Sometimes customers simply do not need extensive functionality, because in everyday life it will not be involved in any way. In this case, it becomes necessary to choose a microwave oven with only microwave waves.
But even then, it's not that simple, because the absence of a grill or convection does not mean giving up all conveniences, like automatic cooking programs or a child lock. In addition, design, quality and reliability in such devices can also differ dramatically. Our ranking of the best solo microwaves will help you make the right choice, in which we evaluated 5 popular models from different well-known manufacturers.
Samsung ME81ARW
If you need a spacious microwave with convenient mechanical controls, then pay attention to the Samsung ME81ARW. Its internal volume is 23 liters, and the power is 800 watts. The latter is quite enough for quick heating of dishes and high-quality defrosting, the mode of which is present in this reliable and high-quality microwave oven. Also, the device has a system of uniform distribution of microwaves, which ensures excellent work efficiency. But there are no other functions here, and according to user reviews, this microwave oven in terms of price and functionality will not be the best choice. However, you have to pay for the quality assembly, nice design and good work, so this nuance cannot be written down as a disadvantage.
Advantages:
- device power
- mechanical control resistant to voltage drops
- internal volume
Flaws:
- slippery metal feet
- low backlight level
BBK 20MWS-770S/W
Model 20MWS-770S / W from the manufacturer BBK can rightly be called the most reliable solo microwave in the ranking. And this despite the fact that you can buy it at a price of up to 4000 rubles. This small microwave oven heats and defrosts well, and in addition, users are offered automatic cooking and a timer up to 99 minutes. An important advantage of the 20MWS-770S / W model is 10 power levels at once with a threshold of 700 watts. Otherwise, this simple and cheap microwave does not stand out from other devices. Unless the presence of a child lock can also be written down as its pluses. However, given the cost, there are simply no cons to this excellent solution from BBK.
Advantages:
- number of power levels
- steam cleaning and odor removal options available
- auto defrosting and cooking
- child lock
Flaws:
- not available for the price
LG MS-2043HS
Next in line is the best of the solo microwave ovens in our ranking, featuring excellent functionality. For about 7000 rubles, the buyer will receive a device with a first-class design and a power of 700 watts. But first of all, LG MS-2043HS attracts attention not by its appearance, but by its capabilities. This popular 20L microwave offers 4 different automatic defrost and automatic cooking. Moreover, 32 different recipes are immediately available for the latter, so the lack of the possibility of making your own cannot be called a drawback at all. However, the manufacturer decided not to stop there, adding to its good model of a microwave oven without a grill also a system for even distribution of microwaves and a child protection function. As a result, LG managed to create a truly ideal device for its price, which is quite suitable even for a small family.
Advantages:
- lovely design
- functionality
- number of recipes
- heats food well and quickly
- convenient control
- even distribution of microwaves
Flaws:
- the legs are not rubberized, so it can slide when the door is opened
Midea MM720CMF
Usually, with a good price-quality ratio, microwaves up to 5,000 rubles do not differ in the most attractive appearance, and their capabilities leave much to be desired. However, in the case of the MM720CMF model from the Midea brand, everything is completely different. The device can please with an excellent design, which is even better than many more expensive solutions. There is also a convenient door opening with a handle, which, according to many buyers, is much better and more reliable than the push-button option. In operation, this budget solo microwave shows good reliability and functionality. Thanks to 5 power levels with a threshold of 700 W, you can conveniently reheat, defrost and cook food. However, these modes work only on strictly specified factory settings, and you won’t be able to change them for yourself. Nevertheless, for such a price, it is pointless to find fault with such trifles.
