Things to consider
Capacity: Find the right fit
If you’re a solo chef or have a small family, a microwave with a capacity of up to 20 liters should suffice. This size is perfect for basic tasks like reheating and making small meals.
For households with slightly larger needs, a microwave with a capacity of 20 to 25 liters offers a bit more room, making it suitable for moderate cooking tasks and small family meals.
If you often prepare more substantial dishes or need extra space, consider a microwave with a capacity of above 25 . This size is ideal for cooking larger portions without taking up excessive space.
Power
Wattage determines how quickly and efficiently a microwave cooks food. A higher wattage means faster cooking but also higher energy consumption. Choose the wattage based on how frequently and intensively you plan to use your microwave.
Types of Microwaves
It’s time to choose the type of microwave that suits your culinary style. There are three main types: Solo, Grill, and Convection. Each has its own set of features, so let’s break them down.
Solo Microwave: Ideal for basic cooking tasks like reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking. Solo microwaves are affordable and user-friendly, making them perfect for those who just need the essentials.
Grill Microwave: If you love grilled sandwiches or perfectly browned cheese, a grill microwave might be your match. It has a heating element that allows you to grill, toast, and brown food. However, it doesn’t offer baking capabilities, so it’s best suited for those who don’t need a full range of cooking options.
Convection Microwave: The multitasker of the microwave world! A convection microwave can cook, grill, bake, and roast. It uses a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and baking. If you’re a foodie who loves experimenting in the kitchen, a convection microwave is worth the investment. It’s pricier, but the versatility it offers is unmatched.
Features
Modern microwaves come loaded with features that can make your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier. Here are some handy features to keep an eye out for:
Auto Cook Menus: These preset programs take the guesswork out of cooking. Just select the dish, and the microwave automatically sets the cooking time and power level.
Child Lock: If you’ve got little ones running around, a child lock feature is a must. It prevents accidental operation and keeps curious hands safe.
Inverter Technology: Microwaves with inverter technology provide consistent power, ensuring your food is cooked evenly. This is especially useful for delicate dishes that require precise cooking.
Defrost Function: A good defrost function is essential if you often cook with frozen ingredients. It thaws food quickly and evenly, saving you time and preventing any cold spots.
Budget and Warranty
Finally, let’s talk about the price. Microwave ovens come in a wide price range, so set a budget before you start shopping. Remember, the most expensive microwave isn’t always the best one for you. Consider what features you’ll actually use and avoid paying for bells and whistles you don’t need. Additionally, check the warranty period offered by the manufacturer, as a longer warranty can provide peace of mind and save you from unexpected repair costs.
Product
1. Samsung 21L Convection Microwave Oven
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity: 21 liters – suitable for small families.
- Power: 800 watts
- Type: Convection Microwave – ideal for baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting.
- Cooking Modes: Preheat and Defrost and combo modes like microwave + grill or microwave + convection.
- Additional features:
- Includes features such as Indian recipes, Kid’s nutrition, and a cafeteria mode.
- Ceramic enamel interior that resists scratches and bacteria, ensuring easy maintenance and hygiene
- Triple Distribution system
- Child lock feature for added security, making it safe for families with young children.
- Tandoor technology
Overview:
The Samsung 21 L Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile choice for users seeking a mix of baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting functionalities. With advanced features like the Triple Distribution System for even heat distribution and an easy-to-clean ceramic enamel cavity, this oven offers reliable performance for everyday cooking tasks. Its 21-liter capacity makes it suitable for small to medium-sized households.
Pros:
- Versatile Cooking: Handles various tasks such as grilling, baking, and reheating efficiently.
- Easy Maintenance: The ceramic enamel cavity simplifies cleaning and improves hygiene.
- Useful Presets: Multiple auto-cook menus make it beginner-friendly.
Cons:
- Accessories: Some users may find the lack of specialized grill accessories limiting.
Final Verdict: This Samsung microwave offers a well-rounded cooking experience with modern features, making it ideal for families looking for a durable and easy-to-use appliance.
2.IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity: 24 liters – ideal for 3 to 5 Members
- Power: 900 watts
- Type: Solo Microwave , best for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks like steaming.
- Cooking Modes: Supports multi-stage cooking, combining up to three different cooking cycles. Includes quick reheat and auto defrost features.
- Additional Features:
- 69 Auto-Cook Menus, covering Indian and Continental recipes.
- Anti-Rust Stainless Steel Cavity ensures durability and easier cleaning.
- Delay Start ,schedule the cooking process to begin at a later time.
