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7 Best Microwave Oven In India 2023 || Honest Reviews & Buying Guide

Microwave Oven In India

Any large electrical appliance purchase is an investment and should be done after thorough research and taking your personal requirements into consideration. To make your search easier, we have written a thorough blog on the best microwave oven in India 2023. The edit starts with the top 10 best microwave ovens, sorted into three sub-headings – solo microwave oven, convection microwave oven, and grill microwave. Further, you can see a FAQ of some of the queries any buyers will have like what are the major types of microwave ovens, what to take into consideration before purchasing one, how to clean a microwave oven, and the distribution of the best microwave ovens according to different attributes like price range and purpose. 

Use the table of contents section to jump straight to your preferred section. This is going to be a lengthy blog. 

Price Comparison List For Best Microwave Oven In India

  • Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven: Rs.5490 (Buy Here)
  • LG 28L Convection Microwave Oven: Rs.16499 (Buy Here)
  • Samsung 32L Convection Microwave Oven: Rs.14391 (Buy Here)
  • Godrej 19L Convection Microwave Oven: Rs.9290 (Buy Here)
  • LG 21L Convection Microwave Oven: Rs.10690 (Buy Here)
  • IFB 20L Grill Microwave Oven: Rs.8240 (Buy Here)
  • LG 20L Grill Microwave Oven: Rs.6775 (Buy Here)
Also See: Best Mattress Brands In India

Best Solo Microwave Oven In India

1) Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven

Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven

Simple, sophisticated, and sleek – the Panasonic 20 L is one of the best solo microwave ovens in India. The ample capacity inside and a delicate design outside give a compact look and don’t take up much space on the countertop. After commencing its operations in 1972 in India, Panasonic has gained immense trust in Indian consumers for its cutting-edge technology at inexpensive prices. They have manufacturing plants in India, though it’s a Japanese company, and thus, also provides employment and opportunities to people here. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

To be used simply for cooking, reheating, and defrosting, the Panasonic Solo Microwave oven comes in a black square-shaped design with a transparent glass door. The door doesn’t have a handle, but it’s not automatic either. You have to use the space down to open the microwave, which is convenient and doesn’t get hot. Outside, it has mechanical knob controls, not digital ones. They rotate quite smoothly though and you don’t have to worry about the workings. There are two knobs – one that denotes the power – which has 4 settings: 200W, 360W, 700W, and maximum power, there’s also a time knob with 1 to 10 minutes and then, a 5-minute gap timer till 35 minutes. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others: 

For those looking for a simple, compact microwave with just a few functions and who do not want to use it for baking or grilling, then a SOLO microwave oven is the best option. After doing a lot of research, we’ve found that among solo microwave oven in India, the Panasonic one has been ranked the highest on almost every e-commerce platform. The minimalist design, length of smooth working, and easy technology have fared well with a lot of users. 

There are only 2 settings to control and the appliance also comes with a user manual which makes it even easier to use. Ideal for anyone who isn’t a fan of the technology and wants an oven that has straightforward usage. It also comes with a dial setting for the timer, which anyone who is old-school and loves the clicking sounds of the dial will have fun using. With higher power settings, you can cook any food quickly without having to stand for long hours in the kitchen. 

The Japanese technology known for its simple, compact designs also delivers the same results here. Even though the capacity of the oven is 20 liters, less space is devoted to the electronics, and more space is devoted to the interiors. This makes the oven very light and takes less space on the countertop. 

Here’s what one of the reviews says: “Thank you for not disappointing. I just wanted a simple oven and while looking for the best microwave oven in India, this was the one with nice reviews overall. It has strong quality and lasts for a long time without any worries. I really love it.”

Purchase here for Rs.5290/-. 

Best Convection Microwave Oven In India 

2) LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven

LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven

If you’re looking for a quality, versatile convection microwave oven in India, then LG 28 L Convection Microwave is one of the best in the market at the moment. Go to any e-commerce store and this will be the first to pop in the search, owing to its superior technology, features, and amazing LG service. From cooking, baking, and grilling to automated menus, there are tonnes of features to explore in this convection microwave. For anyone who wants a good quality, multi-functional oven in the market, this is surely their best bet. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

The LG 28L Charcoal Convection Oven comes in a black outer body with floral detailing on the side. There’s a 12.59-inch internal space inside to allow you to fit in multiple food items for a quicker preparation experience. It has digital controls on the outside for easier switching between any modes like microwave, convection, and grill. There are also 9-panel buttons that can deliver you an auto-cook menu to make any of your favorite dishes or everyday things like ghee, paneer, or curd. Yes, you can make these dairy delights in minutes using this oven. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

A convection microwave oven offers the benefits of a normal microwave, giving you the option of cooking, reheating, and defrosting, but they are meant for grilling and baking as well. This one, for example, also has the option of a charcoal lighting setting to give your grills the perfect traditional oven cooking and taste. 

With 271 auto-cook menus that include a variety of continental and Indian dishes, all you have to do is prepare the raw food and press the button to cook it. No hassle of standing there and waiting for the food to cook properly. The oven will do the job for you.

