The universality of modern household appliances today will not surprise anyone. More recently, a mobile phone was used only for negotiating and sending SMS. Today, modern smartphones combine both the functions of a mobile device for communication and a small-sized computer, which is always at hand.
And in a modern kitchen, an oven with a microwave function is increasingly used, combining the functionality of both appliances that any hostess needs. In addition, when installing such a product, there is a noticeable saving in space (which far from all kitchens can boast of), and cooking options (while using classic heating elements and microwaves) are significantly increased.
Varieties of Ovens
By the type of energy used for cooking, all ovens are divided into:
The first are highly economical to use. However, they have two serious drawbacks:
- Lack of environmental friendliness. Even when using highly purified gas in the surrounding air, harmful products of combustion will invariably be present (albeit in a minimal amount if a high-quality range hood is installed in the kitchen).
- Weak functional equipment.
The latter, having one single drawback (high energy consumption), have almost unlimited functionality (depending on the specific model), and are also absolutely safe to use.
At the place of installation and connection of the oven are divided into two types:
- Dependents, which are installed under the hob, and all controls (both the panel itself and the oven) are located on the front wall of the oven.
- Independent devices that can be installed in any convenient place and at a comfortable height for use.
On a note! Microwave ovens are not present in the consumer market today. Therefore, for those who have a stationary gas supply connected to the house, the most acceptable compromise would be to install a gas hob and an independent electric oven. As a result, a large number of familiar dishes can be prepared using cheap and familiar gas. And to create various culinary masterpieces or quickly warm up ready-made meals, you can use an electric oven built-in with microwave function.
By overall dimensions, these products are divided into:
- compact (with a width of 45 cm);
- standard (60 cm);
- enlarged (90 cm).
The device and principle of operation of the oven having the microwave function
The device is a two-in-one hybrid device. Two types of heating devices are installed in it simultaneously:
- conventional electric heaters;
- microwave emitter (magnetron).
An electric oven with microwave function can work:
- in microwave mode;
- as a standard electric oven;
- in hybrid mode, using a combination of heat from electric heating elements and microwave energy (in various power combinations).
Key Specifications
The main technical characteristics are:
- Useful internal volume - from 27 to 74 liters.
- The maximum temperature in cooking mode - depending on the model, up to 300 degrees.
- Power consumption - up to 3650 watts. Therefore, for connection it is necessary to use wires with a minimum cross-section of 3 x 1.5 mm².
- Energy class (almost all modern models have this index of at least A, and sometimes A + or even A ++).
- The number of glasses of the oven door (1 to 4). An increase in their number leads to a decrease in the temperature of the outer surface of the door and reduces the risk of burns in case of accidental contact.
- Type of cleaning of internal surfaces: manual, catalytic, pyrolytic or hydrolysis.
- Controls: rotary, touch, combination or recessed buttons.
- Additional functions: rotary table, skewer, the possibility of steaming and so on.
- Options: the number of baking sheets, wire racks, skewers and more.
Functionality
The main functionality and technological subtleties of ovens with microwave function:
- The modes of operation of the oven in various combinations of electric heating elements (from 8-10 to 22 and more: top or bottom heating; grill; grill plus heating; “pizza” - when the lower part of the dish is heated much more than the upper; and so on).
- Microcombi - a mode in which the simultaneous use of microwave waves and standard heaters is possible.
- Installed programs for the automatic preparation of various dishes (from 10 to 100).
- Convection - circulation of hot air for even heat distribution. For its implementation, a special fan (sometimes two) is installed on the back wall. This mode allows you to cook products on baking sheets set at different levels.
- Rail design: conventional or telescopic (eliminates the need to support the pan).
- Illumination of the internal camera: normal (incandescent) or LED.
- Tangential cooling - blowing cold air on the external walls of the device. This helps prevent their unwanted overheating (which can lead to damage to the kitchen).
- The ability to cook steamed (only fairly expensive models are equipped with this function).
- Operational safety systems: automatic shutdown of the set operating mode when the door is opened, child protection, and so on.
Numerous positive reviews about microwave ovens, even with a minimal set of functions, suggest that they are much more convenient to use than two separate appliances (microwave and oven).
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages are:
- a large number of different cooking modes;
- ease of connection and subsequent operation;
- significant saving of useful space in the kitchen (instead of two sufficiently large-sized appliances, one is used);
- a wide selection of different models (both by manufacturers and by size, functionality and price).
The disadvantages of built-in ovens with a microwave function include the following:
- High power consumption. However, manufacturers are constantly improving this indicator.
- High cost (although if you buy both devices separately, sometimes you can even save).
Major manufacturers
Today, the production of ovens with a microwave function (reviews of which are mostly positive, and sometimes just enthusiastic) is engaged in almost all the leading manufacturers of household appliances. Among the most popular in the Russian market, it is worth noting the German Bosh, AEG, Miele and Siemens; Swedish Electrolux and Asko; Korean Samsung and LG; Slovenian Gorenje; Italian Zanussi and Turkish Beko.