- Child lock
Overview:
The IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven offers a simple and effective solution for daily cooking, primarily focused on reheating and defrosting. Its 69 auto-cook menus provide flexibility, allowing users to easily prepare a variety of dishes. The stainless steel cavity ensures the appliance remains rust-free and low-maintenance over time. With features like delay start, multi-stage cooking, and sensor protection, it caters to modern kitchens that need reliability and convenience.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Auto-Cook Menus: 69 pre-programmed recipes make it easy to prepare a variety of dishes
- Safety and Durability: Includes child lock and overheating protection, enhancing usability for families with children.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: Enables setting multiple cooking cycles in a single process.
Cons:
- Limited Features : Lacks advanced options like baking and grilling.
Final Verdict: The IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven (24PM2S) is a good fit for users looking for basic cooking functionalities with an emphasis on safety and convenience. Its variety of pre-set menus and features like quick reheat and auto defrost make it particularly useful for families with fast-paced lifestyles. However, it may not be ideal for users looking for baking or grilling capabilities, as it lacks these advanced features.
3. Whirlpool 25 L Solo Microwave Oven
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity: 25 liters – Suitable for 3 to 5 members
- Power: 800 watts for cooking; Offers quick heating and cooking through 10 power levels to accommodate various recipes.
- Type: Solo Microwave – Designed primarily for reheating, cooking, and defrosting.
- Cooking Modes: Providing easy pre-set cooking options. Defrost Mode and Reheat Function.
- Additional Features:
- 19 auto-cook menus.
- Anti-Rust Stainless Steel Cavity, increases durability and resists corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Feather Touch Controls with LED Display, offers an intuitive user interface and easy navigation.
- Child Lock, provides safety by preventing accidental operations, making it family-friendly.
Overview:
The Whirlpool 25 L Solo Microwave Oven offers an excellent balance of features for users who need a reliable microwave for day-to-day cooking without advanced baking or grilling capabilities. Its 25-liter capacity fits well for families, and the inclusion of 19 auto-cook menus simplifies cooking for beginners.
Pros:
- Good Cooking Variety: Auto-cook menus cater to multiple cuisines, including Indian favorites.
- Durable Design: Anti-rust cavity adds to longevity and maintenance ease.
- Energy Efficient: Optimized power consumption for routine kitchen needs.
Cons:
- No Grill or Convection Modes: Limited to basic microwave functions, which might not suit users looking for baking or grilling.
- Accessories: Comes with basic components.
Final Verdict: The Whirlpool MAGICOOK PRO SOLO 25SE is a great option for users seeking an affordable, easy-to-use microwave for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. If your needs revolve around quick meals and convenience, this microwave is a solid pick with modern features and sturdy construction. For more versatile cooking, you might need to consider a convection or grill microwave.
4. Samsung 23 L Grill Microwave Oven
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity: 23 liters – suitable for 3 to 4 members
- Power: 800 watts
- Type: Grill Microwave – perfect for grilling, reheating, defrosting,
- Cooking Modes: Quick Defrost, Keep Warm, and multiple Auto Cook programs and Browning.
- Additional Features:
- Ceramic Enamel Cavity – scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.
- The Browning Plus function achieves the ideal texture and color for your food. Deodorization setting forces air out of the interior cavity.
- LED display, child lock for safety, and a wire rack included for grilling tasks.
Overview:
The Samsung 23 L Grill Microwave Oven offers a great mix of functionality for everyday cooking, particularly for grilling enthusiasts. Its ceramic enamel interior ensures easy cleaning while resisting bacterial growth and scratches. The oven’s multiple auto-cook programs, along with a Keep Warm feature, make it versatile for various dishes. This model focuses on convenience with a user-friendly LED display and an effective Quick Defrost feature. With the inclusion of a wire rack, it also caters well to grilling tasks, adding versatility compared to basic solo models.
Pros:
- Versatile Performance: Efficient for grilling, browning, reheating, and defrosting.
- Low Maintenance: Ceramic enamel cavity ensures durability and easy cleaning.
- Safety Focus: Child lock adds peace of mind for families with young children.
- Cooking Convenience: Various pre-set cooking modes, including continental recipes, enhance usability.
Cons:
- Power Output: Some users may find the 800W microwave power slightly underwhelming for heavy cooking needs.
- Limited Baking Options: Being a grill microwave, it is not suitable for baking like convection models.
Final Verdict: The Samsung MG23A3515AK/TL Grill Microwave Oven is a reliable option for those who prioritize grilling and reheating over baking. It offers a sleek design, ease of use, and hygienic maintenance. While it may not fulfill the needs of baking enthusiasts, it serves well for quick cooking and grilling tasks, making it ideal for families looking for an efficient mid-range appliance.
