Microwave ovens not only reheat cooked food, but also defrost food, prepare simple dishes, and with the built-in grill function, the number of available recipes is even greater. Inexpensive microwave ovens are now widespread, so choosing is not difficult.
The content of the article:
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What to look for when choosing a microwave
- Power
- Volume
- Internal coating
- Control
- Additional functions
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Top best inexpensive microwaves
- LG MS-2042DB
- Horizont 20MW700-1479BHB
- Gorenje MO17E1W
- BBK 23MWC-881T/B-M
- BBK 20MWS-728S/W
- Binatone FMO 2030W
- Midea MM720CPI
- Hansa AMG20BFH
- Electrolux EMT 25207 OX
- Midea MI9250BX
What to look for when choosing a microwave
Choosing an inexpensive microwave oven, determine for what purposes it is needed, where it will be located. This is necessary to select the volume, additional functions, type of placement (built-in or freestanding).
In addition to heating ready-made food, the oven is used for:
- Cooking. Contrary to popular belief that nothing more complicated than a cake or an omelette can be made in a microwave oven, complicated recipes are cooked in the microwave. Baked fish, casserole, open pies (quiche), lasagne, soup, and many others - all this is cooked in the microwave.
- Dryer for vegetables, fruits. To save space, they do not purchase a separate drying of fruits, mushrooms, but do it even in an inexpensive microwave oven.
- Defrosting products. A popular feature built into almost all microwave ovens. However, it is recommended to use it only for defrosting vegetables, berries or mushrooms. Meat, seafood, fish in the process of defrosting, even with low heat treatment, can begin to boil, as a result they will not be defrosted raw, but half-cooked.
- Sterilization. In the microwave, cans are steamed before seaming or baby bottles. Just carefully set the temperature so that the thin plastic parts do not deform.
- Odor treatment. Lemon juice dissolved in water gets rid of the unpleasant odor on cutting boards by disinfecting them in the microwave.
But, using the oven, do not forget about the precautions and subtleties, observing which, it will last longer than the approximate life:
- Use of special utensils for the microwave oven. It has a label on it. If it is not there, then they clarify the information with the seller or do not take risks by choosing another option.
- When heating the products for a long time, stir them so that the heating is uniform.
- To exit condensate and steam, a special cover with holes is suitable.
- When cooking food in the microwave, cut the food into small pieces so that the microwaves penetrate completely into them.
- Most microwaves heat food at the edges of the plate, not in the middle. This is taken into account when frying or baking.
- When cooking eggs, take only fresh products. Pierce the yolks with a toothpick.
Now in the market of inexpensive household appliances for the kitchen, microwave ovens are in stock. There are 3 main types:
- Solo. Simple, inexpensive microwave ovens. They are found in all price segments. These are the best inexpensive microwave ovens. Suitable for defrosting, heating, cooking simple dishes. There are models with already built modes for cooking certain products, similar to a slow cooker.
- with convection. An inexpensive oven does not just heat the product directly using microwaves, but additionally blows it with hot air. The effect of cooking is achieved, as in an oven.
- With grill. In addition to the usual heating, it fries food. The first type with a heating element is a tubular heating element located on top. The second view is with a quartz grill. The microwave oven has a quartz glass tube. The mode gives the products a slight smell of a fire.
- The inexpensive combined microwave oven prepares any dishes of varying complexity, copes with simple tasks, such as heating, defrosting food.
After analyzing all the possibilities, subtleties in using a microwave oven, they choose a model from the middle price segment, based on important criteria.
Power
Depending on the furnace, the power varies. In most inexpensive models, it is possible to lower it. Solo is produced with an available power of 900 watts. For other types (microwaves with grill, convection or combined), a high one is required - from 1000 to 1500 watts.
Volume
It must be calculated based on needs, such as the number of people (who use the microwave every day) or the frequency of cooking complex dishes (using the grill or convection).
The 3 main types of inexpensive ovens by volume are:
- Up to 19 years Inexpensive models. Enough to reheat food on 1 medium plate or defrost food in a small bowl.
- From 20 to 25 liters. This volume is comfortable for a small family of 2-4 people. In inexpensive microwave ovens of this size, the manufacturer adds the functions of the grill, convection, which increases the possible tasks.
- 26-32 l. Microwaves that are suitable for a large family to prepare different dishes with the help of additional functions. Fully replace the oven, grill.
- More than 33 liters. Furnaces for in cafe or restaurants. They are production.
We bring to your attention the article - Is it possible to hang a microwave over a gas stove.
Internal coating
Contrary to popular belief that only the visual part of the furnace depends on the coating, in the case of the internal one, it affects the ease of maintenance and service life. There are 4 types:
- Under enamel. The most short-lived coating, a period of about 6 months. Well-known manufacturers do not use this type. Most often, this is done by little-known brands that have just entered the market with inexpensive products.
