What are Different Types of Microwave Oven? (Ultimate Guide)

Microwaves are one of the most versatile household appliances used for cooking and reheating food items. The microwave oven has become a staple in kitchens across the globe.

A microwave is a very efficient cooking device that heats food quickly without using much energy. It uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food by bombarding it with microwaves.

Microwave ovens are available in different sizes, shapes, and colours. Here we will discuss different types of microwave ovens available in the market today.

Microwave oven Uses

A microwave oven is a kitchen appliance most people use to heat food. However, there are many other uses for a microwave oven that many people are not aware of.

Here are just a few of the various uses for a microwave oven:

1. Microwave oven save time:

A microwave oven is a household appliance that has revolutionized our cooking. By using microwaves to cook food, we can save time and energy. Microwave ovens work by heating water molecules in food, which causes them to vibrate and generate heat. This process is much faster than cooking food in a conventional oven, which uses hot air to cook food.

2. Save energy:

Microwave ovens do not require as much energy as traditional ovens. Thus, they are more environmentally friendly and cost less to operate.

3. Microwave oven defrosts meat quickly:

Most microwaves have a dial or button that needs to be set to the correct time for the amount of meat being defrosted. The time will depend on the microwave’s power and the meat’s thickness. Once the dial is set, the microwave will run for a few minutes, then stop and wait a few more minutes before resuming. This process will continue until the meat is fully defrosted.

4. Microwave oven cooks food evenly:

Some people may not know that there are different types of microwave ovens. The type of microwave oven can affect how evenly your food cooks. For example, convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly.

Solo microwaves do not have this feature, so the heat does not circulate, and the food may not cook evenly. If you are looking for an oven that cooks your food evenly, choose a convection model.

5. Make Popcorn:

You can use a microwave oven to make your popcorn. All you need is some popcorn kernels and a little bit of oil. Place the kernels in a bowl with the oil and then put it in the microwave oven for about 3 minutes.

6. Microwave oven Bake Potatoes:

Bake potatoes are a type of microwave oven that is specifically designed to cook potatoes. They usually have a special potato setting on the dial, ensuring that the potato is cooked and doesn’t get overcooked or burnt.

Bake potatoes are great for those who want to cook a potato quickly and easily without using the oven or stovetop. They’re also ideal for cooking multiple potatoes at once, making them perfect for large families or gatherings.

Microwave ovens are also great for making baked potatoes. Wrap the potato in foil and then place it in the microwave for about 5 minutes.

7. Microwave oven Dry Shoes or Cloths:

You can use a microwave oven to dry wet shoes or clothes. This can be a useful way to dry them out quickly without having to use a traditional oven or air dryer.

There are two main types of microwave ovens that can be used for this purpose: convection and non-convection.

Convection microwave ovens have a fan that circulates the hot air around the food, which helps to distribute the heat and prevent hotspots evenly. This makes them ideal for drying shoes or clothes, as they will dry evenly and quickly.

Non-convection microwave ovens do not have a fan, so the heat is not circulated as evenly. This can result in uneven drying, which means that it could take longer to dry shoes or clothes in a non-convection oven.

Check the items frequently to ensure they don’t overheat or become damaged.

Disadvantages of using microwave oven

While microwave ovens are very popular and convenient, they have some disadvantages.

• It can cause food to lose some of its nutrients. Food cooked in a microwave loses a lot of nutrients because vitamins and minerals break down as they heat.
• It can create harmful “radiation”. This radiation is created when microwaves heat the water molecules in food. When people are exposed to this kind of radiation, it can increase their risk of cancer.
• Microwave ovens can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If the oven is not covered correctly, microwaves can escape and cause burns or fires.

Different Types of Microwave Oven

There are several types of microwave ovens on the market today. Most kitchens have a countertop microwave oven, which is the most common. These ovens come in various sizes and wattages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Another type of microwave oven is the built-in microwave oven, designed to be installed in a kitchen cabinet or under a countertop.

 1. Solo Microwave Oven

A solo microwave oven is a type of small appliance that is used for cooking and reheating food. It is compact and easy to use, making it a popular choice for people who live in small spaces or want a simple kitchen appliance. Solo microwave ovens come in various sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs.

Consider the size, features, and price when shopping for a solo microwave oven. You will also want to consider how you use the oven and what food you cook. If you plan on using the oven for cooking multiple dishes, look for one with multiple settings. If you only need to reheat food, a basic model will suffice. Remember that solo microwave ovens are not designed for baking, so if this is a priority for you, look for another type of appliance.

