Microwave Egg Cooker

If you’re a big fan of eggs and like getting the best out of your microwave, you may be wondering whether a microwave egg cooker is a worthwhile product to get.

In fact, like a lot of people you might actually just be wondering – what is a microwave egg cooker?

To help with this, below we will take a look at:

  • What is a microwave egg cooker?
  • How do you use a microwave egg cooker?
  • What is the best microwave egg cooker?

Note: Always take great care when making eggs in the microwave as they can build up pressure and heat quickly.

What Is A Microwave Egg Cooker?

A microwave egg cooker is usually a piece of cookware that can be used to make eggs in the microwave. The idea behind the designs is that it should mean making your eggs in the microwave is much easier with a dedicated piece of cookware, typically made of plastic, that is specifically designed to help you do so.

A microwave egg cooker can normally be used to make different types of eggs including:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Omelettes
  • Poached eggs

How Do You Use A Microwave Egg Cooker?

Using a microwave egg cooker is relatively straightforward. The way you use it will depend on the type of eggs you want to make and the design of the cooker dish you have chosen.

Typically you will need to crack your eggs and pour them into the main bowl of the dishware. You can then add the seasoning that you would like, if any, (e.g. salt, pepper, paprika etc).

What to do next will depend on the type of eggs you want, let’s look at our two favourite egg types (scrambled and omelettes):

Scrambled Eggs

Once you’ve beaten the eggs and seasoning, you need to typically place the cooker lid before you put it in the microwave. You then set it to high power for a time (the time will depend on the number of eggs and recipe you’re following).

You then take them out and stir the mixture again. After that put the egg cooker back in the microwave and cook on a medium/high power until the eggs are cooked. Remove the egg cooker and serve as you wish.

Omelette

When making an omelette with an egg cooker in the microwave, you first need to crack your eggs into the cooker dish. After that you can add the ingredients you want included in your eggs.

Once you’ve done so you then place the lid back on and then place the dish into the microwave. How long it will need depends on how many eggs you have and the recipe you are following. Once they’re done, you take them out and serve as you wish.

What Is The Best Microwave Egg Cooker?

Below we take a look at some of the best available microwave egg cooking devices.

1 – Sistema Microwave Easy Eggs Cookware

We are big fans of Sistema microwave cookware and the Sistema microwave easy eggs microwave egg cooker looks set to join the list. As usually with Sistema you get a slick and well designed product that comes very highly rated by users.

The Microwave easy eggs is designed to allow you to make scrambled eggs, poached eggs, omelettes as well as egg muffics. It has a steam release vent to help reduce the amount of splatter during heating and is also available in blue as well as red.

2 – OXO Good Grips Microwave Egg Cooker

The Oxo Good Grips microwave egg cooker is designed by a company that aims to make products used by as many people as possible and many users rate this egg cooker very highly.

As well as having steam vents to reduce splatter, the bottom lid also comes off easily to allow you to place your cooked eggs straight onto your plate.

Suitable for makings omelettes as well as scrambled eggs, the wide opening means you can use it as a mixing bowl as well as for the actual cooking.


Looking for a new microwave? Take a look at some of our favourites.

What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves?

What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves? - Solo Vs. Convection Microwaves
What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves?

What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves? When looking for a microwave you may have asked yourself the very same question.

Solo microwaves use microwave energy to heat your food. They can also be used to defrost frozen food. Convection microwaves on the other hand can use microwave energy to heat your food in addition to being used like classic ovens to roast and bake food.

Let’s take a more detailed look at what the main differences are between the two types of microwaves.

What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves?

FeatureSolo MicrowaveConvection Microwave
CookingYesYes
HeatingYesYes
BoilingYesYes
DefrostingYesYes
RoastingNoYes
BakingNoYes
Browning and CrispingNoYes
What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves?

What They Do

Solo Microwaves

As stated solo microwaves use the energy produced by a device called a magnetron to heat the water molecules in your food which then spreads throughout the food. This is typically why when you put a plate of food in the microwave you can often find the food is warm but the plate is not as hot (though of course you should always approach items with caution).

Solo microwaves are typically used for:

  • Heating food and liquids
  • Cooking food
  • Boiling food and liquids
  • Defrosting food and liquids

The majority of microwave users tend to use their microwaves simply for heating their food.

Convection Microwaves

Convection microwave ovens combine the functions of a solo microwave with the addition of a heating element and fan oven that circulates heated air through the cavity of the oven.

This results in food that can be cooked over a longer period of time at a lower temperature and in the best instances, more evenly.

They can usually be used in combination (solo microwave then convection oven) or separately giving you lots of flexibility. In some instances people use them as their main oven as well as microwaves.

Convection microwaves can be used for:

  • Roasting food
  • Baking food
  • Brownining and crisping food
  • Heating food
  • Cooking food
  • Defrosting food

How Much They Cost

Solo Microwaves

As they only carry out the one function solo microwaves are not very complicated and the technology has been around for decades. As such solo microwaves tend to be some the cheapest available on the market with units starting from around £50 onwards.

Convection Microwaves

Convection microwaves can often be some of the most expensive types of microwaves available on the market as they combine a number of features in one machine. They typically start from around £150.

