How to choose a microwave oven?

Microwave ovens can be used to re-heat almost all the Indian food and efficiently roast Paaperdum and eggplants

Usage

How to use a microwave oven for Indian Cuisine?

For Indian household use, I have categorized usage as excellent, good, and fair

Excellent

Make tea coffee
Reheat almost all the curries, rice, and Dal preparations.
Roast Paaperdum
Roast Eggplant to make Bharta
Defrost frozen foods

Good

Make Khoya

Fair

Make Idli

Types of Microwave ovens

There are two types of microwave ovens. The standard microwave ovens, that have only magnetrons to cook food and the Convection oven.

The convection ovens provide radiant heat, as well as microwaves. These ovens can be used as conventional oven with any type of cook ware. In combination (radiant and microwave), or microwave mode, only special microwave proof cookware should be used. The combination mode provides a better cooking time. The radiant mode in reality may take more time to cook than the conventional ovens. Convection ovens are good for items such as Pizza.

The regular microwave ovens and the convection ovens may be standalone units to be used on counter top or integrated with other appliances. The integrated units may save space but are expensive. All the magnetrons lose power with age. Sooner or later, you may wind up replacing the unit. It may be hard to do for integrated units if the models have been discontinued.

For Indian household, I recommend a counter top standard microwave oven.

Capacity and Power

Capacity varies from 0.8 cubic feet to over 1.2 cubic feet. The power varies from 500 watts to near 1,400 watts. I like a microwave about 1.2 cubic feet, 1,100 watts. It does most of the jobs for an average house hold.
The capacity needs to be understood. It's the total volume including the corners etcetera which are non-usable. The turn table and the distance between the top of the turn table to 2" below the top of the oven cavity itself should give a better indication of usable area.

Features

Glass turntable Carousal

This is almost a standard feature now a days to provide even cooking. Even to determine capacity, the turntable is a good indication, because you will putting the food to be cooked on the turn table.

The panel / display

All most all units have a digital display, a clock/timer and some preset modes. Many of these features depend on your usage. Just make sure that the switches are not mechanical push type. The panel should be touch panel and easy to clean by just wiping it off.

Vents

All microwave ovens have a vent to release heat and moisture. The user should know the location of these vents to prevent damage to walls or furniture.

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