10 Best Microwave Oven in India 2023 [Branded Microwave Oven]

The best microwave oven is an inseparable part of our modern-day lives. Imagine walking into your home tired and hungry. You neither have the energy nor the inclination to go through the hassles of cooking the conventional way, which entails time, effort, & hassles. Whether you find some leftovers to reheat in the fridge or decide to cook something fresh, a microwave oven has you covered.

Microwaves are versatile, able to cook and reheat food, and disinfect things, among other tasks. Whatever they do, they do it quickly, and cleanly, while retaining the food’s nutrition and flavor. With no mess to deal with once the job is done, life is a bit easier. As the power usage is minimal, you even end up saving on power bills. Thanks to their design, they are innately safe.

Best Microwave Defined

Think of it as an electric oven that relies on dielectric heating to bake, broil, roast, and reheat food. Once you place your pizza inside the microwave, the magnetron starts releasing electromagnetic radiation, which triggers the water molecules in the pizza to gyrate and collide. The thermal energy thus created heats up the pizza, uniformly, without any loss of time, nutrition, texture, or flavor.

These appliances use electromagnetic waves of very short wavelengths, hence, the name, microwave. Four traits make these waves ideal for use in a cooking device. One, these waves can penetrate through a wide variety of utensils. Two, they can be easily reflected by the metal cavity inside the microwave. Three, the food can readily absorb them. Four, they are relatively safer.

Microwave Oven: A Historical Perspective

Microwave is a perk of modern technology with an evolution-history dating back to the development of the magnetron in the early 20th century. History credits Percy Spencer for utilizing radar technology to come up with the prototype. He accidentally stumbled on the technology when microwaves emanated from a radar nearby and melted a candy bar in his pocket.

The commercially available model, “Radarange,” saw the light of day in 1946. However, it was just too bulky and expensive to buy and operate – measuring 5+ feet, weighing 350 kg, and consuming 3kw of power. The microwave underwent several iterations and modifications to evolve into a functional, aesthetic, cost-efficient, and reliable cooking appliance we all are just too familiar with today.

Microwave Oven: Advantages

A microwave oven is a definite advantage that no one can ignore. Here’s why.

1. An absolute time saver:

When the time comes at a premium, microwaves are the best bet. It leverages radiation to stimulate molecules and heat up the food from within way quicker than conventional ovens. Guess what? The heating happens quickly but uniformly, which isn’t possible with the gas stove. Just preheat hard foods in a microwave, grilling & frying them will be way quicker and easier.

2. Mess-free Cooking:

These appliances simplify cooking. Just place your food inside the cavity and enter the power levels and time specifications, and let the magic happen while you can take some rest or attend to other chores. The need to stand beside your gas stove to stir the food is eliminated. Plus, microwaves involve a lesser number of utensils and are easier to clean, presenting a mess-free way to cook.

3. Safety Ensured:

The microwave design does not let you come in direct contact with damaging radiation, making it inherently safe. On the contrary, the risk of burns runs high when exposed to the direct heat of conventional cooking devices. For greater safety, some models even feature child safety locks.

4. Promotes Health:

While direct heat and prolonged cooking rob the food of its nutrition and moisture, microwaving keeps them intact. Unlike frying, it discourages tar and char buildup, which can cause cancers.

Microwave Oven: Risks

Microwave ovens are valuable, but they also come with tradeoffs. The radiations used in microwaves are non-ionizing, meaning they lack the energy to break down molecules. That said, these radiations can do to the human cells what they do to the food – heat them. So, if you are somehow exposed to these radiations, skin burns become a reality. Unsurprisingly, microwave manufacturers must certify their offering’s compliance with norms set forth by FDA and similar organizations.

Types of Microwave Ovens 

Microwave ovens have evolved over the years, alongside technology. Types abound, today we have sophisticated appliances that cater to all cooking styles, tastes, décors, budgets, and requirements. Since knowing the types of microwave ovens will help you choose wisely, here’s your rundown. 

