You can somehow manage without a microwave in the kitchen. But it makes life easier for the owners, making it more comfortable. In the morning, she will help you prepare a delicious sandwich, defrost meat, and prepare lunch. Samsung has developed many models of microwave ovens that differ in design and technical characteristics. To choose the right one, you need to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
What is the maximum total power consumption of a microwave oven?
The load on the home electrical network depends on this value. When buying any electrical appliance, you need to consider the capabilities of your wiring. Many models of microwave ovens, in addition to the microwave mode, are also equipped with a grill and a convector.
Of course, the more elements that consume electricity are involved, the higher the kW consumption:
| Equipment | kW |
| Microwave only | 0,5–1,5 |
| Microwave+grill | 1,5–2,8 |
| Microwave+grill+convection | 2–3 |
You also need to take into account the energy consumption of fans - there may be one or more of them in a microwave device. Fans are needed for convection, cooling the emitter and for air exhaust.
Another consumer is an electronic microprocessor computer, necessary for the implementation of auto programs and the “smart cook” mode. The microwave usually indicates which mode needs to be turned on to heat porridge, defrost meat or boil sausage. Therefore, you don’t have to waste extra energy on solving small problems.
Top 3. Samsung MC28H5013AW
Rating (2021): 4.66
586 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, M.Video, Citylink, Ozon
Wide functionality at a low cost The MC28H5013AW microwave is inexpensive; you can buy it for an average of 14 thousand rubles. At the same time, it perfectly replaces three devices at once.
- Characteristics
Average price: 13940 rub.
- Volume: 28 l
- Modes: heating, grill, convection, combined
- Power: 900W, 6 levels
- Control: touch panel
- Programs: autocook, quick defrost
Samsung MC28H5013AW is a popular and functional microwave oven model. At a relatively low cost, this device replaces three at once: a microwave, an oven and a grill. It performs all functions perfectly, but it should be noted that the maximum heating in convection mode is only 200 degrees, this is not always enough. The model is spacious, the internal volume is 28 liters. Housewives note the functionality; in addition to the main modes, the microwave supports the use of combined modes (convection and grill, grill and microwaves, etc.). Among the disadvantages, users indicate a short cord. There are also frequent complaints that rotating glass stands break in convection mode.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Affordable price
- Three devices in one
- Easy to care for
- Increased internal volume
- Short cable
- Glass tray breaks in convection mode
See also:
- 10 Best Built-in Microwave Ovens
How to find out power
This parameter is specified in the instructions. But usually it is written directly on the body, because this is a key characteristic of the device. You need to look for a sticker - on the front or on the back wall.
Measurement is in watts and kilowatts. Designation - W (kW), in the international system - W. Often kilowatts are indicated in the model name.
To check the rated power, you can conduct an experiment. If you put a glass of cold water in the chamber, it will heat up to a boil:
| Heating time, min | Microwave power, W |
| 1,5 | 1 200 |
| 2 | 1 000 |
| 2,5 | 800 |
| 3 | 700 |
| 4 | 600 |
Knowing this dependence, you can make adjustments to the recipe to achieve the desired result.
Manufacturer's main competitors
one of the market leaders, which occupies a large part of it. The leading competitor today is LG
. They compete not only in sales volumes and availability of their products to consumers, but also in the speed of implementation of modern innovative developments. Competitor microwaves are widely available on store shelves. They are also united by an affordable price, stylish design and the presence of useful modes. However, the manufacturer LG gives a shorter warranty; it rarely exceeds 2 years.
Hotpoint-Ariston
- another competitor. It surpasses the internal volume of the chambers, the Hotpoint microwaves are more spacious and, according to reviews of housewives, the coating is of better quality. But it loses in power: the competitor’s does not exceed 700 W, while Samsung produces ovens with a power of 800-900 W. There is no system for uniform distribution of microwaves, as well as built-in recipes for auto-cooking.
