A microwave comes to the rescue when you need to cook or heat up food as quickly as possible. But at the same time, few people know that there are different types of them, for example solo, and which one is in their kitchen. On the modern market you can find three main categories of equipment: regular, with a grill, and with a large set of functions. A regular solo microwave oven. It uses only microwave radiation in its work and is most suitable for heating food.
With grill
Devices additionally equipped with a grill function.
With other features
Ovens that imply the functions of frequency waves, grilling, convection.
The first type is with the basic configuration. Most often found in the kitchen. You won’t be able to cook or bake anything complicated in it, but it copes with heating and defrosting perfectly well. Therefore, she does not lose her popularity.
Despite its low performance, this microwave oven is a good substitute for an oven.
Principle of operation
These basic solo microwaves are equipped with a standard structure. The main element magneton ensures the production of high-frequency radiation of electromagnetic waves. Under their influence, food molecules begin to move. Accordingly, a friction effect is created and the food begins to heat up. But since the simple movement of particles cannot fry or bake food, all that happens at this time is its cooking in its own juices.
This principle is suitable, for example, for cooking vegetables or simple cereals and, of course, for heating ready-made dishes or for defrosting food. By putting potatoes there, for example, you can end up with well-cooked soft tubers, but you shouldn’t expect a golden, crispy crust.
To ensure even heating, all microwave ovens are equipped with a base with a rotating mechanism.
Solo microwave care
Everything is quite simple here. The device is quite unpretentious to use and requires a minimum of attention. It is enough just to wipe the inside of the appliance after cooking or defrosting food (if condensation or other deposits have formed on the walls, for example, grease). To clean the food tank, both standard household detergents and ordinary baking soda are suitable, which perfectly removes dried food residues and other contaminants. After cleaning, just dry the microwave and it is ready for use again.
It is worth remembering that you only need to heat food in a solo microwave oven by covering it with a special plastic cap. Otherwise, there is a high probability of “popping”, when excessively heated parts of food can “explode” inside the microwave.
There are special containers for heating, sold separately. They are made from different materials, have different sizes and colors.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages:
- Affordable price. Can be found for less than 2000 rubles. Therefore, this type is available to almost everyone.
- Simplicity. Minimum settings. Sometimes you can find only one thing - choosing the power level.
- Compactness. This type does not have many functions, so it is easy to find a place in the kitchen.
Flaws:
- Low power.
- Compared to other categories of microwave ovens. In microwaves with a grill, the power is 2800 W, in solo microwaves - 1500 W.
- This determines the speed of work. But such power is enough for heating or defrosting: a few minutes, and sometimes seconds, will be enough.
- Few opportunities.
- Uses only microwave radiation for heating.
The power parameter has disadvantages, but it’s worth looking at it from the other side: the less it is, the less energy is consumed .
BBK 20MWS-770S/W
Model 20MWS-770S/W from the manufacturer BBK can rightfully be called the most reliable solo microwave in the rating. And this despite the fact that you can buy it for up to 4,000 rubles. This small microwave oven heats and defrosts well, and additionally offers users automatic cooking and a timer of up to 99 minutes. An important advantage of the 20MWS-770S/W model is its 10 power levels with a threshold of 700 W. Otherwise, this simple and cheap microwave does not stand out among other devices. Unless the presence of a child lock can also be considered one of its advantages. However, taking into account the cost and downsides, this excellent solution from BBK simply does not exist.
Advantages:
- number of power levels
- availability of steam cleaning and odor removal options
- auto defrost and cook
- child lock
Flaws:
- not available for the price
Criterias of choice
When choosing a solo stove, the buyer should pay attention to power, energy consumption class, functions, control method, size and volume, and especially to the manufacturer.
Power
If you often need to defrost food or cook vegetables in the microwave, it is better not to skimp and choose a device with the highest rating.
Energy class
Ideal - A++. In this case, you don’t have to worry about the condition of the device in the event of possible voltage surges.
Functionality
You shouldn’t expect anything complicated from a small stove. But it has functions such as a timer, auto-shutdown, defrost modes, backlight, etc., and many will need them.
