Microwaves are now one of the most versatile kitchen appliances you can have in your home. From heating up leftovers to cooking your favourite vegetables to defrosting meat, there are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal microwave for you.
Whether you’re a busy body that solely relies on using your microwave or an avid cook that only uses it on occasion or for specific tasks, we’ll be able to find the right appliance for you.
TYPES
The primary choice you have to make is whether you want a standard solo, a microwave with a grill or a combination microwave. This will depend on what you cook and your needs, as some people depend solely on this appliance whilst others use it only on occasion or for a particular task.
Standard Solo
If you’re looking for a microwave with all the standard functions then a solo microwave is the perfect choice. They’re ideal for day to day simple tasks such as reheating meals and drinks or quickly defrosting food.
Microwaves with a Grill
Providing a two in one function these types of microwave are equipped with a grill. They can do everything a solo microwave can do along with a grill option. They’re a must have if you love crisping up or browning your food.
Combination Microwaves
When you want your microwave to be completely flexible, then combination microwaves will do the job. This is because they offer all the features of the other models as well as providing convection heating, which is great for baking cakes and variety of dishes.
INSTALLATION
The second choice you’ll have to make is whether you want a freestanding or an integrated microwave. This will depend on your kitchen interior design.
Freestanding
Freestanding or also known as standard microwaves are the most popular as they offer flexibility when placing them around your kitchen. They’re also easy to move if you’re moving home or rearranging your kitchen.
Integrated
These are designed to fitted into your kitchen units and usually require professional installation. This is a perfect option if you want an integrated look to create a seamless finish.
CAPACITY
Microwaves are available in various size ranges. The larger your family size the larger your microwave should be. This will also depend on how much you cook with it and the extra features you may want.
Compact
This is the standard microwave and its capacity is usually between 15 to 20 litres. This is ideal if there’s between two and four people in your household that primarily use the appliance for reheating and melting.
Mid-Size
An upgrade from the typical standard microwave size with a capacity between 21 to 25 litres, you’ll be able to find grill and combination microwaves in this collection. The extra added capacity will easily handle two to four person households whilst also allowing for extra space for more flexible uses and larger sized foods.
Family Size
With capacities between 26 to 30 litres you’ll have more than enough space to cover four to six people in one home. These are usually solo microwave models at this size and they offer plenty of space to reheat large meals or several beverages at once.
Full Size
If you have a large family size that are into various styles of cooking then full size microwaves are the one for you. At this size you’ll find models with a grill and combination microwaves that have capacities ranging from 32 litres and above.
FEATURES
Once you’ve decided on the type, installation and size of your microwave, it’s now time to find the right features to consider. It can be confusing at first and you may not need all of them but here are a few to look out for.
Wattage
Typically measured in watts, microwave power ranges from 800 to 1200W. This is very important as this determines the speed of items to be cooked or heated. The higher the wattage the faster your food will cook.
Pre-set Programmes
If you’re unsure how long certain foods should be in microwave for, then models with pre-set programmes are ideal for you. Providing extra convenience, the programmes gets rid of the guesswork of timings for popular foods, along with reheating and defrosting.
Sensor Cooking
If you’re tired of inconsistent cooking results then the sensor cooking feature is a must have for you. It automatically adjusts the power levels and cooking time by measuring the moisture in food along with the microwaves interior humidity, so you’ll have flawless results every time.
Easy Clean Linings
Microwaves can get pretty messy especially with constant day to day use; that’s why easy-cleaning linings are a critical feature to consider. Look for microwaves with catalytic or pyrolytic liners which are fitted on the interior walls for an easier cleaning experience. Theses liners are self-cleaning and absorb dirt and grease from food to keep your appliance spotless.
Style
All these features are handy but what’s the point if your microwave doesn’t fit the look and style of your kitchen. Lucky for you, microwaves come in various designs and colours, from ultra-modern to retro style, there’s a microwave for every kitchen.
Defrost
The days panicking when you’ve accidentally forgotten to defrost your food items are gone. Modern microwaves are now equipped with a defrost function so you can get cooking quickly without having to wait around for frozen items to thaw out.
MICROWAVE FAQs
Microwaves have been around for a long time however there are still wide variety of questions that we still get asked. Here are just a few of the most common.
How does a microwave work?
Microwave ovens sends out waves of energy called ‘radiation’. These microwaves hit the water inside your food and make it vibrate which produces heat that cooks the food.
Are microwave ovens dangerous?
Modern microwaves ovens are designed to allow essentially no leakage of microwave. The only time for concern would if the door is broken or damaged, in which case the oven should not be used.
How long do microwaves last for?
With normal use an average microwave lasts about seven years, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. The lifespan can be shortened even further if the wrong items are placed inside which may cause irreparable damage.
How do I take care of my microwave?
There's various ways to keep your microwave in good shape and here are our top recommendations:
- Only use microwave safe containers and tableware.
- Don’t operate your microwave when it’s empty; the microwaves will bounce off the interior which may cause damage to the appliance.
- Keep your microwave clean to prevent damage to the interior caused by burned foods.
- If you have a ‘solo’ microwave, make sure it’s positioned to allow airflow around it.
- Use the provided pre-set cooking times which helps the microwave work more efficiently and saves you energy.
