Appliances
Types of Microwave Ovens with Pros and Cons (2024) - Buyer's Guide
Looking for the best types of microwave ovens with pros and cons? Read through this article!
Featuring a classic design and stylish build, the Samsung 23 L Solo Microwave Oven (MS23J5133AG/TL) is perfect for people looking for a basic and efficient microwave with no additional features.
The IFB 20 L Convection Microwave Oven (20SC2) is an ideal choice for people looking for a multi-functional microwave. The microwave can be used for baking along with grilling, reheating, defrosting and cooking, is backed by 24 auto cook menu options and is easy to clean.
Backed by just 800 Watts of electricity consumption, the IFB 17 L Solo Microwave Oven (17 PM MEC 1) is sure to fulfil all your basic needs without giving you hefty monthly power bills.
The model's charcoal lighting heater maintains natural flavours, keeps the food crunchy outside and juicy inside. It cooks food faster and saves 50% time and 30% energy. Its motorised rotisserie helps you with easy and hassle-free Bar-be-queuing at home with 360⁰ Motorized Rotisserie for crispy and tasty recipes in one touch.
If you are looking for the best microwave oven for your home but don’t understand whether you need a solo microwave or a convection microwave, you are in the right place. This article will take you through the most common types of microwave ovens available in the market.
Once you understand the new type of microwave oven options and the pros and cons they have to offer, it will be easier for you to decide which brand and microwave model you want to go for. Moreover, we have also listed the best models of all the major types of microwaves popularly sold out there.
Keeping in mind the time and confusion that follows while looking for a heavy appliance like a new type of microwave oven, we have compiled this list of different types of microwave ovens and uses to help narrow down your search. We have made sure to pick the top microwave brands and functional models that are a perfect fit for bachelors, couples, and small families.
Here are the three most common types of microwave oven you can find in the market:
A solo microwave is a basic type of microwave that is ideal for reheating food, cooking or defrosting. However, it cannot grill or bake. Usually very cost-effective and power-efficient, solo microwaves do not come with any special features. Perfect for people who only prefer a microwave for reheating their food, a solo microwave is a turn down for bakers and people who enjoy grilled, roasted, and crisp foods.
As understood by its name, a grill microwave is the one that is capable of grilling, searing and browning foods in addition to defrosting, reheating and cooking. However, grill microwaves are not effective at baking and hence, not like convection microwaves. Although a few microwave brands have launched microwaves with a convection oven function, a lot of options are not available in that case.
Grill microwaves are perfect for people who are looking for a microwave that can grill as well as reheat food but are not baking enthusiasts. It wouldn't be wrong to say that a grill microwave lies in between a solo and convection microwave.
A convection microwave is a perfect solution for people looking for a microwave that not only reheats or cooks food but also grills and bake. Although expensive, these days you can find convection microwaves at great deals and discounts and can save a lot on electricity bills if you purchase a 5-star model. This type of microwave is extremely versatile in its functions and features and offers you unlimited ways of using it.
S No.
Product Name
Price
1
LG 32 L All in One Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (MJEN326PK, Black, With Starter Kit)
₹ 21,990
2
IFB 17 L Solo Microwave Oven (17 PM MEC 1, White)
₹ 4,790
3
Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST26JMFDG, Silver, 51 Auto Menus)
₹ 5,690
4
Samsung 23 L Solo Microwave Oven (MS23J5133AG/TL, Black)
₹ 5,800
5
Morphy Richards 20 L Solo Microwave Oven (20 MS, Black)
₹ 6,499
6
Bajaj 20 Litres Grill Microwave Oven with Jog Dial (2005 ETB, White)
₹ 7,960
7
Godrej 23 L Convection Microwave Oven (GME 523 CF1 RM Plain Elec, Black)
₹ 10,990
8
IFB 20 L Convection Microwave Oven (20SC2, Metallic Silver, With Starter Kit)
₹ 10,690
9
Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven(NN-CT645BFDG, Black, Magic Grill)
₹ 11,990
10
Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC32J7035CT/TL, Grey)
₹ 16,990
Here are our top ten picks if you are looking for the best microwaves of different types in India. We have listed each model along with its pricing, specifications, pros, and cons.