Advantages:
- great design
- device functionality
- best price
- Pretty roomy for a small size
Flaws:
- quality of materials and assembly, not always at a high level
- very easily soiled body, easily collects fingerprints
Mystery MMW-1706
Our rating is closed by a small microwave oven from a good manufacturer Mystery. In online stores, the MMW-1706 model can be found at a price of up to 3,000 rubles. For this cost, the consumer receives a compact microwave with mechanical control. The internal volume of this device is 17 liters, which will be enough for undemanding users. The maximum power of an inexpensive model from Mystery is 700 W, and a total of 5 gradations are available to the user to choose from. As for additional functions, this high-quality built microwave oven boasts a 30-minute timer and a defrost mode. Otherwise, we have an extremely simple, but reliable device that does its job perfectly.
Advantages:
- quality assembly
- low cost
- small size
- the presence of a timer
Flaws:
- long heating of food
Output
First of all, our detailed review of the best models of microwave ovens with only microwave waves will be of interest to students and inveterate bachelors. Such buyers have no special requirements for this class of devices, except for heating food. But housewives who love to cook may also be interested in the models considered in the rating, because if they have a good oven at home, they can save a lot of money.
The microwave comes in handy when you need to cook or reheat food as quickly as possible. But at the same time, few people know that there are different types of them, for example, solo, and which one is in their kitchen.
On the modern market, you can find three main categories of equipment: conventional, with a grill, with a large set of functions.
Plain
Conventional solo microwave. It uses only microwave radiation in its work and is most suitable for heating food.
with grill
Devices additionally equipped with a grill function.
With other features
Furnaces, implying the functions of frequency waves, grill, convection.
The first type is with the basic package. Most often found in the kitchen. Cooking or baking something complicated in it will not work, but it does an excellent job with heating and defrosting. Therefore, it does not lose its popularity.
Despite the small productivity, such a microwave will replace the oven well.
Control system
Can be divided into two types:
- Mechanical. Used with buttons or switches. Usually they put two round regulators: to select the mode and time.
- Electronic. It has touch displays or simply electronic buttons on the control panel.
Principle of operation
Such basic solo microwaves are equipped with a standard structure. The main element of the magneton provides the production of high-frequency radiation of electromagnetic waves.
Under their influence, food molecules begin to move. Accordingly, a friction effect is created and the food begins to heat up. But since the mere movement of particles cannot fry or bake food, all that happens at this time is cooking it in its own juice.
This principle is suitable, for example, for cooking vegetables or simple cereals and, of course, for heating ready-made meals or for defrosting food. Putting, for example, potatoes there, you can get well-boiled soft tubers at the exit, but you should not expect a golden brown crust.
In order for the heating to be carried out evenly, all microwave ovens are equipped with a base with a swivel mechanism.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages:
- Affordable price. You can find it for less than 2000 rubles. Therefore, this type is available to almost everyone.
- Simplicity. Minimum settings. Sometimes you can meet with only one - the choice of power level.
- Compactness. This species does not have many functions, so there is an easy place in the kitchen.
Flaws:
- Low power.
- Compared to other categories of microwaves. In microwaves with a grill, the power is 2800 watts, in solo - 1500 watts.
- This determines the speed of work. But for heating or defrosting such power is enough: it will be enough for several minutes, and sometimes even seconds.
- Few opportunities.
- Uses only microwave radiation for heating.
The power parameter is in shortcomings, but it is worth looking at from the other side: the smaller it is, the less energy is consumed.
How to care
This oven does not require special care. Can become dirty due to condensation and food residues that are scattered during heating. But it is enough to wipe the inner walls with a damp cloth and wipe the other dry.
Once a week, use cleaning agents for this.
Use a special cap for food - all the fat will settle on it. It is much easier to wash it in the sink than to scrub the walls of the oven.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a solo oven, the buyer should pay attention to power, energy class, functions, control method, dimensions and volume, and especially to the manufacturer.
Power
If you often need to defrost food or cook vegetables in the microwave, it is better not to be stingy and choose a device with the highest indicator.
Energy class
Ideal - A++. In this case, you can not be afraid for the condition of the device in case of possible voltage drops.
Functionality
You should not expect something complicated from a small stove. But there are functions such as a timer, auto-off, defrost modes, backlight, and so on, and many will miss them.