1. Solo Microwave Ovens 

These are the simplest of all microwave ovens out there, meant for cooking, reheating, and defrosting only. Solo models do not support functions like grilling, roasting, and frying, and lack extensive preloaded menus. In general, solo microwaves have low capacities, but some brands may offer capacities of up to 40 liters. You might not be able to use pots other than those made of plastic and microwave glass in solo microwave ovens. Plus, they are cheap to buy and operate.  

Ideal for: Single people, small families, and those who require basic functions only

2. Convection Microwave Ovens

A convection microwave oven does everything that a solo microwave can, but also does a few things additionally. Besides cooking, reheating, and defrosting, it can even bake and grill, making it ideal for those whose needs go beyond the ordinary. While Solo models rely solely on a magnetron to generate heat, a convection model complements a magnetron with a heating element and a fan for more variety in cooking. Specifications may vary, but they have the following standard features:

• AutoCook Menu: A permanent fixture across high-end convection microwaves, it is a collection of preloaded power and time settings to cook specific dishes. You just select the required recipe setting and sit back and relax. As the microwave will cook it for you automatically, you don’t have to bother about the setting adjustments. The number of recipe settings differs from model to model, but the more the merrier. It’s an important consideration when buying an appliance.
• Timer: Whether you wish to reheat leftovers or cook something, not on the auto-cook menu, the timer comes into play in either case. The feature helps you decide the duration for which the food needs to be reheated, cooked, baked, fried, or grilled. It gives you more control over cooking.
• Preheating: Some hard recipes need higher temperatures to cook. The Preheat function allows the microwave to achieve it before you can place the ingredients and start cooking.
• Child Lock: Another common fixture across the best microwave oven, the child lock prevents the appliance to start when a child accidentally puts his hand inside the cavity.

Ideal For: Designed for home & commercial use, it’s for anyone who likes to experiment with cooking.

Microwave Oven: Product Reviews

Microwaves come in all shapes and sizes with different brands offering different configurations, features, power levels, price points, and whatnot. With so much to deal with, you need a helping hand to cut through the noise and zero in on the right appliance for your unique taste, budget, and requirements. Duniakagyan is that helping hand, helping narrow down options for you with a well-curated list of the best microwave ovens on the market. Since there’s a limit to what you should spend, all our recommendations cover all price points. Without any further ado, let’s start.

10 Best Microwave Ovens

1. LG 42 L Solo Microwave Oven (MS4295DIS, Black)

Feast your eyes on this stunner from LG with a sleek design and aesthetic glass touch. But if you think the product is all about stunning looks, think again. It also packs a punch with a massive capacity, fine performance, and some high-end features that make it versatile and easy to handle.

The product comes with an “Auto Cook Menu” with 55 options, allowing you to prepare your favorite culinary delights with just a click. All you need is to hit the start button and the microwave does the rest. Even healthy, flavorful ghee, chapatis, and milk pasteurization are possible. The five power settings give you complete control.

Count on the microwave for easy operation and upkeep. Just tap the control panel on the front glass and you are sorted. While the steam power eliminates the grease deposits, you just need to wipe the cavity with a dry cloth to keep it tidy and hygienic.

With the Smart Diagnostic technology, it rectifies any minor issues on its own, ensuring complete peace of mind. Even on the power efficiency, it fares well.

What we liked:

• Priced at INR 13,890, it’s an affordable option
• AutoCook Menu and five power levels for full control over cooking
• Powerful inverter to guarantee the quickest heating in its class
• Bigger turntable to accommodate large containers and pans
• One year Warranty on the microwave and ten years on the magnetron

What we didn’t like:

• It’s solo, meaning it serves basic functions only, not baking or grilling.
• The front glass looks stunning but can be prone to chipping & breakage.
• Weighing 50 kilograms, it’s on the bulkier side
• Starter kits aren’t provided in the box.

Our Verdict:

The product is ideal if you rely on microwaves only for cooking, reheating, and defrosting. With a massive 42-liter capacity, it’s good for a large family.

Specifications:

2. Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT353BFDG, Black Mirror, 360° Heat Wrap)

Meet Panasonic NN-CT353BFDG, designed to elevate your cooking experience. The AutoCook Menu offers you the advantage of cooking 81 dishes with just a click. Just select the menu and be ready to dish out healthy, hygienic, and flavorful desserts, starters, and main courses.

