What is an inverter microwave oven, how is it different from a regular one? Is it worth overpaying for the benefits promised by consultants? To get to the bottom of the truth, let's understand their structure and find out how a microwave oven with an inverter differs from a simple microwave oven.
Manufacturers claim that such models are much better. Is it true that food cooked in them turns out tastier, more beautiful and retains more nutrients?
Why do you need an inverter?
Even those who do not know physics well understand that in a microwave oven food becomes hot and edible under the influence of ultrahigh frequencies - microwaves. Molecules set in motion by an electromagnetic field release thermal energy. Since the waves are able to penetrate objects through and through, the food in the chamber is evenly heated, not only on the surface, but also inside.
Where do the waves come from in a microwave oven? They are emitted by the magnetron - the “heart” of the device, its main part. In conventional furnaces, the magnetron is powered through a transformer, in these furnaces - from an inverter. This is a control unit and a DC-AC converter. It is in this block that the difference between conventional and inverter systems lies.
Since the inverting element is much smaller than the transformer, there is an advantageous difference in size and weight.
Basics
To begin with, it is logical to give a few fundamental definitions. So, a microwave oven is an electrical appliance for preparing food that uses the effect of heating materials (products) containing water by exposing them to electromagnetic waves in the decimeter range (most often with a frequency of 2450 MHz). Food molecules, liquids, contain negative and positive particles. In the absence of an electromagnetic field, the molecules are oriented in a random order. When cooking, under the influence of an alternating field, the molecules begin to rotate. The friction between molecules creates heat, which cooks food and causes water to boil. Heating of products here, in a microwave oven (it is also called a microwave oven; microwave is ultra-high frequency radiation, in this context - the same as microwave radiation), occurs not only from the surface (from above), but also through the volume of the product containing polar molecules of liquid (water). Radio waves penetrate the product to a depth of about 2-3 cm and are absorbed by it. We especially note that in a microwave oven there is no “heating from the inside” - such a statement can often be heard. No, microwaves come from the outside in. The effect of “internal heating” can occur when products with dry, non-moisture-conducting surfaces are processed in a microwave oven. For example, baked goods with a dried out crust. In them, most of the moisture is concentrated inside. Therefore, heating manifests itself deeper—hence the idea of “heating from the inside.” In everyday life, microwave ovens are used for quickly preparing various dishes, and also often for quickly defrosting or heating food.
In a classic microwave oven, some of the microwaves are reflected from the walls of the working chamber, then hit the food; the turntable helps to distribute the microwaves evenly.
A magnetron is an essential element of a microwave oven. It is he who generates electromagnetic radiation, with the help of which food is prepared. The transformer (also part of the furnace structure) provides high-voltage power to the magnetron. Microwaves are fed into the working chamber passing through a waveguide (special channel), which ends in the working chamber with an outlet channel (hole) transparent to radio frequencies. You should not turn on the microwave oven empty, because then the waves will not be absorbed by the product, but will be reflected from the walls of the working chamber, which can ultimately cause sparking. Long-term sparking can damage the magnetron (so if a small amount of food is being cooked in the microwave, it is advisable to put another glass of water in the chamber to absorb microwaves). There are microwave ovens with several waveguides - for a more uniform distribution of microwaves throughout the working chamber. There are also models in which the magnetron is installed at the bottom of the furnace (and not on the side, as in the vast majority of models). In this case, again for better distribution of radiation throughout the oven chamber, the microwave distributor rotates, which can be located in the working chamber from below or above.
There are microwave ovens without a turntable. The microwave distributor rotates in them. It can be at the top or bottom of the oven.
Finally, the inverter microwave oven is the main character of this material. The main difference between an inverter microwave oven and a “regular” one is the presence of an electronic control unit for the power of the magnetron (actually, an inverter - a device for converting direct electric current into alternating current). And the lack of a transformer. We will consider details about inverter power control of a microwave oven below. The fact that there is no transformer in the oven allows us to highlight some of this lack of advantages. Firstly, the electronic control unit takes up much less space - because of this, if we compare ovens with the same volume of the working chamber, the dimensions of a non-inverter oven will be slightly larger.
The transformer takes up much more space in the microwave oven and weighs more than the electronic inverter control unit.
Inverter (left) and non-inverter (right) stoves participating in the test (models below). They have the same volume of working chambers (23 l). The inverter one is smaller in size (one cannot say that the difference is global, but it is noticeable). In addition, an inverter oven weighs 3 kg less than a non-inverter oven (10 kg versus 13 kg).