Control method
Mechanical or electronic - depends only on the preference of the buyer. But modern models are equipped with a touch screen.
Dimensions and volume
The standard volume inside is 20–25 liters. You need more, try and find such models.
Brand
The equipment of little-known brands is not always inferior in quality to products from market giants. You can buy an affordable model, despite the little-known brand.
Sales consultants or reviews on the websites of hardware stores can help you choose.
Top Models
LG MS-2043HS
Modern laconic design and convenient electronic control display. Volume - 20 l, power - 700 W.
Advantages:
- 4 defrost modes and 32 cooking recipes;
- convenient management;
- system of uniform distribution of microwaves;
- child protection.
Flaws:
- non-rubber feet.
The average price is 7000 rubles.
Midea MM720CMF
Good model for a low price. Volume - 20 l, power - 700 W. There are 2 rotary switches on the control panel.
Advantages:
- unusual appearance;
- simple control;
- 5 power modes.
Flaws:
- requires daily care.
The average price is 4500–5000 rubles.
Mystery MMW-1706
A good model for its price range. Simple design, mechanical control. Compact. Volume - 17 liters, enough for a small family.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- 5 power levels;
- timer.
Flaws:
- long warm up.
The average price is 3000 rubles.
Despite their simplicity, popular models of solo microwave ovens are in demand even more than devices with a bunch of functions. It is useful for both a mother of many children and a bachelor student.
A microwave oven has a wide range of capabilities and is indispensable in a modern kitchen. It helps to reheat food, defrost food and does it automatically. The cost of a microwave depends on the functions Therefore, the choice of model is of no small importance.
Description of microwave oven solo
A microwave oven without grill and convection is considered the simplest and is called solo. The cooking process in such an oven occurs under the influence of microwave waves on the product. The emitter (magnetron) is located in the furnace body, and there is a turntable for uniform heating.
Heated food, cooked in a microwave solo oven due to heating, without frying and baking. All such devices have a warm-up function. The main advantage of microwave solo ovens is the democratic price. If the house already has an oven, then this model will be ideal.
Model selection
Before buying, you need to determine the performance and functionality of a particular model. The main points when choosing are:
- Design and dimensions. Considering that the principle of operation of the microwave is the same for all models, initially the buyer selects the oven in accordance with the design of the kitchen;
- Price. The domestic buyer is accustomed to focus on the price. The cheapest ovens with mechanical control, however, touch microwaves may have additional features:
- Delayed start of cooking / heating;
- Shutdown at a given time;
- camera LED lighting, etc.;
- Brand. Which firm to give preference depends only on the personal desires of the buyer. Given the simplicity of the solo model, the choice is quite wide. Do not forget that assembly, even for famous brands, takes place in South Asian countries. However, from famous brands, albeit with a higher price, developed network of service centers;
- Parameters. Specifications are very important, so it is worth paying attention to the power of the model. The higher this parameter, the faster the cooking, which means saves energy. The functions of solo ovens are standard and basically the same;
- Simple control. Mechanical control, although it looks outdated, has its advantages:
- lower price;
- Reliability and unpretentiousness in use;
Models with simple controls, ideal for the elderly that don't need a lot of features.
- energy efficiency. Energy saving allows reduce utility bills. When choosing any household appliances, it is recommended to focus on class A, and the more “+” signs after this letter, the less will be the cost of paying for electricity;
Advantages and disadvantages
Any household appliances, including solo microwave ovens, have pros and cons. The benefits include:
- Low price;
- Ease of care;
- Long service life;
- Turn on speed;
- Small dimensions.
negative parties are:
- Limited features;
- Minimum models with automatic modes.
Proper care
Caring for this category of microwave ovens is not difficult. Enough clean the camera instrument after use. For cleaning, ordinary detergents are suitable. Leave the door open to dry after cleaning.
