Are Microwaves Safe?

One of the essential kitchen devices is the microwave oven. It has been used by many people for decades and has given convenient times and applications especially to individuals who don't have much time in preparing meals or cooking foods. When it comes to disadvantage, people know that it is not best to come or stand near microwaves as they are not safe because of heat.

But only a few are aware that microwaves can not only be safe because of heat but because of how they can turn the food into once done. Several studies conducted for the past years showed that foods heated or cooked in microwaves turn up molecules into a danger while carcinogens are also produced in the process. This study left many wonder whether it is safe to use a microwave or not. As there are stacks and stacks of microwaves in the market, you would think that there is no issue at all in using them.

Unfortunately, you cannot also be certain that it is safe to use particularly because of the studies surfacing lately. Whether those studies are true or not, it is logical to think that some methods of microwave cooking are indeed dangerous. For one, when we think of microwave, we think of quick cooking method, faster than when we cook over fire.

The time used to microwave food is basically so short that it is hard to believe that the supposed bacteria present in foods can be killed in such a shortened time. The foods therefore cannot be considered healthy. Another point to be considered is the method of reheating leftovers.

Many people use plastic wraps or aluminum foil to protect the food from microwave radiation and from spills inside the appliance. Other people use plastic ware with lid to reheat the food. These wares, plastic wraps and foils are known to emit dangerous chemicals especially when exposed in heat, therefore, also exposing the food in the same chemicals and the people to dangers of diseases.

Also, the chemical reactions that are produced inside the microwave when radiation is emitted can form carcinogens, which are chemicals known as one of the causes of human cancer. Logically thinking, it may not indeed be impossible that the fears of danger in using microwave appliances have basis especially when you would think of the methods that were basically been doing by the people.

The dangerous side effects that can be posed into humans consuming foods that are cooked, heated, or prepared via microwaves can be alarming. Having sufficient knowledge on everything about using microwaves is therefore essential before you rely entirely on this kitchen appliance when preparing your meals.

It will never hurt if you can gain more information about those studies concerning the facts about microwaves and the effects of using them. After all, it is the health and welfare of you and your loved ones which are being at stake here. Health is wealth, as the cliché goes. Would you trade it for convenience of cooking when you can clearly avoid the risks?

But along this fear, it is good to know that advanced technology is now offering microwave appliances that address such issues. In the market today, you will find high end microwave ovens that are reported safe to use and keep the nutrients of the food while heating. Now, if you want to save your health, it would be much wiser to deal with shopping microwaves a lot more vigilantly.

How To Clean Your Microwave Oven

A microwave oven is one of the most important electrical appliances that you can find in almost all American kitchens. Since most moms nowadays are working at home so they can spend time with their kids, isn’t it great to own some things and appliances that can help you do a lot of things in just a limited period of time? This is the main reason why microwave ovens are becoming increasingly popular.

Microwaves don’t just make it possible for you to do an array of tasks even with minimum supervision. Hence, such appliance saves you a lot of time and good deal of effort that you can use for other tasks. Because of its functions, it is very much significant that you maintain its cleanliness. Much like cooking in the microwave, cleaning it doesn’t need much effort and resources.

You can clean your microwave oven anytime you want to. Here are some steps in cleaning it:

1. Unplug first your unit’s electrical cord.

Before you start cleaning your microwave, unplug its power cord. After doing so, check the cord for dirt and damage because a damaged cord is dangerous. If the cord is still in good condition, wipe it down to eliminate dirt and dust.

2. Inspect your dirty microwave.

Examine your microwave oven to know how dirty the unit is and to find out which of its interior components can be taken out. If you know which of these components are dirtiest, you’ll also know which of them needs scrubbing. You can pretreat these parts as well using all-purpose spray or by rubbing these spots with a mild detergent.

3. Take out the microwave’s turntable.

Depending on the model you get, it can have a plate, a glass turntable, or a tray inside. Take this item out and wash it.

4. Remove the microwave’s turning element.

If your model has a rotating element, take that piece out so you can clean it well. If you aren’t sure how you can use it, consult your user’s manual.

