The microwave: small & practical.
Defrosting, heating and cooking are super quick & easy. The microwave is the smallest of all kitchen appliances. We present it to you along with our top sellers.
reading time: approx. 2 minutes
Defrosting, heating & cooking in the microwave
The function of microwave devices was discovered by chance in the mid-1940s. At the time, Percy Spencer was doing research at an American arms company. Among other things, he was conducting an experiment on a magnetron. One day he had a chocolate bar in his pocket that suddenly melted. The researcher quickly realized that the cause was the microwaves emitted by the magnetron.
Nowadays, we are no longer so surprised when a chocolate bar melts due to microwave radiation. The microwave has long since become a permanent fixture in our kitchens. The small, practical device is ideal for warming up, heating and cooking all kinds of food. However, microwave devices were not always so slim and slender. Before they were widely distributed, they were about as big and heavy as a freezer. Accordingly, they were also quite expensive.
Microwave types
Microwaves come in different models and types. The difference starts with the terminology alone. They are also called microwave ovens, microwave stoves or simply microwave devices. What they all have in common is that they heat food using radiation and thus change its biochemistry. This is how frozen food is defrosted, for example. Microwave types are then fundamentally differentiated based on how they are installed.
The freestanding microwave / tabletop microwave
The freestanding microwave is freestanding and can be placed flexibly on the worktop or elsewhere in the kitchen. This is a compact device that is extremely practical for cooking and baking. In addition, freestanding microwaves are relatively inexpensive to purchase and can also be quickly replaced.
The built-in microwave
In contrast to the freestanding microwave, the built-in microwave is installed in the kitchen cupboard. Similar to an oven. However, it does not matter where or at what height it is located. Microwaves can be installed in the upper cupboard, as well as in the lower cupboard and tall cupboard. It is also possible to install the microwave under the counter.
The microwave oven
The third type of microwave is the combo microwave. These practical 2-in-1 kitchen appliances combine two functions. For example, there are Ovens with microwaves or Steamers with integrated microwaves. The biggest advantage is the space-saving installation and the low price. After all, you only have to buy one device and place it in the kitchen. You also benefit from the additional functions when you buy combo ovens with an integrated microwave function. The main disadvantage is that you can only use one device at a time. Unfortunately, cooking in the oven and defrosting something in the microwave at the same time does not work if the two devices are combined.
Purchasing criteria for a microwave
Regardless of the type, a microwave has some special features. We clarify the most important facts, including dimensions and volume, as well as useful tips for installation.
Microwave functions: defrosting, cooking, baking, grilling, etc.
Cooking food in the microwave works using microwaves of the same name. This is a radiation technology that is now used that is completely safe for people and food. The temperature is set using wattages. You can use low wattages (80 to 150 watts) for defrosting. Or classic wattages (600 to 900 watts) for heating and cooking. A classic microwave usually rarely exceeds 1000 watts.
Crisp function of the microwave
Crisp microwaves have a function that makes food super crispy. Chicken legs, for example, become super juicy on the inside and deliciously crispy on the outside. But the crispy microwave function is also ideal for pizza or casseroles. The crisp function can be found in manufacturers such as Miele or Bauknecht.
Hot air microwave
Food is cooked in the microwave using hot air. The heat envelops the food very evenly and gently. This means that even difficult dishes, such as baking rolls or bread in the microwave, can be successful.
Pizza from the microwave
Why do you need an oven when you can bake pizza in the microwave? Modern microwaves have a practical pizza function that makes frozen pizza taste just as good as homemade pizza. Get inspiration from Bauknecht's video on baking pizza in the microwave!
Steamer microwave
Microwave and steam cooking? This is particularly possible with a combi steamer from Miele. Here, the small, practical kitchen appliance is combined with real professional equipment. The result is delicious and healthy cooked meals.
Cleaning and maintaining the microwave
Because microwaves are so small and handy, cleaning them is quick and easy. The outside can be cleaned with a damp cloth or duster. The interior is best cleaned with a little water mixed with lemon, vinegar or a gentle detergent.
Microwave accessories
A microwave alone does not make a perfect kitchen appliance. For that, you need the right microwave accessories. For example, a turntable on which the food is evenly rotated and cooked inside the oven. Or a cover as a splash guard. There is also special cookware for microwaves. Baking trays, baking pans, cups, plates or bowls are sometimes produced specifically for use in the microwave.
Microwave bestsellers from our shop
Now let's get to our microwave test and the bestsellers from our shop. Three brands of microwaves impress us both in terms of appearance and function.
The Miele microwave
The Miele microwave is particularly impressive with its combination operation and the resulting wide range of options. Microwaves with crisp are part of the range, as are Miele combi steamers and Miele ovens with integrated microwave function. Some models also have an integrated quartz grill. Like the Miele M 224 SC built-in microwave. You can use it to gratinate food, but also roast or grill it. The microwave can therefore be used both for simply heating up food and for the complex preparation of roast meat, vegetable casseroles or scampi.
The Bauknecht microwave
The Bauknecht brand has established itself as a true specialist for microwaves. It offers real haute cuisine for the home, especially with the SupremeChef microwave! Supreme Chef is a practical, small combi microwave with grill and hot air. Of course, it has all the functions you would expect from a small kitchen appliance: warming up, grilling, baking, steaming and roasting. Bauknecht microwaves also come with a crisp function. The Bauknecht microwave also has programs for yoghurt, defrosting bread, automatic cleaning, letting dough rise and much more.
