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

Microwave types

Microwave only

This is the most basic type and the one that most people have. You can cook fresh food (for example a baked potato in just five minutes), defrost and cook frozen food or reheat meals on a plate. Prices range from £60 to £150.

Microwave plus grill

These have a grill rack that can be fitted inside the oven. Food can be grilled in the normal way, or simply browned after microwave cooking. Prices are around £100.

Microwave plus grill and convection

These are the most versatile ovens; with a fan as well as a grill you have three cooking methods which can be used separately or together. Prices range from £140 to £300.

Microwaves also divide into types with manual and electronic controls (see Test Results). Electronic controls tend to offer a range of other features. These include buttons or settings for specified foods such as a hot drink, baked potato or to re-heat a plated meal. Usually these deal with a particular weight of food. Sometimes you have the option to double or triple the setting, say for one, two or three pieces of chicken.

Many electronic models allow multi-stage cooking: you can programme, say, a defrost time, followed by cooking and standing time. An oven with a grill or fan may give the option to microwave for part of the time and finish with the other elements separately or in combination.

Electronic models have a 12 or 24-hour clock and some have a cooking timer. Setting the clock is sometimes a bit tricky but does not need to be done often.

 

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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