5. Clean your microwave’s interior.

Your microwave’s interior, especially the top portion, can get very dirty. Start cleaning the top portion of the unit with a sponge that’s non-abrasive. You can use small amount of mild dish detergent and water. After the microwave’s top, move to the sides and the door.

6. Rinse the sponge regularly.

In between steps, wash the sponge thoroughly with hot water and gentle dish detergent or soap. This will eliminate crumbs that get stuck in it while keeping your sponge warm and always ready to deal with another group of dirt. Then, wipe the microwave’s bottom, paying more attention to those dirty areas with spills.

7. Clean the edge of the microwave.

Focus also on the corners as well as the exterior and interior edges of the microwave. If possible, make your own cleaning tool that you can use in cleaning the edges.

8. Clean the exterior portion of the microwave.

This is the final touch of your cleaning process. Clean all sides of your microwave’s exterior.

9. Put back the turntable and the turning element.

If the turning element and turntable is already dry, put them back to their place. Then give your microwave a final look.

By following such steps, you can make your unit clean and ready to do its task well once again.

Convection Or Conventional Microwaves?

Are you in the market to look for a replacement for your old or damaged microwave oven or to search for new appliance for your new home? Perhaps, you’ve noticed that this device come in different types, sizes, and designs, making it harder for you to choose the one that’s perfect for your needs and for your kitchen’s aesthetics.

The two most popular types of microwave ovens are conventional units and convection ovens. These types work in the same manner: heat is produced either by natural gas or by electricity and they enable you to prepare almost all types of food. They are also widely available in most home improvement and appliance stores. What makes them different from each other is the way heat is circulated inside the oven. In a convection microwave oven, there is a fan that blows hot air to ensure heat is dispensed evenly.

• Conventional Ovens

Almost all American kitchens have modern conventional ovens. This is in fact the most common type of oven for household use and it is utilized by most Americans not just to heat but also to cook their meals, desserts, and other types of food. A conventional oven cooks food by means of heat and it is powered by either gas or electricity. Some models of this type are designed to be gas specific or electricity powered.

The downside of a conventional oven is that air is not distributed evenly on a constant basis. Circulation of heat can also be obstructed by the pans and pots placed inside the oven, causing uneven cooking. Such problem is more noticeable when the bottom and top racks are used at the same time. Food on the top rack will be cooked faster since heat goes up and when the racks are filled, heat usually gets trapped there. This is the reason why this type of oven typically has hot spots. Its benefit, on the other hand, is it lets you broil food. This is a fast method of cooking poultry, tender meats, and fish.

• Convection Ovens

In a convection model, there’s a fan on the back side of the unit which forces hot air inside the oven and distributes it evenly and constantly on the items being cooked. Because of this, food is cooked faster. You can also choose to have the food cooked thoroughly at lower temperatures. Since they cook food faster and they are more efficient than conventional units, they come more expensive.

Convection ovens are commonly used in restaurants and other commercial cooking facilities. Professional chefs also rely on this type of microwave to produce delicious food. Another advantage of this type is that it doesn’t have hot spots and the constant circulation of heat lets you cook numerous, dissimilar items at the same time and without affecting the tastes of every foodstuff.

Moreover, this type of oven is a real energy saver because it needs lower heating temperatures compared to conventional models. In fact, you can even set it at 25 degrees lower than what the recipe recommends.

Both types of microwave ovens have pros and cons and it’s really up to you to choose the unit you’ll get. Remember however that what matters most is their ability to meet your needs.

A Look At The History Of Microwave Ovens

The human race has indeed accomplished several inventions that completely turned life easier to live. With these innovations, tasks are done with full speed and complete ease. To mention, the microwave ovens form part of this brilliant contraption. It is a vital kitchen device that is used in baking, cooking, boiling water, and thawing. The truth is that this little dynamo is capable of doing lots of things.

It matters to us that food is prepared quickly especially if you do live a hectic lifestyle. Hence, there is nothing more helpful than possessing this kitchen appliance right in your own home. But do you know where it came from and how it was discovered? Well, this article will lead you to its history so read on!