Operating principle of inverter microwave ovens
The magnetron, generating microwaves, gradually reduces the radiation power. The effect on the molecules becomes softer, which prevents them from overheating.
In conventional stoves, the magnetron does not reduce power, but only shortens the intervals of wave impacts and increases the pauses between them. This is more “traumatic” for the molecules; moisture is lost and the product dries out. In an inverter, due to a gradual decrease in radiation, it is possible to preserve the structure of the molecules. What is the practical interest in this for the consumer? Products retain their shape better, they are more attractive on the outside and healthier on the inside.
The essence of technology
An innovative method of cooking food is proposed - Inverter Combination Cooking. This technique eliminates the disadvantages associated with traditional devices. Microwave ovens cook quickly, but only inverter control makes it possible to brown food. By combining a grill or other functions with an inversion system, you can quickly heat and cook food that is healthy and looks delicious.
Accelerated defrosting
Consumers looking at microwave ovens with an inverting element are wondering what Turbo defrosting means. This is a technology that uses the principle of sequentially varying power. Thanks to Turbo mode, food defrosts twice as fast. The “chaos theory” is used, in which it is possible to distribute the energy of microwaves, alternating in the best way the principles of regularity and irregularity.
External differences
If you compare the external data, a device with adjustable power is no different from a regular one, except that it weighs less. All the differences lie in the principle of operation of the device. Thanks to the absence of a bulky transformer, the developers were able to reduce weight and increase the volume of the camera while maintaining external dimensions.
Electricity consumption
A huge advantage of the system is the economical consumption of electricity. The magnetron, which turns on only once per cycle, gradually reduces power, consuming 28% less energy. If standby mode is turned on, savings reach 72%.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any technology, a microwave oven with an inverting element has its pros and cons. Advantages:
- Compact: spacious chamber, light weight.
- Uniform heating. The control system allows you to smoothly reduce the impact during the cooking process.
- Large set of functions. Dishes are prepared quickly and at the same time remain healthy. By combining microwaves with a grill, you can cook food with a crispy crust, just like in the oven. Microwave radiation can also be combined with steam and other options.
- Fast defrosting. A number of models have this function and defrost food twice as quickly. Since the intensity of the magnetron changes, defrosting occurs in a soft mode - beneficial substances are not destroyed, freshness is better preserved.
- No turntable. The absence of a plate gives more options for placing the container; one thing is important - that it fits in the chamber.
Experts and users find only one drawback with the stoves in question - the price. They are more expensive than regular microwaves. There are also a limited number of modifications.
Key differences between microwave ovens
Despite the fact that inverter models are more expensive, they have advantageous features compared to traditional microwave ovens.
| Technical indicators | Classic microwave oven | Inverter microwave oven |
| Magnetron operating principle | Power is regulated by turning the magnetron on and off | Multi-level power control |
| Magnetron control | Transformer | Inverter |
| Nutrient Preservation | 40-65% | 72-79% |
| Power consumption | ~1470 W | ~1340 W |
| Standby power | ~3.6 W | ~1.0 W |
Technical parameters indicate the high productivity of inverter models. And ordinary users add: the food in them is quickly and wonderfully baked, becomes tender and juicy, and retains its shape.
How much healthier is food from an inverter microwave oven?
The question of the healthfulness of microwave meals has always worried consumers. How true are the claims about the benefits of food cooked in a new type of oven? Any processing negatively affects the usefulness of the products. It is clear that due to the traumatic effects of electromagnetic waves, food loses its original concentration of nutrients - vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are destroyed.
After repeated experiments and research, experts were able to state that ovens with an inverter operating principle can preserve the content of vitamins and minerals by about 30% more than conventional microwave ovens.
What is an inverter microwave oven?
The latest generation of conventional microwave ovens (a good choice: Panasonic NN-CS894BZPE 32 L) has received approval from users due to its improved method of heating food. Research has revealed that by changing the operating principle of the magnetron, the working part of the device, manufacturers have achieved a more gentle influence of electromagnetic waves on the structure of the product. Due to this, food retains not only the taste, but also the usefulness, appearance and value of the finished dish.
Technological features of inverter models are:
- Unlike a traditional microwave, in which the magnetron operates at full power in a discrete manner, the operating principle of an inverter microwave is different. In it, the magnetron provides a continuous effect of electromagnetic waves on the dish. In this case, the radiation power can be adjusted by selecting a specific cooking mode.