Also Worth Mentioning

Grill Feature

In many instances you may find that convection ovens also come with an additional grill function meaning you get a 3-way combination microwave (solo; grill; convection oven).

Availability

You may find that when you’re looking for combination solo and convection microwave ovens you do not have the same range of choice as you do with solo microwaves. This may well be due to the fact that there is not as much demand for the combination models as there is for solos.

Which is the best type for you?

When deciding which type of microwave is the best for you, it may be best to focus on what you actually intend to use it for.

If you need a microwave mainly for re-heating leftovers and cooking simple dishes then a solo microwave may your best bet.

On the other hand if you believe you’ll likely use the full functionality of a convection microwave oven then this is something you may want to consider.


What Is The Difference Between Convection And Solo Microwaves?: Tell Us Your Thoughts.

What Is The Difference Between Grill And Solo Microwave Oven?

What is the difference between grill and solo microwave ovens? If you’re looking for a new microwave but can’t decide between a solo microwave or a grill microwave you may have asked yourself the very same question. If so you’ve come to the right place.

Below we’ll take a look at the differences between grill and solo microwave ovens to help you make the choice.

We’ll run through:

  • What Is A Solo Microwave?
  • What Is A Grill Microwave?
  • What Are The Differences In Terms Of:-
    • Function
    • Availability
    • Power
    • Price
  • Best Available Solo Microwaves

What Is a Solo Micorwave?

A solo microwave is a classic microwave with one function; the actual microwave powered by a magnetron which produces the waves. This typically means it does not also have a grill or convection/inverter oven included within its features.

Solo microwaves can come in either a turntable design or as flatbeds.

What Is a Grill Microwave?

A grill microwave has the functions of a solo plus the added feature of a grill. Typically this is a quartz type heater grill which allows you to get your food brown and crispy once it has been microwaved or on its own.

You may also see these types of ovens termed as “combination” or “combination grill” microwave ovens.

What Is The Difference Between Grill And Solo Microwave Ovens?

Let’s take a look at the main differences between grill and solo microwave ovens below.

Function

The main difference in terms of function between a solo microwave and grill microwave is the fact that grill microwaves have the additional function of being able to grill your food on top of the classic microwave feature.

This can be very useful if you like your food to come out nice and crispy. It can also mean that you end up using your main oven a lot less frequently than you otherwise would.

Availability

When it comes to availability, the main difference between grill and solo microwave ovens is that solos tend to be much more widely available than their grill counterparts.

This may simply be a reflection of their demand as most microwave users only use their microwaves for heating their food and therefore there may be less of a need for grill microwave ovens.

Power

Typically solo microwaves will have rated power levels between 600 to 1200 watts with most that are 20Litres or more being around 800-900 watts. The grill power rating is typically different to that of the solo microwaves with several currently avaialble coming with a 1000 Watts quartz grill.

Remember to check the power rating of the grill component as this will not necessarily be the same as the solo/magetron microwave.

Price

Though not always the case, the main difference between solo and grill microwaves in terms of the price is that grill microwaves are typically more expensive. This is especially true when you have a solo microwave that is also available as a combination solo and grill microwave.

Bear in mind that just because the grill version has a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a better performing unit.

Which Is Right For You?

Ultimately deciding on whether a solo microwave or grill microwave will depend on your circumstances and how you intend to use your new microwave.

If you mainly intend to heat up your food in your microwave rather than using it for grilling then you may be better off sticking to a solo microwave. You are more likely to find a highly rated solo microwave that gets universal praise than you are a grill microwave. So if you will only use it sparingly, then you may as well stick to the solo.

If on the other hand you believe you will make use of the grill function on the combination solo and grill microwave then that may be what you want to consider.

Just be sure to do a thorough check of the specifications and user reviews for any model you go for to check that the grill function actually does a good job of browing your food. In many instances you may find that although users have purchased grill microwaves they hardly use this actual function.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product. 

Best Available Solo Microwaves

1 – Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) Microwave Oven

ProsCons
+ 800 Watts of cooking power– Some user reviews report moisture
+11 Power Levels
+20 Litre Capacity
+ Defrost function with time/weight setting
+ Child lock feature

The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) Microwave Oven is one of the best selling microwaves around and the excellent user reviews demonstrate why. It offers brilliant value for money in a slick and modern design. Though there are some user reports of moisture build up, overall it is a great proposition if you need a solo microwave.

2 – Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven With Smart Sensor

ProsCons
+ Auto sensor menu for making your favourite dishes like pizza and potatoes– Some user reports of issues with internal light
+ 1100 watts
+ 10 power levels
+ Easy to understand user display
+ Option to mute the buzzer

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor is a microwave that not only looks great but has the user track record to back it up. With this highly rated microwave oven, you get an auto sensor that automatically heats up your food to get the best results. There are some users who do report issues with the internal light flickering on some units. All in all however, the general consensus seems to be that the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven offers a great option if you need a high performing solo microwave.

