Do you know that some people survive on microwavable meals? The microwavable meals sold could be chilled in the fridge or frozen in the freezer. It is economical and convenient. It benefits some elderly people who live alone and are unable to cook or do their groceries independently due to health reasons.
How does it work? A standard microwave uses electromagnetic wave to heat up food.
Function
Microwaves are mainly used for reheating and thawing food. I use it for reheating my food. For example:
- At work, I heat up a frozen baked potato with frozen cheese topping.
- At home, I heat up leftover rice or reheat soup.
I chuck my warm cooked stir fries into the microwave too. It functions as a ‘plastic mesh cover’ to combat unwanted houseflies on my food and as a ‘warming drawer’ to keep food warm.
It saves the day when there is a cooking fiasco.
Find Steamed fish or roasted chicken slightly undercooked halfway during the meal?
Microwave…
Choosing a microwave oven:
1. Budget
A countertop one cost about RM200 onwards, built-in one RM 1000 onwards, combi one RM 400 onwards
2. Size & capacity
Check the size and make sure that it will fit your kitchen countertop or kitchen cabinet space. Capacity- 20L to 45L.
3. Style-Countertop vs Built-in
Countertop microwave are the most common and cheaper compared to built-in ones.
There are two types of built in: microwave drawers or the ones with the standard door.
4. Controls- mechanical vs digital
Mechanical controls generally have basic function.
Digital has easy touch button, some has a clock display and other features.
5. Other features
Some has other features such as timer control and child lock features.
6. Combination
Combination microwaves are generally more expensive.
E.g. Microwave + Grill, Microwave + Grill + Convection oven.
What microwave am I using?
When we were planning to buy a microwave last year, I knew exactly what I wanted…
A basic one
Low budget 20L microwave with two mechanical dials-power and time.