If you mainly use the microwave for reheating and defrosting, a solo microwave is the logical choice. A grill microwave adds a grill for browning and gratins. A combi microwave also has convection, so you can bake and roast with it too. So choose based on what you do with it every day.
The three types at a glance
Solo. A microwave without an oven function. It is meant for reheating and defrosting food and drinks. Coffee that has gone cold, a bowl of soup, yesterday's leftovers or a tub of sauce from the freezer: that is what daily use is about.
Grill. A microwave with an added grill function. The grill gives browning and a gratin layer, for example on an oven dish.
Combi. The microwave function combined with a convection oven, often with a grill as well. With it you can bake and roast dishes and give them a crispy crust. That is especially interesting if your kitchen has no separate oven.
If you already have an oven, the question is mainly whether you are looking for a microwave for quick reheating. If the answer is yes, a solo model is enough.
Capacity: what fits inside?
A microwave's capacity is given in litres. The Salora MICROWAVE2070 has 20 litres. That fits a deep plate, a bowl of soup or a portion of leftovers. If you want to be sure your own plates and dishes fit, measure your largest plate and compare it with the interior before you order.
If you use the microwave for one or two portions at a time, a compact size is practical. You keep more space on the worktop and it is easy to move.
Power: what watts mean in practice
The power is given in watts. The MICROWAVE2070 has 700 watts. That brings a plate up to temperature within a few minutes. You set the power with a rotary knob and the time with a second knob. When the time is up, you hear a signal.
A practical tip at any power level: microwaves penetrate a few centimetres into the food. The rest of the heat spreads from the outside inwards. So stir halfway, or arrange the food in a ring on the plate instead of a heap in the middle. That way you avoid cold spots.
Placing it on the worktop
Dimensions. The MICROWAVE2070 is 44 cm wide, 33.6 cm deep and 25.9 cm high. That means it fits on the worktop or on a sturdy kitchen shelf.
Ventilation space. Keep at least 30 cm of free space above it and 20 cm to the walls beside it. So don't put it close against a wall cabinet or in a closed recess.
Weight. At 10 kg, you can put it in place on your own.
Interior light. You can watch through the window, so you can see when the cheese has melted or the milk starts to bubble, without opening the door.
Equipping a small kitchen
If you are setting up a studio, office kitchenette or holiday home, a microwave is often the first appliance to go in. A solo microwave on the worktop and a table-top fridge under the worktop together make a complete basic set. The Salora COOLFREEZE48WH is 84.5 cm high and slides under a standard worktop. It has 68 litres of fridge space and a 12-litre freezer compartment, handy for a frozen meal that you then reheat in the microwave.
You can find all models currently available under microwaves.
Frequently asked questions
Can metal go in the microwave?
No. Metal with sharp edges or points, such as a fork or crumpled aluminium foil, can cause sparks. Use microwave-safe crockery.
Can I switch the microwave on empty?
No. Only switch it on when there is food or drink inside. Switching on an empty microwave can cause sparks.
Can I defrost with the MICROWAVE2070?
Yes. It has a separate defrost function, with which you can bring meat, bread or a tub of sauce from the freezer back to eating temperature.
How do I keep the microwave clean?
Wipe the inside clean after use with a slightly damp cloth. Wash the glass turntable and the ring underneath in soapy water.
How quickly will I have it at home?
Ordered on working days before 21:00, it arrives within 24 hours, and delivery is always free. You get a 24-month manufacturer's warranty and a 30-day cooling-off period.