3 – Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Solo Microwave

ProsCons
+ 800 Watts of cooking power– Some users report that the interal light is not bright enough
+ 3 point heat distribution system for more evenly cooked food
+ Eco mode to reduce power consumption in standby
+ Easy to clean ceramic enamel interior

The Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave is a highly rated microwave that provides many useful features. With a 3 point heat distribution system to help improve the way your food is cooked as well as an easy to clean ceramic enamel interior, the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave offers plenty of value. There are some users who do not feel the internal light is bright enough to allow them to see their food. Overall the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave is an excellent choice and one that has received a lot of positive coverage.

Best Available Grill Microwaves

1 – Sharp YC-MG02U-B Microwave Oven With Grill

ProsCons
+ 800 watts of cooking power for the microwave– Some users report issues with digital display
+ 1000 Watt grill allowing you to use it as a grill only or grill and microwave
+ 11 power levels and 8 auto programmes
+ Touch control electric panel
+ Child safety lock

The Sharp YC-MG02U-B Microwave Oven with grill is a great option if you want a microwave that gives you the flexibility to grill your food as well as heat it. It comes highly recommended based on user reviews and provides a number of excellent features. Though some users have noted issues with the digital display overall the reviews indicate a highly regarded microwave with grill.


What Is The Difference Between Grill And Solo Microwave Oven?: Tell us your thoughts.

Daewoo KOR6M5RR Microwave Review

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BenefitsDrawbacks
+ 800 Watts of power output for quick and efficient heating– No digital clock display
+ 11 power levels including 4 for defrosting
+ 20 litre capacity perfect for smaller households
+ Eco standby mode to save electricity
+ Concave reflex system for evenly distributed power
Daewoo KOR6M5RR Microwave Review: Benefits and Drawbacks

Daewoo KOR6M5RR Microwave Review

The Daewoo KOR6M5RR stainless steel touch control microwave could be best described as excellent in everything it offers. It offers quality and value for money in every sense of the word.

If you, like most of us, love feeling like you’ve gotten an absolute bargain every time you look at your purchase then the Daewoo KOR6M5RR will leave you feeling pretty smug.

It combines brilliant value for money, great cooking power, lots of useful features and a sleek design to give you a great all-round experience.

Lets start with the most important aspect of the Daewoo KOR6M5RR – cooking power. With 800 watts of cooking power with 11 different levels you should have plenty of power to get your food exactly how you want it.

These power levels include 4 different settings for defrosting various types of food including bread and meat.

There are also 3 specific power levels for reheating food and drinks.

The Daewoo KOR6M5RR is also equipped with 5 autocook functions including baked potatoes and frozen veg – always handy.

To help you make the most of the cooking power, the Daewoo KOR6M5RR comes with concave reflex technology. This basically means the interior should help to distribute the microwaves more evenly resulting in food that is more evenly cooked. And indeed several user reviews mention how well it does in heating up food.

One of the things you see mentioned the most by users in what is a glowing reference list, is how easy it is to use the Daewoo KOR6M5RR.

The touch control panel is easy to understand and all the buttons are clearly labelled.

Quite helpfully the control panel also has +30 seconds button to let you easily add extra time when you need it. This is usually a very handy feature when you need to heat something up quickly or your food is not quite done to your liking when you check it.

It’s worth noting that although this is a digital microwave, it does not display the time when it is in stand-by mode. Though some have bemoaned the lack of a clock, it is a relatively small concession when you consider the overall quality and value for money that you get for this unit.

A notable benefit of the Daewoo KOR6M5RR’s standby capability is that it has an eco mode which reduces power consumption during standby. This should help with saving you money on your electricity bill as power is normally used on an appliance when it is plugged in but not in operation.

The Daewoo KOR6M5RR microwave is a 20 litre unit which would usually best suit small households and families. This could also work quite well for single person homes.

When it comes to looks, the Daewoo KOR6M5RR offers a smart and clean design whilst the stainless steel colour gives it a stylish finish.

Given the size of the unit (31.8 x 44.9 x 25.9 cm), it would work reasonably well for someone looking for a compact microwave. However, do always make sure you check how much space you have available wherever you intend to place the unit. Also consider space needed for ventilation.

Overall, the Daewoo KOR6M5RR gives you everything you could ask for if you’re looking for a microwave that does its job well with little fuss. Though it may not have lots of features, it gives you everything you probably need if it’s everyday heating and cooking simple foods that you’re after.

Samsung MS23K3513AK Review

ProsCons
+ Looks brilliant
+ Anti-bacterial ceramic enamel
+ Deodorising function
– Difficult to see food when cooking

Samsung MS23K3513AK Review

The Samsung MS23K3513AK is simply pleasing. From the moment you first set eyes on it, you know you have a well designed microwave on your hands. It not only looks great but does fantastic job of cooking your food.

This thing looks great. Whats more – it cooks even better; is super-easy to clean; has a system to keep smelling fresh. Maybe best of all is that it still offers brilliant value for money.


If you can’t find the Samsung MS23K3513AK in stock at the moment, take a look at the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU which offers similar features and performance at around the same price.


The Samsung MS23K3513AK cooks brilliantly but we will get to that. First it’s hard to ignore just how sleek and stylish this lovely microwave looks. As you would expect from a Samsung product its all smooth lines and curved edges leaving you with a microwave that looks like it was designed in the future and sent back to make the rest of your kitchen appliances feel bad.

