Preparing a meal in the kitchen is a hectic task, requiring much effort and time. The busy and fast-paced lifestyles of today have made people turn to cutting-edge kitchen appliances to assist them with performing a variety of cooking tasks. In that regard, Modern day microwaves have emerged as a go-to and an all-in-one appliance whose utility extends beyond heating up food due to their advanced functionalities. Also, the microwave oven has evolved over the years as latest technological innovations lead each successive model to be an upgrade of the previous model. This article aims to explore the key benefits of microwave cooking followed by features of the top ovens and a list of the top brands in Pakistan to help you choose the best Microwave oven in Pakistan.
Benefits of using a microwave oven
Convenience
Convenience is the second name of a microwave and for a reason. They are easy to use , requiring minimal effort while preparing your food in no time. Whether you have to heat up some food or prepare a meal , a microwave is a convenient option that will help you save your precious time. By helping you prepare meals faster and more efficiently , a microwave reduces your workload and makes cooking a hassle free experience.
Versatility
Contrary to popular opinion, microwaves aren’t just meant for but will amaze you with their versatility. They are equally adept at cooking and reheating a variety of foods including a full-time meal. Modern models are multi-functional as they are equipped with grilling, baking and defrosting making them an excellent choice for your culinary needs. poached eggs, cookies, polenta, mac and cheese, popcorn and even potato chips.
Efficiency
Efficiency is not the most prominent feature of a microwave but its exceptional speed ensures that food is cooked faster than traditional cooking methods. Also, a microwave works instantly the moment you press go without any need for preheating. This in turn leads to reduced use of energy during meal preparation which lowers your energy bills as well as carbon footprint.
Retains Nutrients
Another beneficial aspect of a microwave is that the nutritional value of food is preserved unlike the high temperatures of traditional stove cooking. The fact that food is cooked in a shorter time span means that less nutrients are lost and helps to make food nutritious and thus good for health.
Safe and Efficient Heating
Microwave also performs better when it comes to safety in the kitchen. A wonderful thing about a microwave is that it is constructed to be a good conductor on the inside but poor externally. This helps to keep the oven ‘s exterior cold while food is being heated inside. Not only that, the dish carrying the dish is itself mildly hot to be touched than stoves or oven which minimizes the risk of burns.
Healthy Cooking
It’s also a well-suited option insofar as your health is concerned. When food is being baked in the oven or fried, it leads to the formation of carcinogenic materials like tar and char. This is not the case in microwave cooking where the low cooking temperature similar to the boiling point of water means that your cook is free of these hazardous chemicals.
What factors to consider in a Microwave
Size and Capacity
Consider the size and capacity of an oven to buy one that fits your kitchen size or available counter space. If you happen to have a smaller family , then a microwave with a compact model will be suitable. However, if you have a large family or entertain guests often, then go for a larger model.
Wattage
The wattage of an oven determines its actual performance. The higher the wattage, the faster and more even the cooking so be mindful of the power rating of an oven if you seek superior results and less energy consumption.
Brand Reputation
The market is literally flooded with microwaves with each brand offering a unique set of features that set it apart from the rest. Ultimately, quality is paramount if you are to derive the best value for your money and the brand you choose is critically important. Go for brands that are well-reputed for producing quality and reliable appliances. Don’t rush to purchase but take your time to weigh your options by reading customer reviews for that brand and even ask family or friends who have had first-hand experience with a brand.
Additional Features
Customization
Cooking is all about precision but it can take time to master your cooking and baking skills so that you get it right each time. Modern models come with pre-programmed settings for a customized cooking experience to lower the chances of many mishaps or glitch. Now you can set the cooking and power level as per the requirements of the dish for optimum results each time.
Air Frying Option
Few microwave models offer the air frying options by allowing you to substitute the heavy amounts of oil used in fried food with the lighter option of air frying. This is a fantastic choice for those looking to shed their weight while continuing to relish delicacies like golden fried prawns, chicken wings
Top Microwave Oven Brands in Pakistan
1 West point
2 Anex
3 Braun
4 LG
5 Kenwood
Conclusion
An oven has become an indispensable part of modern kitchens that is not only convenient to use but can make a great difference to your culinary endeavours. The tremendous benefits of microwave cooking make it a welcome addition to any kitchen top whether its heating up leftovers or cooking a meal from scratch. By considering the above features, you will be able to choose a reliable one from the top microwave options in Pakistan depending on your needs and preferences without sacrificing quality or performance.