Control method
Mechanical or electronic - depends only on the preference of the buyer. But modern models are equipped with a touch screen.
Dimensions and volume
The standard volume inside is 20–25 liters. You need more, try and find such models.
Brand
Equipment from little-known brands is not always inferior in quality to products from market giants. You can buy an affordable model, despite the little-known brand. Sales consultants or reviews on hardware store websites can help you choose.
How to choose a solo microwave, what to look for when choosing
When choosing a solo microwave, experts advise paying attention to the manufacturer, free space in the kitchen, volume of the device, type of control, energy consumption class of the device, microwave power, internal coating of the chamber, weight of the device and other technical characteristics:
- Volume . A technical parameter reflecting the internal volume of the device chamber. Experts advise choosing the volume of the microwave based on the number of portions to be heated. For small portions, ovens with a volume of 15 liters or more are suitable. If the family is large, then experts recommend paying attention to models with a chamber volume from 23 to 28 liters.
- Management . There are mechanical and electronic controls for the solo microwave. The first option consists of two rotating handles, with which you can adjust the power and heating time. This type of control is simple and reliable. Electronic control involves the presence of touch, push-button or tact switches. This control allows you to heat and defrost food according to specified programs.
- Microwave power . Technical parameter of microwave power. It determines the speed of heating and defrosting food. High-power microwave appliances heat food faster than low-power appliances, but these appliances are more expensive.
- Internal coating of the solo microwave chamber. The inside can be coated with enamel, ceramics, bioceramic enamel, stainless steel or paint. Enameled coating is more widespread. It is distinguished by its budget price, durability, and ease of cleaning. The downside of this coating is that it cannot withstand prolonged high temperatures.
Ceramics and bioceramics are more expensive materials, but durable and smooth, difficult to scratch . The steel coating is beautiful, can withstand any temperature, is durable, but is difficult to clean. It is necessary to use special sponges and powders.
Description of the microwave oven solo
A microwave oven without grill and convection is considered the simplest and is called solo. The cooking process in such an oven occurs under the influence of microwave waves on the product. The emitter (magnetron) is located in the furnace body, and for uniform heating there is a rotary table.
Heated food is prepared in a solo microwave oven by heating, without frying or baking. All such devices have a heating function. The main advantage of solo microwave ovens is their affordable price. If the house already has an oven, then this model will be an ideal option.
Model selection
Before purchasing, you need to determine the performance characteristics and functionality of a particular model. The main points when choosing are:
- Design and dimensions. Considering that the operating principle of the microwave is the same for all models, the buyer initially selects the oven in accordance with the design of the kitchen -
- Price. The domestic buyer is accustomed to focusing on price. The cheapest ovens are with mechanical controls , however, touch microwave ovens may have additional features: Delayed start of cooking/heating -
- Shutdown at a specified time -
- LED camera lighting, etc. -
- Lower price—
Models with simple controls are ideal for older people who do not need many functions.
- Energy efficiency. Saving energy allows you to reduce utility bills. When choosing any household appliances, it is recommended to focus on class A , and the more “+” signs after this letter, the lower the cost of paying for electricity -
Samsung ME81ARW
If you need a spacious microwave with convenient mechanical controls, then pay attention to the Samsung ME81ARW. Its internal volume is 23 liters and its power is 800 W. The latter is quite enough for quick heating of dishes and high-quality defrosting, the mode of which is present in this reliable and high-quality microwave oven. The device also has a system for uniform distribution of microwaves, which ensures excellent operating efficiency. But there are no other functions here, and according to user reviews, this microwave would not be the best choice in terms of price and functionality. However, you have to pay for high-quality assembly, nice design and good work, so this nuance cannot be considered a disadvantage.
Advantages:
- device power
- mechanical control resistant to voltage surges
- internal volume
- uniform distribution of microwaves
Flaws:
- slippery metal feet
- low backlight level
Advantages and disadvantages
Any household appliance, including solo microwave ovens, has pros and cons. The benefits include :
- Low price-
- Ease of care -
- Long service life -
- Turn-on speed -
- Small dimensions.