- Heat resistant enamel. Due to its sensitivity to high temperatures, this type of coating is only used on solo models. It holds up well. You need a gentle wash once a month, periodic removal of dirt with a soft cloth or sponge. The main disadvantage of such enamel is that it is easy to damage it, for example, with a hard side or a metal sponge. However, the price allows it to be used in inexpensive models of ovens, even well-known brands.
- Stainless steel. A popular finishing material, reliable, wear-resistant, withstands high temperatures, so it is used in all types of microwave ovens. Steel is easy to care for with gentle cleaning products that do not damage the coating. The only exception is that it is strictly forbidden to use metal brushes, sponges.
- Ceramic coating. Expensive, but justified - scratches from brushes, cleaning products are not terrible, any dirt is easily removed. The only drawback of such furnaces is their heavy weight.
Control
Another important criterion when choosing an inexpensive microwave oven. This is a device for daily use and management should be clear, comfortable, so as not to get the instructions every time the mode is changed.
There are 4 types of microwave oven control:
- Mechanical. A simple way to control is 2 knobs, one of which controls the power (including the defrosting mode), and the second time. Due to its simplicity, this type is the most reliable, inexpensive, popular, because even a child can figure it out.
- Push-button. More difficult to use than the previous type, but visually definitely better. On such inexpensive microwave ovens there are separate buttons with already configured cooking modes, the ability to control power, time, based on the number of products. The only drawback is that grease and dirt accumulate under the plastic, which are difficult to remove.
- Touch. A modern type of control, which includes a huge number of functions, modes. Such inexpensive stoves are the most popular at the moment due to the innovative way of adjusting, modern design. However, there is a drawback here - if we compare reliability, then this type of control is the most unreliable.
- Mixed. One of the popular combinations is push-button-mechanical. Inexpensive models of stoves are popular because of their convenience, because they combine simple handles, a clear display with the ability to adjust the modes with buttons.
Additional functions
For some, a banal power adjustment is enough to warm up food. But additional options make life easier, allow you to get the functionality of several when buying one oven. We are not talking about microwaves with a grill or convection function, because these are different types of devices that have additional options.
The most popular built-in additional features of low-cost microwave ovens are:
- Defrosting. There are in almost every inexpensive microwave oven. It consists in heating products for a long time at minimum power.
- Child protection. A useful option for those whose stove is located in such a way that the child reaches it. This is a combination of 2 buttons that blocks the device's capabilities so that even if the children press something, nothing happens.
- Temperature support. After heating the food, the timer will automatically turn off. Inside the case, a temperature is maintained for some time, which does not allow the dishes to cool down.
- Double boiler. This additional option is not available in all low-cost models. It consists in the built-in additional sensor of steam, temperature. The function will be appreciated by those who adhere to proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle.
- Cleaning of odors, pollution. A device for supplying hot steam, a fan is installed in the microwave oven, which softens even stubborn stains like a steam mop.
- Express heating. In fact, the usual heating. The only difference is that the maximum power is set, the products heat up in a few seconds.
Based on the criteria, needs, the selection of a suitable inexpensive oven is simplified.
Top best inexpensive microwaves
The average price for inexpensive microwave ovens does not exceed 6,000 rubles. Models of this price segment are exhibited in popular household appliances stores or marketplaces.
The best budget microwave ovens are well-known brands that produce both inexpensive and premium products. The rating includes 7 different microwave ovens.
LG MS-2042DB
The company has been producing large and small household appliances for 60 years. Almost every home has at least one device from this company. The inexpensive LG MS-2042DB microwave oven is called one of the best in the segment (average price is 5500-6500 rubles).
The type of this microwave is solo. Power - 700 watts. The volume of the chamber is 20 liters, which is enough for a small family. The stove is made in a stylish design, presented in black, white. Innovative interior coating makes maintenance easy.
Advantages:
- famous brand;
- 32 cooking modes;
- touch control;
- stylish design;
- additional power saving mode;
- protection from children;
- innovative I-Wave technology that evenly distributes heat.
Flaws:
- stains are equally visible on the black and white case;
- The door release button is too hard.
Horizont 20MW700-1479BHB
Microwave oven with built-in grill. The average price of this model rarely exceeds 6000 rubles. The Belarusian brand Horizon has been producing inexpensive, reliable products with a low price for many years. Therefore, this microwave oven model was in second place in the ranking, losing to the global electronics giant.
Tempered glass design, minimalist buttons will appeal to lovers of modern style. An inexpensive oven quickly heats food, not dishes. It has an additional grill function, which allows you to cook original dishes with a golden brown crust.
Advantages:
- power 700 W, grill 1000 W;
- protection from children;
- 5 cooking modes;
- push-button control;
- stylish design;
- internal coating - enameled steel.
Flaws:
- long warm-up in some modes;
- easily soiled door, traces, prints are visible.
Gorenje MO17E1W
A small 17 liter microwave oven is well suited for heating food in small offices or for a family of 1-3 people. On an inexpensive model, a simple mechanical control is installed, which, unfortunately, does not provide protection from children.
