or reheating food in the microwave. Containers made of certain materials, such as metal, can cause sparks or fires in the microwave. It’s also important to avoid using containers that are cracked or damaged, as they may not be able to withstand the heat and pressure of the microwave.
- To avoid uneven heating, it’s a good idea to stir or rotate the food periodically during cooking. It’s also important to let the food stand for a few minutes after cooking to allow the heat to distribute evenly and to avoid burns from hot spots.
Benefits of microwave:
Here are some of the benefits of using a microwave:
- Speed: One of the primary benefits of using a microwave is its speed. Microwaves cook food faster than conventional ovens or stovetops. This is because microwaves penetrate the food and cook it from the inside out, rather than just heating the outside.
- Convenience: Microwaves are easy to use and require very little preparation. You can quickly and easily reheat leftovers, make popcorn, or cook a frozen meal with just the push of a button.
- Energy efficiency: Because microwaves cook food quickly and use less energy than a conventional oven or stovetop, they can be more energy-efficient for certain types of cooking.
- Retains nutrients: Microwaving food can help retain more of its nutrients compared to other cooking methods. Because food cooks quickly in a microwave, it spends less time exposed to heat and water, which can break down vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to clean: Many microwavable dishes and containers are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- Safer for some tasks: Microwaves are great for tasks such as heating up baby bottles, as they can quickly and evenly heat up the liquid without creating hot spots that could burn the baby’s mouth. They can also be useful for people with limited mobility who may have difficulty using a conventional oven or stovetop.
- Space-saving: Microwaves are generally compact in size and can be easily stored on a countertop or in a cabinet, making them a great space-saving option for small kitchens or apartments.
- Versatility: Microwaves can be used for a wide range of tasks beyond just cooking or reheating food. For example, they can be used to quickly soften butter or cream cheese for baking, melt chocolate or cheese for recipes, or even sterilize sponges or cutting boards.
- No preheating: Unlike conventional ovens, microwaves don’t require any preheating time. This means you can start cooking or reheating your food immediately without having to wait for the oven to heat up.
- Less mess: Because microwaves use less heat and water than conventional cooking methods, they can create less mess and splatter in the kitchen. This can be especially helpful when reheating soups or other liquids that can boil over on a stovetop.
- Child-friendly: Many microwaves have child-safety features, such as locks or sensors that prevent the microwave from operating if the door is not closed properly. This can make them a safer option for families with young children.
- Cost-effective: Microwaves are generally an affordable kitchen appliance compared to other cooking methods, such as gas or electric stovetops or ovens. They can also help save money on energy costs by using less electricity or gas to cook food.
10 Best Microwaves:
Here are ten of the best microwaves, along with their specifications and prices (as of February 2023). Please note that prices may vary depending on the retailer and location.
- Panasonic NN-SN966S: This is a high-end microwave with a 2.2 cubic-foot capacity, 1250 watts of power, and inverter technology for even cooking. It also has a sensor cook feature and a turbo defrost function. Price: around $249.
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS: This is a mid-range microwave with a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity, 1100 watts of power, and ten power levels. It also has a sensor cook function and a one-touch popcorn button. Price: around $129.
- LG LMV2031ST: This is a mid-range microwave with a 2.0 cubic-foot capacity, 1000 watts of power, and an easy-clean interior. It also has a sensor cook feature and an energy-saving Eco-On function. Price: around $299.
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL: This is a high-end microwave with a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity, 1100 watts of power, and one-touch auto buttons for popular items like popcorn, pizza, and defrosting. It also has a Sensor IQ function for optimal cooking. Price: around $349.
- Panasonic NN-SN686S: This is a mid-range microwave with a 1.2 cubic-foot capacity, 1200 watts of power, and inverter technology for even cooking. It also has a sensor cook function and a quick 30-second button. Price: around $149.
- Whirlpool WMH31017HS: This is a mid-range microwave with a 1.7 cubic-foot capacity, 1000 watts of power, and a three-speed fan with ventilation to remove smoke and steam. It also has a 30-second add function and a defrost feature. Price: around $249.
- Black+Decker EM720CB7: This is a budget-friendly microwave with a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity, 700 watts of power, and ten power levels. It also has a 30-second express cook feature and a child safety lock. Price: around $64.
- GE JES1072SHSS: This is a budget-friendly microwave with a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity, 700 watts of power, and ten power levels. It also has a weight and time defrost function and a one-touch cooking feature for six popular items. Price: around $79.
- Samsung MS14K6000AS: This is a mid-range microwave with a 1.4 cubic-foot capacity, 1000 watts of power, and a sensor cook function. It also has a ceramic enamel interior for easy cleaning and a scratch-resistant surface. Price: around $169.
- AmazonBasics Microwave: This is a budget-friendly microwave with a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity, 700 watts of power, and ten power levels. It also has built-in Alexa voice control, which allows you to use voice commands to start and stop cooking, add time, or control other features. Price: around $74.