Some of the exciting dishes you can prepare in this oven are 12 types of roti, halwa, and even dal. More so, you can even prepare ghee from malai in just a few minutes. We all know taking out ghee is such a time-consuming process which also takes a lot of stove capacity. But in LG 28 L Convection Microwave, you can prepare ghee in 12 minutes (depending on the quantity). You also have the option to prepare paneer and curd. 

The oven also comes with a rotisserie handle. You can put paneer and meat through the utensil and leave them for grilling. It rotates inside to give you the perfect crunchy and juicy result you’d want from your grill. Here are all the other utensils you will get with the oven: glass tray, rotating ring, Tawa, rotisserie bar, rotisserie handle, owner manual, recipe manual, and cookbook (1 of each). 

There’s also a child lock feature in the appliance to protect your kids from any mismanagement or safety hazards. The warranty period has a good life too, with 1 year for the product and 4 years for magnetron (the inside heating apparatus installed inside the microwave). 

Purchase here for Rs.16,890/-

(Not to be confused with normal LG 28L Convection Microwave Oven)

3) Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven

Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven

An oven that you will find a lot in Youtube recipe videos is the Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven. This versatile appliance gives very close competition to the LG 28 L Charcoal Convection microwave. The only difference is Samsung doesn’t provide a starter kit (which is the microwave-safe utensils) with this microwave, but LG does. So the slight price difference is covered there. Rest the products are quite the same and only service in your area and brand trust matters. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

The Samsung 32 L convection oven comes in grey and black colors. Grey is preferable because of its classy and unique look. The handle is on the top and the oven door opens downwards as opposed to sideways in most models. Inside, there’s stainless steel body and ceramic to prevent any build-up of bacteria. This also facilitates the easier removal of any stains without any scratches. Outside, there are 8 digital buttons for different uses namely slim fry, roti naan, curd/ dough proof, India recipe, power defrost, keep warm, convection, grill, microwave, and combination. There’s also a turn knob below to control the temperature settings and a start/ stop button down below. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

The Samsung 32 L convection oven comes with tandoor technology and preheats option. While the former is a great option for those who want to enjoy grilled tikkas and kebabs, the latter is an important step for bakers and the resulting dessert to be just as perfect as they wanted. You can also cook rotis and naans inside the oven by simply putting the rolled dough and pressing the roti/ naan option. There’s a tandoor setting that replicates the tandoor you see in dhabas to give you the perfect crispy yet light naan. 

It also meets healthy living standards by giving an option of slim fry. In this, you can just apply some oil on anything that needs deep frying like samosas, kachoris, or potato fries and put them in the oven. The slim fry technology combines the grill with warm air circulation to give you a crispy, healthier alternative to deep-fried foods. 

Besides, there’s also an option where you can get curd from milk in just a few minutes. With over 224 pre-programmed recipes, there are so many varieties for your everyday cooking that the price will feel totally worth the overall benefits. Samsung also has an app called ‘My Recipe’ which you can install on your phone to refer to what more you can make in your convection oven. 

Here’s what one of the reviews says,” It’s one of the finest microwave ovens in India and the best purchase I made from Amazon. The technicians were great and I got a call from Samsung the very next day to enquire if I am facing any problems. I have tried various modes and adjustments and they’re all working as expected. I haven’t figured out any cons yet. Great value for money!”

Get here for Rs.15,790/-

4) Godrej 19 L Convection Microwave Oven

Godrej 19 L Convection Microwave Oven

A budget convection microwave oven under 10,000 is the Godrej 19 L convection microwave oven. It offers all the features that any convection microwave oven offers on the list, but there’s just less volume, which can actually be perfect for someone looking for an oven for a small family. Given more than 61 years in the electrical industry, you can certainly trust Godrej for a superior quality product and thoughtful servicing. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

The Godrej 19 L Convection Microwave has an aesthetic floral design on the door and a greyish look on the outside for an opulent feel but on a budget. There are tactile buttons on the top to control the temperature and make the settings. Tactile buttons give an improved sense of touch or perception of touch because they go down when pressed and pop right back. There’s also a jog dial to set the time which is said to have a higher shelf life than other types of buttons. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

The Godrej convection microwave oven comes in many modes to keep the cooking according to the dish. There’s convection mode, microwave + convection mode, and grill mode to serve the heating of different dishes according to the needs. You also get a grill stand when you purchase the microwave so you don’t have to purchase it separately. Besides the grill stand, you also receive 1 each of the glass turntable, roller ring, and user manual with warranty card. 

This oven also comes with the healthy fry feature wherein you can cook your favorite deep-fried dishes like samosas and french fries with much lesser oil. The equally tasty alternative is a much healthier version of the same dish. There are Insta cook menus to give you an instant cook option for your favorite dishes with just a click of a button. 

Further what I like about this microwave is the fermentation feature. Being a big fan of South Indian cuisine, I love cooking dosas with a fermented batter that’s kept overnight. But unfortunately, you can sometimes forget to make the batter. Godrej microwave, however, has the option of instant fermentation so you don’t have to wait another day to satisfy your cravings. 

Another great part about buying from such a reputed brand is that Godrej will send a demo guy who will demonstrate how to use the microwave and hence, making the whole usage process much easier for you. There’s also a child lock feature to keep your little ones safe while they explore the world. 

