If you are looking only for reheating and basic cooking OR you already have an OTG oven - go for a solo microwave. If you are looking for a more multi purpose oven - consider getting a microwave + convection that does pretty much everything that a solo microwave + OTG does. If you have not decided what type of oven you need - check out this other video where I compare solo microwave, OTG and microwave+convection and I also provide details on what vessels can be used in each of these types.
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This video only covers the Solo Microwave Ovens. Watch the video in the description for convection microwave or OTG ovens (I’ll link to them when available). I’m comparing 8 different models from 8 different brands today. Bajaj, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Amazon Basics, Haier, Morphy Richards, Panasonic.
There are a few key things you have to keep in mind while purchasing:
What is the capacity to purchase? Remember - larger the capacity, larger the space is required for the microwave. Capacity to purchase depends on the quantity of food cooked/heated or the family size - normally for a small family of 1-3, 20L or less should be sufficient as the main purpose of this microwave is for heating. For a larger family - you can go for a 20+L. In the models compared - the Samsung solo microwave has the highest capacity of 23L and the rest have less or equal to 20L. Bajaj solo microwave has the lowest capacity of 17L which is ideal for 1-2 people only.
Second thing to consider is the output wattage. Higher the output wattage, quicker is the cooking. In this case as well - Samsung, Morphy Richards and Panasonic lead with 800W, everything else is 700W. You may see some manufacturers listing out input wattages - that is not relevant to the cooking efficiency.
Third thing is what are the capabilities that it can perform.
In general, Heating, cooking and defrosting is available in all the solo microwave ovens compared.
Some solo microwaves also have grill capability, but I have not included those in the comparison today because the price difference between that and a convection oven is less - so you may as well go for a convection oven.
Some models like the Whirlpool and Panasonic have an auto clean capability - which can be useful if you have food spatters
In general - in most microwaves you can make curd or ferment. Whirlpool is the only model that has a setting highlighted for yogurt making and fermentation capability - which is useful if that is important for you.
Fourth is the display. While a manual dial is good enough as the capabilities in a solo microwave oven are limited, some of the models like Whirlpool, LG, Samsung and Panasonic have a digital display - if you want a more modern appliance.
Reviews - like always - my shortlists are always the ones with the best reviews and I will give you my recommendations from these best - so essentially best of the best :)
Warranty - most offer a 1 year warranty on the product with an exception of Morphy richards which offers a 2 year warranty. Many models also give an extended warranty on the magnetron - Magnetrons are a core function of a microwave oven and are essential for generation of power within a microwave oven. Without a magnetron, the microwave oven is useless. Bajaj and Samsung offers 1 year additional, Whirlpool 2 years additional and Amazon Basics and Haier offer a 3 year additional warranty on the Magnetron.
Pricing - while most capabilities remain the same, it is surprising the pricing varies so much.
Just a reminder - you cannot use wood vessels / ladles and metal vessels like stainless steel, cast iron or aluminium in a solo microwave. Plastics can be used as long as they are microwave safe. Preferred vessels to use are glass or ceramic.
Anyway based on the comparison - my top 2 recommendations for a solo microwave oven are:
Samsung solo microwave oven - higher wattage for faster cooking, higher capacity for medium to large families, digital display, good reviews and a 1 year warranty on both the product and 1 additional year warranty on the magnetron. It does not have the perks like making curd, dough or auto clean but serves the job of a solo microwave really well.
Whirlpool solo microwave oven - Ideal for medium sized families, this solo microwave oven has some added perks like setting for yogurt making, dough making and auto clean - which can be useful for some. It also gives a 2 year additional warranty on the magnetron.
Watch this video next if you are considering an OTG or convection oven.
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