While choosing domestic appliances, home makers generally have few criteria in their minds. The first and foremost among them is the convenience in using the device. Then comes the cost of the items. Economic viability of using the appliance for long periods is also an important factor. User friendly controls are preferable. Complicated mechanisms or operational procedures will make the consumers apprehensive about the feasibility of the product. Above all the device to be chosen should be able to save time and reduce physical exertion.
The microwave oven can be considered as one that confines to the above specifications. Further it has become a multipurpose utility. It is used not only for defrosting or reheating food, but also for baking, roasting, grilling and toasting. Unlike conventional stoves, microwave ovens have capabilities to process the food in variety of forms. Browning is one such process. Even though consumers can cook the food in the conventional cooking ranges, there is a distinctively different taste or flavor that makes the microwave cooking outstanding. Gourmets have developed special fascination for this modern cooking appliance.
People are progressively making use of this device as an additional cooking appliance, which can complement the existing cooking facilities. In the context of the contemporary hectic lifestyles, it is becoming an essential component of the mechanized kitchen. A portable model can be accommodated on the worktop conveniently. It is the most energy efficient device in the modern kitchen. An outstanding characteristic of microwave is that only the foodstuff will get heated and not the containers. Containers will get heated subsequently through radiation. No other cooking range is as fast as microwave oven.
There are three models of microwave ovens available in the markets. Basic, grill and convection types are now popular among modern homemakers. Basic models are compact as mentioned earlier and can be used for defrosting, reheating and for other incidental purposes. Grill models are for browning or baking. Convection model is the most sophisticated type in which a special fan is provided to make the heat spread evenly within the utility. It is expensive, but considered as the most utilitarian among all models. It is featured with innovative ideas capable of undertaking multifarious functions. As in the case of all mechanical or electronic appliances, microwave ovens also changed substantially in its form and characteristics in the recent past, thanks to the evolving technology. Interiors are coated with special chemicals to make them non-stick, so that cleaning will be easier. Stainless steel is also widely used to make the device more durable. Turn tables are provided to facilitate easier loading and unloading of dishes. Large sizes of convection ovens can accommodate medium sized casseroles or dishes. Latest models are programmable with memory features. Users can store different recipes in the memory and can use the facility conveniently at any time as programmed.
Products with energy ratings, double grills and several auto cook menus are now available. Leading manufacturers like Panasonic, Whirlpool, Daewoo, AEG Electrolux and Sanyo have introduced there latest models of microwave ovens for the consumers to choose from. All products are covered by fool proof warranties and after sale service. Consumers can gather valuable information about the latest products and services from the relevant websites.