Here’s what one of the buyers wrote, “I purchased this microwave oven on Diwali and it’s really fantastic. It has a great look and works brilliantly. The price of other brands go above 10k, but this one is really well-priced and within budget. Still, the quality is great and there have been no issues. The starter kit, warranty, and free demo made the purchase even more worthwhile. Please go forward with it if you need a convection microwave oven under 10000 in India.”

Get here for Rs.8490/-

5) LG 21 L Convection Microwave Oven

LG 21 L Convection Microwave Oven

LG is one of the best microwave brands in India and that’s why it’s products are mentioned twice on this list. This one offers a little lesser capacity than the one mentioned above and also has a lower power setting. It also doesn’t come with rotisserie to grill meat and paneer, but it does have a starter kit to get you started on the first day. Completely digital and with a sleek design, this will give an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen while being easy to use on a daily basis. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

The LG 21 L microwave oven comes in black color with digital buttons on the outside. Inside, there’s a space of 9.64 inches to easily adjust a good quantity of food. There’s a child lock and cooking completion alarm for some convenient benefits for the user. Along with the microwave, you also receive a starter kit and a user manual to get you started on preparing meals with your new culinary purchase. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

This LG oven comes in the modes that any other expensive microwave ovens also offer, namely, grill, microwave, convection, and combination. Below that there’s an auto-cook menu with pre-programmed dishes and some daily meals you’d want to prepare. This includes curd or roti or tea. The Kids’ delight offers a range of continental cuisine for your little ones so their taste buds are satisfied without you having to work that hard in the kitchen. 

Designed tactfully to save energy by 21% more than its competitive ovens, the LG 21 L convection microwave oven in India can also help you save money in the long run. The stainless steel body also makes sure any spillage doesn’t lead to permanent stains. With the right cleaning, the spots come right off without any scratches. Further, the installation of a quartz heater eliminates the risk of any hand injury while taking out the prepared meal. 

Here’s what one of the reviewers say, “Purchased this microwave after a lot of research. I heard IFB microwaves are the best but their service is pathetic. But LG has good servicing guys. One came to my home right after the purchase to give a demo. There have been no problems with the product. I have used it to make tikkas and cakes and some other things. It’s a good product.” Another review wrote, “This appliance is simply awesome. Delivery was timely from Amazon and the same day LG technician visited to give brief details about the product. The starter kit contains a boiling bowl, two spoons, two bowls, two racks, and a 151 recipe manual.” 

Purchase here for Rs.10,650/-

Grill Microwave Oven In India

6) IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven

IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven

Among grill microwave oven in India, IFB stands as the winning champion. Their microwave brand is anyways quite popular but the convection ones do receive a few complaints about working and service. Grill microwave from IFB, however, is touted as one of the best microwave oven in India if your sole purpose for buying an oven is baking and grilling, and other features of a normal microwave don’t interest you that much. Find below a complete review of the IFB 20 L grill microwave oven.

Physical Features & Attributes

The IFB 20 L grill microwave oven comes in a charming silver and black color combination and also includes a starter kit for convenient usage. There are digital keypad buttons on the side that just beep when you press them signaling the particular function is activated. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

IFB grill microwave works on the grilling mode which means the heat is transferred through electromagnetic radiation and further spread through a fan. This ensures equal distribution of heat through the food and gives you an even cooking – an important factor when you bake or grill anything, like a cake, biscuit, or kebab. 

The oven also comes with options to prepare many snacks like beverages/soups, bread snacks, stuffed vegetables, tandoori dishes, flavors of rice, and many others. This gives you the convenience of preparing a variety of recipes using the same appliance. There are a total of 61 automated menus that help create complex dishes in minutes with just a click of a button. 

Another great advantage of this IFB grill microwave is the automatic defrosting option where you just need to enter the weight of the food and the oven will automatically adjust the time to defrost it. When defrosting in an oven, it’s important that it happens quickly to retain the flavor of the food and the IFB Grill Microwave makes sure of exactly that. 

Further, the product has a steam clean option where you just need to place a bowl full of water inside and press the function. The over will create steam and loosen any stains. Afterward, you can just wipe off the stains for a clean look. 

“What an awesome product from IFB. It doesn’t have any complicated settings. Very easy-to-use buttons so you get full use of the money. I have not had any issues in the past 4 months and it still works quite well. There’s even cooking of pizzas and desserts – what I mainly ordered for. I will definitely recommend it if that’s your main goal too,” writes one of the reviewers. 

Purchase here for Rs.8499/- 

7) LG 20 L Grill Microwave Oven

LG 20 L Grill Microwave Oven

The LG 20 L grill oven is another great microwave oven in India that is on budget and lasts long. It’s a very simple oven and can be used by anyone looking to grill/ bake in their oven without any hassle and just want to use it for these minimalistic functions. Priced conveniently at Rs.7500/-, the oven is the best fit for those who want the benefits of the oven and microwave in one. 

