This Buying Guide Will Help You Choose The Right Microwave For Your Kitchen

Microwaves have become a kitchen staple across the world—a super-convenient and an efficient appliance we can’t do without. From reheating dishes, defrosting meat, making popcorn, baking cakes to cooking a full meal, this versatile gadget helps you cut cooking time. Whether you’re planning to buy your first microwave or looking to upgrade, here are things to consider before you settle for one:

Types of microwaves

Solo microwave: These are entry-level machines that are designed for simple tasks, such as heating, basic cooking and defrosting. Because they have limited functionality, they are cheaper, compact, and easier to use. However, some newer models do come with an array of auto-cook programmes as well.

Grill microwave: A grill microwave oven is a solo microwave with an added feature—grilling. With just the push of a button, you can make perfectly grilled foods with beautifully charred exterior and deliciously soft interior, like you would with an outdoor grill, sans the sweat. Many grill microwaves can also be used for baking and roasting.

Convection microwave: Armed with the features of a solo as well as grill microwave, a convection microwave cooks your food from the inside as well as outside, something you expect a traditional oven to do. So, with this microwave-cum-oven, you can roast, toast, bake, defrost, cook, broil, crisp and steam your food. Because it is a multi-utility appliance, it is more expensive than a traditional microwave but makes for a good investment, especially for people who like to experiment with cooking.

Other things to consider

Capacity: The microwave capacity generally varies from 17 litres to 32 litres. Choose one based on the number of people in your home. For example, a 17-20 litre capacity can cater to a family of two–three members. For larger families of four and above, be on the look out for at least a 27-litre microwave. While choosing a model, pay attention to the turntable size and the interior height as they are an important factor in determining whether the largest bowl/plate in your kitchen will fit in or not.

Wattage: Decide on the wattage based on the capacity of the microwave you choose, the food you plan to cook, and the price you’re willing to pay. Simply put, more wattage means faster cooking. You can go for a microwave in the 900 and 1000-watt range to ensure you have enough power to heat and defrost anything in your freezer, efficiently and quickly.