Overview
Microwave ovens are an awesome invention that can cook, reheat, grill, and bake. It can cook complete meals in minutes, defrosting frozen foods steaming idlis, popping popcorn to grilling meat can be done in one place without overheating your kitchen. With intuitive features and simplified settings, anyone can efficiently use the microwave oven, even if they haven’t become skilled at stovetop cooking.
There are many factors you should consider before buying a microwave oven for your home such as food habits, family size, and other good-to-have features. Below are types and information about microwave ovens which can educate and help you make a decision for a great kitchen appliance. So get reading.
Types of Microwave Ovens
This is the most simple kind of microwave oven and it comes with a ‘microwave mode’ only. It can reheat the leftovers, thaw any foodstuff by defrosting them and cook full meals in a few minutes. It is the best handyman for those who have a time constraint or very limited cooking ability. The only drawback associated with solo microwave ovens is that they cannot grill or bake food items. These microwave ovens cost less, starting from Rs. 3,500/- to Rs. 13,000/-
A grill microwave oven is just a solo microwave installed with heating coils so that it can be used for grilling, toasting, and roasting food. The grill is installed as a mode or setting in the microwave oven and not just as a single function it. While cooking on grill mode, you have to use a grilling plate or metal racks which brings the food closer to the heating coils. As grill microwave ovens do have the functioning of solo ones, they can be used in combination with convection and microwave to cook different variety of food items. Loaded with features for convenience, grill microwave ovens are priced between Rs. 4,000/- to Rs. 45,000/-
- Convection Microwave Oven
Convection microwave ovens work on the combination of two technologies namely; a regular microwave and a convection oven. Like all the other types, this microwave oven can reheat, grill, and also bake anything from cookies to cakes, pizzas to lasagne; perfect for foodies who want everything done deliciously. A convection microwave allows the food to cook more crisply by using a heating element and fan by circulating the hot air uniformly in the microwave oven. As a result of this kind of cooking, the food gets ready slowly and becomes ‘browner’ compared to what you get from solo microwave ovens. The convection microwave ovens are a little bit on the expensive side beginning from Rs. 7000/- to Rs. 60,000/-
These are the types available in our market today; let’s consider a few features that need to be looked into:
- The capacity of the Microwave Oven
Microwave capacity depends upon the family size and its usage. It is the measurement of how much food can be cooked in one go and is mentioned in Litres. The capacity requirement changes according to type and not based on family size. Like, for a small family, a Solo microwave oven requires about 15-20 liters whereas the same family will require a Grill or Convection type oven about 21- 30 liters.
Read on the below table to calculate the capacity:
Family Size | Usage | Ideal Capacity |
| 2 to 4 Members | Solo Microwave Oven | 15 to 20 liters |
| 2 to 4 Members | Grill or Convection Oven | 21 to 30 liters |
| 4 to 6 Members | Solo Microwave Oven | 25 to 30 liters |
| 4 to 6 Members | Grill or Convection Oven | 32 liters and above |
This sensor, also known as a humidity sensor, helps in determining if the food is cooked or not by measuring the steam generated in the oven. The sensor fixes the cooking time, which prevents overcooking, and shuts off automatically when the food is done. Make sure that while looking for the sensor feature, it also takes the food quantity into consideration without you having to measure it.
Mechanical controls are good for rough and heavy usage and can be repaired whilst broken. Look out for a dial that can be used smoothly and precisely to set the timing and required temperature. Its advantage is that you can alter the settings without even interrupting the cooking. Exact timings can be set using electronic or feather panels, though these need to be used carefully.
Higher the voltage it will be more efficient and quicker. Microwaves generally have a power rating ranging from 600 to 1500 watts. If you have to cook for larger family sizes or quantities, then opt for a microwave with a higher power. However a difference of 100 watts doesn’t matter much. Small ovens have 600-800 watts, mid-sized ovens have 900-1200 watts, whereas larger ovens can go up to 1650 watts.
- Auto Defrost & Steam Cooking
All microwaves have a defrosted function, but what can be better than to opt for one that has auto defrost; you only need to select the type and weight of the food, while the machine automatically selects the time and power levels to defrost it. Steam cooking is a new feature added, wherein you fill a reservoir with water and as it evaporates, the steam cooks the food as well as adds moisture to it.
Most microwaves, nowadays, come with automatic settings for cooking specific items such as popcorn, pizzas, pasta, idlis, oatmeals, and soups. These are called auto menus as they prompt you when the next ingredient is to be added. The most useful buttons are 1-minute or 30-second keys, which you can click a number of times to set a cooking schedule.
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