Microwaves

The right size depends on your household and how you cook. For singles, couples, or kitchens with limited space, a compact model around 20-27 litres is ideal. For a small family of three or four, a mid-sized 27-34 litre microwave offers more flexibility. If you have a large family or often cook with big dishes, a large-capacity microwave of 40 litres or more, like the Westinghouse 40L 1100W model, is the best fit.

Higher wattage means faster cooking. A microwave with 1000 to 1200 watts of power will cook and reheat food very quickly and evenly. Models with 800 to 900 watts are still very effective for most everyday tasks like defrosting and heating up meals, they just might take a little longer.

Proper ventilation is key to keeping your microwave running safely and efficiently. As a general rule, you should leave about 15-20 cm of space above the microwave, 5-10 cm on both sides, and about 5-10 cm at the back. It’s always best to check the manufacturer's user manual for the specific recommendations for your model.

Yes, if you value convenience and perfectly cooked food. Sensor cooking technology measures the humidity in the microwave to automatically determine when your food is ready. This prevents over-or under-cooking and means you don't have to constantly monitor your meal. It’s a brilliant feature found in many Panasonic, LG, and Sharp models that takes the guesswork out of cooking.

Absolutely. Flatbed microwaves are fantastic because they give you more usable space than a turntable model of the same size. You can easily fit in larger, rectangular dishes, and without a turntable to clean around, the smooth interior is much simpler to wipe down. Models like the Sharp Flatbed 1200W are a great example of this practical design.

Turntable microwaves are the traditional style you’re likely most familiar with. They have a rotating glass plate inside that spins your food around during cooking. This rotation ensures that the microwaves heat your food evenly from all angles. Most standard microwaves, from compact to large family sizes, use this reliable system.

This really comes down to personal preference. Touch controls offer a sleek, modern look and are very easy to wipe clean, as seen on many LG NeoChef models. Dial controls, sometimes paired with buttons, provide a more tactile feel and allow you to adjust times and settings very quickly without multiple button presses. Some models offer a mix of both for the best of both worlds.

The interior finish affects how easy your microwave is to clean and how durable it is. Many Samsung and LG models feature a ceramic enamel interior, which is scratch-resistant, rust-resistant, and has anti-bacterial properties. A stainless steel interior is also very hygienic and durable but can show fingerprints more easily. Painted steel is the standard finish and is perfectly fine for general use.

For simple, no-fuss use, look for a microwave with clear, intuitive controls, a 'Quick 30' or 'Instant Start' button, and a few essential auto-cook programs like defrost and reheat. A compact model like the Panasonic 20L Microwave Oven is perfect for this-it’s easy to operate, reliable, and has everything you need for daily tasks without overwhelming you with complicated features.