Mid-sized microwave reviews

Results table

Full results for all models are shown in the table below.

Table notes

* Measured to the nearest cm.
(A) Minor cosmetic change in July 2009.
(B) Overall score and cooking performance score calculated using sensor function score / manual setting score for reheating a non-stirrable food.
(C) Overall score and cooking performance score calculated using sensor function score / manual setting score for cooking rice.
(D) On auto function only.
(E) On sensor function only.
(F) Sharp doesn't specify capacity in litres; it's classed as “mid-sized”.

# Discontinued model. Availability and prices checked in September 2010.

Using the table

Scores
The overall score is made up of:

• Cooking score: 70%
• Ease of use score: 30%

Features: See What to Look For

Wattage: Mid-sized microwaves have a range of 900W-1100W. The higher the wattage, the faster the food will cook.

Price: Recommended retail, as of March 2009.

How we test

Cooking

• Our tester uses a sensor program where one is available, otherwise she uses the auto program, and for models that don’t have that, manual mode is used.
• She defrosts mince meat and a whole chicken. In both cases it’s easy for parts of the food to start cooking if the auto-defrost time is too long, or if the oven’s microwave distribution is not even.
• She cooks broccoli to assess whether the oven overcooks vegetables. She also cooks rice, which requires a uniform temperature and specific power level.
• Our tester reheats a typical meal, and a non-stirrable, high-fat food and measures whether it is heated evenly throughout and to a high enough temperature. She also checks if there is any drying of the outside edges.

Ease of use

• Our tester checks that controls are intuitive, easy to operate and the instructions easy to follow, as well as the effectiveness of the light and if there is a large viewing window that is easy to see through. She also checks that the interior and exterior are easy to clean.