Microwaves occupy an important place in all French kitchens because of their practicality and compactness. Embodying the latest innovations, current models are even more powerful and efficient to meet all levels of requirements. Combined, built-in or single-function? This guide will help you make the right choice according to your real needs.
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Our selection
"The Panasonic NN-GD35 is a 1,000W countertop combination microwave. With a capacity of 23 L, you have enough to prepare or reheat your meal in…"
"This 28 L single-function microwave will be your ally for fast cooking. A 35-minute timer, removable turntable, high and variable power are all assets to…"
"Built-in model, the Siemens BF634LGS1 microwave oven is exemplary in terms of discretion. You will benefit from its A++ energy class and its 900 W…"
"It is quite possible to acquire a cheap microwave, whose performance and efficiency remain reasonable without missing out on comfort options."
The Panasonic NN-GD35 is a 1,000W countertop combination microwave. With a capacity of 23 L, you have enough to prepare or reheat your meal in the best conditions.
188 £ on AmazonThe Panasonic NN-GD35 microwave is best stored on your kitchen counter. It offers you the choice between a large variety of preparations because of its combined nature. Its 1800 W power rating, variable on 6 levels, ensures a quick start. In addition, you will benefit from its defrost and grill function. Like all good microwaves, this one has an integrated interior light.
The Panasonic NN-GD35 has an LED touch screen where you can make all the necessary settings for your current preparation. Its timeless black color makes it suitable for all kitchens, regardless of their decorating style. Equipped with a 28.5 cm turntable, it offers 17 preset programs.
This 28 L single-function microwave will be your ally for fast cooking. A 35-minute timer, removable turntable, high and variable power are all assets to exploit.
90,40 £ on AmazonThe Severin MW 7873 has a capacity of 28 L, which is large enough to accommodate a removable turntable with a diameter of 31.5 cm. The power of the appliance can be adjusted according to the desired time or the weight of the food to be defrosted or heated. It is variable on 5 positions up to a maximum level of 900 W. The included timer is accompanied by a sound signal at the end of the cooking time.
This German-made single-function microwave guarantees optimal ease of use. And for good reason, it is equipped with rotary knobs that save you a lot of time. The display is perfectly readable and precise. As for maintenance, everything is done with a damp cloth.
Built-in model, the Siemens BF634LGS1 microwave oven is exemplary in terms of discretion. You will benefit from its A++ energy class and its 900 W power.
367 £ on AmazonThe Siemens BF634LGS1 is equipped with a 90 minute electric programmer with digital display. Its total volume of 21 L is combined with its 7 automatic programs for an easy and comfortable use. The power of the appliance goes from 90 W to 900 W (5 levels available). All the information on your settings are displayed on the 2.8 inch TFT touch screen.
While the interior cavity (220 x 350 x 270 mm) of the Siemens BF634LGS1 is made entirely of stainless steel, the door interior is made of glass. The hinges are on the left side. In addition, it is free of a turntable.
It is quite possible to acquire a cheap microwave, whose performance and efficiency remain reasonable without missing out on comfort options.
96,80 £ on AmazonThe Sharp R-742WW will meet your daily needs and expectations, even the most demanding. In microwave mode (900 W) or in grill mode (1000 W), this appliance offers a good capacity of 25 L. It is equipped with a 31.5 cm tray and a high grill. The integrated timer can be set up to 99 minutes. The defrosting option depends on the time you have and the weight of the food.
The Sharp R-742WW's electronic control panel allows you to easily control this microwave with 11 adjustable power levels, 6 specific automatic programs or sequence cooking mode.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level microwave
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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9/10 |
7/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Panasonic NN-GD35
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Severin MW 7873
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Siemens BF634LGS1
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Sharp R-742WW
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The Panasonic NN-GD35 is a 1,000W countertop combination microwave. With a capacity of 23 L, you have enough to prepare or reheat your meal in the best conditions.
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This 28 L single-function microwave will be your ally for fast cooking. A 35-minute timer, removable turntable, high and variable power are all assets to exploit.
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Built-in model, the Siemens BF634LGS1 microwave oven is exemplary in terms of discretion. You will benefit from its A++ energy class and its 900 W power.
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It is quite possible to acquire a cheap microwave, whose performance and efficiency remain reasonable without missing out on comfort options.
