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Choosing a microwave oven that's easy to use (view report contents)

Finding an easy to use microwave

Whether you’re looking at the ovens we’ve tested, or others in the shops, this section tells you about design points likely to be worthwhile for people who have particular difficulties with their hands or sight. The ease of use features of each oven we tested are also described in detail in the full test results. At any stage you can also refer to, or browse through, our test results for each oven and then come back to this page. Or you can go straight to our Buying Guide of generally recommended ovens.

If you have weak or painful hands

Make sure the door is easy to open and preferably swings back out of the way. Controls should be easy to push or grip without too much force and a smaller or lighter turntable can be easier to manage. Ovens with door handles and easy push-buttons or uncluttered touch-pad controls are likely to suit you.

The Buying Guide details models particularly suitable if you have weak grip.

If you do not see very well

Clearly labelled controls and a good display will be important. Separate push buttons or rotary controls are easier to locate than the marked spaces of touch pads and, if tactile markings aren't provided, you can more easily add your own. Electronic versions, which bleep every time you press a digit, make it possible to count through settings. In particular, avoid ovens which have pads or buttons that skim through the settings if you hold them down, without bleeping.

The Buying Guide details models particularly suitable if you have poor sight.

For people who are easily confused or have learning difficulties

A basic microwave oven with rotary controls is simplest to operate. Some of the electronic models do have easy to use pre-set food buttons but can still be confusing given the number of buttons or pads on the control panel. If possible, it is also worth checking out models in the store to make sure your particular needs are met.

The Buying Guide details models particularly suitable for people who may be easily confused.

How to use the summaries

Ricability has assessed 12 microwave ovens, popular in Comet stores today, specifically with older and disabled people in mind. The ratings in the summaries take into account the needs of people with poor grip, poor sight and those who find complex information hard to follow.

 

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Table of contents

Introduction
Microwave types
Buying Guide
Finding an easy to use microwave
Test results

Guide to test results
Manufacturers Contact Details