German manufacturer Bosch
will worthily enter the top three of Samsung's leading competitors. The product of this brand is more expensive and less represented in stores. However, they are more functional; they allow you to use not only built-in recipes, but also program your own.
How to adjust power
The trick to cooking in microwaves lies in the watts used. Often, recipes do not indicate at what power a particular dish is cooked. And if a user prepared a tasty dish in an 800 W oven, then in a 1200 W oven the same dish will come out tasteless and dry.
How to set the required number of watts? Let’s say the recipe is designed for 600 W, but you need to cook in a 1000 W device. This means you need to set 60% of the nominal value. The value is found by solving an elementary proportion. But if the device is inferior to the standard, it will not be possible to adjust the power level - you will need to increase the cooking time.
The dependence is as follows: for every missing 100 W and for every minute of cooking, add 10 seconds. Let's say a recipe calls for 3 minutes at 1,000 watts but needs to be cooked in an 800 watt oven. This means the process will take 3 minutes 30 seconds.
Top 5. Samsung ME81ARW
Rating (2021): 4.60
209 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, M.Video, Citylink, Ozon
The simplest and most convenient microwave One of the best solo microwaves from the manufacturer. It is easy to use, maintain and manage. It lasts a long time and does its job perfectly.
- Characteristics
Average price: 6800 rub.
- Volume: 23 l
- Modes: warming up
- Power: 800W
- Control: rotary switches
- Programs: no
The ME81ARW model is an option for those who are looking for the simplest and most convenient solo microwave. According to customers, it offers the perfect combination of ease of operation, reliability and efficiency. The device heats food quickly and evenly, operates quietly, and does not take up much space in the kitchen. Many people like mechanical controls; they are simple and intuitive. The service center specialists also note this model as one of the strongest and most durable from the manufacturer. Neither we nor the users found any critical flaws. But it is worth noting the non-rubberized feet, the backing would be very useful, and the poorly marked mark on the regulators.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Mechanical control
- Heats well and works quietly
- Rarely breaks, durable
- One of the most recommended
- The current level groove on the regulators is difficult to see
- Non-rubberized handles
What do kilowatts affect?
The larger the volume of the microwave oven, the more powerful the oven and the greater the electricity consumption. If the buyer expects to cook large pieces of meat or whole poultry, he will need a fairly powerful machine. It depends on how many watts a particular model consumes:
- The volume of food being prepared. High-power ovens can cook more food at a time than low-power ovens.
- Time. The more kW the microwave oven consumes, the faster the food is prepared.
- Price. Powerful versions are more expensive.
- Heating modes. The device can operate in different modes, consuming 10–100% kilowatts of the nominal.
- Electricity consumption. The amount of payment for electricity depends on how much the device consumes.
Useful information about the device
In the microwave oven chamber, any product is heated throughout the entire volume, and not from the surface - this is its difference and advantage. It is this principle that allows you to quickly defrost food: the water molecules contained in meat or fish are set in motion as a result of exposure to radiation emitted by the magnetron. The microwave emitter is the main element of the device, on which the total consumption of kilowatts also depends.
Microwave operating modes
A distinctive feature of this type of oven is the speed of cooking while preserving all the taste and vitamins in the products. The microwave wave exceeds the boiling point, this makes it possible to prepare dishes for the diet menu. Among the main parameters in the technical characteristics, the volume of the loading chamber is considered important. It directly depends on the power of the microwave oven. The greater the number of products loaded into it, the more power is required for their preparation, including heating, and therefore the energy carrier.
In other words, the power consumption of a microwave oven depends not so much on the selected mode as on the amount of products loaded into the chamber.
For clarity. Let's take some dish to heat in the simplest model of a microwave oven. Let's set the time period to 2 minutes. (this will require 0.6 kW of electricity). In a regular microwave it will heat up throughout the entire time interval. In a microwave oven this process will happen in a matter of seconds.
