Buying a microwave: Tips for the best microwave oven
- What is a microwave?
- Microwave, combi microwave: what types are there?
- Important properties of a microwave
- The latest microwave features
- Which Brands Make the Best Microwaves?
The combi microwave has become an integral part of today’s kitchen. It is very easy to thaw, reheat, or prepare food in it. In the supermarket, most ready meals are specially prepared for microwave heating. Do you already have an oven, and are you looking for a nice microwave offer? At Kieskeurig.nl, you can compare all microwaves from different providers, whether you are looking for a cheap or slightly more expensive one.
Do you want to save space and buy an oven and microwave in one? Then see if there is a nice combi microwave offer. Below, you can read what you should pay attention to when buying a microwave, and we give tips for choosing the best microwave and the best combi microwave with the latest technical gadgets.
What is a microwave?
A microwave, microwave oven, or microwave is an oven that heats food using microwave radiation (electromagnetic waves). The ability to heat food using this radiation was discovered by accident in the 1940s while developing microwave radars used during the war. The inventor, Percy Spencer, discovered that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted under the influence of radiation. The company he worked for then patented the microwave.
Much has been said about radiation: Is it harmful to health or not? Opinions differ, but it has not been scientifically proven that microwave radiation harms health. In addition, the radiation does not exceed 2.4 GHz, like most Wi-Fi connections and baby monitors.
Microwaves are built so that radiation stays within them during use. However, according to the manual, using the microwave is important, and not to place metal or aluminum in it. Metal or aluminum can reflect the radiation and damage the microwave. Plastic cannot always be put in the microwave. This is always explicitly indicated on plastic suitable for the microwave (for example, plates or bowls).
When you heat food prepared in the microwave, it is also possible that not all bacteria are killed due to the short, rapid heating. Sometimes, you must be careful when reheating old leftovers from the fridge. It does not matter whether you want to buy a more expensive or cheap combi microwave or microwave oven: they all meet the highest safety requirements for products that work with radiation.
Microwave, combi microwave: what types are there?
There are many types of microwaves. Most people with an oven opt for a regular or solo microwave. Do you want to save space and prefer an oven function? Then you choose a combi microwave or combi oven. A combi oven or combi microwave oven sometimes also has a grill function. If you opt for this, you have a microwave combi with all functions in one. A solo microwave – the name says it all – has only one function (microwave) and, therefore, no oven or grill function.
A microwave combination always has an oven, a grill, or both. An oven with a microwave function is a good choice if you want to heat up your food and prefer a crispy layer. For example, think of pizzas or a delicious cake. There are even microwaves with special pizza or pie-baking functions.
Then you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Do you want to buy a combi microwave? There is something for everyone, from simple, cheap microwaves to built-in microwaves with the latest gadgets. Below, you can read more about the most important features of a microwave and microwaves with the latest technical functions.
Important properties of a microwave
Most microwaves have a turntable that ensures that the food is heated evenly. You can often stop the turntable in a microwave oven. This can be useful for a dish in a larger bowl (too big to turn around). So pay attention to this when you buy an oven microwave. You also have the choice to place the combi microwave freestanding in your kitchen or to buy a built-in microwave.
Built-in microwaves are usually slightly more expensive than freestanding variants. When buying a microwave, also look at which side the door opens so you can easily reach it. Also important: when you have put the microwave in place, is there enough room for ventilation?
To buy a microwave, you must first know exactly how and what you want to use it. If you have a large household, a 40-liter combi microwave may be better than a mini microwave.
Also, consider what else is important to you. Do you want your dishes to heat up quickly? Then, choose a microwave with a high wattage of more than 1000 watts. A lower wattage will suffice if you mainly use the microwave to defrost food slowly and evenly. Do you have small children? Then, make sure you have a microwave with a child lock.
When purchasing a combi microwave, you can choose between an oven with top and bottom heat or a convection function. Do you want a crispy crust on your lasagna? Then, choose an oven with a hot air setting. Whether you want the microwave to be cheap or are looking for a small microwave, Kieskeurig.nl has an overview of the best microwaves in your price range.
The latest microwave features
Some newer models contain even more advanced functions than the standard combi microwave functions. For example, the latest Whirlpool combi microwave also has a steam function, which is a solution if you want your vegetables or fish dishes to retain their maximum flavor. A bonus: steaming is also one of the healthiest ways of cooking!
The latest Whirlpool microwave also contains a 3D function, ensuring your dishes are heated equally everywhere. There are also microwaves that you can operate via an app. Thanks to the device’s internet connection, you can control the operation via your smartphone or tablet. This way, you can preheat your oven remotely if you know when you will be home. Useful!
Another example of a smart microwave is the version that counts the calories in your meal. Using the microwaves that pass through your food, the device calculates the amount of sugar, fiber, protein, fat, and water it contains. Finally, some microwaves contain an infrared camera.
This lets you see whether your meal or drink has been properly warmed up inside. In any case, the latest models guarantee an optimal taste of your dishes. Heating food in a microwave is even healthier than simply heating it in a pan: because it takes less time to heat the food, the nutrients are better preserved.
Which Brands Make the Best Microwaves?
If you have decided whether to purchase a regular microwave or a combi microwave with the latest technical gadgets, the next step is to see which brand you choose. Will it be a Samsung combi microwave, one from Siemens or Bosch, or do you still want an LG or Sharp microwave? All these big, well-known brands are known for providing good microwaves with various functions and different price ranges. The Samsung and Siemens combi-microwaves are the best sold and often also look beautiful and stylish, just like those from Bosch or Sharp. Here, you can get your right 4 Wheelers.
However, a microwave from a brand such as Samsung microwave, Sharp, Bosch, or Siemens is not necessarily the cheapest microwave. Certainly not if you opt for a copy with many extra functions. Want one of top quality and don’t mind the price? Then you can also switch to a Pilgrim combi microwave, a Dutch brand that makes top-quality microwaves.
Are you looking for a high-quality microwave but have less to spend? Then, look out for an Etna or Severin microwave. These brands are known for providing good, quality products but are cheaper than well-known ones.
Whether looking for a cheap microwave or a slightly more expensive variant, you can view them all at your leisure on Kieskeurig.nl. This way, you can easily find a microwave, combi, or built-in microwave that suits you.
