Microwave oven buying guide – How to pick the best option for your kitchen

By Brand Story | Updated on 28-Sep-2023

28-Sep-2023

Microwave ovens in modern kitchens have evolved far beyond being an optional luxury to a necessity. A good microwave oven can help you save a lot of valuable time and effort in the kitchen by handling a wider array of culinary tasks ranging from cooking and baking to steaming and grilling!

Yet, the process of buying the perfect microwave oven has grown increasingly complex. The market is flooded with options that offer an overwhelming variety of features and technologies. In this comprehensive microwave oven buying guide, we will share valuable insights to help you make the right decision when selecting the perfect microwave for your kitchen. To further assist you with your decision, we will also list some of the top-rated microwave ovens that you can directly pick from.

Types of Microwave Ovens

The type of microwave you should buy will depend on your usage. Broadly classified, microwave ovens are of three types:

Solo microwave ovens

Solo microwave ovens are the most basic and straightforward type of microwave. They are designed primarily for heating and reheating food or for basic cooking needs. Solo microwaves use microwave radiation to heat food by agitating water molecules within it, resulting in even and rapid heating. These microwaves are perfect for tasks like warming leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or quickly cooking ready-made meals. They take very little counter space and are relatively inexpensive.

Best solo microwave ovens to buy in India

Convection microwave ovens

Convection microwave ovens are the most popular type of microwave oven in India. These ovens not only use microwaves to cook food but also have a fan and heating element that can crisp the outer layer of your food. These ovens can thus cook food evenly and can be used for baking, air frying, steam cooking and more. Convection microwave ovens are available in small and large capacities suitable for a wide range of households.

Top-rated convection microwave oven recommendations to buy in India

Grill microwave ovens

Grill microwave ovens, as the name suggests, come equipped with a grill element, usually at the top of the oven cavity. This additional feature allows you not only to microwave your food but also to brown and crisp the top layer, barbecue, and grill vegetables, cottage cheese, and more. Grill microwaves are quite versatile and can be used for grilling sandwiches, kebabs, and even certain types of meats.

Microwave Oven Buying Guide: Tips to buy the right option for your home

Let’s now discuss the factors you need to consider to buy the best microwaves in India:

Microwave Oven Size and Capacity

Once you have finalized the type of microwave oven best suited for your needs, it’s important to decide the capacity best suited for your home. If you have one to two people at home, you can opt for ovens with a 15 L capacity. If you have a family of 3 to 4 people, you can go for ovens with 15L to 25L capacity. If you have a large family with more than 5 members, go for ovens with 30L or higher capacity.

The capacity you choose will also depend on the shelf space you have in your kitchen and on how frequently you will be using your oven. If you will only be using it for basic cooking, reheating and defrosting, it is better to opt for 15L to 25L ovens.

Power and Wattage

Wattage is a measure of how much power a microwave uses, and it directly affects how quickly and evenly food cooks. Usually, wattage is not the top specification to consider when judging a microwave oven for your home. For most households, a microwave with a wattage of 800 to 1000 watts is sufficient. If you frequently cook for a large family or regularly prepare frozen or dense foods, you may want to consider a microwave with 1100 or 1200 watts of power.

Useful microwave oven features to consider

Microwaves come in a wide price range, from affordable models suitable for basic tasks to high-end ones with advanced features. It’s essential to set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you get the best features within your price range.

Apart from the basics, let’s explain some of the additional microwave oven features that you may have to choose from:

Control buttons – Choosing between touch buttons, push buttons, and knobs on a microwave oven comes down to personal preference and functionality. Touch buttons offer a modern and seamless look, often accompanied by digital displays for precise settings. Push buttons provide tactile feedback, ensuring each press is felt and registered. Meanwhile, knobs allow for quick adjustments and can be easier for elderly people. Each type has its merits, and the choice ultimately depends on the user’s comfort and desired user experience.