 2. Convection Microwave Oven

A convection microwave oven is a type of oven that uses microwaves to cook food. A magnetron generates microwaves, and the heat generated by microwaves cooks the food.

Convection microwave ovens also have a fan that circulates the hot air, which helps to cook the food evenly. Convection microwave ovens are different from traditional microwave ovens in several ways. First, they use microwaves for cooking food, making them faster than traditional ovens. They also have a fan that circulates the hot air, which helps to cook the food evenly. Finally, they are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens because they use less electricity overall.

3. Grill Microwave Oven

A grill microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that combines the features of a traditional microwave oven with those of a grill. This type of oven is ideal for cooking food items usually grilled, such as meats, vegetables, and seafood. The oven grill function sears the food while the microwave cooks it through.

Different sizes and styles of grill microwave ovens fit every kitchen’s needs. They can be freestanding or built-in. Many models have additional features, such as convection cooking and self-cleaning cycles. Prices for grill microwave ovens start at around $200 and go up from there.

 They can cook food faster than a regular oven and brown or crisp the food you are cooking. They can be hard to clean.

4. Countertop Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens are small, portable ovens used for cooking food at home. Countertop microwaves are ideal for small spaces, such as apartments or dorm rooms, and can be used to prepare quick meals.

Among Indian households, these are the most common types of microwave ovens. You can use it right away by putting it on the counter.

Countertop microwaves come in various sizes and styles and can be found at most major retailers. When shopping for a countertop microwave, it is essential to consider the unit’s size and wattage. Higher-wattage microwaves will cook food faster, so if speed is a concern, look for a unit with at least 1,000 watts.

5. Above the Range Microwave Ovens

Above the range, microwaves are a great addition to any kitchen. They save counter space and can be easily installed.

Above the range, microwaves come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any kitchen.

6. Under Cabinet Microwave Oven

An under-cabinet microwave oven is a type of small appliance designed to be installed beneath a kitchen cabinet. These appliances are often used in tight spaces, such as apartments or small homes, where countertop space is limited.

Under cabinets, microwave ovens come in various sizes and styles to suit different needs and kitchen layouts. While under-cabinet microwaves are not as large as standard countertop models, they still offer plenty of cooking power and features.

Many under-cabinet microwaves have built-in ventilation systems to help circulate air and prevent overheating. These appliances can also be equipped with sensor cooking technology that adjusts cook times based on the food being prepared.

While most under-cabinet microwaves are designed for installation by a professional, the homeowner can install some models.

7. Under Counter microwave oven

An under-counter microwave oven is a small appliance installed under a kitchen counter. Under the counter, microwave ovens are designed to save space in the kitchen. Among their uses are reheating food, defrosting frozen foods, and preparing quick meals.

Under the counter, microwaves come in various sizes and styles to fit any kitchen’s needs. Most under-counter microwaves are compact and have a sleek, modern design. Many under-counter microwaves have built-in sensors that automatically adjust cooking time based on the food’s moisture content, making them very user-friendly.

Under the counter, microwaves are an essential kitchen appliance for anyone who wants to save space and time.

8. Built-in (Above the Counter) microwave oven

A built-in microwave oven is a type of appliance that is installed above the counter in a kitchen. It is a popular choice for many homeowners because it frees up counter space and can easily integrate into the kitchen’s overall design.

There are several things to consider before purchasing a built-in microwave oven, such as the size of the unit and the power output. It is crucial to ensure that the oven will fit in the space allocated for it and that it has the correct power output for the home’s electrical system.

Installing a built-in microwave oven can be done by a qualified contractor or electrician. It is essential to follow all instructions carefully to avoid damaging the unit or creating an electrical hazard.

What is the best microwave brand in the Indian market?

When choosing the best microwave ovens, there are many factors to consider. But with so many brands on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Today’s most popular brands in the Indian market are IFB, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and Voltas, among many others. Those brands have proven to be particularly popular and have outstanding user reviews.

Conclusion

There are many different types of microwave ovens available on the market today. Depending on your needs, there is sure to be a model that is perfect for you.

Research before purchasing to ensure you get the best possible value for your money.

A countertop model will suffice if you want a basic microwave to heat food. A built-in microwave or convection microwave might be a better option if you need a more versatile appliance. Keep in mind the size of your kitchen and the features you need before making your purchase.

FAQs | Types of Microwave Oven