The negative aspects are:
- Limited features-
- Minimum models with automatic modes.
How microwave ovens work and their advantages
Food in solo microwave ovens is heated using microwaves. Essentially, this method of heating allows the food to cook in its own juices, which prevents the food from burning, frying or overcooking.
Warming up occurs exactly to the set temperature, after a certain time the oven automatically turns off. You won't be able to bake anything in such a microwave. The only function of the device is to process food using microwaves.
The advantage of solo microwaves is their simplicity and, as a result, high reliability. More functional models cannot boast of these advantages. A high-quality model from a well-known brand can last for many years if you regularly care for the device. Device advantages:
- low price;
- ease of operation;
- ease of care;
- durability;
- small physical dimensions.
Top 3 solo microwaves
The most popular are:
- Panasonic NN-ST254M
Despite its small dimensions, this model has a chamber with a volume of 20 liters and a turntable of 25.5 cm. The maximum operating power is 800 W. The maximum supported microwave power is 800 W. The model is controlled by touch buttons and has a multifunctional display for convenience. Cooking/reheating parameters can be set in manual or automatic mode. For the latter there are 9 programs, 3 for each function
Watch the video on the topic “TOP 5 inexpensive microwave ovens (2019)”
Review of popular models
Let’s take into consideration popular options for stoves from different brands: both little-known ones and those that are well-known.
Horizont 20MW700-1378B
The volume of the Belarusian microwave oven is 20 liters, dimensions in width, depth and height: 45.5x26x33.5 cm. The tray is 24.5 cm in diameter. The chamber inside is covered with enamel. Product weight - 10.6 kg.
Radiation power - 0.7 kW. There are 5 levels of regulation in total. Management - mechanics. Rotary switches, 35 minute timer. The functionality is complemented by a defrosting mode. The camera has a backlight, and there is also a sound notification at the end of the program. The door opens using a button - there is no need to pull the entire structure behind you. The design is laconic, white color.
Sold for 2800 rubles.
User reviews
Alina, Surgut
My colleagues and I bought it to heat lunches at the office, so the brand didn’t really matter - as long as it kept it warm. We were very pleased: no plastic smell, all modes are fast, no glitches.
Tatyana, Nizhnevartovsk
Wonderful quality. Such a working device for little money, I'm happy! We bought it for heating breakfasts and sandwiches so that guests could quickly whip up something. No unnecessary functions, everything is simple and tasteful. It heats up quickly, there is almost no noise, it is convenient to open by pressing a button. Now I know what the “solo” type means, otherwise there were a lot of questions for the store consultant who initially wanted to sell us an oven with convection and grill, but we don’t need all this.
Samsung ME713KR
The oven is designed for 20 liters. Dimensions: 48.9 x 27.5 x 35.4 cm. The chamber coating is bioceramics. The weight of the structure is 11.5 kg. Power - 800 W.
The panel has rotary mechanical switches. There is also a timer for 35 minutes. There is a defrost mode. Feature: uniform microwave distribution system. The camera is equipped with a backlight. There is an alert signal when work is completed.
Button to open the door. The body is made in classic white color.
The cost, according to YandexMarket, at the end of 2021 starts from 4,160 rubles.
Buyers' opinion
Sofia, Kursk
I didn’t immediately understand what SOLO meant. But then I read on the Internet that this was supposedly a microwave without all the bells and whistles, which is exactly what my grandmother needed. Great design, not fussy and simple. The levers turn easily. Malaysian assembly. But there are also shortcomings: the cord is short and the light in the camera is not very bright (my grandmother complains that it’s hard to see) or it’s because the tint is too dark. It copes well with warming up - it’s a kind of budget variation without any frills.
Sergey, Orel
A simple thing - both the first-grader son figured it out, and the pensioner mother-in-law pulled the controls. Previously, the oven was more expensive, so we had to explain to everyone how to use the sensor, so we freaked out and bought the simplest Samsung microwave when moving. I don’t regret spending a few thousand for a minute. We've been using it for three years: not a single failure, glitch or breakdown.