The model's charcoal lighting heater maintains natural flavours, keeps the food crunchy outside and juicy inside. Cooks food faster and saves 50% time and 30% energy. With the latest range of LG Microwave Ovens, making Hygienic Ghee with absolutely no smell is a matter of just 12 minutes. Prepare 12 different varieties of exotic Indian Rotis - Naans, Lachcha Parathas, Tandoori Rotis, Missi Rotis easily at the touch of a button. Its stainless-steel cavity enables better reflection, and the uniform heating ensures a better and even cooking. The Diet Fry feature in LG Microwave Ovens lets you prepare dishes with minimal oil usage. Its motorised rotisserie helps you with easy and hassle-free Bar-be-queuing at home with 360⁰ Motorized Rotisserie for crispy and tasty recipes in one touch.
Price: Rs. 21,990
Capacity: 32 litres
Colour: Black floral
Installation Type: Freestanding
Human Interface Input (Control): Touchscreen
Wattage: 2400 Watts
Weight: 21 kg 700 g
Warranty: 1 year
Pros
Cons
The Diet Fry feature in LG Microwave Ovens lets you prepare dishes with minimal oil usage.
Very expensive in comparison to other microwaves.
It comes with a specially coated non-stick tray for dishes that require extra browning and bottom heating.
It takes too much time in grilling food.
The 'Pasteurize Milk' feature retains nutrition and removes bacteria.
The attractive floral pattern beautifies your kitchen interiors and adds a hint of colour.
The IFB 17 L Solo microwave oven is a compact and small-sized oven suitable for bachelors and small families. This microwave features weight defrost technology which allows you to defrost your frozen food easily according to the weight of that food item.
Moreover, the microwave comes with a stainless steel cavity that cooks and heats your food evenly and efficiently within minutes. Furthermore, it is backed by rotary knob controls that easily adjust the heating level and time for your recipe. Easy to clean and stylishly built, this microwave allows you to make complex Indian dishes in minutes with its auto cook menu options.
Price: ₹ 5,899
Capacity: 17 litres
Colour: White
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input (Control): Jog Dials
No. of Cooking Menus: 3
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 11.3 kg
Warranty: 1 year on product and 3 years on magnetron and cavity
Pros
Cons
Auto cook menu options; Flexible power controls
1-year limited warranty on the product
Stainless steel cavity that enables uniform reheating and cooking; Easy to use jog dials
No digital display
Weight defrost technology
Does not come with a starter kit
Power-efficient
Old school design with mechanical dials
If you are a bachelor or a small family looking for a basic microwave oven, the Panasonic 20L Solo microwave oven would be a great choice. This microwave lets you reheat, defrost, and cook your food efficiently while only consuming 800 watts of electricity. Moreover, it features 51 pre auto cook menu items that allow you to make delicious recipes every day according to your mood.
The compact design of the microwave lets you have more space in the kitchen, allowing you to store more stuff. Furthermore, the vapour clean feature of this microwave oven clean your microwave quickly and easily, thus maintaining utmost hygiene. Last but not least, the digital display and responsive touch keypad of this microwave are easy to clean and add to the convenience of using it.
Price: ₹ 5,690
Capacity: 20 litres
Colour: Silver
Material: Iron
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input (Control): Touch keypad
No. of Cooking Menus: 51
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 10.5 kg
Warranty: 1 year on product and 1 year on magnetron
Pros
Cons
Responsive touchpad; Digital display
Limited 1-year warranty on the product and magnetron
Vapour clean technology; Easy to operate
Does not come with a starter kit
Lightweight; Compact
51 auto cook menus; Even and efficient cooking
The Samsung 23 L Solo microwave oven is perfect for bachelor and medium-sized families with up to 4 members. Available in a classy black colour and featuring a ceramic body, this microwave oven is sure to add aesthetics to your kitchen.
This microwave comes with 16 pre-programmed recipes for your convenience, and it can be used for up to 99 minutes continuously. Moreover, it is backed by a child lock that ensures complete safety, especially for homes with small children. The LED display, tact buttons and jog dials are easy to use and have a long-lasting life.
