Microwaves are a convenient way to cut cooking times. You can reheat, cook and defrost your favourite dishes with a microwave, helping a busy lifestyle be that bit more manageable.
At Atlantic Electrics, we can help you find the perfect small appliance for your household. In our handy microwave buyers guide, we will explain everything you need to know and help you step-by-step through the purchasing process to ensure you find the right model for your needs.
A few things to consider
The most important features to consider when buying a microwave are:
· Model type
· Fit type
· Capacity
· Functions
We will explore these features in detail in this guide to help you find the right model for your home.
Fitting types
The first question to ask is where you would like to place your microwave. This will help you to decide between a freestanding or integrated model. Let’s help you choose the best type of appliance to suit your home.
Freestanding microwaves-
We offer a variety of freestanding models that can be placed on your kitchen worktop wherever you need. Freestanding microwaves are easy to move and come in an array of styles to fit any kitchen design.
Integrated microwaves-
Integrated microwaves are neatly fitted into your kitchen cabinetry to provide you with more worktop cooking space. An integrated model is a great choice if you prefer the modern, sleek finish.
Types of microwaves
One of the most important choices to make is which model type you will need for your kitchen. Each model type offers a range of features and styles so you can be sure that you will find the right microwave for you. You can choose between three different models: standard (also known as solo), combination and microwave with grill.
Standard or solo microwaves-
If you are looking for a microwave with a simple and intuitive design, then a standard model is the perfect choice for you. These models are ideal for reheating food and hot drinks, and preparing ready meals, soups, and vegetables.
Microwaves with a grill-
These intelligent models combine typical microwave cooking with a heating element, providing you with the ability to easily grill fish and meat. You can also prepare a variety of meals such as kebabs, casseroles, and pizzas.
Combination microwaves-
Combination microwaves offer more cooking flexibility than any other model. These models are equipped with a range of cooking elements such as microwave energy, a grill and convection heating to heat, roast and crisp your food. This enables you to prepare a variety of dishes as well as bake brownies, cakes and bread. Combination models are ideal for healthier recipes too, as these models will cook vegetables and fish to perfection.
Flatbed vs turntable
There are two different interior designs that you can choose from for a microwave: flatbed and turntable.
Turntable microwaves-
Some models feature a tray which rotates consistently throughout the cooking process to ensure your food is evenly cooked. It is important to check the diameter size of the turntable in the product description to ensure you find the right sized model for your style of dishes.
Flatbed microwaves-
If you are looking for a larger cooking surface, then a flatbed model is the right choice for you. The flatbed design offers a non-rotating system and provides you with plenty of space to heat your dishes without needing to reposition your food for even heating.
Capacities
Now that you’ve got an idea of which fit and model type you may like, let’s explore the different capacity options available. The size of your household and the number of dishes you prepare will determine the right capacity you require for your home. Microwaves are measured in Litre capacities to ensure you can understand what is available for you to use. We have created a rough guide to help you find the right sized microwave for your needs.
15 to 20 litres-
· The standard microwave capacity
· Ideal for two-four people
· Typically, solo microwaves are available in this range.
21 to 30 litres-
· Great for more complex uses and larger foods.
· Generally, grill and combination microwaves are available in this range.
· Typically feature a turntable
· Perfect for smaller households
25 to 30 litres-
· Ideal for four-six people
· You would usually find solo microwaves in this range, but with added space to reheat large portions or several drinks at once.
· Typically more flatbed models
32 litres+-
· The largest capacity available, perfect for larger households.
· Generally, grill and combination microwaves are available in this range.
· Great for complex cooking and large portions
It is important to note that a larger capacity will have a larger turntable and more interior height than a smaller model, enabling the ability to prepare larger dishes or more than one dish at once.
Key features to consider
As technology has developed over time, microwaves have benefitted from a range of additional features to improve the cooking performance and make life easier for you. We have created a list of key features to consider to help you make the right purchase.
Sensor cooking-
The clever sensor cooking feature will automatically detect moisture in your food with the microwave’s humidity to adjust the power levels and cooking time. This ensures that your food will not dry out and is cooked to perfection.
Inverter technology-
Inverter technology is the unsung hero of a microwave! It delivers a consistent level of power to be applied throughout the cooking process. This is particularly useful when defrosting as you can set the power level at 30% and it will run at a lower level for the entire duration. Conventional microwaves will run its power at 100% for 30% of the time, which will cook the food rather than defrosting it.