Top 3 Solo Microwaves
The most popular are:
- Panasonic NN-ST254M
Despite its small dimensions, this model has a chamber with a volume of 20 liters and a turntable of 25.5 cm. The maximum working power is 800 watts. The maximum supported microwave power is 800 watts. The model is controlled by touch buttons, for convenience there is a multifunctional display. The cooking/reheating parameters can be set manually or automatically. For the latter, 9 programs are provided, 3 for each function;
In the assortment of online stores you will find more than one solo microwave oven. How are they different from other microwaves, is it possible to cook in it or only reheat? In the article we will consider all the subtleties of this type of technique.
Briefly: such an oven works only on microwaves, has a low power and is intended mainly for heating ready meals.
Solo microwave: what is it
The technology on the basis of which the microwave oven was created was discovered by accident, while conducting research in a completely different area. Is it based on the developments of the US military back in the 20th century? Not much time passed from experimental designs to serial production, and the demand for microwave ovens appeared instantly.
Progress has rapidly embraced this industry, so in microwave ovens, developers have increased power, reduced their size on the outside and expanded the volume inside. Later, the mechanical control was replaced by electronic, and not so long ago, touch controls also appeared. Manufacturers began to build in fans and heating elements for convection and grilling, offering steamers, bread makers and other options as a set.
So what exactly is a microwave solo? These are the simplest units that are not designed to perform additional tasks. Power ranges from 500 to 1500 watts. The mysterious word "solo" means only that the oven works only using microwave radiation.
Such stoves are the progenitors of modern multifunctional devices. They are still in demand, as some buyers do not need technically sophisticated microwave ovens at all, they buy them for heating and defrosting food.
In the solo oven, you can only cook food that has the appropriate label. The rest of the products can only be heated.
Under the action of microwaves, the products are cooked in their own juice, so they do not burn, do not fry, do not bake, but simply heat up to the temperature set by the user.
What is the advantage of a microwave oven of the "solo" type? Its design is simple, which ensures reliability and long service life. A stove from a trusted brand will last as expected and even longer (subject to the rules from the user manual).
Check out the types and features that you should pay attention to when buying.
Criterias of choice
What should concern the buyer when choosing an electrical appliance?
Dimensions
The principle of operation for all furnaces is the same, so the first thing the user pays attention to is the design and dimensions of the case. For some, ease of transportation is important - compact designs are suitable for them.
Fact! Please note: the smaller the device, the lower its power.
Price
The golden rule of the Russian buyer: what is cheaper is better. But if, choosing a simple stove, you want to get modern functionality and convenient switches, take options with touch controls. They can reheat and defrost in different modes, and among the additional options:
- timer,
- delayed start function
- automatic shutdown sensor
- LED lighting inside the camera, etc.
brand
It's hard to say which company is better. On the market you can find a solo model from almost any manufacturer: Midea, Gorenje, Shivaki, Panasonic, Sharp, Vitek, Supra and others.
Brands that have been on the market for decades and are well known to consumers are asking for more for their products than less well-known companies. At the same time, a well-known brand does not always act as a guarantor of quality. Please note: European companies often have factories located in China.
The other side of the coin: Bosch or Algy equipment is easier to hand over to a service center for repair than a little-known analogue. A nice bonus of buying equipment not from the highest echelon is that the price will be an order of magnitude lower for the same functionality that Bosch or Siemens will offer you.
Parameters
You already know about the functions: heating, defrosting, melting cheese or chocolate, crispy crust on a ready-made dish, etc. They are chosen according to their own preferences. Therefore, pay attention to the power parameters. The higher it is, the more opportunities the oven has: it copes with tasks faster, but consumes more electricity.
On a note! Planning to defrost large cuts of meat or fish? Or will you heat impressive portions? Equipment with a large camera is suitable so that there are no problems with loading.
Ease of controls
Do not like newfangled touch buttons, are you closer to ordinary wheels for switching modes? Such devices are especially suitable for the elderly and those who are not interested in the wide functionality of the device.
Energy efficiency
Modern appliances are no longer available with an energy class below B+. But when buying, be guided by equipment of classes A, A + or A ++ (the last option is the most profitable).