Advantages:
- innovative system for cleaning the inner coating with steam "Aqua clean";
- compactness;
- timer, quick start;
- low cost (up to 4000 rubles);
- Beautiful design.
Flaws:
- small chamber volume;
- tight opening button;
- no child protection.
BBK 23MWC-881T/B-M
This microwave is a little more expensive than the previous ones - the average price is 7000 rubles. This is due to the presence of the convection function. The model is made in a fashionable modern design, strict color. A chamber with a volume of 23 liters is suitable for use in a small family, not only for heating food, but also for cooking dishes using convection, grilling. Able to fully replace an inexpensive oven.
Advantages:
- protection from children;
- touch control;
- built-in grill, convection
- solo mode power 800 watts.
Flaws:
- long warming up of ready meals;
- easily soiled coating, on which traces easily remain.
BBK 20MWS-728S/W
Inexpensive solo microwave oven with a power of 700 W, with a chamber volume of 20 liters. The body, harmonious touch control panel are made in white, and the door is made of dark tempered glass.
The maximum timer time is 99 minutes, which allows you to cook some dishes at low power. The main disadvantage of an inexpensive model is that they heat up the products by setting them for 30 seconds, then adding 60 seconds each. Although in similar devices - 10, 20 seconds, respectively.
Advantages:
- protection from children;
- touch control;
- stylish design;
- step by step cooking
- easy door opening button;
- 10 power adjustment modes;
- automatic cooking function.
Flaws:
- increase in heating time by 30, 60 seconds;
- branded surface of the case.
Binatone FMO 2030W
This brand is not familiar to many, they try to bypass it. However, Binatone established itself as far back as the 1960s as a manufacturer of affordable, quality home appliances.
This model of a microwave oven, according to reviews, corresponds to the "price-quality", because for 5000 rubles. this is one of the best devices on the market in this price segment. The compact size is combined with reliability, functions. It is well suited for use in a small family, in the country or in a small office.
Advantages:
- compactness, because the depth of the furnace is 34 cm;
- power adjustment with the function of defrosting products;
- mechanical control;
- standard power 700 W;
- large, non-rigid button to open the door.
Flaws:
- time adjustment only by 1 minute;
- lack of protection from children;
- noisy at work
- unpopular brand.
Midea MM720CPI
This Russian model is a bit like the previous one from the Binatone brand, but not as compact. Visually, an inexpensive microwave oven is made in white with a darkened door. There are 2 mechanical controls on the side.
One adjusts the power, the second time, and a wide button to open the door. The price of the device does not exceed 3500 rubles, which makes it the most budgetary of this rating.
Advantages:
- wide pallet;
- ease of care;
- low price;
- 5 temperature adjustment modes.
Flaws:
- timer with a limit of 35 minutes;
- the door opening button starts to “stick” after some time of operation;
- lack of protection from children.
Inexpensive microwave ovens are freestanding. If there is a need to visually hide such a device, then design solutions are used. But in such cases, built-in appliances look more harmonious, more aesthetic. Their main difference is that even for inexpensive models, the average price tag is higher than for standard stoves. Below is an overview of the top 3 best mid-range built-in microwave ovens.
Hansa AMG20BFH
This model is one of the best built-in microwave ovens. Its cost starts from 14500 rubles. The German brand Hansa has been known for many years as a manufacturer of high-quality household appliances and electronics.
Here quality, reliability, compactness, convenience of management are combined. The chamber volume of 20 l is well suited for use in a small family for both standard heating of ready-made meals and cooking.
Advantages:
- 7 modes of temperature adjustment;
- built-in quartz grill with a power of 900 W;
- low price.
Flaws:
- long warm-up;
- one extra grid.
Electrolux EMT 25207 OX
The cost of this furnace is slightly higher, starting at 16,500 rubles. The brand is known for high-quality household appliances of different prices - from inexpensive to premium. However, the ratio "price-quality" always remains on top.
The microwave oven is made in a stylish design, large volume - 25 liters, which makes it ideal even for a large family. It is easy to take care of the enamel coating using special gentle products, soft sponges, for example, melamine. There is a built-in grill function with a power of up to 1000 watts.
Advantages:
- timer 95 min.;
- built-in grill;
- 8 modes of power adjustment;
- touch control.
Flaws:
- big size;
- lack of additional functions, for example, steam cleaning.
Midea MI9250BX
Midea belongs to the middle price segment. The cost of the oven starts from 20,000 rubles, which is expensive compared to standard microwaves. However, for embedded technology, it's fine.
The large chamber volume of 25 liters is suitable for a large family both for regular heating of food and for preparing complex dishes. The inside of the chamber is covered with stainless steel.
Advantages:
- built-in grill;
- large volume;
- quiet at work.
Flaws:
- inconvenience when setting a long heating time, because one step is 30 seconds;
- lack of automatic temperature maintenance.
With the right definition of needs, finding an inexpensive microwave oven is easy. Now on marketplaces, in mass markets of electronics, home appliances there is a wide range for any budget.
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