It also has the look and feel of a high quality and durable model which is very much reflected in the high ratings it consistently receives from users.

The trademark Samsung all black exterior works brilliantly with this design. It’s rare that you find a microwave that looks great with the door open as well as closed but somehow the Samsung MS23K3513AK manages to do just that. The internal cavity is crafted from ceramic enamel which is exceptionally smooth, highly scratch resistant and best of all has antibacterial properties.

The smoothness of the interior makes the Samsung MS23K3513AK very easy to clean as you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.

As well as the antibacterial and easy clean interior, the Samsung MS23K3513AK also has another feature to help keep the microwave as clean and hygienic as possible; deodorisation. This function works by eliminating the strong ordours from the interior of the microwave meaning it stays smelling fresher for much longer.

But as if the aesthetics and after-care were not enough to make the Samsung MS23K3513AK stand out, this microwave also happens to cook your food brilliantly. It has a unique triple distribution heating system that heats your food from 3 different points within the cavity rather than the typical one. This results in heat being more evenly distributed within the microwave and food that comes out without those annoying random cold spots.

With 800W of cooking power, the Samsung MS23K3513AK also cooks your food quickly saving you time as well as energy.

To further help you save money on energy, the Samsung MS23K3513AK comes equipped with an Eco mode that will reduce power consumption when its on standby. In addition, if you forget to close the door once you’ve used it, the interior light will switch itself off after 5 minutes.

Quite helpfully it has a 30 second start for cooking which is brilliant if you mostly (like 98% of the population) use your microwave to quickly reheat your food as well defrost items.

That’s one of the things that stands out overall with the Samsung MS23K3513AK; it’s simplicity. It is very easy to use and although it has lots of auto functions and features; the core functions that you will need such as quick cooking and defrosting are clearly indicated and easy to pick up.

It has 6 power levels giving you a wide range of options to find the best cooking conditions for your food.

The Samsung MS23K3513AK also comes with an incredible 20 pre-set autocook functions to take care of pretty much all of your likely cooking and heating needs including ready meals, various types of vegetables as well as fish and chicken. The thorough instruction manual will talk you through the various options and also suggest recipe ideas.

Another brilliant auto-cooking feature is a button to melt/soften foods like butter, sugar and your favourite chocolate desserts.

The Samsung MS23K3513AK has a 23 litre capacity meaning it will easily cater for an average sized family as well as couples.

The only slight gripe that some people seem to have with this wonderful Samsung MS23K3513AK is difficulty seeing into the cooking cavity whilst it’s in operation. However, this does not seem to be a consistent complaint and if you look close up enough the light should provide you with enough visibility though it is something to bear in mind.

Verdict

Overall the Samsung MS23K3513AK offers an excellent solo microwave that looks amazing, cooks even better, is easy to use and offers brilliant value for money. Given the sort of price you’ll be paying for this, it would be difficult to find another high quality premium microwave that would offer the same attributes at a better price.

Samsung MS23K3513AK Review: Tell Us What You Think

Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Microwave Review

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product

ProsCons
+ Unique deodorising features
+ ECO mode to save energy and money
+ Eliminate cold spots with the Triple Distribution System
+ Looks great
– Difficult to clearly see food as it cooks

Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Microwave Review

The Samsung MS23F301TAK offers you brilliant value for money, cooks food brilliantly, looks very stylish, is easy to use and comes very highly rated and offers some unique features. Rarely do you find that many attributes coming together in a microwave, though Samsung seem to know how to knock them out.

You won’t quite believe the value your getting with the Samsung MS23F301TAK for the money you pay and your disbelief will start from the unboxing.

As far as kitchen appliances go, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a marvel to behold. Simply put it just looks so slick. It has an all black exterior aside from the door handle and selection knob which complement it with a silver finish. The crystal blue LED display adds a real crispness to the front.

The delight doesn’t stop there because when you open the door, which has a real quality feel about it with none of the flimsyness you sometimes get with poor models, your greeted with a enamal ceramic interior. This has many benefits aside from looking cool; it’s anti-bacterial, highly scratch resistant as well as being super smooth for easy cleaning.

To make the job of keeping your microwave fresh over time it comes equipped with a deodorising feature that will help eliminate smells after a cycle.

No matter what you use your microwave for, with the Samsung MS23F301TAK your food will get cooked quickly but more importantly evenly. This thanks to Samsung’s Triple Distribution System which cooks your food from 3 different sources rather than emitting microwaves from just one spot as you would find in ordinary microwaves.

The Triple Distribution System allied with 800W of cooking power means you’ll be eating your food in good time without the need to go back to the kitchen as you’ve found a random cold spot in the middle of your leftovers.

You’ll quickly notice how easy it is to use this microwave as the controls are kept free from complications. This makes sense when you consider around 98% of microwave users only make use of them for heating and defrosting food.

You’ll have 6 power levels to get the full range of use of the 800W as well as a multitude (20) of auto-cook programmes.

To help keep your family safe in the kitchen, there’s a useful child lock feature.

Whilst the ECO mode will help you to save some money off your energy bills as it conserves power when not in use.

