Pros and Cons of Microwave Cooking

March 15 05:34 2022 Print This Article

Introduction

The number of kitchens with microwave ovens is increasing rapidly – it is one of the fastest-selling kitchen appliances in India. The main reasons for this growing popularity are the speed and convenience they offer. The principle of microwave cooking is simple – the microwaves agitate the water molecules in food, and the movement causes friction which results in heat that cooks the food. While microwaves are boon in this age of being rushed and wanting to save time, every device has its pros and cons, and it is important to know what they are before deciding to go in for this appliance.

The Pros of Microwave Cooking

• Reheating food, which most microwaves are primarily used for, is quick, clean, and simple. If cooked food is stored in a microwave-safe dish, it can be taken straight from the fridge into the microwave, heated, and served. It takes no time and reduces the number of utensils that are used and which must then be cleaned.
• Newer microwaves have several preset cooking settings for both Indian and continental food, so preparing a complete dish becomes easy.
• Defrosting frozen foods is quick and simple. Most microwaves have a defrost control that does the job in minutes with just a few presses of a button.
• Reheating and defrosting of food do not affect the taste or nutritional value of the food.
• Microwave ovens are safer than traditional ovens and stoves as there is no fire, so the risk of injury or damage to property is almost nil.
• If older children are taught how to use the appliance correctly, it is safe for them and they can heat their own meals, even if the parents are not available.
• Since microwaves produce no smoke, one of the main sources of home pollution is cut off.
• Although microwaves consume electricity, because they cook so fast, the energy consumption is lower than other cooking options.
• Since the food is heated and utensils receive only indirect heat from the food, cleaning them is easier as there is little or no sticky or burnt residue.

The Cons  of Microwave Cooking

• If a microwave oven is damaged, there is a danger of microwave radiation leaking out of it. This can be dangerous and cause various health issues.
• Depending on the type and amount of food being cooked or reheated, there could be hot and cold spots. The cold spots will not taste good, and the hot spots could result in burns to the mouth.
• If the food that is being microwaved does not have enough water content, there is a risk of it becoming too dry.
• Only microwave-safe utensils can be used in these ovens. Any other utensils could result in damage to the utensils or the oven itself.
• Cooking excessive amounts of food because reheating is so easy can result in boring and stale meals and the loss of nutrition.

The bottom line is that microwaves are a boon in the modern home. The primary problem areas are related to incorrect or excessive use. Those who already have a microwave know how useful it is, and those who do not have this appliance will wonder, when they do buy one, how they managed without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is microwave cooking?

Microwave cooking uses microwaves to agitate water molecules in food, generating heat that cooks it quickly and conveniently.

2. Why are microwaves popular in Indian kitchens?

Microwaves offer quick reheating, easy defrosting, and preset cooking settings for Indian and continental dishes, saving time and effort.

3. Are microwaves safe to use?

Yes, if used correctly. They’re safer than traditional ovens as there’s no fire risk, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

4. Can microwave cooking affect food taste and nutrition?

No, if done properly. Microwaves heat food evenly, preserving taste and nutritional value, but overcooking or using improper settings can impact quality.

5. What are the drawbacks of microwave cooking?

Potential drawbacks include uneven heating, risk of dryness in food, and the need for microwave-safe utensils to prevent damage or accidents.

Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Updated on 23^rd Feb 2024