The microwave is a multitasking talent
No kitchen appliance polarises as much as a microwave. Some know and use its advantages, others are sceptical about the appliance. The appliance is said to be too harmful and unhealthy. Users are too lazy. Not true.
There are good reasons to buy a microwave: food or drinks are heated up within minutes and frozen food is defrosted quickly. The radiation causes the water molecules in the food to vibrate quickly and energy-efficiently and the food becomes warm. Depending on the model, you can even prepare your vegetables gently with steam, grill your chicken or bake a cake.
I have discovered the benefits of the microwave for myself. Just heat up yesterday's leftovers and my lunch is ready. I warm up the milk for my little one in seconds and the crying stops as quickly as it started. With the right microwave steriliser, baby bottles and dummies are quickly back in action. Popcorn from the microwave has also recently become one of my favourite foods. Occasionally, the thought about the harmfulness of the rays pops into my head, but it disappears at the same speed. Because what about Wi-Fi and the mobile in your pocket? ;-)
Is a microwave harmful?
It is often said that microwave users are lazy. I'll leave this theory out of it. But does the kitchen appliance really have a negative effect on people and food? Opponents at least say that the radiation is harmful. The programme "Espresso Aha!" addressed these myths in 2014 and reported at the time that this is a misconception. The microwave is neither dangerous for people nor for food. On the contrary, culinary expert Patrick Zbinden states in this report that the microwave is often underestimated. For example, you can dry herbs or prepare flavoursome food. So there's nothing to stop you bringing this multitasking talent into the kitchen to help you out.
Microwave with or without additional function
There are various models to choose from. A conventional microwave focuses on reheating and defrosting food. An appliance with an output of 700 to 900 watts is sufficient for heating. More power is useless for these two requirements. Faster heating with a higher wattage only consumes more electricity and the food often becomes inedible. For an appliance with an integrated grill function, however, you need an output of 1000 to 1300 watts, while an output of up to 2500 watts makes sense for hot-air appliances.
With the grill function, you can easily prepare gratinated casseroles or pizzas. Due to the heating by infrared radiation, you need sufficient ventilation with such an appliance. This means a distance of around 10 to 20 cm from the wall. The hot air function offers you even heat distribution in the cooking space. Ideal for baking cakes, biscuits or other baked goods. If you only want to bake, a small oven may be an alternative.
If you like to eat gently prepared vegetables, a microwave with the additional function steam cooking or a steamer function is worthwhile. However, this is only worthwhile if you don't already have a built-in steamer. Microwaves can also be installed. To do this, select a suitable built-in appliance. Sufficient circulation or front ventilation is important with this variant.
When filtering in the shop, you will quickly notice that most microwaves have two or even three cooking methods. They are real all-rounders. However, this is only useful if you make use of them. Otherwise, you're better off sticking with the cheaper standard model.
Further selection options
Some appliances have an automatic weight control, an inverter technology or a child safety lock.
With the automatic weight control, the appliance uses a sensor to recognise how heavy the food is and adjusts the power accordingly.
With the inverter function, it is possible to programme the exact temperature for all dishes and foods. The food does not overcook and the nutrients are preserved. This is intelligent technology for good and healthy cooking.
If the microwave is easily accessible for children, I recommend a model with an integrated child safety lock. You can block the control panel on these appliances and thus avoid a potential fire hazard.
Features of the interior
The interior of a microwave is always made of ceramic enamel or stainless steel and is illuminated. A glass turntable ensures that the food is heated evenly. When using a turntable, make sure that you use containers that do not protrude over the edge of the plate. This will prevent it from turning properly and the food will not heat evenly. Recently, there are models without a turntable. They can also accommodate rectangular containers. For example, the microwaves from Panasonic, Bauknecht oder Sharp.
For families where the microwave is often in use, you need an oven with a volume of between 25 and 30 litres. For less frequent use or in single households, a lower volume is sufficient.
Microwaves are generally easy to clean. A microwave hood is useful for food that splatters. It protects the interior from the worst of the dirt. If a fiasco does occur, you can find cleaning tips below.
How do I operate a microwave oven?
An ordinary microwave that heats and defrosts food usually has two buttons or dials to set the power and time. As soon as the appliance can bake, steam or grill, operation is often a little more complicated. In addition to the power levels and the timer, you can also set the cooking time, the programme, the number of grams and the product. Some microwaves simplify the settings by means of a display. An acoustic signal sounds when the desired time has elapsed.
What should (not) go in a microwave?
If you decide to use a microwave, you need to know what can and cannot go in it:
Material
It is safe to use glass, ceramic and crockery that has been specially manufactured or labelled for use in microwaves. However, items made of metal, plastic, paper, polystyrene and earthenware as well as crockery with metal or gold decorations are unsuitable.
Caution is advised with aluminium foil. It is metallic and reflects the rays of the microwave, which can lead to a fire in the worst case scenario. You must remove cling film because it can shrink, melt or give off toxic vapours. To prevent drying out and loss of flavour when reheating, use special cling film designed for the microwave or a microwave cover.
Food
- Eggs: Eggs explode in the microwave due to the surprising heat. Without a special microwave egg cooker, you should refrain from preparing them.
- Raw meat: Raw meat does not belong in the microwave because of the uneven heating. There is too great a risk that the meat will not be heated sufficiently.
- Oil and fat: If you like to cook a lot, you know that oil ignites quickly.
- Fruit: It consists of a lot of water and a peel. Similar to eggs, it can explode. Fruit also quickly becomes inedible at high temperatures.
- Peppers: They contain capsaicin. A substance that triggers the heat and pungency stimulus. Heating them in the microwave multiplies this effect and you will quickly burn your mouth.
- Chestnuts: If cooked incorrectly, chestnuts behave in a similar way to an egg. The shell bursts due to the high temperature.
- Bread rolls and pizza: Bread rolls become hard and dry on the outside, but soft on the inside. Pizza, on the other hand, becomes soft and crispy. If you don't have a grill or bake function, it's better not to use it. -
Nevertheless, you can find a few recipes online on how to safely prepare these "forbidden" foods in the microwave. If you still end up with a mess, I'll tell you how you can easily remove them.
Cleaning tips
Last but not least, hygiene is also important with a microwave. Bacteria can develop and multiply quickly in a dirty environment. With these three tips, you can clean your kitchen appliance in no time at all
Tip 1
Place a bowl of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in the microwave. After 10 minutes on the highest setting, wipe away the dried residue with a wet cloth.
Tip 2
Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to boiling water. After boiling again, put it in the microwave for five minutes. Close the door, but do not switch on the appliance. After a few minutes, wipe with a cloth.
Tip 3
Place a few lemon slices in a plate full of water and put it in the microwave. Now run the appliance on the highest setting for five minutes and then wipe over with a flannel.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
