Microwave Buying Guide
Microwaves let you prepare food quickly and conveniently at home; they’re more versatile than you might think. Not only heating and defrosting, you can find versions that grill, roast, and bake like a conventional oven. Of course, selecting the right microwave depends on your needs. To help you decide which microwave to buy, first think about how you’ll use it day-to-day, where it will sit; compare by type, size, and feature to find the best microwave for you.
Microwave Oven Types
Three types of microwaves are available: solo, grill and convection.
Convection
Convection microwaves use a fan and a heating element to cook food. You can grill and brown food with these models, and they tend to cook more evenly. It’s possible to make Roti, naan, roast chicken, bake bread, cake, and cook a variety of meals with a convection microwave. Some offer extras, such as air frying (called Slim Fry™ in Samsung models), steam cooking and yogurt making too. Go for a convection microwave oven if you need the widest range of functions. You can defrost, heat, roast, brown, crisp, bake, and prepare food using the same appliance, making it a smart space-saver for smaller kitchens, or use it as a second oven if you usually prepare large meals.
Grill
Grill microwaves offer the same features as solo microwaves, with the addition of an internal grill. This means you can brown and crisp food, as well as cook it, improving food texture and giving you yummier results. These microwaves allow you to grill not only meat and vegetables, but paneer too. Both the grill and microwave function can be used together, or separately, giving you more flexibility when cooking.
Solo
Solo microwaves are also referred to as ‘standard’ microwaves or ‘microwave-only’ models. They’re ideal for simple tasks like reheating, cooking ready meals, steaming vegetables and defrosting food. Choose a solo microwave if you primarily want to heat up and defrost food, and don’t need extra features for more complex cooking.
Microwave Dimensions
Microwaves come in a range of sizes; consider a microwave’s external dimensions and its capacity in liters before purchasing. This will help you to ascertain whether you have the space for it, and if it can accommodate the meal sizes you require. Domestic microwave ovens have a capacity of around 20-35 liters; the more people you typically cook for, the larger the microwave capacity should be.
Microwave Wattage
Microwave power is measured in Watts – greater the Wattage, the quicker food cooks. So, if speed is important to you, look out for microwaves with a higher wattage.
Features to Look Out For
Microwaves come with a host of features that make cooking quicker and easier. Different appliances will have different features, so it's worth understanding which of these are going to be most beneficial to you.
Microwave Maintenance
A microwave will perform best when taken care of. Follow the basics and you should get years of use from your new appliance.
Microwave Dos
Clean regularly with warm, soapy water and a cloth, checking the door and hinges for corrosion. A dirty interior will mean food cooks slowly and less evenly. You should always unplug your microwave while cleaning.
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Only use cookware that’s labelled ‘microwave safe.’
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If you have a freestanding microwave, check the user manual to understand how large a ventilation gap you should leave behind and above the appliance.
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Vent covered food when cooking, so steam can escape safely.
Microwave Don’ts
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Clean with abrasives like steel wool or scouring sponges.
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Press start when the microwave is empty; the microwaves released could damage the interior walls.
Whether you’re looking for a straightforward solo microwave, a versatile grill microwave, or a do-it-all convection microwave, you will find the perfect match from Samsung.
