How does a microwave work?

Microwaves are a type of slow electromagnetic radiation, located between infrared and radio waves on the frequency spectrum. A magnetron inside your oven generates microwaves that bounce off its metal walls, but are able to pass through food. In doing so, wave energy is absorbed by water molecules, causing the food to heat up.

How many watts is a good microwave?

All the experts we spoke with said that around 900W is enough for cooking ready meals and reheating food. The higher the power, the faster your food can cook and the more you can cook in the same time.

“Food can only absorb so many microwaves at a time,” says Cobb. This means that a very powerful appliance will struggle to heat small quantities of food efficiently.

What is an inverter microwave?

Traditional microwaves can only operate at 100 percent or 0 percent power. If you select a low-power setting, it simply slows down the cycle, switching between 100 and 0 less frequently. This can cause greasy foods to splatter and shatter when the full-power microwave hits them. An inverter circuit can provide constant power at fractions of the maximum power. Your food will be cooked or defrosted more evenly.

What can I cook in the microwave?

Microwaves are mainly used for reheating cooked meals, leftovers and drinks. Many now have pre-programmed functions, so, for example, if you’re making a pizza or a baked potato, you just press the button and it knows what to do.

Increasingly, microwaves are also used to cook fresh produce. Solo appliances (those without a grill or convection heat) can cook vegetables and meats, but they won’t get brown and crispy. Combination microwaves allow you to crisp food while cooking it in the microwave, although they tend to be a little more expensive.

“These are really useful pieces of equipment,” Cobb says. “They are ideal for all vegetables. Once you use one, dare I say you’ll be converted. You’ll ask yourself: “What’s the point of taking out the pan?” »

Are microwave ovens safe?

Microwaves have sparked fears since they appeared on the market. However, when used correctly, there is no danger. According to the World Health Organization, “When used according to manufacturer’s instructions, microwave ovens are safe. » However, there could be a leak if your microwave is damaged.

“They actually have very good security mechanisms,” Cobb says. For example, you can’t turn them on if the door is open, so no heat can escape. Even if it does, it is non-ionizing radiation, so it has relatively low energy and will not ionize atoms and molecules.

There is also fear-mongering that it will spoil the nutrients in the food (or that the food will become radioactive). It’s unfounded, Cobb informs me. “All it does is agitate the molecules in food or drinks. This doesn’t damage them any more than if you boiled them on the stove. If you boil something to death, it breaks down, and it’s the same in the microwave. Obviously, make sure all foods are well cooked.

A word of caution, however, is to never operate a microwave without food or drink inside. “It should never be empty, it should have moisture in it,” says Cobb. This is most often done when warming plates, but it can damage the microwave. If you want to warm plates, put a cup of water on them.

How long does a microwave last?

Even with daily use, all microwaves should last seven years. Used less frequently, many will last nine or ten years without issue. The main reason to replace one may be to upgrade to new features, such as convection baking, steaming, grilling, and even air frying.

Are Combination Microwave Ovens Worth It?

A combination microwave can be a good investment, especially if you have limited access to other appliances. Combination microwaves can cook, grill, steam and more, but tend to use less energy than a standard oven.

How to clean a microwave effectively?

Many people recommend “steam cleaning” it by adding a teaspoon of vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda to a cup of warm water and heating it in the microwave until steamed. she fills the oven with steam. Steam is supposed to soften cooked foods, making them easier to wipe with a damp cloth.

However, boiling water in the microwave can be very dangerous: it can “overheat” and explode when touched. The smart thing is to simply clean the microwave after each use, rather than letting dirt build up and harden. A cloth dampened with warm, soapy water will do the trick.

To avoid messy blowouts, make sure you use the correct power setting and timing. Most are caused by overcooking foods.

How much energy does a microwave oven use?

At current energy prices, it costs just over 3p to run a 900W microwave for 10 minutes. Microwaves can use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens, but the amount will depend on their power, size and how often you use them.