Physical Features & Attributes:

This grill microwave oven by LG comes in a jet black color that looks elegant and aesthetic in the kitchen. The door doesn’t have a handle and you’d have to open the oven by the space that’s left below. The entire instruction buttons are digital and there are just a few of them for those who like their appliance to be straightforward without any confusing features. With 20 liters of space, it’s a convenient and affordable option for a family of 4. 

Benefits & How It Compares To Others:

The LG 20 L microwave grill oven comes with a grilling option alongside reheating, defrosting, and cooking. The grill option emulates the cooking of a tandoor to give you the perfect meal every single time. There’s a quartz heater on the top that ensures there’s even cooking throughout the food. 

This product comes with a menu specially designed for health-conscious people. With tonnes of online orders and junk food available around us and lesser time to cook, this health-savvy option can come in handy for people who want to eat well but don’t have the proper time. The calorie-conscious plan can also help you lose weight. 

Besides being on a budget, the unit also has an energy-saving option where the display is turned off when the microwave isn’t active for 5 minutes – both doors closed and open. Another great benefit, which is unique to this product all, is the anti-bacterial activity which reduces bacterial growth and hence, odor formation. 

Here’s what one of the reviews says,” I got it on time from Amazon and it’s working really well. I had an expensive one before with lots of features but never really used much except for reheating and simple grilling/ baking at times, so I decided to go for an affordable option this time. Will recommend it to all.” 

Get here for Rs.7490/-

FAQs For Best Microwave Oven

What Is A Microwave Oven?

A microwave oven is a common electronic device installed in households and is used to cook, reheat, and bake foods. They use electromagnetic radiation to oscillate the water molecules inside the food and heat them to a particular degree. The radiation is produced by the metal inside, transferred through glass, paper, plastic, and other microwave-safe materials, and absorbed through foods to complete the process. 

Types Of Microwave Oven: 

There are basically 3 types of microwave ovens available in the Indian market: Solo, Convection, and Grilling. Find a description of all of them below. 

1) Solo Microwave Oven

Solo microwave ovens are the most basic types of oven in India and also the most economical option. They only offer two basic cooking purposes: cooking and reheating. They’re only popular because they cost much less than other models in the market. A major disadvantage is they can’t fulfill your baking or grilling needs.

2) Convection Microwave Oven

Convection Microwave oven in India are the most popular kinds of oven as they fulfill the basic cooking and heating needs, but also gives an advantage of making bakery items and pizzas. Many come with a grilling plate and rotisserie utensil to also give you the grilling and toasting option. Convection ovens work by electromagnetic waves to heat food, but it also has a small fan to circulate air, much like ovens, to go into baking and grilling food and make the even cooking required in them impeccable. Because of its versatility, the convection microwave oven in India is one of the most popular.  

3) Grilling Microwave Oven

The grill microwave ovens are also one of the most popular ovens because of their simplicity. In the grill microwave, you will get many devices to make dishes like kebabs and tikkas. They can also be used to make pizza, but for baking desserts, this might not be a suitable option. 

You will find lists with 7, 8, or even 9 types of microwave oven, but don’t find yourself being confused with them. They also segregate the microwaves depending on where you place them which is above the range, built-in, and technological advances like a smart microwave. 

While internally microwaves differ only in 3 categories, here are other common ones you will find and what they mean. 
Above The Range

Above The Range Microwave Oven In India

Above The Range, microwave ovens go above the cooktop and are installed in a convenient location for easy access. In modern-designed kitchens, these are the best options in the market. Because of their aesthetic style and additional charges for installation, they are higher than the most common type of microave oven in the Indian market – Countertop. 

Countertop

Countertop Microwave Oven In India

The most common type of microwave oven in India is the countertop, where the unit is set directly on the platform of your kitchen, along with other kitchen appliances. This is the best option for those who purchase furnished houses and don’t get the kitchen done themselves. They are also quite inexpensive and can be moved if you feel like any time. The only consideration you need is whether the size fits well on your countertop and doesn’t go near any of the other heating devices. 

Under Cabinet (Suspended)

Suspended Type Of Microwave Oven In India

Widely regarded as a luxurious option and also costing more, these types of microwave oven are installed above your countertop and below any of the cabinets. This arrangement lends a very stylish and unique look to the kitchen. Also adding to the advantage is making the countertop space cleaner and polished. 

That being said, this is only an advantageous option when there’s plenty of space between your counter and cabinet. Otherwise, the result can be messy and all that leftover counter space turns out to be useless as well.  

Under Counter

Under Counter Microwave

The Under-Counter microwave (as you might have already guessed it!) goes below the counter and is installed below the platform of the kitchen. This can be a convenient option for those who don’t want their microwave to be above their height for easy access. It also gives the advantage of easy cleaning. However, some people don’t like to bend down to use their microwave; if you’re one of them, this type of microwave oven in India is certainly not for you. 

Built-In

Built In Microwave

Built-In microwaves are a common feature when you’re designing your own kitchen, allowing you to smartly use the space and give the space a clean and premium look. These microwaves can also be installed after the kitchen has been done, but it does require some extra work. The location depends a lot on how the person wants to use it and what’s their convenience. 