The 360-degree Heat Wrap technology will ensure that your food is uniformly cooked without impacting the taste or texture. The top and back grills collectively ensure a quicker, uniform grilling that’s possible only in the best microwave oven.

Don’t be fooled by the compact design! It has a capacity of 23L with a specious stainless steel cavity that reduces cooking time and cleaning hassles. Add to it the vapor clean feature, cleaning is a breeze. The defrost and reheat modes are provided separately for convenience’s sake.

Pros:

• 800 Watts of power & 360 Heat Wrap technology for quicker & uniform cooking.
• It’s versatile, able to grill, bake, and cook with 81 preset menus
• Compact & Striking design with a mirror finish. Compatible with all decors.
• Convenient to operate with a highly sensitive touch membrane
• Easy to clean and upkeep, thanks to vapor clean and stainless steel cavity
• At INR 10790, you get a convection microwave for the price of a solo.

Cons:

• The capacity is lower as compared to other microwave ovens in its class.
• The warranty covers the product for a year but not the magnetron.

Our Verdict:

Go for it if you have to cook for a family of four or five. Being a convection microwave oven, it does everything that you want it to do, from baking, grilling, and reheating to cooking.

Specifications:

3. Samsung 28 L Convection Microwave Oven (CE1041DSB3/TL, Black, SlimFry)

Call it the best microwave oven out there for Indian cooking, if you may. Just program it to a given preloaded recipe – your traditional favorites are ready in no time. The Fermentation Feature facilitates the right temperature for preparing dough, chapatis, and yogurt. It even doubles up as a tandoor to deliver crispy tandooris and naans, courtesy of the tandoor technology.

Healthy cooking is a reality, thanks to the SLIM FRY technology. The heat waves emanating from the microwave, convection heaters, and grill “fries” the food with minimal use of oil. When it comes to the safety of your little ones, it’s covered with the Child Lock. It locks itself when your child accidentally operates it.

The USP has to be the turntable on/off feature, adding to the microwave oven’s versatility. As the tray stops rotating at your behest, you can make the most of the cavity to sneak in oversized & square-shaped bowls. Speaking of the cavity, it’s all ceramic, which is hygienic, convenient to upkeep, and built to last.

Pros:

• The auto-cook menu is designed for Indian cooking.
• Slim Fry Technology ensures frying with 80% less oil consumption
• Versatility comes by default with convection cooking mode & turntable on/off
• Eco Mode uses the lowest possible energy when on standby
• The ceramic enamel cavity ensures germ-free and grease-free cooking space
• The most comprehensive set of warranties
• Power defrost for quicker defrosting of frozen foods
• Child lock for additional safety

Cons:

• The number of preloaded recipes should have been more.

Our Verdict:

Together, the 28-liter capacity, a wide variety of functionalities, and an innovative cavity make it a must-buy, especially if you have a large family. Costing INR 12899, it’s even easy on the pocket.

Warranty:

• Microwave: One-year
• Magnetron: Five years
• Ceramic Cavity: Ten years

Specifications:

4. Godrej 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (GME 730 CP1 QM-Crimson Dawn)

If you need variety in recipe options, look no further. With 450 preloaded menus, feel free to cook local and international gourmet favorites in just four steps. Even preparing ghee, yogurt and cheese are possible with a separate menu. Need more? Well, just download the Godrej Instachef App and create something new each day.

The oil-free mode even allows for cooking with minimal oil consumption, which is great for those who like to watch their weight. The Multi-Distribution system ensures uniform & quicker cooking, defrosting, baking, grilling, and anything else you want the convection microwave oven to do.

The stainless steel cavity makes for a durable, healthy, hygienic, and convenient-to-clean cooking space while the child lock keeps your loved ones away from harm’s way. The digital display does not just ensure easy operation but, in conjunction with the microwave’s stunning crimson brown finish, also adds to its overall appeal.

