Advantages and Disadvantages of a Microwave Oven

The microwave oven has given a new impetus to thebe equipped with a fan to circulate heat evenly so that
culinary activities in the modern kitchen. This utility hasthe heating or cooking process will be faster. This type
become an unavoidable kitchen appliance. In a hecticis an ideal one for small eateries or large households.
lifestyle, a microwave oven is a word synonymousBoth built-in type and convection ovens are very
with convenience.expensive. They can be used for browning and broiling
In the early stages of its introduction, it was primarilythe meat in the course of cooking.
used for reheating stored or refrigerated food and toBut in totality, the microwave oven is used for its
make popcorn. The main advantage of a microwaveefficiency and convenience and not very much for the
oven is that it can heat the food without heating thequalitative advantages. The dieticians recommend
cookware directly. The food becomes hot first andmicrowave oven only for heating, browning and
then the cookware or the pan gets heated through thecaramelisation. Many experts warn that nutritious
food in it. This phenomenon is a unique feature of thevalues of vegetable will be lost in microwave cooking.
utility over the conventional ovens or stoves. In theSome reports caution that a microwave oven will
subsequent periods it has become multipurposedivest the vitamin contents and phytonutrients of the
equipment. Many new features were incorporated tofood due to the radiation. Regular intake of food
facilitate baking, roasting, grilling and toasting apart fromcooked in microwave oven will cause obesity and
the usual cooking methods. The users are alsorelated diseases.
benefited with the efficiency and economy that areLike many other facilities available to those who lead a
offered by the microwave oven.busy lifestyle, the microwave oven may also contribute
The most popular type of microwave oven is theto certain hazards. The best option is to use it
small or portable one which can be placed on theselectively. It can be used for reheating, melting and
kitchen worktop. It is known as compact sizemaking popcorn. Many new features are incorporated
microwave oven and used for defrosting or heatingin the modern versions like facility to programme the
food items. The bigger model is the medium sized onecooking process. Timers are provided to cut off the
which can accommodate casseroles etc to cookpower once the cooking is completed.
vegetable and meat. The largest one is for cookingMaintenance of microwave ovens is important. The
food in a large scale. Another model is the built inutility should be cleaned immediately after the use. The
microwave oven, which can be installed only byfilters provided are easily removable to facilitate
professional technicians. The power consumptionperiodical cleaning. The turn table should be taken out
depends on the size of the oven. When the compactand cleaned. Proper maintenance will ensure durability
size requires 500 to 1000 watts of electricity, theof the oven. The user should carefully read all the
largest size will work on wattage of 2000 or more.instructions in the manual issued by the manufacturers
The special feature is the convection oven which willalong with the product.