How does the mode affect
When choosing a microwave oven model, it is useful for the buyer to outline the purposes for which an express oven is purchased, and based on this, select an option designed for the corresponding kW value. For example:
| Mode | kW |
| Quick cooking | 0,9 |
| Reheat or slow cook | 0,7 |
| Defrosting | 0,2-0,4 |
| Heating | 0,1 |
Undoubtedly, the larger the dish, the slower the heating - a small bowl of soup will always heat up faster than a larger one.
Built-in
Samsung FG77SUT – fast heating and cooking
The FG77SUT built-in oven with grill is an excellent option for quickly heating food or preparing complex dishes. Thanks to its stylish design and compact size, the model is suitable for any kitchen.
The volume of the working chamber is 20 l, the power is 850 W. The durable bioceramic coating can be easily and quickly cleaned of dirt without the use of detergents.
Control using push-button switches. There are 4 defrosting and heating programs.
Advantages of the Samsung FG77SUT microwave:
- removal of odors;
- the presence of a grill grate;
- automatic defrosting and heating;
- protection from children.
Flaws:
- small useful chamber volume;
- inability to program the cooking process;
- lack of automatic temperature maintenance.
Samsung FW87SUB – convenience and elegance
The built-in model with an elegant body is suitable for any kitchen interior. The internal volume of 23 liters and the power of 850 W allow you to quickly heat up or defrost, and prepare any dishes - from milk porridges to stewed fish.
Thanks to high-quality lighting, the owner can observe what is happening in the working chamber at any time.
Management is electronic. Convenient touch switches provide high accuracy and flexibility of settings. There are 6 power levels, 4 heating and defrosting modes.
The inner coating is enameled ceramic, easy to clean with a damp cloth without the use of cleaning agents. The door opens to the left by pressing a button and does not heat up during operation.
Advantages of the model:
- high-quality interior lighting;
- presence of a frame for embedding;
- odor removal mode;
- child lock.
Disadvantages of Samsung FW87SUB:
- no grill;
- lack of convection.
Which grill is more economical?
The quartz option is more economical. The heating element pulls from 0.9 to 2 kW. By purchasing a model with a quartz grill, you can save a lot on electricity. And the main thing is to fry the food until crispy. And if the thing is also equipped with convection, then it will not only bake meat perfectly, but also make perfect baked goods. Owners of such microwave ovens do not need a gas or electric oven with an oven - microwave technology will fully replace the usual equipment.
The only disadvantage of convection stoves is their high energy consumption. A convector is a kind of fan that takes up space and consumes a lot of electricity. Devices with convection are easy to recognize even by their appearance - they are much larger and more expensive than conventional microwave ovens. If necessary, the convector can be turned off and only use the microwave mode or grill.
Should I give up the “crispy crust”?
It is enough to look at the number of kilowatts consumed by the grill and convection to understand how expensive it is to operate the device in three modes at the same time.
There is an opinion that electric kettles, microwave ovens and heaters waste the most electricity. But this is not true at all. The nature of this opinion lies, most likely, in the similarity of the principle of energy conversion - the operation of all these devices is accompanied by heating.
A microwave oven cannot cause serious damage to the budget, unless, of course, you bake chickens every day.
On a note! The most important consumer in the house is the refrigerator; it really “eats” the lion’s share of kilowatts, especially if its energy consumption class is below grade A.
What parameters are included in the size of microwave ovens?
Before buying a stove, you need to choose a location and determine the appropriate dimensions. Among other characteristics of a microwave oven that influence the choice of a specific model, the size and compactness of the device are among the main ones.
What parameters characterize the device
- Width. Characteristics of the width of the external body of the device.
- Length. Distance along the front and rear walls.
- Height. Characterizes the distance from the base of the device to its cover.
- Volume. The capacity of the internal chamber, which is measured in liters. In addition, the parameters of the internal compartment of the furnace can be expressed in the depth of the chamber. That is, the distance from the line of the front wall of the internal compartment to its rear wall is taken into account.
- Weight. The characteristic includes the total weight of the oven without packaging.