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Power
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Grill : 1 000WM Microwave : 1 000 W |
900 W
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900 W
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Microwave : 900 WGril: 1,000 W |
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Power setting level
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6
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5
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5
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11
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Capacity
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23 L
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28 L
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21 L
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25 L
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Weight
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10 kg
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14.7 kg
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16.73 kg
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15.1 kg
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Storage type
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Counter
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Free-standing
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Integrated
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Autonomous
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Indicated in watts, the power of a microwave is an important criterion at the time of purchase, because it plays a big role in the speed of cooking. The more power the appliance offers, the more efficient it will be in terms of cooking and especially time. Normally, it varies from 600 to 1200 W. But for the larger models, they have a higher power that can increase up to 1,600 W.
It is recommended to choose an appliance whose parameters, including power, perfectly meet your needs. If your needs are for heating tea or defrosting food, a 750 W microwave can satisfy you perfectly. But to cook food in full, it is better to choose a microwave with a high power.
The capacity of a microwave varies from 13 to 42 L depending on the model. Thus, the larger the family, the larger the size will have to be. For a single person or a couple, know that he will not need an appliance with the same volume as a family of 4 or 5 people. If a microwave of less than 23 L can be sufficient for one or two people, it is better to adopt more than 30 L for a family. But be careful, you should check the capacity of the interior at the time of purchase, because some microwaves look big, but the interior spaces are relatively small.
According to the brand and model, microwaves can have different characteristics. While the basic microwave just reheats and defrosts, more advanced ones can grill and brown a number of different foods. Another feature is the ability to keep warm.
Some newer models offer steaming. This feature keeps the food moist. This is a great feature, as it is often a concern with microwave cooking. It's up to you to decide which of these features you need. Each model has quick programming buttons or automatic programs that can greatly simplify your life.
The
programming of a microwave is also important in making a choice. Three types of programming are available: mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical. Mechanical has the disadvantage of offering a less accurate timer compared to electromechanical. More popular and easy to use, electronic programming can be accompanied by smart functions such as fast defrost, safety function to protect children, delayed start.
Most microwaves have a power rating of 700 to 1,200 W. A higher wattage microwave has the advantage of cooking food faster, yet it uses more electricity. To save energy, choose a low-power model. All models have a color-coded rating followed by a letter (from A++ to G). To use as little energy as possible, it is recommended that you choose an A+ appliance.
If you want to use a microwave oven, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, you must know how it works. Because of the steam functionality of a microwave, you should know that dry meals cannot be heated or cooked in the microwave.
In this case, before you put your meal in the microwave, make sure that there is enough water in the meal. There are some meals that you need to add water to in order for the machine to work. Such as chocolate, if you are going to melt it in a microwave, you need to add some water. Be careful not to add too much water, as this may make it impossible to heat or cook.
Because it is a steam machine, it is on the water mass that the device will work. Check the instructions to see how much water is needed for each meal if you are afraid of making a mistake. The use of metal containers in the oven is forbidden as it can cause an explosion due to the shock between the electromagnetic waves and the metal.
Each with their own specificities, microwaves come in several types. Here are some details of the most common models to help you make a better choice.
The single-function microwave is a classic appliance that offers only the simple functions of defrosting and reheating food. Vegetables, starchy foods, seafood, fish or meat, everything can be cooked. The more advanced models offer the possibility of fast cooking. This cooking method is done by electromagnetic waves.
While heating or cooking a dish, you can adjust the power and the timer according to your needs. There are also more powerful models offering steam cooking or bread defrosting functions. Easy to use and quite energy efficient, this type of microwave makes daily life much easier. However, it has its limits in terms of cooking compared to the conventional oven.
As its name suggests, the combined microwave or multifunction microwave combines the functions of the simple microwave and the standard oven. Thus, it can reheat dishes, defrost food, cook a quiche or pizza, make cakes and even roast. Some models are equipped with a rotating heat that offers a steam function. Thanks to its multiple functions, the combined microwave is very practical and complete, worthy of professional kitchens.
In addition, its main advantage is that it can replace several appliances at the same time while saving space. However, it has some disadvantages, namely its price is a bit high, its capacity is a bit reduced compared to a simple microwave oven, its considerable electricity consumption. In case of a breakdown, it is a bit annoying to find yourself with two appliances out of order.
The microwave grill offers the same functions as the classic microwave but it is equipped with a grill that is located on the vault of the device. This grill shows at a very high temperature allowing browning, grilling and even au gratin. The cooking mode with the microwave grill has the advantage of preserving the trace elements of food such as vitamins and minerals of food, while reducing the cooking time. This type of appliance can cook French fries or make a crunchy snack. The only drawback is that you cannot use the microwave function and the grill function simultaneously.
Clean the cavity of your microwave with white vinegar or lemon to get rid of lingering and blended odors.