Sensor cooking – Sensor cooking in microwave ovens automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the moisture levels detected in the food. This helps prevent overcooking and is useful for users who are learning to cook with microwave ovens.

Pre-programmed menus – Pre-programmed menus in appliances simplify the cooking process by offering preset temperature and timer settings for common dishes. To have more pre-set menus for Indian dishes is convenient but not a must-have.

Smart connectivity – Smart connectivity in microwave ovens allows users to control and monitor their appliances remotely via smartphones or voice commands. This integration offers conveniences like cooking notifications and can even be helpful with diagnostics in case of troubleshooting.

Inverter technology – Inverter technology in microwave ovens can result in consistent cooking power, allowing for even and precise cooking. Microwave ovens with inverter technology are also more power efficient and operate quieter.

Bundled accessories – Microwave oven accessories like turntables, steaming trays, or grill racks can help you cook a variety of dishes. You can also selectively and separately purchase accessories that you need.

Brand Consideration

The brand and its reputation can often be a testament to the quality and durability of the microwave. Established brands usually offer reliable products backed by extensive research and development. They also offer robust warranties that can be indicative of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Efficient after-sales service ensures that any issues post-purchase are addressed promptly, offering peace of mind to the buyer. Some of the leading microwave brands in India include Samsung, LG, MarQ, IFB, Godrej, Haier, and Bajaj.

Check customer reviews and ratings

It’s advisable to go through multiple Microwave oven reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of the product. Customer reviews and ratings provide real-world insights into the product’s performance, durability, and any potential issues, especially with long-term usage and can thus help you make an informed decision.

Microwave oven safety features to consider

Here are some safety features and precautions for microwave ovens that you should take seriously:

Child lock and cool-touch door: If you have over-enthusiastic kids at home, it is better to opt for ovens with a child lock that prevents children from turning on the oven accidentally. Also beneficial will be a cool touch door that can help keep the outside of the microwave oven cool even when the inside is hot.

Door Integrity: One of the primary safety features of a microwave is its door. Ensure that the door closes properly to prevent radiation leakage. Slamming the door or opening it while the microwave is running can cause damage, leading to uneven cooking and potential hazards.

Material Safety: Always use microwave-safe dishware. Materials such as ceramic, glass, and certain plastics are safe for microwaving. Avoid using dishware with metallic objects or those with silver or gold accents as they can cause uneven heating and potential sparks. You should also not cook eggs with shells or cook in sealed containers in the microwave oven.

Avoid Running on Empty: Never operate your microwave without food or liquid inside. Running it empty can cause significant damage to its components and may even lead to a fire hazard.

Preprogrammed Cooking Times: Modern microwaves come with preset cooking times for various dishes. Utilizing these can ensure efficient use of energy and prevent overheating.

Microwave oven maintenance tips

To ensure the longevity of your ovens, it’s crucial to understand the essentials of microwave safety and maintenance.

Regular Cleaning: Keeping your microwave clean is essential for its longevity. Food and liquid spatters can cause burn spots and even damage the internal components. Use warm soapy water to clean most spills. For stubborn spots, heating a cup of water inside can help loosen them, making cleaning easier.

Door Maintenance: Ensure that the door hinges, latches, and seals are clean and in good condition. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear.

Unplug when not in use: Power surges can be detrimental to electronic appliances, including microwaves. It’s advisable to unplug your microwave oven when not in use.

Easy Replacements: Over time, certain parts of the microwave, like light bulbs or turntables, might need replacement. Keeping up with these easy replacements can reduce wear and strain on the appliance.

To sum it up, Choosing the right microwave oven is about what suits your kitchen and cooking style the best. Whether you need a basic solo microwave, a versatile convection microwave, or a grill microwave, select size, capacity, and wattage according to your family size and usage.

Features like control buttons, sensor cooking, and smart connectivity should align with your budget and needs. Brand reputation and customer reviews reflect reliability. Prioritize safety features such as child locks and cool-touch doors. Clean your oven regularly, check the door, and unplug when not in use.

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