Cyclonic Vs Inverter Microwave: Which Is Better?

You may want to invest in the best microwave for your kitchen since it plays a vital role in food preparation, helping you to save time. We researched cyclonic and inverter microwave technology to help you determine which is better.

Cyclonic microwaves are an improvement to inverter microwaves. These microwaves demonstrate higher overall efficiency when compared to inverter microwaves. However, the superior technology of cyclonic microwaves comes with a higher price tag.

Keep reading as we discuss cyclonic and inverter microwaves in depth to help you decide which microwave technology is best for you. We also share some necessary considerations when buying a microwave.

Modern black microwave oven on kitchen countertop. - Cyclonic Vs Inverter Microwave: Which Is Better?

Cyclonic Vs. Inverter Microwaves

Most of us rarely think about how a microwave operates when you put in food to cook, reheat, or bake. The primary interest is in the result. But when you know how a microwave works, you are better equipped to make informed decisions when investing in this kitchen appliance.

How Microwave Ovens Work

Microwaves heat food via radiation heating and conduction. These appliances are fitted with a component called a magnetron. The magnetron creates a flow of electrons that then sends electromagnetic waves, known as microwaves, into the cooking chamber.

Woman's Hands Closing Microwave Oven Door And Preparing Food At Home

The electromagnetic waves lodge themselves into sugar, water, and fat molecules and release their energy, thus warming the food particles.

Generally, heat moves from hot objects to cold objects. Therefore, heat molecules move from the food particles that the electromagnetic waves warm to the surrounding food particles via conduction. As heat moves, the food gets warm.

Some challenges you may encounter when using a microwave are overcooking, poorly cooked or reheated food, high energy consumption, and even food losing its nutritional value.

These challenges often arise due to the pattern the electrons follow when releasing microwaves into the cooking chamber. For this reason, you should invest in microwave technology that efficiently counters these challenges.

Inverter Microwave Technology

Microwaves fitted with the inverter wave technology receive power via an inverter circuit. This circuit facilitates a constant power supply without going on and off. Therefore, you can adjust the power level so that food cooks at a fixed power level throughout the duration of cooking.

The inverter microwave technology addressed the challenge of conventional microwaves that could only operate at full power.

To illustrate, assume you want to reheat your food at a 60% power level for 40 seconds. In that case, the magnetron in a conventional microwave creates a flow of 100% powered electrons for 60% of the 40 seconds and shuts down 40% of the cooking duration.

But if your microwave has inverter technology, the electromagnetic waves released will contain 60% energy and will be released for the entire 40 seconds.

Cyclonic Microwave Technology

The most significant difference between cyclonic and inverter microwaves is in the heat distribution pattern. Cyclonic microwaves use cyclonic technology to distribute heat waves in a three-dimensional spherical design.

Cyclonic microwaves also have inverter technology that enables them to run at a constant temperature without cycling for the entire cooking duration. In essence, cyclonic microwave technology is an upgrade of inverter microwave technology.

Contrasting Cyclonic and Inverter Microwaves

Here is an evaluation of how cyclonic and inverter microwaves compare when you use them, as well as their cost.

Cooking And Defrosting

Woman putting plate with food in microwave oven

An inverter microwave cooks or reheats your food evenly since you can adjust its power level. Therefore, there is little likelihood that your food will be scalding hot in some sections and cold in others. Also, the food retains its flavors since it does not overheat.

However, the three-dimensional heating pattern in cyclonic microwaves enables them to achieve superior heating results to those you can obtain from an inverter microwave. The superior heating occurs since the microwave energy distribution pattern covers more food surfaces.

You can achieve better results using a cyclonic microwave for cooking delicate food. Because the circular pattern enables more microwaves to land on food, you can lower the cooking temperature further and cook the food for a shorter time. Consequently, the food retains its structure and does not overcook.

Since microwaves apply a similar technique when heating or defrosting food, the cyclonic microwave also achieves better-defrosting results. The higher intensity of the electromagnetic waves makes them more efficient when thawing food.