One thing to bare in mind that some users mention is the fact it can be hard to see through the door unless you are up close due to the black tint. However, this does not seem to be a universal complaint and is a small niggle when you consider what your getting for the price and all the features.

Whether you have a family or are a couple the Samsung MS23F301TAK has plenty of cooking space with an overall capacity of 23 litres.

Verdict

In summary, the Samsung MS23F301TAK is a real classy option for your kitchen as well as your wallet. It offers best-in-class design features from Samsung as you would expect but even more importantly does the job of heating, defrosting and cooking your food very well. If you like the design and functionality of the Samsung MS23F301TAS but would prefer something similar in all black then the Samsung MS23F301TAK might be the solution for you.

Do Microwaves Use A Lot Of Electricity?

Do microwaves use a lot of electricity?
Do microwaves use a lot of electricity?

Microwaves have become so common place in our kitchens that we don’t ever question their usefulness and efficiency. But as you try to find savings around the home or perhaps look for a new microwave you may wonder – do microwaves use a lot of electricity?

The short answer is not really. Unless you have an industrial sized microwave in your kitchen that is constantly in use then your energy usage will amount to a few pounds every year.

There are a number of factors that will determine how much electricity is used by a microwave.

Power Rating: The first factor is the power rating of the microwave. Most microwaves will range between 600 to 1200 watts in power.

Length of Time In Use: The longer you use your microwave, the more electricity it will use. Microwaves also use some energy when they are in standby mode i.e. plugged into the wall but not actually in use.

Power Level You Use: The power level you set when using your microwave will also play a part in the amount of energy used. Most microwaves however, will have options to vary the power level (e.g. 30%, 50% power etc).

The majority of microwave users only ever use them to heat up power and we can imagine a significant number will use the quick setting which heats items up at full power.

When you use your microwave at full power you’ll consume the rated power of the machine. The rated power of your microwave will typically be displayed in a diagram on the front door.

If you’re shopping around for a new microwave you should be able to find the power rating in the product description.

How Much Does It Cost To Use A Microwave?

To see how these 3 factors come into play lets take imagine you opt to buy an 800 watt microwave, that you’ll use for 10 minutes every day for reheating at full power:-

Power Rating: 800 Watts

Length of Time In Use: 10 minutes every day

Power Level You Use: Full power, 800 Watts

Electricity cost is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The average rate for kWh in the UK is 14.37p

10 minutes of usage every day equates to roughly 0.17 hours of use each day.

With the parameters above the microwave will cost you less than 2p to run per day (1.92p to be exact), around 58p per month and about £7 per year. So do microwaves use a lot of electricity? In the grand scheme of things – not a whole lot.

Table 1 – Do microwaves use a lot of electricity? Cost of running a microwave for 10 minutes every day at 14.37p per kWh

Power RatingCost Per MonthCost Per Year
1200 Watts88p per month£10.51 per year
1000 Watts73p per month£8.67 per year
900 Watts66p per month£7.88 per year
800 Watts58p per month£7.01 per year
700 Watts51p per month£6.13 per year
600 Watts44p per month£5.26 per year

Do Microwaves Use Electricity When They’re Not In Use?

As well as using power whilst it is cooking, your microwave will also consume power when its plugged into the wall which may surprise some.

Remember also that some microwaves have a digital clock display whenever they are not in use.

The amount of power that’s used by microwaves can often vary but 5 watts is a useful guide. Most people will leave their microwave plugged into the wall 24 hours a day.

At 14.3p per kWh this equates to roughly 52p per month and £6.29 per year. Whilst this is not a huge amount if you have a 900 watt machine or lower, it comes pretty close or exceeds the amount of power you might typically use when it’s actually cooking.

So it’s worth considering whether it makes sense to unplug the microwave after use. If you would rather not do that, you could also look for microwaves with an eco mode which use less power during standby. These typically work by switching off the digital display when they are not in use.

Is A Microwave More Energy Efficient Than An Oven?

As we’ve seen microwaves don’t use too much power relatively speaking which makes them quite an efficient choice for cooking. Let’s take a look at some of the other benefits of microwaves that makes them more energy efficienct than conventional ovens.

They Don’t Heat Up Your Dishes

One of the reasons why microwaves can heat up your food so quickly is that they do only heat up your food and not the dish its on. This is because in actual fact the microwaves heat up water molecules inside your food. This heat is then transferred within your food resulting in food that’s heated quickly from the inside out. This contrasts with traditional ovens that need to heat up first before they can start to cook your food from the outside in. This is why recipes call for pre-heating your oven well before you actually place your food inside.

They Operate Faster

As alluded above, because conventional ovens have to be pre-heated to get them to the temperature you need for your recipes it can take ages to go from start to finish. With a microwave, you don’t have this problem as you go from 0% to 100% power straight away. This means you spend far less time heating and cooking your food. As we’ve already seen the less time you spend cooking, the less electricity you are going to use.

Do Microwaves Use A Lot Of Electricity?: Let us know your thoughts.

Is A 1000 Watt Microwave Good?

Is a 1000 watt microwave good? A 1000 watt microwave should give you all the cooking power that you will need. With a 1000 watts a microwave should cook quickly and thoroughly.

Most microwaves on the market will range between 600 – 1000 watts with some going as high as 1200 watts.

