A microwave is a kitchen appliance that has several applications in the kitchen. In today’s technology-driven world, every homestead has its time-saving and easy cooking method. The use of microwave cooking is rapidly increasing as it’s one of the fastest ways of cooking. As many people say, everything has disadvantages and advantages, and so does the microwave. Microwave has their pros and cons.
Pros of microwaves
Below are some of the advantages associated with microwaves:
1. Time-saving in cooking. One of the most significant advantages of using a microwave in the kitchen is its ability to cook food faster. Microwaves cook food quicker and in lesser time than other conventional ovens. Therefore, if you need to save time in cooking food, the microwave is an ideal option.
2. Reheating food. This is the typical application of most microwaves. Unlike other cooking appliances, microwaves have fewer reheating procedures that have to be followed to have your food ready. You only need to transfer your food to the microwave-safe dish and take it to the microwave. Minimize the time required to reheat the food and the number of tools and utensils needed.
3. Eco-friendly. Microwaves are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Firewood cookers and gas burners are prone to air pollution due to the fumes they produce. On the other side, microwaves have no fumes, and thus they are free from polluting the environment. Secondly, microwaves consume less energy than other cooking forms like gas burners.
4. Defrosting foods. Defrosting is the process of removing ice cover from food. When you preserve your food in the fridge, it is likely to freeze. Microwaves can defrost frozen food faster and within a few seconds. This helps save on the energy you would use if other cooking techniques were used.
5. The use of timers. Modern microwaves have timers that can aid in the cooking process. The timers alert you when your food is ready, thus avoiding complications that arise from overcooking food. Secondly, you do not have to stand there and wait for the food to reheat. The timers allow one to do other tasks while waiting for the microwave to beep.
6. Easy to clean. Microwaves are free from fumes and smoke, standard in other cooking techniques. Because of this, the process of cleaning is pretty easy. Secondly, the amount of utensils needed while using a microwave is fewer. Similarly, while using a microwave, utensil receives heat indirectly from the food. Thus, cleaning them is easier. Therefore, the number of dirty utensils in the kitchen is reduced.
7. Safer for children. All cooking appliances are dangerous to children as they can cause burns. However, the microwave is somehow safer to be used around children. Children can comfortably cook and reheat food if they are taught how to handle and use it.
8. Low consumption of oil. Microwave cooking allows one to save the cost of oil. While using a microwave for cooking, the consumption is less than using other cooking techniques. Thus, we can use little oil for cooking our foods and preparing low-fat diets.
9. Ease the baking process. A microwave oven plays a vital in easing the process of baking. The microwave timers control the baking process. Thus the baker can avoid any mess that is likely to occur while baking. Secondly, the microwave allows one to regulate the heat.
10. Less space consumed. Microwaves take up little space in your kitchen. Thus, this is the best cooking appliance for you if you have a small kitchen.
11. Retains food nutrients. Microwave prevents food from overcooking, and because of this, the minerals and nutrients are preserved. The rate of evaporation in this cooking method is limited; therefore, the food’s nutrients are not lost via evaporation.
Cons of Microwaves
Below are some of the common downsides associated with microwaves:
1. Linked to health disorders. Studies show that microwaves are dangerous to human health as they cause cancer. Microwaves use electricity to warm or cook. The electric rays produce cancer-causing agents. If the food is consumed, the cancerous agents are passed into human blood, weakening the human immune system.
2. Food’s taste and texture may change. Despite the food retaining its nutrients, the texture and the taste of the food may change. If you taste the same food cooked on a stove and another cooked by microwave, you will note the difference in taste and textures.
3. Decreases water content. Microwaves take too much water content from the food. Thus, leading to food drying and dehydration. Therefore, it may not be suitable to cook water-based foods like soups.
4. Not all utensils are used in the microwave. There is a limited number of utensils used in the microwave. Cooking utensils made of glass, plastic, and ceramic are safe to use in the microwave. The use of the wrong cookware in the microwave may be hazardous. Therefore, before using the microwave, go through the instructions and understand which utensils can be used.
5. Radiation leakage. It is advisable to stand far away from the microwave while cooking. The microwave emits radiation, which is harmful to human health. Secondly, the plastic cookware used in the microwave emits Bisphenol, which is also dangerous to human health.
6. Cannot be used to cook all types of dishes. One of the most significant downsides of microwaves is that they cannot be used to cook all foods. For example, the microwave cannot be used for cooking chapatti and deep-frying. Therefore, it is only suitable for dishes that do not require regular monitoring.
7. Energy consumption. Cooking for extended periods may often increase the energy consumed by the appliance. Since the microwave uses electricity, the high-energy consumption would be reflected in the increased electricity bill.
8. Expensive to acquire. The initial cost of purchasing a microwave is relatively high; thus, not all families can buy this appliance. In addition, the cost of repairing a faulty microwave is higher than that of other cookers.
9. Requires electricity. Microwave relies on electric current to perform cooking tasks. Therefore, it cannot be used in areas that do not have electricity.
