Shopping for a microwave oven has never been an easy task. If you’re not confused about the model to go for, you’re probably torn between brands. Or is it that you’re yet to figure out the control panel you want for the microwave?
See…It’s never easy. And until you’ve figured out the capacity you want for your microwave, you still have a long way to go as far as getting a new microwave is concerned.
And since we know that choosing a microwave with the right capacity isn’t an easy task, we’ve prepared this guide for you.
Here, we’ll help you figure out the ideal microwave capacity for your household, among other considerations. Keep reading.
Ideal Capacity for Microwave Ovens
To figure out the capacity of the microwave (measured in liters) you need for your home, consider the size of your family. The larger the family, the higher the capacity and vice versa.
Always choose a microwave with the best capacity to suit your cooking needs as follows.
- 15 – 20 liter: Solo microwave that is best suited for a family of 2 to 4 members.
- 21 – 25 liters: Grill microwave/convection microwave for a family of 2 to 4 members.
- 25 – 30 liters: Solo microwave that is best suited for a bigger family of 4 to 6 members.
- 32 liters and above: Grill microwave or convection microwave for a family of 4 to 6 members.
Other Factors to Consider Before Buying a Microwave
1. Microwave Type
The most challenging part of purchasing a microwave is making the choice of the type to go for. There are 3 types of microwaves available in the market, including solo, grill, and convection microwaves.
A solo microwave is the most basic model and is excellent for simple reheating, cooking, and defrosting. You can, however, not grill or bake with this microwave.
With a grill microwave, you can cook simple meals like pasta, rice, brew coffee, make popcorn, among others. It comes with additional grilling accessories to help you grill meat and soft vegetables.
A convection microwave is ideal for baking and grilling. It can also perform all the tasks of a solo microwave, roast, grill, bake, brown and crisp foods.
If looking for a microwave that does more than simple cooking, a convection model is the best option for you.
2. Wattage
The wattage of most microwaves ranges between 600 to 1200 watts. One basic rule to remember is, the higher the microwave’s wattage, the quicker the cooking time.
And another thing, get a microwave with flexible power settings.
To decide the power setting to settle for, you need to analyze your cooking habits first. If all you do is some basic cooking, an 800 watts microwave oven will suffice.
However, if you usually prepare meals in bulk or have a large family, invest in one with a higher power setting (from 900 watts) for optimum use.
3. Durability
What’s the lifespan of the microwave you intend to buy? The most durable microwaves usually have a shelf life of around 10 to 12 years.
It’s very important that you buy a microwave that will last for the longest time possible. To ascertain this, take some time to read customer reviews before paying for the appliance.
4. Noise Level
Some microwaves make a very loud beep with each button press when the cooking time is up or if you don’t open the oven’s door immediately after cooking.
These beeps can be very annoying and can be a nightmare for fussy kids. You also don’t want to wake your loved ones with these beeps as you prepare breakfast early in the morning.
If purchasing the microwave online, you won’t have the chance to try it out, hence the need to go through customer reviews, which often mention it when a model is particularly noisy. You’ll therefore know the one to avoid.
5. Child Safety Lock
If you have kids, ensure that the microwave you settle for has a safety lock. Kids are playful, and there might be accidents should they put their hands in the oven.
With the safety lock, your kids can’t have access to the microwave. It minimizes the risk of somebody getting hurt or a fire from starting.
6. Panel Type
There are 3 types of microwave control panels, namely tact dial, mechanical, and feather touch.
Mechanical and tact dial panels are usually standard in low-end models and can actually handle rough usage.
Feather-touch panels add to the microwave’s design and can sense your fingers. This panel type is usually common in high-end models.
Additional Features
Nowadays, most microwaves offer a variety of features that help simplify the cooking process. Some of the must-have features to look out for include automatic defrost, preheat, and pre-programmed settings.
An auto-cook menu comes in handy for amateurs in cooking, while a timer enables you to configure the cooking duration.
7. Price
You need to consider the price of every appliance before making the order. When it comes to microwaves, price ranges vary considerably depending on the type you decide to invest in.
Luckily enough, you will most likely get a model within your budget since these appliances have budget-friendly options as well. At as low as $150, you can get yourself a microwave for basic cooking.
8. Warranty
Do not purchase a microwave without a warranty. This should be the case for when you are buying any other appliance.
Check for the components covered by the warranty and the warranty period as well. The longer the period, the better.
FAQs
How many liters is a standard microwave?
A standard microwave has a capacity range of 20 to 25 liters.
Is a 20-liter microwave big enough?
A 20L microwave is big enough for couples, small families, or single persons.
How do I know what microwave size to buy?
To know what microwave size to buy, you need to consider the size of your family. If you have a large family, you’ll have to go for a bigger microwave and vice versa.
Is a 23L microwave big enough?
A 23-liter microwave is big enough for a small family of 2 to 4 members.
How many liters OTG should I buy?
For a family of 2 to 3 members, get an OTG with a capacity range of between 15 and 20 liters.
If yours is a family of four or more, an OTG with a capacity of 26 to 60 liters will suffice.
Is a 17-liter microwave big enough?
A 17-liter microwave is big enough for a single person. Actually, 17L microwaves are relatively uncommon.
is a 25 litre microwave big enough?
A 25-liter microwave should be sufficient for most households and can accommodate most standard-sized dinner plates and bowls.
However, the actual size of the microwave and its interior dimensions may vary depending on the specific model and brand.
To determine if a 25-liter microwave is suitable for your needs, it’s a good idea to measure the items you typically cook or heat up in a microwave to make sure they will fit inside the oven.
You should also consider the size of your kitchen and how much counter space you have available for the microwave.
If you have a larger family or frequently cook larger meals, you may want to consider a microwave with a larger capacity to accommodate larger dishes or multiple items at once.
How many liters is a standard oven?
An average single oven has a capacity of around 60 liters.
What size microwave do I need for frozen dinners?
To easily prepare frozen dinners, you need a microwave of at least 1100 watts.
How do I calculate liters in my microwave?
First, you need to multiply the length by the width and height. That gives you size in cubic millimeters. To get the capacity in liters, divide the cubic millimeters by a million.
Why is a microwave capacity measured in liters?
A microwave’s capacity is measured in liters to indicate how much food you can cook with the appliance at a go.
Conclusion
With this guide, we believe that getting a microwave that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle will be relatively easy. Take your time to browse through models and if you come across one that has it all (what you need), go for it.