Advice. When purchasing a microwave oven, it is best to look at the dimensions indicated on the packaging rather than visually assess the dimensions of the device.
So, when choosing a microwave for a small kitchen, you need to pay attention to the length, width and height.
For suspended structures, in addition to the specified parameters of the device, it is necessary to take into account its weight. The weight of the microwave should be significantly less than the maximum possible load that the shelf or stand can withstand.
As for built-in appliances, the choice of models directly depends on the parameters of the cabinet or niche where the built-in appliances will be installed.
Helpful information
- If the device will be installed on a bracket or shelf, then you need to choose a compact and lightweight stove that the stand can support.
- In the case when the device is installed on any kitchen surface, the choice is not limited by either weight or height, unless there are additional shelves or cabinets above it.
- It is also important to take into account the width of the microwave so that the edges of the equipment do not extend beyond the boundaries of the countertop. The standard width of kitchen surfaces is from 60 to 90 cm. The widest microwave ovens do not exceed 60 cm, so there will be no restrictions. And if the surface is narrower, then you need to choose a stove that will be smaller than the bedside table.
Attention! You cannot select a microwave oven that is proportional to the stand or cabinet on which it will be installed. For ease of use and stability of the device, the surface parameters should be at least 5 cm higher than the parameters of the device.
To decide on the type and dimensions of a microwave oven, read on to find out what the dimensions depend on, what parameters are included in the size table of the device, and also get acquainted with an overview of models of various sizes.
How much electricity is spent
Previously, microwave ovens were produced in which it was impossible to change the power mode. The magnetron periodically turned on and off, and the food lost its taste. Today, the adjustment is carried out using a special device - an inverter. In devices with inverters, there is no need for shutdowns, the dish is heated without pauses, and the food turns out tastier.
To estimate the contribution of a microwave oven to your electricity bill, let’s calculate how much an average microwave oven consumes per month:
| Consumption per day, kW | 0,15–0,2 |
| Per month, kW | 5–7 |
| Payment per month at a price of 5 rubles/kW, rubles | 25–35 |
To save energy, it is recommended:
- Remove the plug from the socket after completing the process.
- For heating, use economical solo ovens.
What principles to follow when choosing
It is impossible to correctly answer what number of kilowatts consumed by the device will be optimal. It all depends on the tasks for which a microwave oven is purchased. If you only plan to heat food, there is no need to go for versions with more than 1 kW. For more global tasks, you will need a device with 1.5–2 or more kW.
It is important to understand that the device will not necessarily consume the maximum amount of energy. Let's say the 2,500 W version can be set to warm-up mode, which is limited to a consumption of only 250 W.
It is equally important to know that no device should be operated at the limit of its capabilities - this contributes to its accelerated wear and failure. It is advisable to take the device with a reserve, then the operating time will be extended and the likelihood of breakdowns will be reduced.
When choosing, you should not be guided only by savings and reluctance to use some functions. Perhaps, after some time, the owner of a solo model without a grill will regret its absence.
Economical solo oven "Samsung" ME83KRW-3
This is a small solo stove, the advantages of which include a built-in deodorizer and a steam cooking function. It is economical and at the same time quite roomy. There is auto cooking and defrosting. There is a control panel lock.
Specifications of Samsung ME83KRW-3:
| Power, W | 800 |
| Grill, W | No |
| Convection, W | No |
| Volume, l | 23 |
| Dimensions, mm | 800x490x370 |
| Weight, kg | 12 |
| Pallet diameter, mm | 288 |
| Power levels, pcs. | 6 |
Samsung engineers constantly strive for harmony between compactness and spaciousness. The presented model is exactly like this - it is small in size, but has a voluminous chamber.
Bioceramics was used for the internal coating of the chamber. It is environmentally friendly and easy to clean from grease. It is an order of magnitude more resistant to mechanical stress than stainless steel. It is almost impossible to scratch the bioceramic coating.
The device uses triple distribution of microwaves, thanks to this system the products are heated evenly.
