Microwave oven is an electric appliance and an alternative form of cooking. Also simply called a microwave or micro, this type of oven uses electromagnetic wave technology to cook foods.
Microwaving foods is very common in Nigeria kitchens and provides a quicker warming and cooking than a conventional range oven. Microwave oven is a popular device used in Nigeria to safe defrost meats. Rarely will a microwave replace a conventional range in the kitchen, but. Microwave oven provides another source of cooking to supplement or for certain foods.
While most microwaves use only this type z cooking/heating technology, there are models that have dual functions – microwaving and convection cooking And a microwave cooking function can also be found in portable or wall ovens with multiple cooking technologies. So this type of cooking can be found in combination with other cooking equipment.
Microwave oven are the most economical of (large) kitchen appliances and though it’s much smaller than a range or refrigerator. Microwave oven, tends to fall in this category of household appliances.
Microwaves are sold in a variety of styles – portable unit that can be placed on a counter, shelf or microwave stand. Microwave oven is built-in models that are custom installed within cabinetry, above-the-range microwaves that combine an exhaust fan with lighting, and multifunction units that combine a counter microwave with a small appliance such as a coffee maker or toaster. Microwave prices vary based on heating/cooking functions, preset settings, capacity and installation style. They are available mostly in white, stainless or black finish and Microwave oven are also sold for cheaper price in www.kara.com.ng.
When it comes to cooking and baking in a microwave oven, consumers have mixed opinions. Though you can cook most foods in a microwave oven, there is little or no browning and the texture of baked desserts is not as desirable as those done in a standard oven. Over cooking can render very dry vittles as moisture is removed during cooking by the microwaving process. Yet many would not part with their microwave and find they use it often enough to justify the purchase.
While some homemakers are creative and use their microwaves for many recipes and dishes, others use this handy appliance for melting butter, popping corn, heating a beverage or water to boiling temperature, defrosting and reheating/warming left-overs. As such to many, it is an essential kitchen appliance even if use is limited by preference.
When it comes to microwave dishes, most dinnerware is fine but not every dish or container is microwavable. Steel, metal/tin, stainless, items with gold rims such as china tea cups and foil wrap – just to name a few, cannot be used in a microwave.
Styrofoam containers such as those from restaurant take-outs, cannot be reheated in a microwave. And most bakeware that can used in these ovens are labeled as microwave safe. Though there are some microwavable plastics, most generic plastic containers can melt or deform if placed in a microwave for an extended cooking period on high heat. There are very handy plastic items though such as plate covers, popcorn bowls and bacon dishes that are very convenient to have for microwaving.
Benefits of Microwave Oven
Microwave oven is a kitchen appliance which saves your cooking time and makes food tastier. Microwave oven consumes very less electricity and is easy to use. You may end up purchasing one after learning the benefits of the microwave oven. Read on and you will know why we say so.
Microwave oven saves time
The important benefit of a microwave oven is the ‘time efficiency’. As compared to the traditional methods of cooking, microwave ovens take very little time to cook. A microwave oven has a timer which enables us to set the time for cooking food. When timer runs out, the oven turns off automatically. Different times are set to cook different types of food items. For instance water can get boiled in one minute.
Easy to heat food
Tasks like heating remaining food (reheating), making crunchy pop-corns, defrosting frozen food, and heating packaged food are quite easy by using a microwave oven as compared to conventional cooking range, old fashioned ovens or stoves. Microwave ovens do not get hot themselves while heating the food.
Easy to clean
Microwave ovens are easy to maintain and clean. What you need is a damp cotton cloth or a sponge. Wipe the oven from inside and you are done. To get rid of the smell of food, boil the bowl of water in the oven with a few drops of Apple juice in it and your oven is ready to use again.
No need to keep a watch
Microwave cooking does not need supervision. Remember, how crazy you go while stirring curry, keeping an eye on the pressure cooker and waiting to hear the whistle, and making salad all at the same time. You will be relaxed while cooking with a microwave oven. Place the food, set the time, stir in between if necessary and remove the food once it is done. You can take that phone call while your food is being prepared in the microwave oven.
Retains nutrients and vitamins in the food
Vegetables boiled in the microwave safe bowl are much healthier than boiled in the pan on the gas burner. Microwave cooking retains the nutritive values of the food. It retains vitamins and mineral in the food. Food gets cooked evenly in the microwave oven and it tastes delicious.
Safety tips while using microwave oven
Closed containers and raw eggs can burst when heated in a microwave oven due to the stress build-up of steam. Liquids if overheated may result in violent burst of water and vapor resulting in liquid and steam burns. Certain safety precautions are must while handling any electronic appliance. Keep in mind the following safety tips while handling microwave oven.
- Use cookware meant for microwave cooking. Do not use metal or plastic cookware to cook in the microwave oven.
- Do not forget to wear gloves while taking out the food from the oven. You can find these gloves easily in the market.
- If your microwave oven is not working, then do not try to repair it by yourself. Call your service provider.
- If you think that something is wrong with your microwave oven like spark or fire, put off the main switch with the use of the wooden stick or any other insulated object. Call your service provider.
- Strictly follow the rules displayed in the manual that comes along with the microwave oven.
Top brands of Microwave Oven in Nigeria
LG
MIDEA
SAMSUNG
Availability of best microwave often in Nigeria
To get your best Microwave often at a better price visit www.kara.com.ng. The price range is starting from N11,400.
