What is an inverter microwave oven

A microwave oven, or, as it is also called in everyday life, a microwave oven, is now present in almost every kitchen. This device makes it easier and faster to cook and reheat food. Recently, one of the models of this device has become increasingly popular - an inverter microwave oven.

The inverter is an important part of the microwave

As you can easily guess from the name, a special feature of the new product is the presence of an inverter. A certain device that was missing in previous models of microwave devices.

What is an inverter

To understand what it is, let’s remember how a microwave works and what it consists of.

The operation of the device is based on the use of microwave radiation. In other words, electromagnetic waves or microwaves. Repeatedly reflected from the inner walls of the oven, they pass through the processed products. At the same time, they impart thermal energy to the water molecules contained in the food. Thanks to this, the food warms up.

The source of electromagnetic radiation in the furnace is a magnetron. It is located at the back of the microwave. Therefore, it is not visible unless you disassemble the device.

A inverter is an element that controls and regulates the operation of the magnetron. In earlier and more familiar models, this was done by a transformer.

What is the difference between the two electronic control units

• The first one transmits only waves of a certain specified power. Its operation consists of an alternation of short-term electromagnetic pulses and pauses.
• Inverter control is capable of smoothly changing the radiation power from higher to lower values. That is, it constantly generates microwaves, smoothly adjusting their strength during the session.

Important! An inverter differs from a transformer not only in its operating principle and power, but also in weight and size. It is significantly more compact and lighter than its more traditional counterpart.

The principle of operation of an inverter in a microwave oven

In relation to the operation of a microwave oven, this means the following. A standard microwave oven always uses wave impacts of a fixed power. However, it does not work continuously, alternating electric wave impulses with pauses. Different modes differ only in the duration of exposure and breaks between them.

It is because of this unevenness that small local “explosions” and “accidents” occur in a microwave oven, causing food to splash across the inside of the housing. Experts say that damage also occurs at the molecular level. As a result, products lose some of their taste and nutritional properties.

The impact of an inverter microwave on food occurs constantly and evenly. The power of electromagnetic radiation decreases smoothly and gradually. Thanks to this, it is possible to set up more complex cooking modes. Maintain the integrity of products, including at the micro level, as well as their appearance.

Important! The inverter operating mode allows you to significantly reduce energy consumption.

Specific numbers vary slightly by model, but the average savings is about 28 percent.

Thus, although outwardly inverter models look similar to the options we are more familiar with, inside they are quite different.

How the use of inventory changed the microwave

From all these technical details, there are a few very simple, understandable and pleasant things for owners of inverter microwave ovens.

Functionality of inverter ovens

The options available to this type of microwave are significantly wider. On the surface there are differences such as a greater number of cooking, heating and defrosting modes. For example, the function of creating dishes with a golden brown crust, with a grill effect. Or turbo defrost. Or steam mode.

The number of opportunities available to the housewife has increased.

But what is much more significant is that the quality of food processed in the oven has changed. More uniform heating without sudden changes in the electromagnetic field causes less damage to food at the molecular level.

Important! When cooked in a conventional microwave, food loses on average 40 to 60 percent of its nutrients compared to its raw, uncooked state. The inverter allows you to reduce losses by 30-40 percent.

That is, food prepared in a new type of microwave oven is significantly healthier and more nutritious. Even with the naked eye it is sometimes noticeable that she looks better. And in photographs under a microscope the difference is visible even more clearly.

Inverter microwave - the choice of healthy eating supporters.

Weight and dimensions of the inverter oven

Another significant feature of this type of microwave oven is that it 10 percent lighter and more spacious than its less modern counterparts. This is due to the fact that the inverter is much more compact than a transformer and weighs less.

Therefore, if you look at the range of microwaves of this type, you will see offerings with a large capacity. These will mainly be devices with an internal volume of 23, 25, 39 liters. Whereas conventional microwave ovens are often characterized by a value of 20-22 liters.

At the same time, the weight for traditional models with a volume of 20 liters and for inverter devices with a volume of 25 liters is approximately the same. Its value is about 9.5 kg.

Important! With a larger internal volume, a built-in microwave oven with an inverter will eliminate additional problems when placing it in the kitchen.

In addition, for preparing culinary delights in it Even relatively large and bulky dishes will do.

If we briefly summarize all the advantages of buying a microwave oven with an inverter, you will get a very attractive list. Energy savings, more cooking modes, better food quality, larger capacity. Reliability of operation should not be overlooked. Repairs to such devices will not be required soon.

Among the disadvantages are the higher cost of such a device and a smaller range of models. However, both of these disadvantages are gradually leveled out over time. The difference in price decreases, the number of offers increases.