This model will not damage the most modest budget. Firstly, its estimated cost is in the range of 5,000–6,000 rubles. Secondly, its consumption is limited to 800 W and there is no grill or convection - functions that are extremely costly in terms of electricity.
Powerful analogue with grill and convection
Like all Samsungs, the MS23F301TFW is beautiful in appearance. She is easy to care for. Thanks to the bioceramic coating, the camera can be cleaned with a slight movement of a damp cloth. Ceramic is scratch-resistant and does not lose its color even after prolonged and intensive use.
Steam Clean is a self-cleaning system. 15 minutes is enough to dissolve grease and dirt. As in the previous modification, a three-dimensional wave distribution system is used. The total electricity consumption consists of the costs of microwave, grill and convection.
Specifications of Samsung MS23F301TFW:
| Power, W | 900 |
| Grill, W | 1 250 |
| Convection, W | 1 700 |
| Volume, l | 28 |
| Dimensions, mm | 517x310x510 |
| Weight, kg | 22,5 |
| Pallet diameter, mm | No |
| Power levels, pcs. | 6 |
Standard sizes of stationary microwave ovens
Stationary microwave ovens are installed on any flat surface. This type of equipment can be installed on a countertop, cabinet, cabinet niche or shelf. They can also be mounted on the wall using a special bracket.
The devices are independent devices with a set of specific capabilities.
Reference. The dimensional characteristics of stationary ovens depend on the additional functions that the device is equipped with.
Mini microwave solo type
They have a small internal compartment volume from 8.5 to 20 liters.
The standard usually does not exceed the following values:
- body length - from 20 cm to 30 cm.
- Width – from 35 to 50 cm;
- Height - up to 30 cm.
- The depth of the internal compartment is from 25 to 40 cm.
- The diameter of the tray for placing dishes can be from 20 to 26 cm.
Among the popular mini-microwave ovens, the top sellers are ovens from Samsung, Daewoo, LG, Supra, Hotpoint Ariston, Bork.
Device models are equipped only with heating and defrosting functions, and have low power (about 600 W).
Large types of stationary microwaves
They have established dimensions, which may differ with a larger set of device functions.
The length of the inner chamber for full-size ovens ranges from 30 to 59 cm, volume from 20 liters and above.
In this case, the height of the device body can be from 20 to 45 cm, and the width from 45 to 60 cm.
As a rule, these are powerful appliances equipped with a number of additional capabilities in addition to heating or defrosting food.
Popular models are presented by manufacturers Gorenje, Hotpoint Ariston, Samsung, Bork, LG, etc.
Energy efficiency class - the path to savings
Tips for those who want to save money:
- When buying household appliances, look at the energy efficiency class. There are 9 classes, designated by letters. The best, most economical ones are A, A+, A++, B and C. But the letters F and G are placed on the most uneconomical equipment.
- Household appliances waste electricity even in standby mode. You should always unplug it from the outlet.
The power of a microwave oven is interconnected with its capabilities. The presence of additional functions not only makes the model more expensive, but also increases its energy consumption. At the same time, the costs associated with the use of any microwave ovens are not critical - modern equipment is economical and energy efficient enough for you to deny yourself the pleasure of owning it.
Types of microwave ovens
You can adjust the microwave power on the control panel. Control systems are of the following types.
Mechanical
The easiest way to regulate energy consumption. Present mainly in solo models. The panel has 2 round rotating switches that allow you to select the operating mode, which directly determines the number of kilowatts consumed per month and the operating time of the timer.
Push-button
The controls are a little easier to use. Presented as a set of buttons located on the instrument panel. They are equipped with models with the ability to operate in several modes.
Sensory
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The device is also equipped with buttons, only not mechanical, but touch ones, with which the operating mode is set. Touch control allows you to program the microwave, which eliminates the need to enter the necessary parameters before each use of the device. Touch control also has a drawback due to excessive sensitivity to strong mechanical influences and sudden changes in the electrical network.
