Like any electric appliance, microwave power is the main parameter that characterizes its performance. The higher this value, the larger portions of products and in less time can be heated in a microwave oven. On the other hand, increased power means increased energy consumption and, consequently, increased costs of electricity bills.
Why does the power of the microwave oven depend and is it possible to find a “golden mean” in the value of this characteristic before buying? This should be discussed in more detail.
What does power depend on?
Modern microwave ovens, in addition to the magnetron (devices that, in fact, are a source of ultrahigh-wave waves), are equipped with additional devices designed to expand functionality. Thus, the total power is equal to the sum of the capacities of each unit included in the device. Depending on the specific model, the microwave may additionally have:
- heating element (for the grill function);
- one or more fans (for convection operation, air extraction, or magnetron cooling);
- microprocessor-based electronic computing device (for the possibility of setting programs and switching on the “intelligent cook” modes).
You can find out how many watts a microwave consumes from the documentation that came with each device. The manufacturer also applies this value to the nameplate, usually glued to the back of the equipment.
Heating element
The feature of ultrahigh electromagnetic waves is that it allows you to cook only dishes with boiled foods. Such a kitchen is considered very healthy, but many people do not really appreciate its taste. Especially for such gourmets, a grill is built into microwaves.
It is an ordinary electric heater, the power of which can have up to half the total power of the furnace. Especially high is the consumption of a grill made of TEN elements. Quartz heaters are much better in this regard: with equal performance, they are more economical.
Microwave Guidelines
The question "which power is better" is not entirely correct. The answer depends on the tasks that are supposed to be assigned to the device. If the purchase is made to warm up small individual portions, then there is no point in stopping on models with a power above 1 kW. In the case when the oven will be used for cooking various dishes in high volumes, it makes sense to consider options with a device power of 1.5 - 2 kW or more.
It should be understood that the maximum power of the microwave oven does not necessarily mean the fact of the consumption of such an amount of electrical energy. For example, with the claimed 2500 watts, the microwave included in the “warm-up” mode will have a consumption of no more than 250 - 300 watts.
On the other hand, when choosing a suitable model, it should be borne in mind that a furnace operating at the limit of its maximum capabilities will become unusable faster. Therefore, if possible, it is better to take a microwave with a power reserve. This will allow to operate it for a long time without the need for additional expenses for repair or even complete replacement.
It is always necessary to justify your choice with objective reasons. You should not refuse a set of additional functions just because “it is not necessary right now”. Counting on the long work of the purchased equipment, it is better to think over everything in advance. This is the only way an ordinary microwave can turn into a real “kitchen assistant” and please us with impeccable service for many years.
