• How does a microwave oven work?
• Built-in or free-standing microwave?
• Combi microwave: an all-rounder for your cooking needs

Klarstein microwave ovens: the best companion for your kitchen

Heating, defrosting and cooking food quickly, with considerable energy savings: a microwave oven is an excellent ally allowing you to optimise your time in the kitchen and offers countless advantages when time is short, and you don't want to give up the pleasure of a hot snack or meal. But that's not all. Up until a few years ago, microwave ovens were considered an appliance that only served for heating liquids or, at most, some leftovers. Today microwave ovens have become an essential appliance in all kitchens, extremely useful in the preparation of numerous dishes and desserts, and very often able to replace a traditional electric oven without any problems.

Thanks to technological developments in recent years, the range of products on offer today is hugely varied and includes models that go far beyond the traditional functions of a microwave. Microwaves that can also grill food and operate in convection mode for better internal heat distribution are now widely available. A state-of-the-art combi-microwave oven with innovative features such as the Crisp cooking system will give you frying-like results without the need for oil and fat. At Klarstein, you can find a wide range of microwaves for sale: if you are short on space in your kitchen, one of our small microwaves, capable of delivering an excellent performance without taking up too much space on your countertop, might be the best choice. Alternatively, you can opt for one of our built-in microwaves, some of which combine steamer and grill functions. All you have to do is visiting our gallery, getting inspired and finding the best microwave for your needs. Below you will find some useful information on how microwaves work and what their main features are.

How does a microwave oven work?

The operating principle of a microwave oven is based on electromagnetic radiation - microwaves - generated by the magnetron, an internal thermionic valve. The contact between this radiation and the molecules of water, sugar and fat contained in the food causes the friction that generates the heat, which heats and cooks the food quickly. The result of microwave cooking is similar to boiling, with the advantage that nutrients are not lost in the water.

Contrary to what you might think, microwave cooking is healthy because it uses the fats already present without adding more, and preserves the food’s nutrients. Thanks to the door’s shielding, no radiation escapes during cooking. Since the heat is generated inside the food being prepared, the container and the oven walls do not get hot, thus eliminating the risk of burning.

Built-in or free-standing microwave?

The two main categories of microwave ovens are free-standing and built-in models, depending on their kitchen position. Free-standing microwaves are ideal for placement on the kitchen worktop and can vary in size: often they are quite small, and ideal for use in small kitchens. The average capacity of a small microwave oven is around 20 litres, while larger models can exceed 40 litres. The choice of the best microwave oven to buy depends on the space available in your kitchen; we’d like to remind you that you should always leave at least 5 centimetres between the appliance and the walls to achieve optimal operation, and 30 centimetres above the microwave oven itself.

A built-in microwave, such as the Klarstein Luminance Steam, on the other hand, is designed to fit inside kitchen furniture. For this reason, its measurements are generally standard, with a width of 60 centimetres. Considering the increasing popularity of such devices, modern kitchens are often designed with a built-in microwave in mind, offering greater functionality and capacity than a free-standing, cheap microwave, but also featuring a stylish look become an integral part of the kitchen furniture.

Combi microwave: an all-rounder for your cooking needs

If you're short on kitchen space and you are looking for a versatile solution for preparing a wide variety of dishes using different cooking techniques, a modern combi microwave oven is the best choice. While the typical functions of a standard microwave oven are heating and defrosting food, a combi microwave offers a broader range of functions, easily selected from the control panel to precisely manage temperatures and cooking phases with different systems, thus ensuring the right consistency of the final product.

One of the main functions is the possibility of using the grill for the final browning of dishes, favouring the formation of that tasty crust typical of cooking in a traditional oven, starting from the interaction of the sugars and proteins present in the food. On the other hand, ventilation mode activates an internal fan that distributes hot air evenly, allowing food to be cooked quickly: the outside is dehydrated, but the inside remains soft and juicy, making it ideal for preparing lasagne and baked pasta, potatoes, roasts and fish. When the oven is equipped with an internal steamer, it is possible to use steam cooking, which is ideal for bakery and pastry, as it helps the dough to rise faster and to obtain crusts that are always crisp and golden.

Using microwaves, convection, steam and grill modes at the same time offered by the late-generation microwave ovens does not only allow you always to find the right combination for fast, healthy and tasty cooking but also to save on the purchase of appliances, such as separate steamers or grills. This is one of the reasons why a combi-microwave oven has a higher purchase price than other types of microwave oven. Still, it is an intelligent and long-lasting investment for a varied and innovative cuisine. Have a look at the product description of our combi microwave ovens, to find out more about their specifications, available cooking programs and presets