Microwave Buying Guide

A microwave oven is a convenient and versatile home appliance, and is ideal for preparing a range of foods.

Here are some useful hints and tips about things to consider when choosing and buying a microwave.

Introduction To Choosing A Microwave

Since microwave ovens were launched to the mass market in the late 1960s, they have become hugely popular and are now considered an essential part of the kitchen in many homes across the world.

Microwaves work by using a 2.5 gigahertz radio frequency. At this frequency water, fats and sugars can absorb microwaves. When these materials absorb radio waves they produce heat.

Because most plastics, glass or ceramics cannot absorb the microwaves, they are ideal for use in food preparation.

Microwaves cook food more quickly (often around 4 times faster) than conventional ovens, and use a lower amount of electricity over that time.

Metal reflects microwaves, which is why you should never place metal inside a microwave.

A modern microwave consists of a magnetron - a high-powered vacuum tube to generate the microwaves - with a magnetron control circuit and a waveguide to ensure the correct propagation of the electromagnetic waves. The cooking chamber uses a caged enclosure to prevent the microwaves from escaping.

Uses & Benefits To Consider When Buying A Microwave

Microwaves have an incredible range of uses in food preparation, and provide additional nutritional benefits compared to conventional cooking methods. More vitamins and minerals are retained because microwave ovens use shorter cooking times and less water.

Because microwaves cook food in their own moisture, there is often no need to add oil or butter, while natural flavours are enhanced. Fat content can be reduced, and additional fat can often be eliminated completely, when preparing food with a microwave oven.

Another advantage of microwave ovens is that they are simple and straightforward to use for defrosting meat, poultry and vegetables. It can take minutes to defrost food with a microwave, and this is one of the safest defrosting methods.

Microwaves can be more energy efficient than standard ovens, as the energy is focused on the volume of food being heated, and they do not need to be pre-heated.

Which Type Of Microwave Should I Choose?

There are two main types of microwave:

Single-purpose microwave: Most microwaves are produced to this format. They can come in varying sizes and with differing features, but can only be used to microwave food.
Microwave/convection/grill oven: Combination models all use microwaves as a heat source, but also offer convection and/or grill heating. Combination microwaves are especially useful for browning and crisping microwave-prepared food, or as standalone convection ovens or grills. They can also prepare food using all of the available heat sources at the same time.

Features To Look For When Buying a Microwave

Here are some of the features usually found on microwave ovens:

Heating category: Determines the heating level of the microwave, and is especially useful for preparing ready meals where the cooking instructions may differ between categories.
Power setting: Adjusts the power according to type of food being prepared.
Capacity: The capacity determines the volume of food a microwave can prepare in one cycle.
Timer: Timers are easy to set, and will start and stop the microwave according to the times you enter, so you don't need to worry about remembering to turn it off.
Cooking programmes: For popular foods, microwaves may have preset cooking programmes, so you don't need to work out the power settings and times.
Child lock: For safety.

Do I Need To Buy An Extended Microwave Warranty?

It's worth finding out about the warranties that might come with the type of microwave you are interested in buying. A warranty ensures free repairs or replacements under certain conditions, and is often included free of charge when you buy your microwave. Not all warranties are the same; by shopping around online you might find a better type of warranty for your microwave oven.

Budgeting is essential for many when shopping for home appliances, as it is easy to overspend. By setting a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend and comparing prices between different online stores, you might be able to take advantage of special offers and discounts and buy a better model of microwave oven for your money.