Microwave ovens, previously referred to as electronic ovens, are devices that are used to heat and cook food. They were invented by Percy Spencer during World War 2 in 1945. While working on an active radar set, he realized that a chocolate bar he had in his pocket was melting. He then went ahead and patented it. Since then, microwave ovens have become a must-have the electric device for almost every home. They heat food faster and using less energy than other heating apparatuses.
How Does a Microwave Oven WOrk?
Microwaves use radiation to heat up food. It is important to note that this radiation isn’t nearly as powerful as the one’s cell phones and Wi-Fi produce. This energy radiates from a magnetron gun which relies on electricity to start it up. Electromagnetic waves then penetrate through the material that makes up the food container and agitates the food and water molecules. The heat travels into the food by conduction. Always ensure that when the microwave is turned on, there is something inside. An empty heated microwave will destroy your appliance.
Pros
People with busy schedules can barely do without microwave ovens. With the availability of various preservation and storage methods, people are relying heavily on microwave ovens to heat up their food. The number of people adopting the meal-prep lifestyle increases every day. This lifestyle aids people in tracking their daily food intake. Most people prepare a meal once a week put them in storage containers and store them in the fridge. Every day, they microwave their meals. This process involves very little time and effort. They are very convenient in terms of saving time and money. They can also be used to sterilize things that may be prone to contamination. This includes dishwashing sponges and chopping boards.
Microwave ovens cook without the usual inconveniences of cooking on a stove top. For instance, when cooking bacon, you will not get any burns from a hot pan or oil splatter on your face.
With its various settings. They can also bring some life back into food, for example, dried up pastries. A dried up donut transforms into a fresh soft piece of pastry.
Cons
Even though low-level exposure to microwave radiation is not that harmful, over-reliance on them can be potentially dangerous. Heating some foods can cause certain elements in them to to be converted into dangerous carcinogenic ones, which are known to cause cancer.
Studies have shown that food that has been heated in a microwave oven contains a significantly reduced amount of essential vitamins and minerals. In a recent study, scientists discovered that microwaved breast milk had a lower level of vitamin B12 as compared to non-microwaved breast milk.
When leftover food is not properly heated, it may lead to bacterial contamination hence causing food poisoning.
Experiments on superheating have shown that some liquids could end up boiling to temperatures above their normal boiling point. When they are removed from the microwave, the liquids explode, potentially hurting the individual handling them.
Choosing a microwave oven
Choosing the best microwave oven for you will be determined by several features and functions. You need to look into cooking time, sensor technology, inversion technology, the type of door, defrost and cooking functions. Microwaves come with a number of pre-sets depending on what your end goal is. Others are digitally controlled while some remain manually controlled.
There are various types of microwave ovens;
- Countertop
- Above the range microwave oven
- Under the counter
- Built-in
- Microwave with a convection oven
- Suspended
- Microwave with grill function
Things to avoid putting in a microwave oven
- Aluminium foil, which can be a fire hazard
- Styrofoam containers
- Plastic containers that do not microwave safe
- Fruits such as raisins and grapes
- Eggs in their shells
- Brown grocery bags
- Plastic bags
- Metal objects
- Stainless steel appliances such as cooking utensils and travel mugs
- Chinese takeout boxes
- Recycled paper products
Conclusion
It is very important to know the various risks pertaining to microwaves before deciding whether or not to buy one. If you do decide to purchase one, use the above information to help you pick the right one depending on your personal preference. Ensure you are aware of all features before deciding as this is most important ever to a number of people.
Read our detailed guide on Best Microwave Ovens for Countertop to know more.