Smart Microwave

Smart Microwaves offer a variety of Wifi-enabled, remote control, and adaptive features to offer consumers a luxurious level of cooking experience. They can also offer voice control to give you the same convenience as other smart devices in your home. These types of microwave oven in India can also connect to your smartphones and offer you the ability to give instructions to your appliance through your phone. 

How Does A Microwave Oven Work?

A microwave oven works by the electromagnetic radiation produced inside them which heats the water molecules already present inside the food. All microwave comes with a device called magnetron installed inside that agitates electrons with a heated filament. This generates microwaves needed to heat the food. These microwaves are reflected within the metal interiors, which in turn, are absorbed by the food. When absorbed, there’s an oscillation of water molecules in the food, causing its temperature to rise. That’s why foods higher in water content cook quickly inside the microwave than food with lower water content. 

Who Invented The Microwave Oven?

Scientific discoveries are often a result of serendipity events and the history of the microwave oven is no different, where invention happened by accident. The inventor, Percy Spencer – a self-taught engineer, was working with Raytheon Corporation when he accidentally discovered the heating ability of electromagnetic waves in food. Raytheon is largest aerospace, intelligence service providers, and defense manufacturer in the World. And at the time, they were working on vacuum tubes used in radar systems to help soldiers in World War 2. Radar was an important technology during World War II, being used by both Axis and Allies to find enemy ships and planes. 

Founder of microwave, Percy Spencer, was one of the leading experts in radar tube design and worked in Raytheon to supply US defense with magnetrons, a high-powered vaccuum tube used in radar. In 1945, when the war was coming to an end, Spencer was standing in front of an active radar set when a peanut butter candy bar in his pocket melted. Intrigued, he tested other foods, this time placing them in the middle of magnetic waves. He tried them with popcorn kernels and all of them popped – making the first ever microwaved popcorn and popcorn becoming the first food to be cooked in the microwave. 

Note that Spencer wasn’t the first one to notice the phenomenon, he was just the first one to investigate it. In 1933, at Chicago World’s Fair Westinghouse, a 10-kilowatt shortwave radio transmitter was used to cook potato and steak. But nothing came of these culinary adventures until Spencer’s discovery and investigation in 1945. On 8 October of the same year, he filed a patent, and 2 years later, in 1947, the world’s first microwave – 6 feet tall, 750 lbs, and costing $5000 – manifested into the physical being. Spencer filed a total of 300 patents in his career and counted many popular engineers like Vannevar Bush, William Redington Hewlett, and David Packard as his close friends. 

After countless changes and many years later, the microwave could be produced and sold inexpensively. The public also had to overcome their fear of radiation which all happened after 1970 and now, microwaves have become an indispensable part of every household all over the world. 

How To Use A Microwave Oven?

It’s really quite easy to use a microwave. All ovens come with instructions to follow and usage written below every button to give swifter ease to use for buyers. Including below are the answers to most asked questions on how to use the microwave for specific purposes. 

To Bake A Cake:

For baking, you will need to purchase a convection oven. A solo oven doesn’t support the baking process. Baking a cake is quite easy. We have also included a video, but here’s a written set of instructions as well. For baking, you will first need to preheat the oven. For the same, press the convection button on your microwave. This will show you a temperature at which normally the preheating is done, which is generally 180 degrees. You can change depending on the recipe. 

Press start and the oven will start to preheat. You don’t have to enter time, the oven will automatically stop when the temperature reaches as entered. Another thing to note is the oven will be at the temperature for a set time that will start counting down after the heating stops. Make sure you put the cake before the time ends. For a more detailed guide, see this video by Bake With Shivesh

 

To Boil Potatoes:

Microwave Oven can be used to boil potatoes as well. All you need to do is make some small holes in potatoes using a fork and let the potatoes microwave on high power for 1 and a half minutes or so. Flip and repeat the process for an even boiling. The high power can be different for different microwaves. So, you will have to try to see what time works for you. Here’s a video demonstration:

 

To Make Pizza:

Pizza is one of the favorite dishes and a solid reason why most of us purchase a microwave oven. It’s also the fancy treat you will most often cook in the microwave. And it’s really simple. All you have to is preheat the oven and put your decorated pizza inside. Most cooks recommend keeping the high temperature and minimize the time for a perfect pizza that’s baked well and has cheese evenly distributed. Here’s a recipe to try. 

What Is The Difference Between OTG and Microwave Oven?

If you’re hunting for the best microwave oven in India, there’s no doubt you’d have come across OTG or Oven Toaster Grill and been confused by the two. We told you this buying guide will make your purchasing decision easier. Below, find 5 key differences between an OTG and a microwave oven. 

1) Heating Method

OTG ovens cook the food by heating the coils (generally made of nickel/ chromium) and circulating the heat slowly using a fan. This simulated an actual charcoal oven and gives you the taste of traditional baking. In microwave convection ovens, electromagnetic waves are emitted that causes the water molecules in the food to oscillate and thus heat up. 

2) Heating Distribution

Because OTG ovens use electric coils to generate heat which then uses the fan to distribute, the outer parts of the food are generally more cooked than the inside. In some good quality OTG’s though, this problem is eliminated by strategically placing the fans ins the interior. In the convections microwave, since the heat is generated from the water molecules of the food, this problem is completely eliminated. 

