Checklist

If you're thinking about buying a microwave, here's what to consider.

Size

• Microwaves vary in size from around 20 to 35 litres (with combination models up to 45 litres), based on their claimed internal capacity.
• Check how much usable space it has - actual capacity can be less than what manufacturers say. Make sure it will fit your microwave cookware and your baking dishes - take a dish with you to see how it fits.
• Check the external dimensions will let it fit in the desired spot in your kitchen. You'll need to allow at least 10mm (preferably 50mm) at the sides and back where the heat vents are located for ventilation.
• For combination models (see below), how many shelves and shelf positions does it have? Some models come with one shelf and you have to buy extras separately.

Power

• Most ovens have around 1000 watts of cooking power. That's plenty. Smaller ovens work fine on 600 to 800 watts, and larger ones are often up to 1200W.
• Generally speaking, the greater the wattage, the faster the food cooks. However, we've usually found the claimed wattage is quite different from the actual power output, so don't put too much faith in the numbers. Most of the models we've tested had a lower output wattage than claimed. So, use cooking times in recipes as a guide only.

 Ease of use

• Easy-to-use controls and instructions are a must.
• If you like to see what's cooking, make sure the window is large and gives a clear view.
• Check that the oven light gives good illumination of the turntable.
• Cheaper ovens may still have rotary controls, which some users find easier to use. Digital touchpad controls and displays suit others. Make sure the display letters and control labels are large enough to be easily read.

 Cleaning

• Check inside for vents and cracks where grease and grime can hide.
• Racks and turntables that are easy to remove make cleaning easier.
• A stainless steel exterior looks more stylish, although it's harder to keep clean than plastic.
• Tip: Keep the walls and ceiling of your microwave clean, and your food will cook faster. Heating a bowl of water in the microwave will make splatters and splashes easy to wipe off.

Cooking features

Think about what you need - the usual rule is the more features the more you pay.

• Automatic programmes make defrosting, cooking and reheating more convenient. Automatic defrost usually prompts you to enter the weight and type of food, and the oven calculates the time. Common automatic programmes are for potatoes, fresh vegetables, rice, drinks, meat, soups, and frozen dinners.
• Sensor programmes measure vapours emitted during cooking to control the cooking time. You don’t have to estimate cooking times and food quantities. Our previous test of sensor-models found sensors didn’t always achieve the best results.
• Quick/boost start: This starts the oven, usually by pressing a single button. With most models, the cooking time increases in 30-second or one-minute steps. It’s particularly handy for reheating.
• Multi-stage cooking allows you to programme the microwave to perform a sequence of functions, such as defrost and then cook.
• Child safety lock: Allows you to push a sequence of buttons to deactivate the microwave.
• Standalone timers can be used to time other tasks – such as boiling an egg – without operating the microwave.
• Adjust time during cooking lets you increase or decrease the cooking time without stopping the oven.

Combination microwaves

A combination microwave

Combination microwaves can cook by microwave, convection and grill cooking, or a combination of the first two methods.

They can reheat leftovers, defrost meat and cook vegetables just like a regular microwave. Previous tests have found that some of them can bake scones or roast a chicken just as well as your oven.

How will you use it?

Will a combination microwave be your main appliance for cooking daily meals? Or is it just for reheating leftovers every now and again? Depending on its size and features, a benchtop combination microwave could cost $400 to $800 more than a regular microwave. A much cheaper regular microwave will suit you better if you're just thawing and reheating leftovers.

Who do they suit?

They're worth considering if you live in a small household or have limited kitchen space (for example in a caravan or studio apartment). The better models could replace your microwave and main oven in one compact appliance.

A built-in model would slot perfectly into a new kitchen. It provides extra oven space with all the features of a microwave.

Size can be an issue, though. They can fit a whole chicken, but there's little room for much else. So if you replace your main oven with a combination microwave, you won't be able to feed a small crowd or cook more than one dish at a time.

Benchtop or built-in

Built-in models need to be installed by an electrician and fit into the right-sized space in your kitchen with a trim kit. The microwave may come with a trim kit, or it may need to be bought separately depending on the manufacturer or retailer.

Door

• The door should be easy to open and stay in position without swinging open or slamming shut.
• Look for a window that gives a clear view of what's happening inside.
• A side-opening door is good for people in wheelchairs, as long as the oven's fitted at the right height.