5. Godrej 23 L Convection Microwave
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity: 23 liters – Ideal for small to 3 to 4 members.
- Power: 800 watts
- Type: Convection Microwave – Supports baking, grilling, reheating, defrosting, and steaming.
- Cooking Modes: Auto cook, Preheat, Timer and Healthy Air Fry Mode.
- Additional Features:
- 205 InstaCook auto-cook recipes, including Indian and continental dishes.
- Comes with steam clean function to remove stains easily. Includes a stainless steel cavity for durability and hygiene.
- Godrej Instachef App for enhanced cooking support.
Overview:
The Godrej 23 L Steam Clean Convection Microwave Oven (GME 523 CF1 RM) combines versatility with modern features, catering to families that want quick, healthy meals. Its oil-free cooking feature supports healthy lifestyles, and the steam clean function simplifies maintenance. With an array of pre-loaded recipes and the app integration, this model is designed for convenience and creativity in cooking.
Pros :
- Versatile Cooking: Supports multiple functions such as baking, grilling, steaming, and oil-free cooking.
- Easy Maintenance: Steam clean helps remove stubborn stains, and the stainless steel cavity ensures durability.
- Pre-Loaded Recipes: 205 auto-cook programs offer a variety of cuisines and healthy options.
- App Integration: The Godrej Instachef App provides step-by-step instructions for recipes.
Cons
- Preheat Time: Some users report slightly longer preheat times compared to other brands.
- Grilling Accessories: Basic grilling tools included, but may not suit all advanced needs.
Final Verdict: The Godrej 23 L Steam Clean Convection Microwave Oven is a well-rounded choice for families looking to explore healthy and diverse cooking. Its advanced steam cleaning, app integration, and oil-free cooking modes make it a valuable kitchen appliance. It is recommended for those who prioritize easy maintenance and versatile cooking capabilities.
6. Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave Oven
Feature and Specifications:
- Capacity : 23 liters, ideal for 3 to 4 members
- Power: 800 watts.
- Type: Convection Microwave, designed for baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting.
- Cooking Modes: 360° Heat Wrap for uniform heat distribution, Magic Grill technology that dual power of the top and back grills work together to make food crispier on the outside and deliciously, juicy on the inside. Turbo defrost mode ensures quick and even thawing of frozen food.
- Additional Features:
- 360 Degree Heat Wrap ensure even 360 degree distribution of heat for uniform, faster cooking
- Vapour cleaning
- 61 preset cooking modes and kids menu.
- Express Cooking prepares food with minimal settings.
Overview:
The Panasonic NN-CT353BFDG stands out with its stainless-steel cavity and Magic Grill, which provides more efficient grilling than standard microwaves. Its 360° Heat Wrap ensures even cooking, making it suitable for a variety of culinary tasks. Additionally, the product’s focus on Indian auto-cook recipes makes it appealing to households looking for convenient cooking solutions.
Pros:
- Efficient Cooking: Turbo defrost and Magic Grill enhance functionality.
- Durable Interior: Stainless steel cavity ensures longevity and easy maintenance.
- Multiple Presets: 61 auto-cook menus streamline cooking for beginners.
Cons:
- Handle Design: Some users may find the handle less ergonomic.
- No Inverter Technology: It lacks inverter tech, which could affect precision in heating delicate dishes.
Final Verdict: The Panasonic 23 L Convection Microwave Oven offers a reliable and versatile cooking experience. With features like the Magic Grill and Turbo Defrost, it provides good value for families needing a combination of convenience and performance. This model is a solid choice for users who prioritize both style and functionality in their kitchen appliances.
7. Haier 22L Convection Microwave
Features and Specifications
- Capacity: 22 liters – Perfect for small to medium-sized families.
- Power Levels: 800 watt , 1200 for Grill and Convection
- Type: Convection Microwave – Supports baking, grilling, reheating, roasting, and defrosting.
- Cooking Modes: Offers 4 combination cooking modes i.e, cooking and browning/ cooking and baking/ browning and baking can be done simultaneously. Multi-stage cooking, and auto defrost options.
- Additional Features:
- Comes with 195 auto-cook menus for Indian and international cuisines.
- The quartz grill option enables you to heat the food quickly, without using the Microwave.
- Stainless steel cavity for better heat distribution, and steam cleaning for easy maintenance.
- Oil free cooking and Deodorizer.
