Choosing a microwave oven – not an easy task!

One of the first things you’ll need to decide is where you want to store it. Most people have a freestanding one on the kitchen work surface. Or it could be on a shelf or even mounted on the wall. Another way to use a microwave is to have it built in. This is more expensive to install and involves a rethink of your kitchen in general. Although this is the case, a built-in microwave means that your kitchen work surfaces will be uncluttered and the oven can fit in well with other kitchen accessories. It also doesn’t waste counter space.

Then you need to consider the type of microwave you want.

In total there are three types of oven.

Microwave ovens only: This category is the most common. This category will be very capable of simple kitchen tasks, such as reheating soups and meals, and cooking vegetables and meals for television. This type is easily transportable and is used especially by single people and smaller households that do not need the versatility of other types. Some models have a turntable to ensure food cooks more evenly.

Combined microwave ovens – this type is much more common recently. They have the best of both worlds and can cook with microwaves and heat radiation in the same place and at the same time. You could determine if you want to cook with conventional heating or microwave on its own, or even use them together if you like. Some models have additional features, such as fan-assisted ovens, broilers, or automatic controls to determine the sequence of microwave and conventional cooking.

Grill ovens – These combine the advantages of a grill for browning the food being cooked – to ensure a more attractive appearance – with the speed and other advantages of microwave cooking. A rack will be included to place the food near the grill element.

Size

Leave enough space around the microwave for air to enter through the vents and open the door fully. Obviously, take into account the size of the household. Think about the size of dishes you might want to use and make sure the microwave you’re buying will accommodate them.

power

Your food will cook faster with an oven with higher energy consumption (wattage). Wattages range from 550W to 1500W or even more. Some models allow you to vary the power to suit the food you are cooking. Microwaves in the UK have energy ratings from A to E. You’ll find that E is common, ranging from 741 to 800 watts.

design issues

There are so many styles. It is unlikely that you will not find one that you like. White, silver and black are the most popular colors. Doors are often pushed open. Others have a door with a handle. A small number have top-hinged doors; these are more compact.

control styles

Most ovens have a keypad that operates a digital display. These allow you to press a button for common functions and also any automatic settings for cooking pizzas, roast potatoes, etc.

Functions

A variety of these can be included:

* Auto Reheat: Calculates the cooking time and power needed after you enter the type and weight of food.

* Auto Defrost – Same idea, calculate how long to use the microwave for a given weight and type of food.

* A steamer. This is not so easy to use at first, but since it cooks the vegetables quickly and healthily, it is a great advantage.

*Crispy: This is a dish in which foods (particularly pizzas) can be cooked, which ensures that the base is crispy when cooked. This can also work well with bacon.