With microwaves, watts mean power. The higher the watts, the more power the microwave has and generally speaking, more watts should mean food is cooked more quickly.

The number of watts is usually also correlated with the size of the microwave with the capacity increasing as the number of watts also increases.

Generally speaking the higher the watts on a microwave, the more expensive it will be so do keep this in mind when deciding what would be best for you.

With a 1000 watts you can pretty much cook anything within reason. However, you need to watch out though as food cooked at 1000 watts will do so very quickly. Whether that’s cooking proteins, boiling rice and potatoes or even desserts it’s best to consult recipe guides to make sure you are using the right settings.

As the wattage rating is quite high with 1000 watt microwaves, you’ll want to make sure that they have a good range of power levels for you to choose from. This will ensure that you can vary the power for different foods and recipes. Most 1000 watt microwaves with at least 4/5 different power levels.

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Is A 1000 Watt Microwave Good? – Let’s Look At The Best 1000 Watt Microwaves

Though 1000 watt microwaves should give you lots of cooking power, not all 1000 microwave are created equal. How do you pick the best 1000 watt microwave with so much choice? We’ve selected our favourite ones below.

#1 – Best 1000 Watt Microwave: Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ

Verdict

All in all the Panasonic NN-SD27HS is a fantastic microwave that cooks and reheats food quickly and efficiently, is easy to use and quite pleasing on the eye. It offers excellent value for money from a reliable and highly renowned brand and comes with a great track record of user experience.

Key Features
+ Flatbed design giving you more space and an easier time cleaning      
+ Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food          
+ Plenty of cooking capacity (27Litre)          
+ 1000W of power for quick and easy meals          
+ Dimensions: D42.2cm x W52.9cm x H32.6cm

Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ Review

As you would expect from one of the best (and in many estimations the best) microwave manufacturers in the world, the Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ delivers on all fronts. With 1000 watts of power, you get a highly effective solo microwave for your cooking and reheating needs, it looks brilliant and is well built.

The Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ solo microwave might be best described as simple excellence.

This starts with the way it cooks food which by most accounts is quickly and evenly throughout. This is thanks to its Inverter Technology which means power is delivered more consistently and with precise control. This is unlike traditional microwaves were the power is alternated on and off throughout a cycle which can often leave your food with random cold patches and leave you frustrated as you go back to the kitchen for the 3rd time to eliminate the remaining cold spots from your reheated leftovers. On this front it delivers with users consistently raving about how well it performs with cooking evenly and also quickly.

With 1000W of power you would expect it to cook food fast and it most certainly does. Quite usefully you get a full range of power levels to make the most out of the machine and get the best cooking experience. These go from 1000W (high) through to 270W for defrosting and 100W for warming things up. There’s a handy table in the user manual which will help you determine the best power level depending on the food.

Alongside the high power you also get a range (10) of auto cook and auto reheat programs including defrosting which will select the best power and time for you based on your entering the weight of the item. This is a great function if you are unsure about the right settings for a given item of food.

This is a solo microwave meaning there’s no added fuss with either a grill or oven.

With 23litres of internal capacity this microwave is a good size and would suit a single person or smaller households. The overall dimensions (H27.9cm x W48.8cm x D39.5cm) and its neat design make this look like a compact microwave but the interior is spacious enough to fit large dinner plates.

One of the things you see mentioned most about the Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ and user experiences is how easy it is to use. It is definitely something that stands out about this excellent model.

They have tried to make the control panel as useful as possible without adding any complications. For example each power button has two options e.g. “1000W/600W” (high/medium), you simply press it once for “1000W” and twice for “600W”. After you’ve used this feature successfully the first time, you’ll get to see how simple and effective it is.

All of the buttons on the control panel are clearly labelled and responsive. The instruction manual is very detailed yet easy to understand and will set you straight on anything you are unclear about.

As well as being easy to use, this model is also easy to clean. The stainless steel exterior not only means its attractive but also helps with straightforward cleaning. On the inside Panasonic have equipped it with what they call an “Aqua Clean” feature. You place a bowl of tap water (200ml) with 1 tbsp of lemon and then press the “Aqua Clean” button. After 20 minutes the water will have boiled and the steam will help to deodorise the interior and loosen any stuck on food. You can then wipe down the inside of the machine with a soft cloth to complete the process.

Our Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ review would not be complete without mentioning the fact that it looks attractive and feels well built. The exterior has a clean and smooth stainless steel finish which gives the microwave a real modern feel to it.

A great bonus feature of the Panasonic NN-SD27HS is the child lock which will make the control panel inoperable at your choosing.

#2 – Best 1000 Watt Microwave: Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ

Verdict

This fantastic 1000 watt microwave is equipped with Panasonic’s inverter technology giving you evenly cooked food with less power usage than conventional microwave ovens. Your food will come out evenly cooked with no annoying cold spots. The inverter technology allows you to control the power to get your food exactly how you need it.

Key Features
+ Flatbed design giving you more space and an easier time cleaning      
+ Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food          
+ Plenty of cooking capacity (27Litre)          
+ 1000W of power for quick and easy meals          
+ Dimensions: D42.2cm x W52.9cm x H32.6cm

Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ Review

This is a solo microwave (take a look here if you’re after the best flatbed combination microwaves) meaning there’s no grill or oven function. This would suit a household that uses the microwave predominantly for heating and defrosting food rather than cooking complex meals. It would also work well for meals such as rice, pasta, jacket potatoes and the like.

