What is an inverter microwave, how is it different from a normal one? Is it worth it to overpay for the benefits promised by consultants? To get to the bottom of the truth, let's look at their device and find out how the microwave oven with inverter differs from a simple microwave.
Manufacturers claim that such models are much better. Is it true that the food cooked in them turns out tastier, more beautiful and retains more nutrients?
Why do we need an inverter?
Even those who have little knowledge of physics, it is clear that in the microwave, foods become hot and edible under the influence of ultra-high frequencies - microwaves. Molecules driven by an electromagnetic field emit thermal energy. Since waves are able to penetrate objects through and through, food in the chamber warms up evenly, not only on the surface, but also inside.
Where do the waves come from in the microwave? They are emitted by a magnetron - the "heart" of the apparatus, its main detail. In ordinary furnaces, the magnetron is fed through a transformer, in the considered ones - from the inverter. This is a control unit and a DC / AC converter. It is in this block that the difference between conventional and inverter systems lies.
Since the inverting element is much smaller than the transformer, a winning difference in dimensions and weight is obtained.
The principle of operation of inverter microwaves
Magnetron, generating microwaves, gradually reduces the radiation power. The effect on the molecules becomes softer - this helps prevent their overheating.
In conventional stoves, the magnetron does not reduce power, but only reduces the intervals of shock waves and increases the pauses between them. It is more “traumatic” for molecules, moisture is lost - the product is overdried. In the inverter, due to the smooth reduction of radiation, it is possible to maintain the structure of the molecules. What is the practical interest for the consumer in this? Products retain their shape better, they are more attractive externally and more beneficial inside.
The essence of technology
An innovative method of cooking food is proposed - Inverter Combination Cooking. This technique addresses the disadvantages of traditional devices. Microwave ovens are quickly prepared, but only inverter control makes it possible to brown products. By combining a grill or other functions with an inversion system, you can quickly heat and cook food - wholesome and appetizing in appearance.
Accelerated defrost
Consumers who look at microwave ovens with an inverting element are interested in: what does Turbo-defrosting mean. This is a technology that uses the principle of successively changing power. Thanks to the Turbo mode, the products defrost twice as fast. The “chaos theory” is used, in which it is possible to distribute the energy of microwaves, in the best way alternating the principles of regularity and irregularity.
External differences
If you compare external data, the device with adjustable power is no different from ordinary, except that it weighs less. All the differences are in the principle of the device. Due to the lack of a bulky transformer, the developers were able to reduce weight and increase the volume of the camera, while maintaining the external dimensions.
Power consumption
A huge plus of the system is the economical use of electricity. A magnetron, which is switched on only once during a cycle, gradually reduces power, consuming energy by 28% less. If the standby mode is on, the savings reach 72%.
Pros and cons
Like any technique, a microwave oven with an inverting element has its pros and cons. Benefits:
- Compactness: roomy camera, low weight.
- Uniform heating. The control system allows you to smoothly reduce the impact during cooking.
- Large feature set. Dishes are cooked quickly and still be healthy. Combining microwaves with a grill, you can cook a meal with a crispy crust - like an oven. Also, microwave radiation can be combined with steam and other options.
- Quick defrost. A number of models have this function and defrost products twice as fast. As the intensity of the magnetron changes, defrosting proceeds in a mild mode - beneficial substances are not destroyed, freshness is better preserved.
- There is no rotating pan. The absence of a plate gives more opportunities for placing the container, one thing is important - that it fits in the chamber.
Experts and users find only one drawback with the stoves in question - the price. They are more expensive than conventional microwaves. A limited number of modifications are also noted.
How much more useful is food from an inverter microwave oven
The question of the usefulness of microwave dishes has always worried consumers. How true are the claims about the benefits of food cooked in a new type of oven? Any processing negatively affects the usefulness of the products. It is clear that due to the traumatic effect of electromagnetic waves, food loses its initial concentration of nutrients - vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are destroyed.
After repeated experiments and studies, experts were able to state that stoves with an invertor principle of action can preserve the content of vitamins and minerals by about 30% more than conventional microwaves.
How to choose
The selection criteria practically do not differ from the factors taken into account when buying a traditional inverter-free model. Need to evaluate:
- sizes
- power;
- spaciousness;
- control;
- functional;
- the price.
You must also consider the estimated intensity of use. 0.6 kW is enough to heat ready meals - you can buy a solo stove. With additional features, the power reaches 1.5 kW.
The capacity of the camera is 14-20 liters. Large volumes are recommended for families of 4-5 people. Roomy microwave ovens will also come in handy for party buffs preparing for guests.
When choosing a suitable modification, you also need to pay attention to:
- Control. Typically, models with a wide range of options use a touch or electronic option - faster, more accurate and more efficient to configure.
- Protection. If there are kids in the family, take a model with a child lock function.
- Grill. Its functions can be performed by a heater or a quartz lamp. In the latter case, the dishes seemed to be cooked at the stake. Some models have a vertical or double grill.
- Inner coating. The best option is ceramics or bioceramics. It is an easy-to-clean material on which no carbon deposits form. It has high resistance to heat and mechanical stress.
Who is the manufacturer
The most famous manufacturer of monitored microwave ovens is Panasonic.
Panasonic NN-DS596
The described technology is applied in the NN-DS596 model supporting combined mode. The volume of the camera is 27 liters. Without a rotating pan. There is a powerful steam generator and top grill.
Panasonic NN-CD565B
Compact model with a capacity of 1 kW, not inferior in functionality to full-sized versions. Dimensions are cut thanks to the special placement of the fan. There is a quartz grill.
Panasonic NN-SD 366 M
The furnace is silver-colored at 22 liters, with a power of 0.8 kW. Electronic control. The rotating pallet with a diameter of 24.5 cm. Dimensions: 28x48x36 cm.
What Siemens offers
Panasonic is not the only manufacturer of these microwaves, they are also produced by Siemens. Among the models of this manufacturer, it is worth noting the HF 25M2L2.
Its capacity is 21 liters. The camera coating is stainless steel. There is defrosting and cooking. Push-button control.
Microwave from Whirlpool
The large AMW 848 IX microwave has the most capacious chamber that can only be: 40 liters. This will fit a whole Christmas goose. The stove has all the functions that the hostess dreams of - grilling and convection. Suitable for baking meat and baking. Touch control. There is defrosting and cooking.
Although a limited number of manufacturers produce inverter stoves, customers have plenty to choose from. This technique will be a reliable tool in culinary delights.
Reviews
Panasonic NN-DS596: Oleg I., Sochi
Interested in a new approach to cooking. I am satisfied with the purchase. The oven has all the main functions - microwaves, steam, grill, convection and plus their combinations. There are many pluses. Very quiet operation - a little audible fan. There is a self-cleaning. Food is prepared much faster. There are no flaws, except for the fingerprints that remain on the super glossy surface of the control panel.
Siemens HF25G5L2: Valentina T., Stary Oskol
Long chose a microwave, I wanted to find the perfect one. I like that there is a bunch of auto-programs: I ask the task, and I'm free - the stove will cook everything itself. Great power - food cooks fast. The food tastes good, you can’t say what is cooked in the microwave. I can memorize my favorite recipes. Beautiful design, there is a powerful grill - it comes out like in the oven, with a crispy crust. It defrosts very quickly.
In inverter microwaves using a new approach to power control, the food is tastier and healthier. The equipment itself loses weight and dimensions - these models are lighter, more compact and roomy. The only negative is the higher price. But the benefits of a purchase are worth it.