3) Price

OTG’s are about half the price of a microwave oven for the same specifications and sometimes, even bigger the size. This is because of the extra features that microwave offers and the technology they come with. Microwaves are also a quicker and more convenient option. OTG’s are cheaper in every way though. They also use less electricity than microwaves and hence, will save money in the long run as well. 

4) Time

Because of the difference in heating methods, there’s a difference in preheating and cooking times for OTG and microwave. OTG’s are generally slower because it also takes time to preheat the coil before the actual cooking starts. The preheat time for OTG is 15 to 20 minutes, while the same preheat can happen in 5 to 10 minutes in a microwave. 

5) Usability

Microwaves can be used for a number of purposes like cooking, reheating, besides baking. OTG’s are, however, only meant for baking and grilling. So, microwaves can do the job of OTG but also many other things. Good quality and expensive microwaves also offer several automated menus where you can make a number of dishes like halwa, naans, and even take out ghee from malai by just pressing one button. 

6) Capacity:

OTG’s come with a capacity of around 60 liters, while even high-quality convection microwaves come with a capacity of 32 liters. OTG’s also have racks where you can put multiple trays. Microwaves only have one turntable. It also can’t adjust rectangle plates with ease, as opposed to OTG. 

Another common question which concerns a lot of people is what’s better for baking? An OTG or a microwave oven?

Well, an OTG has an upper hand over normal microwave ovens, but when it comes to convection microwave, both can give you amazing results. Convection basically emulates the OTG function in a microwave. Although, if you want to cook in batches and mainly use the appliance for baking purposes, an OTG is a far useful and economical option to have in your kitchen. Some people don’t want to use microwaves for reheating or cooking, only baking, they are more comfortable doing that on the stove. If you’re one of them, go for OTG, please. 

Here are 5 best OTG in India:
  • American Micronic OTG (Get Here)
  • Borosil Pro 42L OTG (Get Here)
  • Agaro OTG (Get Here)
  • Wonderchef OTG (Buy here)
  • Inalsa OTG (Purchase here)
  • Ibell OTG (Get Here)
  • Kent OTG (Purchase Here)

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Microwave Oven?

Here are 5 advantages of using a microwave oven:

  1. Speed: Microwave ovens cook food much faster than conventional ovens. This is because microwaves cook food by producing heat directly in the food, rather than heating the air around the food as a conventional oven does.
  2. Energy efficiency: Microwave ovens use less energy than conventional ovens because they cook food faster and do not need to heat the air around the food.
  3. Versatility: Microwave ovens can be used to cook, defrost, and reheat a wide variety of foods. They can also be used to cook some types of food that cannot be cooked in a conventional oven, such as moist and delicate foods that might dry out or fall apart in a conventional oven.
  4. Convenience: Microwave ovens are convenient to use because they are easy to operate and do not require preheating. They also do not produce heat or smoke, so they are a good choice for cooking in small spaces or apartments.
  5. Safety: Microwave ovens are generally safe to use as long as they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They do not produce flames or emit harmful radiation when used properly.

Safety Tips While Using A Microwave:

Microwave has become a staple in every kitchen, so it’s important to follow safety instructions to prevent any damage and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some safety tips to follow when using a microwave:

  1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. All electrical appliances come with a user manual where the don’ts are mentioned. Read them before you start using the microwave. Every product will have different specifications, so even if you’ve had a microwave before, there are chances a few things are different in this one. So, go through the instructions thoroughly.
  2. Be extra careful while heating water, or any other liquid substance. When you put water inside, the boiling temperature can be reached pretty quickly and the water can reach a “super-heated” state, which is basically water being at boiling temperature without any signs of boiling. When this happens any slight disturbance can cause the water to violently explode resulting in injury. Instructions for boiling water are mentioned in the manual, so follow that. Or else, contact the manufacturer and ask them for details.
  3. Avoid putting any flammable substances inside the microwave like steak, paper bags, styrofoam, etc. Read these two guides to know more on what can cause the microwave to catch fire: Guide 1 || Guide 2
  4. Make sure the doors of the microwave are properly closed before starting the heating process as it can cause leaking of the microwave energy. If the door doesn’t close firmly, then make sure you get it fixed before cooking anything inside.
  5. Only use microwave-safe containers. Don’t use metal containers as they can cause fire, cause the food to cook unevenly, and damage the insides of the microwave. Only use cookware manufactured with plastic, ceramic, or any safe material that’s meant to be used with the microwave.
  6. Place the microwave away from any heating sources of the kitchen, otherwise, it can lead to overheating of the microwave and possibly also cause some damage to the other appliance.
  7. Do not attempt to touch the accessories just after the cooking is done. Only use heat-resistant gloves to take out the container.
  8. Don’t use the microwave as a storage unit. Don’t put any items inside except the manufacture-provided or microwave-safe containers.  