The lineup is very diverse both in price and in functional equipment. Naturally, its technological capabilities, the number of automatic programs and additional functions will largely depend on the price of an oven with a microwave function. So, among the compact and most popular products with an oven volume of 40-45 liters (depending on financial capabilities and personal preferences), you can, for example, purchase: Beko BCW15500X for 27500-30000 rubles with a minimum (however, for many housewives, a sufficient set of functions ) or Miele H6800BM with 22 oven modes and 100 automatic cooking programs for various dishes (the price of which is about 260,000 rubles). Moreover, both manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty on their products, which indicates the quality of both products (although the price differs 10 times).
Popular models of the initial price category
The most popular models in the price range up to 40,000 rubles are ovens with the microwave function Bosch HBC84H501, Samsung FQ115T002 and Electrolux EOK6837X. The price for the first two is approximately the same and amounts to 33600-33900 rubles. And the internal volume of these products is almost identical (44 and 42 liters, respectively). The last product is somewhat more expensive (38900-39100 rubles), although it has the smallest internal volume (31 liters).
In terms of technical characteristics and functional support, all the mentioned models are in many respects similar and have 12-15 automatic quick menu programs; mode of defrosting products; maximum power consumption 3200-3600 W; 5-7 main modes of the oven and a built-in fan that provides air convection. A distinctive feature of Samsung is the power of the microwave oven - 1650 W (for Bosch and Electrolux - 900 and 1000 W, respectively). The Bosch model (the only one of three) is equipped with a rotating lower stand (familiar to those who have been using a conventional microwave for a long time).
Mid-priced models
Among users (with a family of 4-6 people), an oven with a microwave function (45 cm - height, 60 cm - width, 55 cm - depth) enjoys well-deserved popularity in terms of "price / quality" Gorenje BCM547S12X. The internal volume is 50 liters, which is quite comparable with the size of the usual ovens of ordinary household stoves. A set of functionalities is quite sufficient:
- 11 heating modes that can be set with a convenient rotary switch.
- The ability to manually change the temperature and power of the microwave in any of the established modes (both before starting the device and during cooking).
- Informative display.
- Touch switches: safety lock, turn on / off the internal lighting, electronic timer programmer, start / stop of the selected program.
- Built-in cooling fan for external walls, which continues to work for a while after turning off the device.
- Programming options: duration of cooking, delayed start, clock and alarm, sound signal.
Today, the price of a built-in oven with microwave function Gorenje BCM547S12X is 60,000-61,000 rubles. Warranty from the manufacturer - 2 years.
Of the popular models (for the same money) you can buy Electrolux EVY97800AX. And although the volume of the oven is slightly less - 43 liters, the potential buyer will be pleased with the number of installed automatic programs - 90.
Premium models
One of the most technically “stuffed” models of the so-called premium class is an oven with the microwave and steam boiler function Bosch CMG6764 (depending on the color of the front panel, the index W1, B1 or S1 is added). And although the price of such a device is quite high and today is about 141,000 rubles, the technical specifications and consumer capabilities will satisfy even the most demanding user:
- Firstly, it is a high-tech oven with a large number of heating modes, a reversing convector, an electronic temperature controller that allows you to set the required temperature in the range from 30 to 300 degrees with an adjustment step of 5 degrees.
- Secondly, it is a modern automatic steam boiler operating in the temperature range from 30 to 270 degrees.
- Thirdly, it is an invertor microwave oven operating in the entire internal volume of the oven.
The device implements simultaneous joint use of electric heating with steam (or microwaves). This combination allows you to cook dishes much faster (while maximizing the preservation of healthy vitamins and minerals in foods).
All operating modes can be set using the multi-function touch screen.
Good to know! Ease of use is enhanced by the touch button “i” (information), which almost completely replaces the instructions. It is enough to select the operating mode and press the "i" button. The display will show the necessary information about your further actions.
The model of built-in oven with microwave function Siemens CM678G4W1 is very similar in technical equipment (and as a result, very popular). The difference is in the external design and the presence of a glass turntable. The price is about 147,000 rubles.
Precautions, Maintenance, and Cleaning the Ovens
In the manufacture of modern ovens with a microwave function, only high-quality materials and components are used. Therefore, these products do not require service. It is enough to observe some precautions. This mainly concerns dishes that can be used for cooking (or heating) food using microwaves or one of the joint modes (microwave plus heating elements). In order not to confuse what is possible and what cannot be put inside a universal oven, it is better to purchase special dishes made of heat-resistant glass, glass-ceramic or porcelain, which is suitable for any operating conditions.
Care of ovens with the microwave function consists in periodically cleaning the inside walls and technological elements of food debris and adhering fat. Having carefully read the operating instructions, you will determine which of the four methods is recommended by the manufacturer for this particular model:
- Manual. In this case, use only recommended detergents.
- Catalytic. The fact is that fat is caught by special plates installed inside the device. It is them that must be periodically changed.
- Pyrolytic. After clicking on the “Clean” button, the temperature inside the chamber rises to 500 degrees, and the accumulated deposits on the walls are converted to ash, which can then be easily removed with a damp cloth. This is the most effective way to clean without the use of household chemicals or special catalysts. However, this process is very energy-intensive, since for some models it can last up to 1-1.5 hours. This method is mainly equipped with products of the highest price category.
- Hydrolysis. In this case, the walls are cleaned simply with water. A baking sheet with a small amount of water (usually about 100 ml) is placed in the inner chamber, which forms steam when heated. After cleaning, wipe the walls with a clean cloth.