Updated 18 Jan 2011

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Introduction

We've tested 14 microwave ovens priced from $150 to $650. Find out how they rated.

Almost any microwave can perfectly cook veges ... but which ones can do more? We tested each model on its ability to defrost meat and evenly reheat food, using sensor or auto cooking where it was available.

We also explain the features to look and provide some cooking tips.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following models of microwave oven:

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

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.

Cooking tips

Cooking hot and cold

There can be uneven heating - cold spots and hot spots - in a microwaved meal. It's important either to stir part way through cooking or to let food stand for the recommended time. This gives the heat time to distribute evenly through the food - particularly important for solid or dense dishes like lasagne, quiche and meat that can't be stirred.

Another way to attain more even temperatures is to divide food into individual portions, and to stir or turn it frequently. Uniformly shaped food cooks more evenly than irregular shapes.

Taste and appearance

Microwaving is great for fresh vegetables and fruit, as you need less water, which can dilute the natural flavour. Shorter cooking times can also help retain flavour.

On the other hand, some food fails to develop an appetising brown crust and nutty flavour with a regular microwave. You can try basting with seasonings containing food colours (such as soy sauce), otherwise your best bet is a combination oven.

Nutrient values

Microwave cooking is more nutritious than boiling as nutrients aren't lost into the cooking water. It's comparable to steaming or baking, and perhaps better as shorter cooking times may preserve more of certain nutrients.

Food poisoning

Microwaves don't kill bacteria, but heat does. At least 70°C has to be maintained for several minutes to kill most food-poisoning bacteria. The trouble is, microwaves often cook food unevenly and bacteria can survive in the cool spots.

Infant milk

Is a microwave oven suitable for warming infant milk? Babies have been severely scalded by milk heated in a microwave. Always let the milk stand for at least 20 seconds, shake it well and test it first. Overheated breast milk can coagulate (curdle) at high temperatures, causing loss of quality and nutritional value.

Superheating

Water can sometimes heat past its boiling point without bubbles forming. When you move the cup or add coffee, the water can explode into steam and cause scalding. This is called "superheating". To reduce the risk:

• Use a wide-mouthed container.
• Avoid using straight-sided containers with narrow necks.
• Let the container stand for about 20 seconds after heating.
• If you're adding sugar or instant coffee, do it before heating.
• Check your instruction manual for more hints to avoid superheating.
• Eggs can also superheat and explode in their shells or even when poaching. You can prick the yolks, but it's safer to avoid poaching or cooking eggs in the shell.

Safe cooking

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For microwave cooking use glassware, such as Pyrex, and plastic containers that are heat resistant and microwave safe. China, pottery, earthenware and ceramic containers are also suitable provided they are non-porous and don't have a metal trim.

For combination and convection cooking (with a combination microwave) metal cookware can be used, such as pizza trays, cake tins and small baking trays. Some metal utensils cause arcing during combination cooking when they come in contact with walls or racks so remove them before pressing start.