Buying Guides
Microwave Buying Guide
In the market for a new microwave? Whether you’re looking for a larger model, a smaller unit or one with all the latest mod-cons, there are plenty of great microwaves to choose from. To help make finding the best microwave for your needs easier, be sure to check out our handy microwave buying guide. Exploring the top features to look out for, the different types of microwaves available and so much more, it’s the perfect starting point when it comes time to buy your new kitchen appliance.
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TYPES OF MICROWAVES
CONVENTIONAL MICROWAVES
The most basic, yet most popular, type of microwave on the market, conventional microwaves are a standard choice for most kitchens. Allowing for rapid defrosting, reheating and cooking, this appliance is versatile and generally quite affordable.
Typically quite affordable
Available in a variety of different sizes and wattages
Generally fast and efficient
Often feature a variety of defrosting, reheating and cooking programs
Easy to install and use
Popular brands of conventional microwaves: Westinghouse, Panasonic, LG
CONVECTION MICROWAVES
Also known as combi ovens, convection microwaves combine the functions of a conventional microwave with those of an oven. In addition to regular defrosting, reheating and cooking, convection heating, which makes use of a heating element and fan, allows you to crisp, brown and caramelise your food.
Provide all the functions of a conventional microwave as well as the option to brown and caramelise foods through baking and broiling
Feature an internal heating element
Can be a good choice if your kitchen is small
Vary from simple models to more complex units
Limited internal space may mean that this type of microwave does not completely replace a standard oven
BUILT-IN MICROWAVES
Also known as integrated microwaves, built-in microwaves are designed to be installed into custom kitchen cabinetry. They help to not only save space on your benchtop but also create a sleek look within your kitchen.
Blend into your kitchen cabinetry, creating a modern, sleek look
Have all the functions of a standard microwave
Tend to be more expensive than standard microwaves
Cannot be used as a standalone unit
Often need to be installed by a professional to ensure all ventilation requirements are met
The range of coffee pods available does vary depending on your chosen make and model. Some models may have a wide variety of compatible coffee pods, while others may have few compatible options
Typically more expensive to run than other types of coffee machines thanks to the cost of purchasing coffee pods
Popular brands of Built-in microwaves: Bosch, Westinghouse
STEAM MICROWAVES
Harnessing the power of steam, steam microwaves offer all the conveniences of a conventional or convection microwave, while also providing an alternative cooking method. Helping to retain more nutrients in vegetables and other foods, steaming helps to create moist, tender dishes without the need for additional oils.
Allow you to easily steam vegetables and other foods, while also having all the functions of a standard conventional or convection microwave
Available in benchtop and built-in models
Tend to be more expensive than standard conventional microwaves
Popular brands of steam microwaves: Panasonic
INVERTER MICROWAVES
While a standard microwave cycles through lower and higher periods of power during cooking, inverter microwaves are supplied with the same amount of power throughout the whole cooking process. This not only helps to make inverter microwaves more energy efficient, but may also ensure more even cooking results.
More energy-efficient than other types of microwaves
Offer similar cooking programs and features to standard conventional and convection microwaves
May result in more even results when cooking, reheating and defrosting
Tend to be more expensive than standard microwave models
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE BUYING A MICROWAVE?
MICROWAVE WATTAGE
The power produced by a microwave is measured in watts. Most modern microwaves have a wattage between 800W and 1,500W. Microwaves with higher wattages are typically able to cook foods faster than units with a lower wattage. While the time difference may be mere seconds, having extra time on your hands may be important if you’re needing to feed a large family. If you tend to only use your microwave occasionally, wattage may not be the greatest concern for you, with the amount of programs and features generally being of greater importance.
WHAT CAPACITY DO YOU NEED?
Microwave sizes, or capacities, are generally measured in litres. Most microwaves have an internal capacity of anywhere between 20 litres and 50 litres. Microwaves with a smaller capacity are best suited to defrosting and reheating, while large microwaves can be beneficial if you’re wanting to cook meals for a larger family. For most families, a capacity of 27 litres or more should be fine, but it is important to check whether your dinner plates will fit within your chosen model.
FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Controls.The controls on a microwave should be easy to understand and quite intuitive to use. You should be able to easily see how to adjust time and power settings, select programs and use any other essential functions.
Internal visibility. When you’re in the middle of cooking a meal, it’s important to be able to see into your microwave to help you monitor the stages of cooking and prevent any unwanted overflows. Look for a model that allows you to see easily through the door and into the unit.
Pre-set programs. Helping to make cooking even easier, some microwaves come with pre-set cooking programs that are tailored to popular foods such as rice, pasta and potatoes. The microwave is able to calculate the amount of time required for optimal cooking, taking the guesswork out of preparing food.
Defrosting programs. A handy feature if you tend to cook with frozen foods, defrosting programs use pulses of energy to prepare your food for cooktop or oven cooking. Some microwaves have pre-set programs that have been designed for specific food types such as vegetables, meat and more.
Sensor cooking programs. Using the amount of vapours emitted by foods as an indicator of how cooked they are, sensor cooking programs are able to estimate cooking times without the need to input food weights.
Kitchen timer. Although not essential, this feature allows you to set a timer to help you keep track of other cooking tasks without using your microwave.
Noise. After cooking is complete, most microwaves beep to signal that you should remove your food. The volume and tone used can vary from model to model. Some models also have cooling fans that run for a period of time after cooking.
Ease of cleaning. Although it’s something that we’d rather avoid doing, sometimes the interior of a microwave can become dirty from splattering sauces, bubbling liquids and other cooking mishaps. Check to see that the models you’re considering don’t have too many internal crevices that could be difficult to clean.
Child locks. If you share your home with kids, child locks can give you added peace of mind.
Quick start options. Great for if you want to reheat something on the go, quick start options allow you to choose a short cooking time, whether it be 30 seconds or a minute, that can be increased by pressing the same button more than once.
Size. If you’re looking for a model to fit into your kitchen cabinetry or to sit on your benchtop, it’s important to measure just how much space the microwaves you’re considering take up. Measure the height, width and depth of each model and then compare it to the amount of space available in your kitchen.
External finish.Modern microwaves are available in a variety of different external finishes. A stainless steel microwave may be the perfect finishing touch to a sleek, modern kitchen, while a unit with a white exterior may fit in minimalist cabinetry. Enjoy the freedom to choose one that best suits your kitchen cabinetry and decor.