Auto Cook/ Auto Defrost-
The Auto Cook and Defrost features are some of the most useful features to use for modern day microwaves. Saving you time, these brilliant settings will enable you to begin cooking swiftly as you can defrost your food in the microwave. You can find some models which will allow you to enter the weight and type of food into the microwave settings to ensure everything is defrosted and cooked to perfection.
Pre-set programmes-
Pre-set programmes are extremely useful as they will ensure you achieve the right timings you require for your food. These programmes typically feature timings for popular foods, reheating and defrosting to make cooking easier for you.
Power-
The power of a microwave is measured in Watts, with most models generally ranging from 800W to 1100W. However, you may be able to find a model which offers 750W power if this is what you require. Typically, the higher the wattage is the quicker your food will cook, so it is important to consider which power rating you need.
Easy-cleaning linings-
Some models may offer easy-cleaning linings to provide you with effortless cleaning. You can find models which have designed the interior walls to feature catalytic or pyrolytic liners to absorb dirt and grease from food to keep your microwave spotless.
Budget buy vs. top of the range
The difference between a budget buy and a top of the range purchase can be:
· Power
· Pre-set programmes
· Auto-cook
· Auto-Defrost
· Accessories
· Steam function
· Grill function
· Sensor cooking
· Turbo reheat
· Microwave and convection
· Interior lining
· Drop down door
· Control panel
· Interior lighting
· Energy efficiency
Useful tips to consider-
Microwave brands-
There is a wide variety of trusted brands to choose from when selecting a microwave. You can pick your favourite or find the brand that offers the specific features, capacity, functionality and colour you are looking for. Take some time to research and discover the brand that is right for you.
Choosing your style-
Whether you have chosen a freestanding or integrated model, you will want to make sure your new microwave suits your style. Microwaves come in a variety of colours and designs so you can choose the appliance that matches and completes your home.
Maintenance
It is important to take care of your appliance to protect your microwave’s performance. Microwaves are now designed with efficiency and longevity in mind, requiring only a few simple steps to keep them in their best condition.
· We recommend that you wipe down the interior and any removable parts with warm, soapy water to remove splatters and stains.
· It is important that you wipe down the exterior control panel, keypads, buttons and door to remove any fingerprints.
· We advise that you schedule a deep clean every 2-3 months or more regularly if you cook frequently.
We recommend that you check your manufacturer’s guide and product details to ensure you understand what maintenance care your microwave needs, and what you can do to help keep your appliance running smoothly.
Installation
Whether you have chosen a freestanding or integrated model, we stock a selection of models to fit every space.
Freestanding models-
For freestanding models, we recommend that you leave space around your microwave for sufficient ventilation. This would be around 10cm at the sides and back, and 20cm of space at the top.
Integrated models-
Integrated models require proper installation in order to run smoothly. The most important things to consider with an integrated microwave are dimensions, power usage and sufficient ventilation.
· Dimensions- You must check the height, width and depth of the appliance and your space. Check for 38cm and 45cm heights, and different widths and depths.
· Power usage- As some microwaves function as ovens and grills, they do not use a normal 13amp plug socket so keep this in mind when choosing your appliance.
· Proper ventilation behind and above the cabinet- Poor or no ventilation makes the microwave overheat, leading to faults. We also suggest that you check the direction that the door opens to ensure easy access.
FAQs
We have listed some common questions we often get asked when buying a microwave below.
What should I look for in a microwave?
There are several things to consider when buying a microwave. To choose the right microwave, you should think about:
· The amount of worktop space you want to use
· If you require a freestanding or integrated model
· Cooking needs
· Capacity for your household
· Right type of microwave for you
· Features
· You have enough space for the model size you are looking at.
What food can I cook in a combination microwave?
Whilst most microwaves are good for reheating and defrosting foods, a combination microwave can offer the ability to grill and bake. This means you can prepare a variety of foods such as rice, kebabs, brownies, pizza and bread.
We are happy to help you with anything you need. So, if there are any more questions, simply get in touch with our team.
The reputation of the brand, place of manufacture and quality of the model will all affect the price. At Atlantic Electrics, we will help you to choose a reliable model that provides you with the best cooking results.
Telephone: 020 8208 6999
Email: web@atlanticelectrics.com
Our store: 970 North Circular Road London, NW2 7JR