Price: ₹ 5,800
Capacity: 23 litres
Colour: Black
Material: Ceramic
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input (Control): Buttons
No. of Cooking Menus: 16
Wattage: 1150 Watts
Weight: 12 kg
Warranty: 1 year on product, 1 year on magnetron and 10 years on cavity
Pros
Cons
LED display; Ceramic enamel cavity that is great for uniform heating and easy cleaning
Does not come with a starter kit
Lightweight; Stylish look
Less warranty on the magnetron
Child lock feature; Comes with crusty plate and round rack
Takes about five seconds to start
Power-efficient; Easy to use
The Morphy Richards 20 L Solo microwave oven is built with high-quality stainless steel that looks very premium in the kitchen. Its 20 litres storing capacity is perfect for bachelors and small families. This microwave comes with jog dials and a highly responsive keypad – both of which are easy to use for hassle-free cooking, reheating, and defrosting experience.
Moreover, this microwave oven is equipped with a mirror-finish door which allows you to see through the oven translucently. This microwave does not come with auto cook menus which might be a turn down for many. However, it has 5 different power levels, which allow you to control the temperature as per the food item you are cooking.
Price: ₹ 6,499
Capacity: 20 litres
Colour: Black
Material: Stainless Steel
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input: Keypad and Jog dials
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 12.4 kg
Warranty: 2-year comprehensive warranty on the product
Pros
Cons
Mirror-finish door; 5 different power levels to cook as per your need
No additional warranty on magnetron
Power-efficient; Stylish design with ergonomic handle
Does not come with a starter kit
The turntable glass base is very swift
No child lock
User-friendly interface; Easy to operate jog dials
No auto cook menu options
The Bajaj 20 litres grill microwave oven is available in white colour and is perfect for families up to 4 members. This microwave can be used for grilling along with reheating, defrosting and cooking. This oven features easy to use jog wheels, buttons and a child lock for your kids' safety.
Furthermore, this microwave is equipped with 9 auto cook menus which let you cook delicious meals without any fuss. The 5 power levels and a digital display allows you to choose the temperature and timing as per your cooking requirement.
Price: ₹ 7,960
Capacity: 20 litres
Colour: White
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input: Buttons and Jog dials
No. of Cooking Menus: 9
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 11.5 kg
Warranty: 1-year comprehensive warranty on the product
Pros
Cons
9 auto cook menus; 5 power levels
No additional warranty on the cavity
Energy-efficient; Easy to use tactile buttons
Does not come with the starter kit
Child lock feature; 60 minutes timer and multi-level cooking
Digital display; Good build quality
The Godrej 23 L Convection microwave oven is best suited for small families, couples or bachelors. The microwave can be used for baking along with grilling, baking, reheating, defrosting and cooking. Moreover, it comes with a defrost system and a touchpad control panel that is very responsive and easy to clean.
Furthermore, it is equipped with 9 auto-cook Indian menus that let you cook and relish dishes from across the country. If you have small children in your family, the child lock feature of this oven will give you maximum safety while you are cooking.
Price: ₹ 10,990
Capacity: 23 litres
Colour: Black
Material: Stainless Steel
Installation Type: Freestanding
Human Interface Input (Control): Keypad
No. of Cooking Menus: 9
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 17 kg
Warranty: 1 Year on Product and 5 Years on Magnetron & Cavity
Pros
Cons
Value for money; LED display
Does not come with the starter kit
Great for oil-free cooking; User friendly
1-year limited warranty on the product
Grills and cooks food adequately; Sensitive to touch and easy to clean touch keypad
Heavy
Easy to operate; Classic design
The IFB 20 L Convection microwave oven comes in classic metallic silver colour, giving a modern touch to your kitchen. This microwave is suitable for small families with up to 4 members and can be used for baking, grilling, defrosting and cooking. Moreover, this microwave is equipped with a touch keypad that is easy to operate and can be cleaned with a moist cloth conveniently.
Backed by 24 auto cook menus that let you cook amazing recipes across the country, this microwave oven also comes with a starter kit. Last but not least, its auto-set cook feature stores 3 types of cooking cycles in its memory, allowing you to cook the same recipe without worrying about remembering it.
