An oven is a tool that is used to make or heat food items. The purpose of all ovens is the same but the technology of their working is different. And in this article, we will know the advantages and Disadvantages of Microwave Oven.
To cook or heat food, heat is required, which can be obtained in different ways in the oven. Wood, coal, gas or electricity are used to obtain heat in traditional ovens such as wood fired oven, coal fired oven, electric oven etc. But the technology of microwave oven is different from these and microwave radiation is used for cooking or heating food.
In today’s article, you will read in detail about Microwave Oven, where you will get to know the answers to questions like what is Microwave Oven, how a Microwave Oven works, uses of Microwaves Oven and most importantly Advantages and Disadvantages of Microwave Oven, etc.
Before getting knowledge about Advantages and Disadvantages of Microwave Oven, we need to understand what is microwave oven and how it works. So, let’s start and know the complete information about microwave oven.
What is Microwave Oven?
A microwave oven is an oven that uses microwaves to cook or heat food. Microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation in which electrical and magnetic energy move together. Microwaves have three key characteristics that make them used for cooking and heating. They are reflected by metal, pass through lead, paper, plastic and similar materials. And, they are absorbed by dishes.
How does Microwave Oven work, And it is safe to use?
Microwave ovens work very quickly and efficiently because they transmit heat directly to the molecules inside the food. In this, microwave rays heat the food in the same way as the sun’s rays heat our face.
Microwave oven is like a strong metal box where a microwave generator is installed. It is called a magnetron. Whenever you start the cooking, the magnetron takes electricity from the power outlet and converts it into high powered 12cm (4.7inch) long microwaves.
Now, these microwaves keep reflecting in the metal interior of the oven which is absorbed by the food. The food is placed on a turntable inside the oven that rotates slowly. The reason behind that, the microwave rays fall evenly on the food. As soon as the microwaves enter in the food, then the water molecules present in it start vibrating rapidly. Due to this process, heat can generate in them and the food get proper heat.
Uses of Microwave Oven:
Now, let’s talk about the use of Microwave Oven.
To reheat food
Firstly, and most common use of a microwave oven is to reheat the food. Microwave Oven can reheat the food very efficiently than any other oven. Whatever be the food item, microwave oven heats it well.
For cooking
Most people use cooktops or stoves for cooking. But you can also cook many types of dishes using a microwave oven.
Multifunctional microwave ovens can be used for baking, blanching, grilling, boiling, roasting and steaming food items. To do all these things, you do not need of any other kitchen equipment except the microwave equipment.
Makes citrus fruits juicy
When we take out citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc. from our refrigerator at that time they are bit harder. If we keep them in a microwave oven for 20 seconds before extracting their juice, then they become softy and more juice can comes out of them.
Disinfecting kitchen utensils
Microwave ovens can help in disinfecting kitchen utensils like plastic cutting boards and sponges. You have to soak your sponge and cutting board in lemon juice and keep them in the microwave oven for a minute. It works to both disinfect and deodorize your kitchen items.
After all these basics, let’s understand the advantages and disadvantages of Microwave Oven. You need to understand these points very carefully. So, let get started.
Advantages of Microwave Oven:
- There is no danger of burning in a microwave oven. Because they only heat the food. It heats the food container.
- Microwave ovens cook at low temperatures so that cancer-causing substances cannot form.
- On heating dishes in other kitchen appliances, it gets hot from outside but remains cool from the inside. While this does not happen in a microwave oven. In this case, the food rotates on the turntable and microwaves enter the food and heat it evenly from inside to outside.
- When potatoes are cooked in a microwave oven, it does not release acrylamide, which has the potential to cause cancer. So, it is the most helpful advantage.
- Due to the short preparation time in the microwave oven, nutrients remain in the food because they do not get destroyed due to prolonged cooking.
- Microwave ovens use less energy than cookstoves for heating less amounts of food.
- They occupy significantly less space in the kitchen and are very beneficial for those who have less space in their kitchen.
- Cleaning a microwave oven is a very easy task compared to a conventional oven.
- Food is cooked very quickly in a microwave oven as compared to a traditional oven.
- This oven turns off automatically. Because the time is set in it before starting cooking. There is no need to handle it again and again.
- Microwave oven does not burn fire, so it can be easily operated even by children without any fear.
- Microwave oven is closed from all sides so it does not generate steam or smoke which usually happens in stove.
- In addition to reheating food, you can also use a microwave oven to prepare certain foods, such as scrambled eggs, cookies, polenta, mac and cheese, popcorn and even potato chips.
- Microwave ovens can heat food that is on plates rather than in conventional cookware. Due to this, the need of cooking food is reduced.
Disadvantages of Microwave Oven:
- One has to be careful about the utensil in the microwave oven. Some plastic containers can react with hot food and release harmful chemicals.
- It is not possible to fry or make chapati in it.
- Food can be cooked in a microwave oven only up to a limited capacity.
- It is not the right option for a large family.
- Microwave food can cause dehydration. Because the water molecules present in the food are heated in the microwave oven, which can reduce when overheated and the food can become dry.
- Some people say that if the microwave gets damaged then there may be leakage problem happens which is a concern for health. Therefore, if you have even a little doubt then do not use it and contact customer care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope you will get brief idea on advantages and disadvantages of microwave oven. Microwave Oven is a great kitchen device. Nowadays, every kitchen has this useful tool. Now, you understood each and every point of this tool. So, you can easily use it with necessary precautions. I hope you like this article on “What is Microwave Oven and Advantages and Disadvantages of Microwave Oven”. I have tried my best to explain every information related to Microwave Oven.
