Microwaves

A Microwave Oven can either be Conventional or Convection, the latter containing a fan to closely resemble a traditional Oven to either microwave, bake or Grill foods. There’s also Built-in Microwave Ovens that are usually Combination aka Combi Microwave Ovens for either microwaving, traditional oven baking or a combination of both for fast, even cooking. Both convection and built-in Microwave Ovens function as both in addition to some specialised hybrid cooking functions.

Microwave Convection Ovens preheat quickly and are cheaper to run than conventional Ovens making them an energy efficient option for smaller cooks. Although they are smaller than regular Ovens, many are large enough to accommodate a family sized roast or large pizza like Samsung's Family Size series.

On their own, a Microwave Convection Oven is well suited to a small family and smaller kitchens, caravans, and holiday homes. For larger families or people who host dinner parties, this Microwave type pairs well with a regular Oven to save time when cooking.

There are two main types of Microwaves. Conventional Microwaves are the more common type that use micro waves to heat food quickly and efficiently, while Convection Microwaves include a fan to distribute air and heat throughout the cavity, doubling as a smaller Oven to cook and heat more evenly while allowing for baking, Grilling, and even Steaming or Air Frying in some models.

Microwaves also come in a range of designs to suit the theme and layout of any Kitchen. Countertop microwaves are the most common and easiest to set up and move around, sitting them on a Benchtop or table.

Built-in Microwaves are installed within cabinetry. These tend to be Combi Microwave Ovens that have Microwave only, Oven only or Combi Oven Microwave settings for fast, even cooking and browning like these ASKO Microwaves. They're more expensive but a great option for a minimalist aesthetic and integrated look with the Oven inside a new kitchen.

Whether it's Conventional or Convection, Microwave Ovens are highly versatile Kitchen Appliances. Many have built in sensors with automatic perfect lengths of time for heating, cooking, or defrosting as found on some Sharp Microwaves. Get the desired results the first time and save on excess power consumption, potentially preventing food from spattering to cut back on cleaning as well.

Many Ovens come with preset features and buttons for specific uses like popping popcorn or cooking frozen pizza, so keep an eye out for any relevant to you. On top of heating and defrosting, Convection Microwave Ovens make a great backup for a crowd, and some built in Combi Microwave Ovens give even more options to bake and microwave at the exact same time.

Microwaves can be used in a variety of clever ways, such as softening honey or hardened sugar or preparing freshly roasted nuts for the Oven. A quick 10 seconds or less in a Microwave will help release more juice out of limes, lemons, and oranges when squeezed.

For faster cooking look for a Microwave with higher wattage. Most are between 600 to 1200 watts with different different power level settings for lower wattages, such as slowly reheating leftovers. Microwave capacity and power tend to increase with price, so spending more will generally mean better cooking performance. Don’t forget to check capacity and wattage when comparing models across similar prices.

Many Microwaves have Inverter technology which provide steady and gradual heat to cook or defrost evenly. Some Microwaves such as Panasonic's also have a flatbed with no traditional turntable, removing any restrictions to just round plates or bowls inside.

The Microwave type best for you really depends on how often it gets used and it it's handy for cooking too. For instance thinking about whether you defrost foods overnight in the fridge or rely on a microwave to get the job done will dictate whether you need inverter technology or not. Another feature to look out for is multi stage programming to go straight from defrosting to cooking.

Regularly cleaning the inside and outside of a Microwave is the easiest way to keep it running efficiently and save time on more intensive cleaning. Food and liquid spills in the microwave get cooked on with each use, taking energy away from heating meals and leading to odours or even corrosion if left too long.

Ensuring food is covered using a Microwave safe lid or container will help stop the spatters, splashes and steam released during normal Microwave use.

Many of today’s Microwaves have a special coating like LG’s NeoChef Inverter Microwaves with anti-bacterial EasyClean interiors, or Samsung Microwaves with Ceramic Inside making quick wipes after use nice and easy to keep tidy. For grubby walls use a soapy cloth followed by a clean, not too damp cloth to wipe it away. You don't need any specific cleaning product but check the user manual for details specific to your model on how to care for the Microwave.

The installation process for a microwave oven depends on purchasing a built-in or a Freestanding Benchtop model.

Built-in models can be installed within kitchen cabinetry and are great for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a matching Oven, as an appliance first kitchen design can work well. Due to their peak power consumption, they will likely need to be installed by a licensed electrician with a dedicated power circuit. Freestanding models should not be built-in or placed inside cabinets for ventilation purposes, and need to be placed on a flat, stable surface away from other sources of heat and steam like conventional Ovens.

Remember to measure the space that the Microwave will be occupying before making a final purchase and allow additional space for ventilation. Always double check the installation requirements of the model by referring to the user manual to ensure it’ll adequately fit in the cutout.