- The absence of a transformer, which is equipped with conventional microwave ovens, made it possible to increase the internal dimensions of the inverter stove;
- Electricity savings range from 25 to 75 percent in different operating modes;
- The functionality has been expanded - a high-speed defrosting mode has been introduced;
- There is no rotating element; the size of the dishes with food is limited only by the volume of the microwave.
When testing the operation of an inverter and a conventional microwave, interesting results were obtained. Having set the same power level in both models, the experimenters placed different foods in them. Milk heated in an inverter stove turned out to be tastier and spilled less than in a regular stove, baked apples retained their shape better, and meat and fish turned out more juicy. The vegetables in it retained their texture, while a conventional microwave oven made them more boiled.
Comparing the internal structure of products processed in two versions of microwave ovens, research specialists from the American Food Institute NFRI made a clear conclusion: inverter technology (such as in the Panasonic NN-DS596MZPE model) retains more liquid inside the product, preventing it from boiling away during the process cooking, which determines the excellent taste, shape and almost imperceptible change in the cellular structure of the dish.
Useful information: TOP 15 most popular microwave ovens: review of the best models
How to choose
The selection criteria are practically no different from the factors taken into account when purchasing a traditional inverter-free model. Need to evaluate:
- dimensions;
- power;
- capacity;
- control;
- functional;
- price.
You also need to consider the expected intensity of use. To heat up ready-made dishes, 0.6 kW is enough - you can buy a solo stove. With additional functions, the power reaches 1.5 kW.
The capacity of the chamber is 14-20 liters. Large volume is recommended for families of 4-5 people. Capacious microwaves are also useful for partygoers who cook for guests.
When choosing a suitable modification, you also need to pay attention to:
- Control. Typically, models with a large range of options use a touch or electronic option - it’s faster, more accurate and more efficient to configure.
- Protection. If there are kids in the family, take a model with a child lock feature.
- Grill. Its functions can be performed by a heating element or a quartz lamp. In the latter case, the dishes seemed to be cooked over a fire. Some models have a vertical or double grill.
- Internal coating. The best option is ceramics or bioceramics. This is an easy to clean material that does not form carbon deposits. Has high resistance to heat and mechanical stress.
Who is the manufacturer
The most famous manufacturer of the microwave ovens reviewed is Panasonic.
Panasonic NN-DS596
The described technology is used in the NN-DS596 model, which supports combined mode. Chamber volume - 27 l. Without turntable. There is a powerful steam generator and an upper grill.
Panasonic NN-CD565B
A compact model with a power of 1 kW, not inferior in functionality to full-size versions. Dimensions are reduced due to the special placement of the fan. There is a quartz grill.
Panasonic NN-SD 366 M
Silver-colored stove with a capacity of 22 liters and a power of 0.8 kW. Electronic control. Rotating tray with a diameter of 24.5 cm. Dimensions: 28x48x36 cm.
What Siemens offers
Panasonic is not the only manufacturer of these microwaves; Siemens also produces them. Among the models from this manufacturer, it is worth noting the HF 25M2L2.
Its capacity is 21 liters. The chamber coating is stainless steel. There is defrosting and auto-cooking. Push-button control.
Microwave from Whirlpool
The large AMW 848 IX microwave oven has the most spacious chamber ever: 40 liters. A whole Christmas goose will fit here. The oven has all the functions that a housewife dreams of - grill and convection. Suitable for roasting meat and preparing baked goods. Touch control. There is defrosting and auto-cooking.
Although inverter stoves are produced by a limited number of manufacturers, buyers have plenty to choose from. This technique will be a reliable help in culinary delights.
Reviews
Panasonic NN-DS596: Oleg I., Sochi
I was interested in a new approach to cooking. I am satisfied with the purchase. The oven has all the main functions - microwaves, steam, grill, convection and plus combinations thereof. There are many advantages. Very quiet operation - you can barely hear the fan. There is self-cleaning. Food cooks much faster. There are no shortcomings, except for fingerprints that remain on the super glossy surface of the control panel.
Siemens HF25G5L2: Valentina T., Stary Oskol
I spent a long time choosing a microwave, I wanted to find the perfect one. I like that there are a bunch of automatic programs: I set a task, and I’m free - the stove will prepare everything itself. Great power - food cooks quickly. The food tastes good, you can't tell it was cooked in a microwave. I can put my favorite recipes into memory. Beautiful design, has a powerful grill - it comes out just like in the oven, with a crispy crust. Defrosts very quickly.
Using a new approach to power management, inverter microwaves produce tastier and healthier food. The equipment itself loses weight and size - these models are lighter, more compact and more spacious. The only negative is the higher price. But the benefits you get from the purchase are worth it.
