When it comes to kitchen appliances, microwaves are an essential. It is basically a heating device that works similarly to your fridge, but rather than constantly heating something it can be used as and when needed. While they started off simply as appliances that heat food, they've also evolved along the years.
Here are seven types of microwave ovens you need to check out.
There isn't much variation in the types of microwave ovens available, as only 3 types exist — solo, convection and grill.
Solo is basically ovens which are very simplistic with functionality and are great as a secondary cooking appliance. Convection ovens are the most popular kinds as they can handle most of your baking and cooking experiments and have a higher functionality. Grill microwaves are what you cook your pizzas and panini sandwiches in, not to be confused with a grilling machine, grill ovens only create an effect of grilling and not actually grill.
These days most ovens come already inbuilt with a combination of all of these types for your convenience, although that does cost a bomb because of the advanced variety of features, you can just go for the simpler ones if you're looking for more affordable variants depending upon your usage.
There are some latest variations to the classics, such as the steam microwave oven, which uses steam instead of electromagnetic waves to heat up, and gas ovens which feature a standing oven with a stove right above it.
Another factor which distinguishes the types of oven is the placement of the microwave in your kitchen. The most common ones are built-in and countertops. Built-in microwaves are appliances that fit right into a shelf you have created for them in your kitchen, be it over the range, that is above the counter, or under the counter, all these microwaves feature a built-in structure. Countertops are the ones you place over the kitchen platform, plugging into the wall just like any other temporary-use kitchen appliance.
Lastly, you have the combination of these ovens, where 2 ovens are placed, one above the other which are generally used in professional or high usage places.
Built-in microwave ovens are built directly into pre-existing cabinet space for a unique look that complements your kitchen style. They can be installed in a variety of kitchen locations, however, they are typically placed over a wall oven to facilitate transitions between the oven and microwave. Built-in microwaves frequently have doors that open from the front, like an oven, rather than the side, for easy access.
Product Specs-
Capacity: 66-litre built-in oven.
Heating Modes: Multifunctional with five heating modes: 3D hot-air - Equivalent to rotisserie, Conventional heat, Hot air grilling, Hot air gentle, Full-width changeable grill with optimal heat distribution on up to three levels at once
USP: Granite enamel inside with smooth surfaces and no sharp edges for extremely easy cleaning. Equal heat distribution to save electricity. When baking on a single level, such as with little baked products, cakes in pans, or cakes on a baking tray, no preheating is required.
Convection microwaves use oven-like heating components and a fan to circulate heat throughout the microwave cavity. They often allow you to bake, broil, and roast just like a full-size convection oven. Convection cooking is available in all types of microwaves, including built-in, over-the-range, countertop, and under-counter variants.
Product Specs-Capacity: 28L, ideal for large families.
Cooking Modes: Auto Reheat/Cook, Indian Recipe, Dough Proof/Curd, Convection, Grill, Microwave, Power Defrost, Combi (Convection + Grill), Combi (Convection + Microwave), Child Lock, Turntable On/Off, Deodorization, Clock, Eco Mode, 30 seconds
USP: Touch Key Pad (Membrane) - sensitive to touch and easy to clean, Convection temperature (40-200°C), Preheat, Clock, Auto programmes, Auto cook, Sound on/off, Ceramic enamel cavity.
Countertop microwaves are a convenient way to quickly heat up food on your countertop. All you need to do is plug them in and place them on a flat, stable surface. They are easy to install and can even be moved with you if you relocate. If you prefer, you can install them in your cabinets with a trim kit, just like a built-in microwave.
Product Specs-
Capacity: 25 litres, 1500 watts power output
Cooking Modes: One-touch 10 preset menu with pre-programmed time, temperature, and heating element selection: Toast (7 browning levels), Bagel (7 browning levels), Pizza, Bake, Broil, Cookies, Roast, Grill, Tikka, Preheat
USP: Preheat mode for perfect baking and cooking results, Auto cut-off after 90 minutes of use, motorized rotisserie function with a rust-free rotisserie rod for perfect browning, double glass door for heat retention and safety, chamber light for easy viewing of food during cooking, 0-90 minutes timer with a 1-minute interval, 65 to 230 degrees celsius with a 5-degree interval, Opti Temp technology for even cooking and prevention of dark spots.
A solo microwave oven is a basic sort of oven that is primarily intended to handle basic cooking activities like heating and defrosting frozen goods. A single microwave oven, like any other microwave, heats food using electromagnetic radiation. This is a great budget option if you don't have many complicated uses for microwave ovens apart from reheating melting or cooking.
Product Specs-
Capacity: 24 litres
Cooking Modes: Multi-Stage Cooking, Food Defrost, Delay Start, Daily Essentials, Quick Reheat, 30 Seconds Express Cook, Cup Meals, Chef Secret, Pizza Reheat, Beverages, One Pot Meal, Dessert Delight
USP: Touch keypad for easy cleaning, child safety lock, 69 auto-cook menus, disinfecting, deodorising, power pave, overheating protection, sensor malfunction protection.
Steam ovens are the most popular new appliance (apart from air-venting induction hobs). They have a reservoir of water within the device, which is turned into steam while cooking. This circulates around your food and cooks just with steam.
Product Specs-
Capacity: Three-level cooking capability
Cooking Modes: Bake, Roast, Grill, Steam, Air Fry, Defrost, Slow Cook, Barbecue, Braise, Toast, Air Dry
USP: Sophisticated built-in steam generator, Preserves nutrients and flavours, Oil-free meals, Combines steam and convection heating with 1000W heating element and 800W 3D steam for faster cooking.
Microwave oven combinations merge a wall oven and a microwave into one streamlined appliance, helping prepare multi-course meals while fitting in seamlessly with the flow of your kitchen.
Product Specs-
Capacity: 25+70L total capacity
Cooking Modes: Touchpad sensors, Grill, Defrosting
USP: Highly functional for professional or high usage, Sleek design and modern look that integrates seamlessly into your kitchen space.
A gas and microwave combination oven with a gas heater, circulating fan and magnetron in the same structure was created. Hot air is introduced into the cavity via openings intended to give microwave cut-off. This oven is often used in tandem with both gas and microwave ovens, reducing cooking time and energy usage while also providing a larger selection of foods with better flavour than cooking with either mode alone.
Product Specs-
Cooking Modes: Two SpeedHeat™ Burners, Frozen Bake™ Technology, Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates, Edge-to-Edge Cast-Iron Grates
USP: The cast-iron grates are dishwasher-safe and cover the entire cooking surface, providing ample space to cook multiple dishes at once. Additionally, the range includes a broiler drawer for added convenience.