ABOUT MICROWAVE OVENS

Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to cook or heat food. Microwaves ovens were invented in the 1940s by Percy Spencer; he was working on an active radar set at Raytheon when he noticed that a peanut candy bar in his pocket had started to melt.

Microwave ovens are now a standard item of kitchen equipment, providing cooking times which are a fraction of those for a conventional oven. Two main types of microwave oven are available: standard microwave ovens, offering microwave cooking only; and combination microwave ovens which include a conventional cooker and/or grill. Combination microwave ovens are more expensive, but save space.

The main factors to consider in choosing a microwave oven, apart from whether it is standard or combination, are capacity and power wattage. Other optional features include revolving glass tray, auto defrost, and child locks.

CONSUMER ADVICE ON MICROWAVE OVENS

John Lewis publishes a good guides to buying cooking appliances. The guide covers microwave ovens, hobs, cooker hoods, slot-in cookers, range cookers, and energy efficiency.

Which? publishes a report of its tests on 14 microwave ovens including models from Baumatic, Belling, Kenwood, Sanyo, and Panasonic. The report includes a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about microwave ovens; and reports of product tests. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.

LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF MICROWAVE OVENS

Kenwood. Kenwood is a leading maker of small kitchen appliances, including kitchen mixers and coffee makers. There is a microwave ovens section on its website. These are available in white, stainless steel, and silver finishes. Features include glass turntable, defrost setting, and child safety lock.

LG. LG Electronics is a leading manufacturer of household electrical equipment. Its website has a section on microwave ovens. LG offer standard microwave ovens, and combination ovens incorporating a microwave, grill and convection oven. LG also offers a SolarDOM Light Oven; this uses radiant heat and halogen light to transmit energy quickly to food, resulting in cooking times on quarter those of a conventional oven.

Neff. Neff manufactures a range of microwave ovens. These include a combination microwave oven with hot air cooking and hot air grilling. Features include memory programme, rapid heat facility, child safety lock, cooling system, and microwave stirrer.

Panasonic. Panasonic manufacturers a range of microwave ovens, including ovens that combine microwave with grill and/or convection oven. Features include stainless steel lining, and auto weight reheat, defrost and cook. The Panasonic website enables you to compare the features of up to four products on a single screen.

Sharp. Sharp has a section of its website dealing with microwave ovens. It makes standard microwave ovens, and also combination ovens incorporating a conventional convection oven. Microwave ovens may be bought online at the Sharp website.

LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF MICROWAVE OVENS

Empire Direct is a large online supplier of electrical appliances, whose online prices aim to be up to a third less than high street prices. Its website has sections covering more than 10 microwave ovens, showing in each case the saving against normal retail price.

John Lewis is a national retailer selling online and through its department stores. Its website has a section on microwave ovens. This can be searched by brand and price, and results can be arranged in ascending or descending price order. John Lewis provides a free second year service guarantee, and free delivery for orders over £100.

Tesco Direct. Tesco Direct's easy-to-use website has a section covering twenty two microwave ovens. There are three main types: standard microwave, microwave with grill, and microwave with oven and grill.

PRICE COMPARISONS FOR MICROWAVE OVENS

The following websites supply UK price comparisons for microwave ovens: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK and provides price comparisons for fridge freezers together with user reviews. Reevoo provides user reviews.

OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO MICROWAVE OVENS

Wikipedia article on microwave ovens, including history, description, efficiency, safety, uneven heating, dangers, and controversial hazards.

Part Select. US website with troubleshooting advice on dishwashers, dryers, ranges, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and washing machines.

Epinions. User reviews on microwave ovens from the US-based Epinions website.

How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how microwave ovens work, including illustrations.

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