Microwave ovens make it easy to cook food within a shorter amount of time and without any mess. Be it reheating leftovers, baking a cake, cooking tandoor or as simple as making tea, this versatile appliance is the perfect cooking companion. Several latest models have also come with advanced features like pre-set menu and several others.
With so many models and features, it is hard to identify the right one that is suitable for requirements. To help you out, we have gathered the ultimate guide in this article. Read the information thoroughly to make the right choice.
4 Decision-Making Factors To Make an Informed Choice
This is the first and foremost factor to consider while purchasing a microwave oven. Before dwelling into the types, analyze your cooking requirements and finalize the option according to it. Depending on their working condition, microwave ovens are divided into three different categories – Solo, Grill, and Convention.
They are also referred to as standard or microwave-only appliances. They are suitable for steaming, reheating, defrosting, and cooking ready-made meals. You can choose this model if you want to just heat up or cook simple food that doesn’t require defrosting or a complex cooking process.
Compared to other oven types, solo microwave ovens come at inexpensive rates. Overall, it’s good to use for bachelors and couples due to limited storage capacity. The only disadvantage of using this type is that it is not suitable to perform grilling and baking.
This microwave uses water molecules, magnetrons and microwaves in order to heat the food. The magnetron is responsible for creating microwaves that will travel in the microwave chamber and penetrate the food present in it. These waves will stimulate the water molecules and cause friction which leads to the production of heat.
They are quite similar to a solo microwave oven with an additional feature called internal grill. This microwave comes with a grill plate or metal rack which can further be used for making tikka and kebab. On a comparative basis, grill ovens are more advantageous than the solo type. So, it is considered as the best microwave oven for home purposes.
Heating Process
Including magnetron, a grill microwave comes with a heating element which is either present at top or bottom of the appliance. The heating element will act as an extra heat source to cook and crisp up the food.
A convection microwave oven is the most superior one among the different types of microwaves. It comes with all the cooking options of a solo and grill microwave. This versatile model performs all the cooking functions like baking, grilling, heating and defrosting.
They use a fan and heating element for cooking food. And the added features like magnetron and heating element helps to make the food crispier and brown. Using this model, you can make roti, naan, bake bread, roast chicken and cook a variety of other dishes. Some additional features include air frying and yogurt making as well. The only downside of the convection is that people with a limited budget cannot invest more on such high-end microwave oven models. Apart from that, it’s totally a good one to purchase.
Heating Process
A convection microwave comes with heating elements at the bottom and top of the appliance. A fan is present at the back of the cooking chamber which helps in even distribution of hot air across the microwave chamber.
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Factor 2. How to choose your right capacity?
The capacity of a microwave oven represents the volume of space available inside and is measured in liters (L). It further helps to choose the appropriate model that matches with the family size (2/3 members). Choosing the right capacity of the microwave also helps to save your time and power consumption.
Bachelors/Couples
Mid-Size Families
Large Families
Factor 3. Must have Cooking Functionalities
Latest microwave ovens come with innovative features that improve the efficiency and lets you cook quicker and easier. Below, we have mentioned some of the must-have features for your reference.
Factor 4. what other features to look out for?
Microwave ovens come with some different sets of features. So, understanding these features will help you make the right choice.
1. Select Your Panel Type
Control panel makes it easy to select the features and options provided by the appliance. Some of the microwave ovens have single touch control while some others have mechanical buttons for operation. These controls help you adjust the temperature, set the time and select any pre-set programs.
2. Ceramic Interiors
Having ceramic interiors in the microwave chamber will help you to easily clean up after cooking. It also prevents discoloration that is often caused by oil and grease residue. Compared to stainless steel and Epoxy interiors, they are long lasting. Some of these models come with anti-bacterial and scratch-resistant features as well.
3. Energy Save Mode
Internal air is forced outside the machine when ‘Deodoriser’ function is selected. This eliminates odors from previous use, and food tastes fresh.
4. Child Lock
It helps to keep your children away from the microwave ovens as they may experience burns. But it is not possible all the time to safeguard when you are busy with the household chores. So, having a child safety lock option will protect them from unnecessary accidents by not allowing them to open or change the cooking setting.
5. Deodorisation
When you click this feature, the internal air will be forced outside. This will remove any odors of previous use.
6. Keep Warm Function
This feature helps to maintain a low temperature for a longer period of time or until you serve it. It is helpful for bread and the main course.
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