The inverter technology coupled with 1000Watts of power means you can rely on this microwave to cook your food quickly and evenly.

To allow you take full advantage of the ample power on offer, the Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ comes equipped with 5 power levels from gentle defrosting through to cooking full on dishes.

It has a generous 18 auto programmes which gives you a wide range of choice when it comes to making your food exactly how you like it without any of the guess work. This is a wide range of auto programmes that you do not see very often, if ever, in other models and includes options for soup, chicken breasts as well as 3 defrost settings.

The control panel is touch operated which makes the unit feel all the more slick alongside the overall neat design. This combined with the stainless steel silver finish gives it a modern feel that would be welcomed in most kitchens.

The stainless steel finish also makes cleaning quite easy as you can just wipe down the flat surface. The flatbed base also makes the job of cleaning relatively easy.

The flatbed design means there is no turntable leaving with you with much for space for large awkward dishes that otherwise would not fit.

This model also features a child lock which is particularly useful if your family includes young children.

You’d have to look hard for drawbacks to this machine and the best you’d come up with is possibly a slightly dim LED light when in operation but this really is scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Overall this is an excellent choice for a flatbed solo microwave. It will cook your food nice and evenly, it’s easy to clean and looks great. It ticks many boxes and had to be selected as one of only 3 for our pick for the best flatbed solo microwave.

#3 – Best 1000 Watt Microwave: Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ

Verdict

We think the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ 1000 watt microwave would make a great addition to your kitchen especially if you have a large family but are tight on space. It has lots of features that are well executed and it looks fantastic.

Key Features

+ 1000W of power for quick and easy meals
+ Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food
+ Large capacity (27L) for meeting your family needs
+ Small footprint – great for small kitchens or tight spaces
+ Dimensions: D39.5cm x W52cm x H31cm

Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Review

The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ combines ample cooking space with a microwave, oven and grill. In addition you also get a well thought out design that saves you lots of counter-space. This makes the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ the perfect option if you need lots of cooking capacity but are tight for space.

It’s why it’s our pick for the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.

If you’re simply looking for a quick and easy way to heat up your food then this machine is overqualified for your needs. However, if you want to be able to do just about everything from defrosting bacon, to perfectly reheating leftover rice, baking cakes and roasting lamb then this model could be just what your looking for.

This is a 3-in-1 combination microwave, oven and grill – giving you everything you need for cooking for your family all in one great appliance. The combination is a great space saver as well as money saver.

One of the best things about the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ is the inverter technology. Most conventional microwave ovens use a method of cooking which means the power is at 100% all the time and simply alternates between on and off during a cycle.

With Panasonic’s inverter technology on the other hand, the power is steady. For example if you set it to 50%, the power will be maintained at that level for the whole time.

This precise power controls results in foods cooked exactly how you want them and much more evenly.

The technology also means you do not have to deal with cold spots when heating food and defrosting is done a lot more efficiently.

It also cooks and heats foods much more quickly than a conventional microwave oven. These benefits are all evident with the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ.

At 1000Watts you will also have a very powerful microwave oven that can have your food cooked quickly.

In conventional microwave ovens the cooling fan is located at the back of the machine. In the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ, the fan has been moved to the top of the oven resulting in a much smaller footprint (39.5cm depth). This leaves you with far more countertop space perfect for smaller kitchens.

Internally Panasonic have found a way to give you more space as well with a 34cm turntable meaning you can get even the biggest of dishes into the oven.

Overall you get 27Litre cooking capacity which is great if you have a large family or tend to cook big meals.

The machine comes equipped with plenty of pre-set cooking programmes including a kids menu to encourage healthy eating. You simply enter the weight of the food and the oven does the rest.

Quite helpfully the control panel is wipe clean meaning even if it does get smudged or grubby whilst using, its an easy job to wipe it down.

Is A 1000 Watt Microwave Good?: Leave us your thoughts.

Samsung MS23F301TAS Review

Samsung MS23F301TAS Review

ProsCons
+ Looks gorgeous
+ Super-easy to use
+ Child lock for peace of mind
+ Enamel ceramic interior with anti-bacterial properties
– Difficult to clearly see food as it cooks

Samsung MS23F301TAS Review

It’s not often you see users describe microwaves as stunning but then again it’s not often you see microwaves like the Samsung MS23F301TAS.

It’s a microwave that’s had rave reviews from users and it’s clear to see why.

With the Samsung MS23F301TAS you get a visually pleasing design that cooks very well, has a compact footprint and best of all won’t make you think twice about the price as it offer excellent value for money. You are unlikely to find another

Let’s start with the exterior. The first thing that strikes you with this model is simply how gorgeous it looks. The silver exterior finish has a real polished look to it and it contrasts delightfully with the black door face and control panel.

The design has nice clean lines to give it a real modern feel. The Samsung MS23F301TAS would look equally at home in a high end refurbished kitchen or new build or as an elegant addition to an existing kitchen.

Added to that is the ice blue LED display on the control panel which will have you purring in delight.