Things To Consider While Buying A Microwave Oven:

Amount Of Cooking You Will Do:

Before zeroing in on the style, volume, budget, and extra features, it’s recommended to know what you will be using it for and how many people are present in your family. There’s no point in buying an expensive microwave oven with varied features for baking, grilling, and fancy equipment when you don’t even have a knack for cooking and won’t be using the baking option as much. Similarly, there’s no point in buying a microwave with high volume when you’re only 2 people living in the home. Come to a realistic estimate of how much you will be using the oven for and for what purpose. Otherwise, you will be lost in the innumerable options available in the market. 

Budget:

Next, comes another realistic consideration of money. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s better to steer away from models with smart features and a number of uses. You should also know that in-built and suspended models cost more than the normal counter-top models. Luckily, you can find a good quality microwave for your specifications today. So, for example, if you want to use the microwave for baking purposes, then you can easily get a good microwave oven under 10,000. 

Dimensions:

Depending on where you will be placing the microwave in the kitchen, the size will matter. You may want a large microwave to cook larger quantities of food in one go or you have a big family to serve. Alternatively, you might want a smaller size of microwave to take up as little space as possible. Although, if you’re opting for a built-in or over-the-range microwave, then you will need an oven that fits perfectly into the allotted space. 

Take these 4 factors into account while choosing dimensions: 

  • Overall Dimensions: This is important to know how much space the microwave will take up in your kitchen and also, an important factor if you have a particular space designated for the microwave and want the appliance to fit in perfectly. 
  • Internal Space: The internal space is different than the overall dimensions because it helps you determine what volume of products you can fit into the microwave and what utensils you can use inside.
  • Plate Size: A microwave with a higher capacity will generally have a larger plate size, but still you want to see the exact sizes to know the dishes, for example, pizza, you want to cook of a particular size are possible in the product. The turntable diameter also decides what plates and utensils you can place inside the microwave. 
Type:

We have listed in detail the different types of the microwave oven in the above sections. There are mainly three different categories of the microwave oven in India: Solo, Grill, and Convection. Solo microwave ovens are budget options that are ideal for people who will be using the appliance for normal heating purposes. Grill microwave is perfect for people who want to use the microwave frequently in their kitchen for grilling and cooking purposes. Most grill microwaves also come with rotisserie turnable plates to grill meat and paneer evenly and easily. The next option is the convection microwaves that offer all that solo and grill microwaves offer, besides the option for baking, diet frying, and pasteurizing milk. Some even have the option to cook rotis, prepare halwa, and make paneer through their extensive features. 

Capacity:

Buy a microwave that will resonate with the size of your family, the amount of food you will be cooking, and your budget. Most of the microwave oven brands In India write capacity right next to the name of their product because that’s how much of a factor it matters when someone is looking for a microwave in the market. The capacity refers to how much food you can cook in the microwave in one go. For bigger families or for those who cook a lot of food in one go, a higher capacity is a much more feasible option.  

Power Consumption:

While purchasing a microwave oven, you will want to take the power consumption into consideration if you don’t want your electricity bill to soar up higher than expected. Generally, a microwave oven in India will have a power consumption of between 500 to 3000 watts. Higher the watts, the higher the electricity usage of the microwave. A higher watts usage also signifies that the microwave will cook the food faster and evenly, leaving lesser parts of the food raw. Therefore, you shouldn’t just invest in the lower-watt microwave to save electricity only to compromise the quality of the product. 

A 1000W power appliance will use 1000 watts of electricity in 1 hour, which is 1 unit of electricity. Depending on how many hours approx. you will use the appliance, what’s the voltage, and the electricity tariff in your area, you can calculate the power consumption and hence the monetary expenditure in terms of electricity the microwave oven will cost to you. 

You should also know that power consumption varied at what temperature setting you to use the microwave oven on! Mostly the watts usage mentioned is for the highest temperature setting. 

Smart Features:

Microwave ovens come with many smart features. Here are some of the common and useful ones to look out for:

  • Auto Cook: Generally, you have to manually set the time for the dish you want to cook. But a lot of high-quality microwave ovens in the Indian market come with automated menus and a preset program. This allows you to select the type of food you want to make and the oven will adjust the power levels and the cooking time, hence eliminating the need to constantly check whether the dish has been done or not. Some expensive versions come with as many as 100 automated menu items.
  • Auto Defrost: While all ovens can defrost food, a few can offer the automatic option. By using this feature, the microwave makes the adjustments of power levels and time on its own without you having to manually enter it. An auto defrost works by manually sending bursts of low heat to the food. This eliminates any guesswork of defrosting your favorite food.
  • Preheat: For baking, the oven has to be preheated before you can put the raw product inside. Any master baker will tell you how important preheating is to ensure proper cooking and the desired texture of the baked good. Not all ovens will offer the preheat feature, so look for the ones if you want to enjoy a lot of desserts and pizzas with your purchase.
  • Rotisserie: A rotisserie feature is only available in a few microwave oven brands, but it’s an essential feature for those who want to enjoy grilling meat and paneer with the purchase. Rotisserie is basically a metal rod through which you can place the food by penetrating it. The rod rotates during preparation so there’s an even cooking in all places.
  • Smart Sensor: Smart sensor cooking is a feature to detect the humidity level of the food and then adjust the time and temperature of the cooking for a better result. The smart sensor is a great technology when you cook items like meat, desserts, and pizza, where even cooking makes a lot of difference. 

