How do I Choose a Microwave Oven?

Using a microwave oven reduces the kitchen workload to a great extent. It helps you cook your food faster, with ease and also retains the flavours. It is a quicker way to cook with less hassle. Almost everyone today follows a busy schedule. The microwave oven is for such on the go cooking for you to have delicious and home cooked food. Apart from cooking, it also helps you defrost food items in seconds, rather than waiting for hours for the ice to release naturally. Picking a quality microwave will not only reduce your work at hand but will also last you for years to come.
How do you Know What Size Microwave to buy?
Choosing the right capacity ensures your microwave accommodates your daily cooking and reheating needs without occupying unnecessary kitchen space. The ideal capacity depends on your household size and the type of meals you prepare most often.
|
Capacity |
Suitable For |
Typical Usage |
|
20 L |
1-2 people |
Reheating leftovers, beverages, snacks and simple cooking |
|
21-25 L |
2-4 people |
Everyday cooking, reheating, grilling and defrosting |
|
25-30 L |
4-6 people |
Baking, roasting, grilling and preparing family meals |
|
Above 30 L |
Large families |
Frequent cooking, batch cooking and entertaining guests |
The capacity of a microwave affects the quantity of food you can cook or reheat in one cycle. While compact models are suitable for basic everyday use, larger capacities provide greater flexibility for baking, roasting and preparing meals for multiple people.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Microwave Oven
While capacity and microwave type are important, a few additional factors help you how to choose microwave oven for home that suits your kitchen and cooking habits.
- Cooking habits: Consider whether you mainly reheat food or frequently bake, grill and roast.
- Kitchen space: Measure the available countertop space before selecting a microwave oven.
- Power rating: Higher wattage generally results in faster cooking and reheating.
- Ease of operation: Digital controls, auto cook menus and touch panels simplify everyday use.
- Budget: Compare features and capacity to find a microwave that offers the best value within your budget.
What Are the Different Types of Microwave Ovens?
Microwave ovens are available in different types, each designed to suit specific cooking requirements. Understanding the differences helps you choose a model that matches your daily cooking habits and the dishes you prepare most often.
|
Feature |
Solo Microwave |
Grill Microwave |
Convection Microwave |
|
Reheating |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Defrosting |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Grilling |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Baking |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Roasting |
✗ |
Limited |
✓ |
|
Best For |
Basic cooking and reheating |
Grilled recipes |
Complete cooking and baking |
Solo Microwave
A solo microwave is suitable for everyday tasks such as reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food and preparing simple meals. It is a practical choice for students, working professionals and small households that primarily need basic cooking functions.
Grill Microwave
A grill microwave combines standard microwave functions with a grilling element. It is suitable for preparing dishes such as grilled vegetables, sandwiches, kebabs, and pizzas with a crisp finish.
Convection Microwave
A convection microwave combines microwave, grill and convection cooking in one appliance. It supports baking, roasting, grilling, reheating and defrosting, which is suitable for families who regularly prepare a variety of recipes.
Microwave Oven Power Consumption
Power consumption is another important factor to consider when buying a microwave oven. Microwave ovens with higher wattage cook food more quickly and reduce cooking time. However, electricity consumption depends on both the wattage and the duration of use.
|
Microwave Type |
Typical Power Rating |
|
Solo Microwave |
700-900 W |
|
Grill Microwave |
900-1,200 W |
|
Convection Microwave |
1,200-1,500 W |
How much do I spend?
Depending on the size and type of microwave you need, you can calculate the amount you should spend buying a microwave oven. Voltas Beko has three types of the microwave oven; grill, solo and convection, within which you will find microwaves at different price ranges. The price range begins from Rs. 8500 and more. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Voltas Beko has a large range to choose from.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Microwave
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance help your microwave perform efficiently while extending its lifespan.
Clean the Interior Regularly
Wipe the cavity, turntable and walls after use to remove food splatters and prevent stains or odours from building up.
Use Microwave-Safe Utensils
Always use containers made of microwave-safe glass, ceramic or approved microwave-safe plastic. Avoid using metal utensils or aluminium foil unless specified by the manufacturer.
Preheat When Required
Recipes such as cakes, cookies and baked dishes require preheating. Always preheat the microwave to the temperature recommended in the recipe before placing the food inside.
Keep the Door and Seals Clean
Food particles around the door and rubber seals can affect the microwave's performance. Cleaning these areas regularly helps ensure proper door closure.
Reset the Microwave When Necessary
If incorrect settings are entered or the microwave stops responding, perform a soft reset using the clear or stop button. If the issue continues, unplug the appliance for a few minutes before restarting it according to the user manual.
How do I Preheat my Microwave?
Voltas microwave come with a digital screen and are user friendly. The advanced feather touch usability feature and digital display directs you to the preheat options and helps you keep an eye on the temperature and seconds. Several baking dishes require you to preheat the microwave oven before you put the dish in; hence you need to preheat at the right temperature. Always ensure to preheat the microwave oven at the temperature you will bake your dish at. For instance, if you are baking a cake at 180-degree celsius, preheat your microwave at the same temperature.
How do I Reset my Microwave?
If you put in the wrong input or incorrect time or if your oven stops working, you can opt for a reset option. You can either do a soft reset or a hard reset. A soft reset is generally used when you have entered the wrong input on the microwave. All you have to do is select the off or clear button for the microwave to reset. Hard reset is done when the soft reset option does not perform its function. For this, pull the microwave plug out of the socket, wait for a few minutes and plug it in again to put your input.
Conclusion
Choosing the right microwave oven starts with understanding your cooking habits, household size and the features you use most often. From selecting the appropriate capacity to deciding between a Solo, Grill or Convection model, each factor plays a role in finding an appliance that fits your everyday needs.
Explore the range of Voltas Beko microwave ovens available in different capacities and configurations to find a model that offers convenient cooking, practical features and dependable everyday performance.
FAQs
Which is better, an OTG or a convection microwave?
The better choice depends on your cooking needs. An OTG (Oven Toaster Grill) is suitable for frequent baking and grilling, while a convection microwave combines reheating, defrosting, grilling and baking in a single appliance. If you want an all-in-one solution for everyday cooking, a convection microwave is generally the more versatile option.
How many litres of microwave should I buy?
Choose the capacity based on your household size and cooking habits. A 20-litre microwave is suitable for 1-2 people, 21-25 litres works well for small families, while 25-30 litres or more is ideal for larger families or those who regularly bake, grill and prepare complete meals.