Price: ₹ 10,690
Capacity: 20 litres
Colour: Metallic Silver
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input (Control): Keypad
No. of Cooking Menus: 24
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 14.3 kg
Warranty: 1 year on product and 3 years on magnetron & cavity
Pros
Cons
Energy-efficient; Easy defrosting
Less comprehensive warranty on the product
Comes with the starter kit; Child lock
The build quality could have been better
24 auto cook menus; Auto set cook technology
Digital display; User friendly
The Panasonic 27L Convection microwave oven is perfect for medium-sized families with up to 5 members. This oven is equipped with a magic grill that provides two-way heating for faster cooking. If you are a foodie, then this microwave oven is sure to impress you as it is not only versatile in its features but also comes with 101 preset auto cook menus allowing you to prepare chef like cuisines easily.
Furthermore, this microwave is backed by auto programmed time and modes to reheat your leftover food that will taste fresh within minutes. Last but not least, you can defrost your meat, fish, bread and soups quickly with its hassle-free defrosting feature.
Price: ₹ 11,990
Capacity: 27 litres
Colour: Black
Installation Type: Countertop
Human Interface Input (Control): Keypad
No. of Cooking Menus: 101
Wattage: 800 Watts
Weight: 20.4 kg
Warranty: 1 year on product and 4 years on magnetron
Pros
Cons
Digital display; Easy to operate
Does not come with a starter kit
101 auto cook menus; Sleek look
Heavy
User-friendly; Responsive control panel
Magic grill for two way heating
If you are looking for the best microwave oven for under Rs.15,000, the Samsung 32 L Convection microwave oven is an ideal pick. The large 32 litres of capacity is sufficient for big families and lets you reheat, defrost, cook, bake and grill conveniently. This oven is equipped with slim fry technology that lets you enjoy your favourite fried food without deep frying.
Backed by a ceramic enamel cavity that enables uniform cooking or reheating, this microwave is easy to use and clean by using a damp cloth. Moreover, it is backed by a smart multi-sensor that allows you to cook food with precision and gives you a perfectly cooked dish when it is done.
Furthermore, the child lock feature provides maximum safety and keeps the oven locked so that children cannot operate accidentally. Last but not least, the microwave is backed by 247 pre-programmed recipes that let you cook a variety of dishes in a single touch.
Price: ₹ 16,990
Capacity: 32 litres
Colour: Grey
Material: Stainless Steel
Installation Type: Freestanding
Human Interface Input (Control): Buttons (Touch + Dial)
No. of Cooking Menus: 247
Wattage: 2100 Watts
Weight: 20 kg
Warranty: 1 Year on Product, 5 years on Magnetron and 10 years on Ceramic Cavity
Pros
Cons
Value for money; 247 auto cook menus
Does not come with a starter kit
Ceramic enamel cavity for easy cleaning; Stylish design
Heavy
Child lock; Six power levels
Uses 2100 Watts of electricity
Slim fry technology for healthy eating; Smart multi-sensor
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions if you want to buy the best microwave oven in India.
The use of a grill microwave is only limited to heating, defrosting and grilling. However, a convection microwave offers multi-functionality as it can be used for heating, defrosting, baking, grilling, and more.
The three types of microwave ovens are:
· Solo microwaves – that can be only used for defrosting, uniform reheating, and cooking
· Grill microwaves – that can be only used for reheating, defrosting, cooking and grilling
· Convection microwaves – that can be used for reheating, defrosting, cooking, grilling as well as baking
Yes. You can bake a cake in a convection microwave, unlike a solo microwave. A convection microwave cooks the food inside out instead of just heating it. However, these types of microwaves require preheating. It has a powerful fan and exhaust system, thus providing even circulation of hot air and maintaining a consistent temperature.
We hope we helped you understand the different types of microwave ovens and their bestselling models available in the Indian market. Which of these models intrigued you the most? Please note that we have carefully curated this unbiased list after an extensive product analysis, thorough research, and deep comparison. However, if you decide to purchase one of the microwaves listed above, please make sure to cross-check the specifications and be an informed buyer
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