The dual grill technology makes grilling a breeze while the powerful defrost function ensures speedier and even defrosting of frozen foods. Put to rest your cleaning woes, as the vapor cleaning feature helps get rid of the grime and grease that might accumulate in the cavity. Add to it the deodorizer function, your microwave oven always smells fresh.

Pros:

• Auto Cook menu with over 450 preloaded recipes
• Powerful Defrost, Vapor Clean, and Deodorizer functions
• Compact, great aesthetics with a digital display
• Dual grill function for seamless grilling
• Child lock for additional safety
• Multi-distribution system for uniform and speedy cooking

Cons:

• Available for INR 14109, it’s one of the priciest options in its category.
• Users reported issues in the Oil Free and baking functions.
• The user manual is missing from the box

Our Verdict:

It’s your ideal cooking partner if you want to try something new each day. However, the price could be a spoiler.

Specifications:

5. IFB 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (30FRC2, Floral Pattern & Black, With Starter Kit)

We usually associate IFB with state-of-the-art washing machines. However, it has the wherewithal to come up with one of the best microwave oven models out there, the 30FRC2. It looks great, performs well, and can last long, giving you the best bang for your buck. The sizable 30-liter capacity is just a bonus, especially for joint Indian families.

The Indian dishes you found difficult to cook are not just quick and easy but healthy as well with IFB 30FRC2’s. Just take your pick from 101 standard menus and sit back and relax. The microwave will deliver the perfect cooked meals while managing the power level and cooking time.

Your safety is catered to with child lock and overheating protection. It shuts off the heating element automatically in case of excessive temperatures. Defrosting is also easy, as all you need is to punch in the food’s weight. The product is easy to clean, thanks to the vapor clean and deodorizing features.

Pros:

• Multi-stage cooking to make easy work of cooking Indian cuisines
• It has the versatility of a convection microwave, with grilling also possible
• 1-year product warranty & 3-years cavity and magnetron guarantee
• One of the select few models that come with a starter kit
• Overheating protection and Child Lock for enhanced safety
• The 30-liter capacity is good for large families
• Quick Start and Delay Start functions are available

Cons:

• The number of preloaded menus is relatively low.
• At INR 14695, it can stretch your budget a bit

Specifications:

6. Whirlpool 30 L Convection Microwave Oven (MAGICOOK PRO 32CE BLACK, WHL7JBlack)

For the Magicook Pro 32CE, the name says it all. Be ready to cook like a pro with the power of “Multiheat Technology” that makes a convection microwave function better. You are free to apply any of the seven heat modes, as per the need, and expect healthier, even, and faster baking, grilling, steaming, and frying.

Get ample variety with a 300 standard preloaded menu featuring Indian and international cuisines with “2 Minutes Recipes” also covered. It can generate temperatures of up to 230 degrees C to double up as a tandoor, ensuring crispy naans and tandoori dishes.

Magicook Pro 32CE speeds up the cooking by 50% while keeping 45% moisture, texture, and aroma intact, putting even the best air-fryers to shame. Even zero-oil cooking is possible – a big plus for health-conscious folks.

The 30-liter stainless steel cavity and a massive turntable accommodate larger pots and multiple food items in one go, thereby catering to the traditional Indian joint families. Also, it’s convenient to clean.

Pros:

• Eliminates the need for air fryers
• Massive cavity & turntable
• Installed tandoor heater
• Zero Oil Cooking

Cons:

• The build quality leaves much to be desired
• The UI is run-off-the-mill, lacking backlit

Specifications:

Conclusion

So, that was our take on the best microwave oven. When you are in the market for microwaves, it’s wise to consider how well the model fits in with your kitchen layout and décor, total budget, and requirements. The options we shortlisted for you offer what all you are looking for in a microwave oven – overall quality, reliability, performance, and more. So, factor in your needs and choose the one from our list of recommendations. Choosing a microwave oven was never so simple!

Once done shopping, don’t forget to share with us which brand you opted for and why. Also, feel free to ask questions or suggest topics you would like us to cover. The comment section is right below.

People are also reading:

• Best Juicer Brands
• Best Mixer Grinders
• Best Food Processors
• Best Cooking Oil For Your Kitchen
• Best Water Heater Brands
• Best Knife Brands