Microwave solo - the very first stage of technical progress

Perhaps, in our time, it is impossible to find a kitchen where there is no such simple, but at the same time indispensable device, like a microwave oven. The microwave helps to quickly heat food when there is no time to use the stove, and makes this process as automated as possible. In this article we will look at an example of solo-microwave ovens, give a description of their technical features, and highlight the main structural advantages and disadvantages. So, get acquainted, the simplest microwave solo.

What it is

The properties of the microwave discovered completely by chance, doing other research that is not related to cooking. For the modern consumer it will be important to know that this device comes from from the 20th century and is the fruit of the development of the American military.Very little time passed from the first samples to mass production, the device practically from the start of sales began to enjoy great popularity, having gained fame as an innovative product (for its time).

The evolution of the model range quickly got on the rails of progress: the microwave began to increase powerto decrease in size and increase in the volume of the food tank (due to optimization and unification of the units and electrical equipment). Then electronic (and then touch-sensitive) control panels began to appear in the devices; grill function, convection and many other additional options.

By the beginning of the 21st century, the microwave oven, in addition to acquiring its current, classic, dimensions and forms, knew how much more than just warming up food.

For quite a long period of time, the device became truly multifunctional, learning how to perform many different tasks. But the first were exactly the solo-stoves - the first simplest microwaves.

To date, their average power ranges from 500-600 to 1500 watts. The prefix "solo" means that the microwave works only with microwave radiation.This is the very first type of appliances that came into mass production, the ancestor of a whole class of kitchen appliances. Over time, this species did not disappear anywhere, it was never pushed out from the market by more technologically equipped counterparts. Probably, this happened because many people do not need complex technical devices, it is more important for them to quickly defrost the products and heat the already prepared dishes of high quality. Actually, this is the only thing that can do the microwave solo: reheat and defrost. Cooking food in it (except for the one on the label which does not indicate “for heating or cooking in microwave ovens”) will not work.

With thermal processing using microwaves, food warms up. in its own juice, and at the end does not burn (it is very important if you heat the meat), do not fry or bake. It is the heating of food to a predetermined temperature.

The advantage of this type of microwaves is the constructive simplicity of their device, as a result, high reliability and durability. A quality model will serve its owner for more than one year (if you take care of it properly).

Despite the fact that the solo microwave ovens have become a kind of niche segment, their choice on the market is quite large. Let us consider in more detail what solo microwaves are and from what to choose if the buyer needs only the basic functions of the device.

How to choose a microwave solo

What is the first thing to pay attention to when choosing a solo microwave? Since the principle of operation for all microwave ovens will be the same, it is better to look at design and dimensionsbefore you study the detailed specifications. For some, an important aspect when choosing will be the possibility of transportation, in this case, you should choose from small-sized models, but do not forget that the power of such a microwave will be much less.

1. Price. Everything is simple here: the cheaper the better, but you should never forget about compromise and expediency. If the buyer prefers to have an advanced filling even in such a niche segment as a solo oven, then perhaps you should pay attention to models with touch control units.Such devices, as a rule, have a wide range of characteristics within defrosting and heating (rich timer function, delayed switch on, auto power off sensor, tank lighting, heating of different dishes from the list, etc.).
2. The brand. Here everything is not so clear. Almost all manufacturers of household kitchen appliances are represented on the solo microwave market. This is due to the high demand for the product, widespread demand and relative ease of manufacture of the final product. Manufacturers that have been on the market for a long time and are well known to the domestic consumer, as a rule, ask for a higher price for their equipment than second and third-tier brands. As practice shows, brand awareness is not always a guarantee of its quality (however, even in the event of a breakdown, it is much easier to turn in branded equipment to one of the certified service centers). Manufacturers who are less well-known to customers in pursuit of their attention to their brand go for a significant price reduction, so you can find a good microwave solo at a reasonable price among the names that are not familiar to the Russian ear.
3. Specifications. Since the functionality of the device is obviously limited to only a few activities (defrost, reheat, melt cheese or chocolate, make a crust, etc.), you should look at the power. The more powerful the apparatus is, the better it will be to cope with power loads (defrosting products, especially meat, is very energy intensive).
4. If you plan to thaw large pieces of food in a solo microwave (or heat large portions of food), you need to consider a model with a large room for loading products.
5. For those who are not used to a lot of settings, models with a power switch are perfect in the form of a wheel: they are unpretentious, easy to operate, and their functionality usually comes down to several functions.
6. It is important to study to what energy class refers microwave. The default for today is a class of at least B +, ideally A ++ (the lowest and most efficient power consumption). In addition, devices of consumption class A ++ have built-in protection against voltage surges.

Pluses microwave solo:

1. Affordable price.
2. Easy to operate.
3. Easy to care (wash and wipe).
4. Reliability.
5. Small size (compared to more functional counterparts).
6. Quickly cope with their basic functions.

Cons of solo ovens:

1. Limited functionality.
2. Food, heated in a microwave, loses its useful properties due to the method of heat treatment used in it.
3. Non-automated process of preheating ready-made dishes (it must be monitored to avoid overheating).

Microwave Solo Care

Everything is pretty simple here. The device is quite unpretentious to use and requires to itself minimum attention. It is enough to wipe the inside of the device after cooking or defrosting food (if there is condensation or other deposits on the walls, such as fat). For cleaning the food tank, both standard household detergents and ordinary baking soda, which perfectly removes the remnants of dried food and other contaminants, are suitable. After cleaning, just dry the microwave and it is ready to use again.

It is worth remembering that heating products in a microwave oven solo is necessary only by covering them with a special plastic cap.Otherwise, there is a high probability of “popping” when overheated portions of food may “explode” inside the microwave.

For heating there are special containers sold separately. They are made from different materials, have different sizes and colors.

Conclusion

If you clearly understand why you need a microwave oven, and what functions it performs, then you can safely go to the list of models presented on the domestic market. If you need additional functionality, for example, the option "grill" or "smoking", then perhaps you should pay attention to older brothers solo microwaves. True, and pay for such a device will have more. In general, a solo microwave oven can be recommended to those who have clearly defined what they need from this type of equipment. We hope our article will help in this definition and make the selection process more enjoyable, interesting and exciting.