Class A++ devices have built-in power surge protection.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such structures have pros and cons. Let's start with the good:
- Budget.
- Easy to care for, keep clean, use.
- Long serve.
- Modest dimensions (compared to multifunctional devices).
- Fast execution of programs.
- Few features and options.
- Experts' version: Microwave products lose their benefits due to the way they are processed.
- There are practically no models with an automated heating process (you need to make sure that the products do not overheat).
Overview of popular models
Let's take into consideration the popular options for stoves of different brands: both little-known and well-known ones.
Horizont 20MW700-1378B
The volume of the Belarusian microwave oven is 20 liters, dimensions in width, depth and height: 45.5x26x33.5 cm. The tray is 24.5 cm in diameter. The chamber is covered with enamel inside. Product weight - 10.6 kg.
Radiation power - 0.7 kW. There are 5 levels of regulation in total. Management - mechanics. Rotary switches, 35 minute timer. The functionality is supplemented by a defrost mode. The chamber has a backlight, and there is also a sound notification at the end of the program. The door opens with a button - you do not need to pull the entire structure along with you. The design is laconic, white color.
Sold for 2800 rubles.
User Reviews
Alina, Surgut
We bought with colleagues to warm up lunches at the office, so the brand didn’t really matter - if only it warmed. We were very satisfied: no smell of plastic, all modes are fast, there are no glitches.
Tatiana, Nizhnevartovsk
Remarkable quality. For little money such a working device, I'm happy! Bought for heating breakfasts, sandwiches, so that guests can quickly bungle something. No extra features, everything is simple and tasteful. It heats up quickly, there is almost no noise, it is convenient to open by pressing a button. Now I know what the “solo” type means, otherwise there were immediately a lot of questions for the store consultant, who initially wanted to sell us a convection oven and a grill, but we don’t need all this.
Samsung ME713KR
The oven is designed for 20 liters. Dimensions: 48.9x27.5x35.4 cm. Chamber coating - bioceramics. The weight of the structure is 11.5 kg. Power - 800 W.
The panel has rotary mechanical switches. It also has a 35 minute timer. There is a defrost mode. Feature: system of uniform distribution of microwaves. The camera is equipped with a backlight. There is a notification signal at the end of work.
Button to open the door. The case is made in classic white color.
The cost, according to YandexMarket, at the end of 2017 starts from 4,160 rubles.
Customer opinion
Sofia, Kursk
I didn't immediately understand what it meant.SOLO. But then I read on the Internet that this is supposedly a microwave without bells and whistles, which is exactly what my grandmother needed. Great design, not fancy and simple. The levers turn easily. Malaysian collection. But some shortcomings were also found: the cord is short and the light in the camera is not very bright (grandmother complains that it is hard to see), or this is due to too dark tinting. It copes with heating perfectly - such a budget variation without frills.
Sergey, Orel
A simple thing - and the first-grader son figured it out, and the retired mother-in-law pulled the controls. Previously, the oven was more expensive, so they were tormented by explaining to everyone how to use the sensor, so they freaked out and bought the simplest Samsung microwave when moving. I don't regret spending a few thousand. We use the third year: not a single failure, glitch or breakdown.
LG MS-2044V
An elegant model in a silver case, designed for 20 liters. The freestanding microwave oven differs in dimensions: 45.5x28.4x35.3 cm (WxDxH). The turntable is 24.5 cm in diameter. The chamber is covered with enamel. Weighs 12 kg. Power - 800 W.
It is equipped with electronic control, and there is a display on the user panel. Touch buttons make it easy to use. There is a defrost function and auto-cooking (32 recipes). You will also find auto-defrost (4 modes) and an express defrost function.
The Algy stove is equipped with a system of uniform distribution of waves. The camera is equipped with a backlight. Additionally, you can block the device from intervention by children. The mechanism of opening of a door - the button. Estimated at 5,140 rubles.