An Accidental Discovery

Little do people know that the microwave oven has been accidentally found as certain by product of other technological inventions. The history of this kitchen appliance goes a long way back to the World War II era wherein there were two brilliant scientists who created a magnetron, a specific type of tube that emits microwaves. In the war, the magnetrons were mounted into the radar system of Britain which helped a lot in spotting the Nazi fighter planes. A couple of years after, these scientists discovered that the then microwaves were able to cook food. Even more, the very first microwave was too heavy and as big as the size of a refrigerator.

It was in the year 1946 when the microwave's capacity to cook food was discovered by no less than Dr. Percy Spencer. He was then working for the Raytheon Corporation on some radar-related research project. He was testing the magnetron when he noticed that the candy bar which was inside his pocket suddenly melted. It was an unusual thing for him and so he conducted another experiment. This time, he put popcorn kernels near the tube and he was very surprised to see the popcorn crack and sputter. Thereafter, other experiments were conducted which led to the conclusion that the microwave's temperature can be escalated which cooked food faster.

The households began employing microwave ovens in the year 1967. Amana, the company that was a subsidiary of Raytheon, first marketed its Radarange countertop microwave oven. It was smaller yet safer and also very expensive like about $500 for its selling price. Of course, its introduction did not give a successful sale but in 1975, the microwave oven has proven to all households that it has an ability that surpasses what is expected of the gas ranges. And so, in the years to come, more and more people demanded for this appliance.

With the passing of time, many companies have started manufacturing and marketing their creations. Each microwave is different from the other in terms of design, capacity, size, taste, shape, and price. These days, the appliance comes in numerous features like sensor cooking, defrosting, convection, automatic setting, and many other cooking applications.

Indeed, the microwave ovens have captured the hearts of many households. And so now, they are very much needed.

The Different Types Of Microwave Ovens

Since microwaves are present in almost every home across the country, it is now safe to say that this appliance is a great American kitchen staple. While it cannot (or it isn’t designed to) replace the conventional gas range, it provides users a good and more convenient way to heat and reheat their food in case they need a quick meal.

There are actually five types of microwave ovens – convection, over-the-range or built-in, countertop, commercial, and combination ovens. The type you should buy for your home will actually depend on different factors like the available space in your kitchen, your cooking needs, the microwave’s design, and many other factors. To assist you in choosing the microwave that’s right for you, here are the different microwave oven types and their pros and cons:

Countertop

This is good for those who have larger or wider kitchen countertop. While this type of microwaves are less costly compared to other types, they do eat up much of the space in your counter. This is also easy to operate; you simply need to plug it into the wall plug and you can start heating or cooking your meals.

Convection

Such microwave type combines traditional microwave technology with heat energy to let you roast, brown, and grill your food. Aside from the heating element it comes equipped with, this type also contains a fan to facilitate hot air circulation. These elements make this type of oven a real energy saver and a unit that produces even cooking temperatures, thereby, tasty food.

Over-the-range and built-in

If your countertop is a bit crowded and you can’t just make a room for a countertop microwave, a built-in or over-the-range oven can be the best option. Yes, this type of microwave won’t eat up that valuable countertop space; however, you need to hire a pro just to have your oven installed properly. Because of their features plus the installation cost, built-in and over-the-range microwaves generally come more expensive.

Combination

Combination ovens are smaller than other types but they do heat up food way faster than traditional models. The advantage of this type of microwave is it gives you the flexibility to switch between modes, enabling you to heat food the way you do in a convection or a conventional oven.

Commercial

Designed for commercial use especially in office buildings, restaurants, and other public places, commercial ovens usually come bulky and they are often outfitted with anti-theft feature. They are made incredibly powerful and perfectly built for heavy use.

Microwaves can also be classified according to their capacities. There are compact microwaves, medium capacity microwaves, and large capacity microwaves. Compact units are usually less than 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 12 inches tall and their capacity is less than one cubic foot. The wattage of such units ranges from 500 to 1000 watts. Medium capacity microwaves come with a width of 20 inches or more and with capacities of 1 – 1.5 cubic feet. Such type usually has auto-cook features that are not common in compact units.

Large capacity microwaves, on the other hand, come with a plethora of cook features plus more accurate temperature controls. These large microwaves can cook even your entire meals. It comes with more than 2000 power watts and more than two cubic feet capacity.