If you are hoping to buy a microwave, or replace an old or faulty model, the process of selecting your new oven can be a perplexing one. After all, there are so many makes and models available, including different types of oven for different cooking options. Then, of course, there are all the microwave oven features you can find these days, which allow you to do everything from grilling to baking and broiling.
The sheer plethora of options can be bewildering, but don’t worry – if you’re hesitating over which microwave is best for you, this helpful buying guide is sure to make the selection process easier.
Types Of Oven
If you thought there was just one type of microwave oven, the truth is there are three different kinds for you to choose from. The one that suits you best will depend on your culinary requirements.
Convection: Convection ovens offer a combination of helpful features, which means they can not only reheat your left-overs, but they can also be used for baking, grilling, and even broiling. This makes them the perfect option for anyone who wants to be more adventurous with their microwave cooking and try out different speedy dishes – from grilled meats to freshly baked cakes and bread.
Grill: Grill microwaves, on the other hand, offer exactly what they say on the tin – they provide a fast and healthy means of grilling food. If you’re in the mood for some freshly grilled seafood, or perhaps even some tandoori chicken, you don’t need a special oven or grill to prepare them; you can use one of these microwaves instead.
Solo: Finally, if you only really want a microwave that can quickly and effectively heat up your food for you, then a solo microwave is probably the best type for you. These standard ovens can be used to heat up a variety of drinks and foods, as well as for popping popcorn.
Microwaves Come In Different Sizes
As well as different kinds, microwaves also come in a range of different sizes, so you can buy the microwave oven that meets your requirements. The larger your family is, and the more food you require at each meal or snack time, the bigger the microwave you should choose.
There are four main capacities of microwave oven:
15-20 litres (also known as the standard size).
21-30 litres (ideal for 2-4 people).
25 to 30 litres (capable of holding food for 4-6 people)
32 litres and over (various combinations and grill microwaves are available in this size and can comfortably prepare food for large families).
Other Factors To Consider
Once you have decided what type and what size microwave you need, there are some other things you will need to think about that will help you narrow down your selection still further.
These include:
Power levels
As you may know, microwaves come with different power levels, varying from 750W to 1100W. The higher the wattage is, the more quickly and effectively your food will be cooked.
Aesthetic
If you’re keen to find a microwave that will blend seamlessly with your kitchen décor then you will also need to take the style of different models into account before choosing.
Sensor Cooking
Last but not least, if you tend to overheat your food so it’s too hot and tends to come out dry and rubbery, then opt for a model that cooks using sensors. These microwaves are specifically designed to monitor the moisture levels of your meal and will adjust their power and cooking time accordingly – which means you can kiss a grateful goodbye to dried-out, unappetising microwave meals!
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