Cooking Time

Inverter microwaves cook food faster than conventional microwaves since there is no power fluctuation. Cyclonic microwaves are even faster than their inverter counterparts.

Energy Efficiency

Faster cooking implies more energy efficiency. Therefore, cyclonic microwaves are more energy efficient than inverter microwaves. But, inverter microwaves have higher efficiency than standard microwaves.

Cost

The most considerable misgiving with cyclonic and inverter microwaves is that they are pricier than standard microwaves. The higher operational efficiency comes at a price. For this reason, cyclonic microwaves are typically more expensive than inverter ones.

You need to budget well for you to benefit from all the benefits that you accrue on account of owning a cyclonic microwave.

What Should You Consider When Buying A Microwave?

Woman shopping for microwave in appliances store.

There are many microwave options available on the market today. So, choosing a suitable microwave can feel quite overwhelming. We hope the tips we share will ease the pressure and guide you to make an informed decision when investing in your next microwave unit.

Type

Your kitchen's layout will determine what type of microwave suits you. You can opt for a countertop microwave, a built-in microwave, or an over-the-range microwave.

Of the three types, countertop microwaves are typically the most affordable since they are easy to purchase or replace and do not require any installation. Furthermore, they are very portable.

Over-the-range or built-in microwave generally cost more than countertop microwaves.

Size

Consider what exterior and interior sizes of a microwave would best meet your needs. The available space in your kitchen considerably influences the microwave's exterior size, while your usage determines the internal size.

The internal capacity of most microwaves ranges between 0.5 and 2.2 cubic feet. A compact-sized microwave would be ideal if you typically use the microwave to heat a single dinner plate or a cup of coffee. But if you often use larger cookware in the microwave, it is best to invest in a larger unit.

You can measure some dishes you frequently use in the microwave to determine what internal capacity suits them.

The existing space between your cabinetry or range will determine the exterior measurements of a built-in microwave or an over-the-range microwave. But if you opt for a countertop microwave, consider the available counter space's width, depth, and height.

Power Capacity

The microwave wattage is directly proportional to the speed at which it cooks your meals. Microwave wattage often ranges between 600 and 1200 watts. Generally, a microwave with a wattage of about 1000 watts should cook your food evenly and at a reasonable pace.

Although microwaves with lower wattage are cheaper, they are often slower and less reliable.

Features

Microwave the kitchenware home appliance isolated in the kitchen interior

Most modern microwaves have features that make your life easier. But with more features comes a higher cost. Therefore, it is prudent to carefully evaluate how you use your microwave and focus on how best the microwave can make your life easier.

Preprogrammed settings such as auto cook and defrost are attractive to people who do not want to put much thought into how they can achieve the desired result.

Sensor cooking can help you avoid having to keep checking whether the food is cooked. Microwaves with this feature have a sensor that can detect the heat, humidity, and moisture levels in food, then adjust the power and cooking time accordingly.

A microwave with a child-lock feature is suitable for a home that has young children. The child lock setting can keep children safe by barring them from accessing the appliance when you are not around.

Color

Consider how the microwave unit blends in with other appliances in your kitchen. If most appliances, such as the dishwasher and refrigerator, are stainless steel, it makes sense to purchase a stainless steel microwave.

Purchasing a new microwave can also be an opportunity to add a pop of color to your kitchen. Be creative and choose a color that stands out.

Wrapping Up

You can achieve better results using a cyclonic or inverter microwave for your kitchen needs than a standard microwave.

If budget is not a problem, investing in a cyclonic microwave would be advisable since it gives you the benefits you'd get from an inverter microwave—and more. Otherwise, choose a microwave solution that meets your needs and is within your budget.

If you enjoyed reading this post, consider checking out our other related posts:

What's The Best Dinnerware For Both Microwave & Dishwasher?

Microwave Runs But Not Heating Up – What To Do?

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