 

  • Inversion Technology: This is the latest technology in microwave ovens and basically ensures that the food is cooked more evenly. Any microwave with this smart feature will deliver the heat evenly throughout the entire time of cooking instead of in an on-off fashion. The result is evenly-cooked, delicious food in a faster time.
  • Child safety: If you have a child, you most likely don’t want them to manhandle the microwave oven because the insides get very hot, and unnecessary tampering can also damage the inside parts. A lot of ovens provide the child lock safety feature where you can lock the microwave so they can’t use them. This is a must-have feature for parents who have small kids below 10 years of age.
  • Keep Warm: This is an excellent feature for those who like their meals fresh or want to serve meals hot to their guests. This allows maintaining the low temperature of the food cooked for a longer time. All you have to do is press the button and the timer will show the duration. You can select for how long you need to keep the food warm. Most ovens allow the time of 30 minutes to an hour of this smart feature. 

How To Clean A Microwave?

We know cleaning – anything – is probably the last thing on your mind. But it’s important. Cleaning appliances can make them last longer and prevent any bacteria to get into your food. Most importantly, it helps your kitchen to look aesthetic. And cleaning a microwave is pretty easy and quick. Here are 5 simple ways by which you can do it:

1) Dish Soap & Water

The first method to clean your microwave oven needs dish soap and water. Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with an ample amount of water. Next, add some dishwashing soap to the bowl and microwave it till steam fills up the inside of your oven. Remove the bowl. Dampen a sponge or microfiber towel and wipe the insides properly. Just doing this occasionally, depending on how frequently you use the microwave, will not require you to try any of the methods below. 

2) Baking Soda & Water 

Baking soda is a natural cleaner, deodorizer, and mildly abrasive and hence, making it one of the best DIY to clean the microwave or any other stubborn stains in your home. Simply mix 2 parts of baking soda to 1 part of water. Apply it to any pesky stains inside the microwave and let it sit for around 5 minutes. Then, wipe off the paste with any dampened non-abrasive sponge. You can repeat the process if required. 

3) Vinegar Solution

Distilled vinegar is one of the best solutions to clean the surfaces in your home and is absolutely safe. To do this method, take a microwave-safe bowl and add vinegar and water in equal parts. Microwave the solution for about 5-10 minutes. Let it cool down a bit and then, open the microwave door and take it out. Take a microfiber cloth and dip it inside the solution to wipe down the interior and exterior of the microwave. This is the best method to clean the microwave oven when there are lots of stubborn stains and grime inside. 

4) Wet Paper Towel Method 

If your microwave looks pretty clean, then you don’t have to use any of the above methods to clean it. Just a bunch of wet paper towels will do the trick. Just place a handful of wet paper towels on the turntable and run it on high for about 5 minutes. The steam created loosens up any accumulated food particles and grime. Once the towels reach a comfortable temperature, you can use them to wipe the interior clean. 

5) Lemon To Freshen Up

Using this method will help break the oil & grease stains and also freshen up your microwave with a nice, citrus smell. Take a lemon, cut it in half, and take some water in a microwave-safe bowl. Squeeze the entire lemon in the bowl and also put the mushy peels into it. Put the container on the microwave and heat till there’s steam inside the appliance. Don’t open for around 5 minutes. Now, carefully remove the container and wipe the excess liquid off the insides of the microwave.  

P.S. In all the methods the bowl with the cleaning product might get hot, so make sure you use oven mitts and remove the bowl carefully. 

Is Microwave Bad For Health?

Microwave cooking is convenient, but is it safe for health? Some people claim that microwave cooking changes the nutrient makeup of food in a bad way. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Not just microwaves, but even stove cooking can change or break the nutrients. But breaking the nutrient compounds isn’t always necessarily bad. In fact, this breaking during cooking often makes the digestion of nutrients in the food easier. Both Healthline and Harvard Health report that microwave cooking is safe when instructions are followed. 

How long does a microwave last?

The average lifespan of a microwave oven is about seven years, given you maintain the device and don’t cause any early damage. With proper maintenance and usage, a microwave oven can last for up to 15 years.  Some common mistakes that lessen the life of your microwave oven are not cleaning it often, microwaving food that are not microwave-safe, slamming the door, using the wrong circuit, and pushing the weight limit every now & then.

Best Microwave Ovens According To Price & Purpose

Best Microwave Ovens Under Rs.5,000/-
  • Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven (Get Here)
Best Microwave Ovens Under Rs.10,000/-
  • Godrej 19 L Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (Get Here)
Best Microwave Oven For Home Use:
  • LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
Best Microwave Oven In India For Baking:
  • LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • Samsung 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
Best Microwave Oven In India For Grilling:
  • LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • IFB 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (Get Here)
  • LG 20 L Grill Microwave Oven (Get Here)

Winner & Conclusion:

While the best microwave oven in India can vary for each person depending upon their preferences and usage, the overall winner will be LG 28L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven. Its versatility, price, and service are definitely unmatched. You can purchase here. Don’t confuse it with LG 28L Normal Convection Microwave Oven which doesn’t have the emulation of charcoal for an authentic grill experience.  

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