Overview:
The Haier 22 L Convection Microwave Oven (HIL22ECCFSD) offers a versatile cooking experience with multi-stage cooking and auto defrost. Its 195 auto-cook menus provide a range of preset options for different dishes, making cooking fast and convenient. The steam cleaning function helps maintain hygiene by easily removing stains.
Pros:
- Versatile Cooking: Supports baking, grilling, roasting, and multi-stage cooking.
- Easy Maintenance: Steam cleaning keeps the interior spotless, and the stainless steel cavity ensures durability.
- Pre-Loaded Recipes: 195 auto-cook programs cover various cuisines and healthy meal options.
Cons:
- Noise Level: During operation, the microwave may produce slightly more noise compared to some quieter models, which could be a consideration for noise-sensitive environments.
Final Verdict: The Haier 22 L Convection Microwave Oven is a reliable kitchen companion, offering a mix of advanced features and convenience. Its multi-stage cooking, auto-cleaning features, and diverse preset menus make it an excellent option for health-conscious families. This model is recommended for those looking for a balance between performance and ease of maintenance.
8. Voltas Beko 25 L Convection Microwave
Features and Specifications:
- Capacity: 25 liters – Ideal for 3 to 5 members
- Power Levels: Offers multiple power levels to adjust cooking intensity. Maximum of 1400 watts
- Type: Convection Microwave – Supports baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting.
- Cooking Modes: Features include quick preheat, timer, and combination cooking modes to enhance versatility.
- Additional Features:
- Comes with 151 auto-cook menus, including popular Indian recipes.
- Equipped with a stainless steel cavity for durability and even heat distribution.
- The oven also includes child lock for safety.
Overview :
The Voltas Beko 25 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC25BD) offers a blend of performance and convenience for users seeking a complete cooking solution. With 151 auto-cook recipes and multiple cooking modes, it allows users to explore both Indian and continental dishes effortlessly. The stainless steel cavity ensures optimal heat circulation, while the child lock feature guarantees added safety for families with children.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Cooking Options: Supports various functions, including baking, grilling, and roasting.
- Auto-Cook Menus: 151 preset menus provide a range of recipes for easy meal preparation.
- Durability and Hygiene: The stainless steel cavity ensures better heat distribution and is easier to maintain.
- Safety Features: Child lock ensures safe operation, particularly in households with kids.
Cons:
- No Steam Cleaning Feature: Lacks steam cleaning functionality, making interior maintenance slightly more challenging.
- Preheat Time: Some users report longer preheat times compared to other convection models in this range.
Final Verdict :The Voltas Beko 25 L Convection Microwave Oven offers a comprehensive cooking solution with its large capacity, multiple cooking modes, and rich set of auto-cook menus. While it takes some time to get accustomed to all the features, it is a solid choice for families looking for a versatile appliance.
Comparison Table
Product | Type | Capacity | Auto cook menus | Cooking Functions | Amazon | Flipkart | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung 21L Convection Microwave Oven | Convection | 21 | N/A | Preheat and Defrost and combo modes . | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
IFB 24L Solo Microwave Oven | Solo | 24 | 69 | Multi-stage cooking, combination modes Quick reheat and auto defrost | Buy Now | — | Read Review |
Whirlpool 25L Solo Microwave Oven | Solo | 25 | 19 | Defrost Mode and Reheat Function. | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Samsung 23L Grill Microwave Oven | Grill | 23 | N/A | Grilling, reheating, defrosting, and browning. Keep Warm, and multiple Auto Cook programs | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Godrej 23L Convection Microwave | Convection | 23 | 205 | Grilling, reheating, defrosting, steaming. Auto cook, Preheat, Timer and Healthy Air Fry Mode. |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave | Convection | 23 | 61 | Defrost, baking, grilling, reheating.360° Heat Wrap, Turbo | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Haier 22L Convection Microwave | Convection | 22 | 195 | Auto defrost ,baking, grilling, reheating, roasting. Combination cooking modes ,Multi-stage cooking, | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Voltas Beko 25L Convection Microwave | Convection | 25 | 151 | Baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting. Preheat, timer, combination cooking modes, | Buy Now | Buy Now | Read Review |
Our Top Picks
Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave Oven | Amazon | Flipkart | Read Review |
Samsung 21L Convection Microwave Oven | Amazon | Flipkart | Read Review |
Godrej 23 L Convection Microwave | Amazon | Flipkart | Read Review |
Whirlpool 25 L Solo Microwave Oven | Amazon | Flipkart | Read Review |
IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven | Amazon | — | Read Review |