The delight in its appearance does not stop with the outside. The inside of the microwave is made from ceramic enamal which aside from looking excellent is also anti-bacterial and easy to clean.

Once you’re done admiring your new microwave you can then get to enjoying the fast and effective way it heats, cooks and defrosts it’s way through your food. This is a solo microwave meaning there’s no grill or oven function and it does its main job very well.

Food is cooked quickly and evenly without the worry of cold spots. The way this microwave cooks food evenly is an often cited benefit that users mention. It has Samsung’s Tripe Distribution System which emits microwaves from three different points in the cooking cavity which results in more even distribution of the heat and food that is thoroughly cooked.

Our Samsung MS23F301TAS review would not be completed without mentioning another standout benefit of this highly rated microwave; how easy it is to use. Whether you’re after a quick reheat of some leftovers or cooking something more elaborate the Samsung MS23F301TAS has you covered.

In just 3 quick and easy steps you can have your food heated; 1 – select a mode, 2 – use the dial to set the time and 3 – hit start. Easy as pie (or whatever else you may need to cook up). It also has a 30 second plus button which is always handy for adding some extra time or a quick cycle.

The Samsung MS23F301TAS has a maximum power of 800W which will ensure your food is cooked quickly and thoroughly. To give you the full range of power options, you get 6 different power levels to select from.

With a 23litre capacity, the Samsung MS23F301TAS will be well suited to a family and could easily cater to smaller households as well.

To help save you some money the Samsung MS23F301TAS has an ECO mode which will help to conserve energy when it’s not in use.

Once you are done using it and need to clean it the Samsung MS23F301TAS also excels. As the interior has a ceramic enamel coating cleaning is made very easy as you can just wipe with a damp cloth. It also has welcome anti-bacterial properties. The interior is made of a scratch resistant material which is made to last and avoid discolouration.

To help keep your microwave smelling fresh it has a really cool deodorising feature that will help to get rid of any lingering smells.

One downside of the black door finish is that food is sometimes difficult to see as it cooks. In addition, some users report that the distribution of the weight means it can sometimes move when you press the button to open the door.

Verdict

At this price range though, you will be hard pressed to find a microwave that looks as slick, delivers excellently cooked food and is as easy to use as the Samsung MS23F301TAS.

Samsung MS23F301TAS Review: Tell us what you think.

Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23PSS Review

Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23PSS Review

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ProsCons
+ 800W of power for fast cooking
+ 23litre capacity
+ Unique multi-stage cooking
+ Child lock
– Bigger than it can appear

Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23PSS Review

The Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23PSS (digital) offers pretty everything you’d want in a solo microwave and does it all for a price that will have you double-checking your receipt once you’ve got it working. It offers jaw-dropping value for money, excellent style, great functionality and a compact footprint with a roomy interior.

Straight out of the box you’ll see why it’s one of the most attractive countertop microwaves available, our #1 choice for best looking countertop microwave and one of the best selling units on Amazon. The silver coating with the black door gives it a modern and stylish look that would fit in any kitchen counter looking for slick additions to its line-up.

The digital touch control panel adds to the modern feel of the Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23P(SS) (digital). Though this may appear daunting at first, it’s relatively easy to use. In fact how easy it is to use this microwave is one of the things that users mention most when scoring it highly. If you need some guidance on the controls, the instruction manual will have you covered.

With 800Watts of power behind it the Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23PSS 23L Digital will cook your food quickly and effectively.

To make the most of the power it also comes with several one-touch preprogrammed options for making your favourite foods, a particular favourite amongst users.

The control panel has a fluorescent green display making it easily visible from across the room.

It also has a novel multi-stage cooking setting which allows you to programme in two cycles in one. For example you could boil rice at 80% for 5 minutes and then set it to simmer at 40% for another 10 minutes. This can be a great time-saver as there’s no need to go back to it part-way through.

You’ll be pleased to find that it’s also easy to clean with countless users also remaking on the same thing. The coated lining of the interior makes it straightforward to wipe it down after use.

It has an ample 23 litre capacity which would suit a family quite well but also wouldn’t be too big for smaller households.

The Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23PSS comes with a stainless steel exterior which makes it looks sleek and gives it a high-end feel. The door has stainless steel outer edge with a black middle finish.

Something to keep in mind is that some users have mentioned that it’s bigger than it looks in the photos so make sure you pay attention to the stated dimensions when buying.

Verdict

All in all the Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23PSS (digital) is a great option if you want a microwave that does its job well, looks great but also offers excellent value for money. There are not many options out there that will give you this kind of combination at this kind of price and come so highly rated. With the Toshiba Microwave ML-EM23PSS, Toshiba have produced a great microwave that has turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser with users.

KEY FEATURES

Type:Solo Microwave; Countertop
Power:800 Watts
Capacity:23Litre (0.81 cu)
Internal Dimensions:W31.4cm x D34.7cm x H22.1cm
External Dimensions:W48.5cm x D39.7cm x H29.3cm
Colour:Stainless Steel
Special Features:Child Lock; Multi-Stage Cooking; Defrost by weight & time

Toshiba Microwave Oven ML-EM23P(SS) Review: Tell us what you think.