The microwave is an appliance that can be used as a meal heating or quick defrosting tool. The most advanced models offer the possibility of cooking simple meals, meats, or even muffins depending on the machine's functionality. Its compact design gives it a space-saving size. The problem with this equipment is that the food loses its properties and some of its flavour with this cooking method.
The oven, on the other hand, is an appliance for extended time cooking. You can bake pastries, pastries, pizza or even roast if your oven is equipped with a more modern feature. When used to bake papillote, the oven preserves the nutritional properties of the food (vitamins and minerals). Oven cooking takes time, and it is not possible to reheat or defrost food with this type of appliance.
The use of a microwave oven is suitable for quick use for cooking frozen food and for reheating pre-cooked food bought at the local fast-food restaurant. Otherwise, for proper cooking that preserves the goodness of each food, it is preferable to use an oven. The latter is also suitable for the preparation of ready-made meals, pastries and pastries.
To reheat food
The main role of a microwave is to heat up food quickly without having to turn on the gas or your induction cooker. It is very practical if you have leftovers in the fridge. It also avoids unnecessary reheating since the food is already ready.
To defrost
A microwave is not only useful for reheating, it is also useful for defrosting. It is a fast and efficient way to optimize preparation time. You won't have to wait hours for your chicken or meat to defrost. Just pop them in the microwave, make a small adjustment and wait a few minutes for all the ice to melt.
For cooking
Cooking in the microwave is an original way to optimize cooking time. In fact, some dishes can be prepared perfectly with a multi-functional microwave. Pizza, hot drink, cake, vegetables... At this stage, it will work like a classic oven, but with a few more advantages. Moreover, it will not burn your preparations if you have set the timer properly.
To have space
Unlike a regular oven, the microwave has a small footprint. It is ideal if you don't want to clutter up your kitchen with a large oven. You can install it on the bench, next to your pantry, or on a small table. It will easily find its place in any room and will not spoil the decoration of it. It is a good alternative if you live in a small studio or in a modest apartment.
For its ease of maintenance
The maintenance of a microwave oven comes down to regular cleaning. Simply remove the circular tray and clean it with a sponge soaked in dishwashing liquid, then rinse it with water and you're done! You can take it a step further by cleaning the inside to eliminate lingering food odors.
Foods not to be cooked in the microwave
Never cook or reheat hard-shelled foods such as eggs, shellfish with shells in a microwave. This is to avoid any risk of explosion of the food in your microwave. If you cook meat, it must be sliced into small pieces because large pieces will never be cooked in the microwave. Bacon is also forbidden in a microwave because of the salt it has, it will never be cooked. The same is true for fried food, which is not possible either for cooking or for reheating.
Arrange the food so that it cooks evenly.
Arrange
the thickest parts, such as broccoli stalks, toward the outside, toward the sides of the oven. Arrange foods of the same size and shape, such as potatoes, in a circle or square with space between them. Don't arrange anything in the center: the food you arrange there will at best be completely dry, at worst burn completely.
Use microwave-safe containers.
Use
cooking utensils specifically designed for the microwave
oven.
Don't use metal pans or aluminum foil because they react to microwaves, which cooks food unevenly and can damage the oven. And you shouldn't use certain plastic containers because heated food can melt them. The FDA recommends using glass, ceramic, and plastic containers that are labeled microwave safe.
Slice the onions without tearing the skin.
Make sure you don
't tear the skin of your onion by cutting off the ends before microwaving. Heat on full power for 30 sec and the juice will dry out. The flavor will still be there, but the tear-inducing enzymes will be removed, making the onion easy to peel and cut.
Give the spices back their fragrance.
Spices, nuts, and seeds can regain their aroma through the microwave. Place the spices in a microwave-safe bowl for 15 sec on full power and see the result.
The best microwave depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
To keep a microwave oven clean, it is necessary to clean it regularly. Immediate cleaning is required to remove all traces of splashes when using the microwave oven.
There are two ways to detect a microwave leak. The first, place a smartphone in the microwave in the off state, then call the number of that phone. If the latter rings then it is that your microwave is leaking electromagnetic waves, so it is not waterproof. The second, you can resort to using a microwave oven leak detector for more accuracy.
Generally, the only dishes that are compatible with a microwave are glass and plastic dishes. There are also special plastics for microwaves but not all plastics are suitable. And be careful, if you have an advanced model with a grill mode, do not use plastic.
The bulb and the mica plate that channels the waves must be cleaned and changed frequently to avoid damaging the microwave. You should also check the cooking alarm, or in case of its malfunction, use a plastic film as a protection so that the food splashes do not scatter if you are a little late in getting them out. Also, turn down the power of the appliance and increase the time if necessary so that it makes less effort.
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