| Which is the best... Microwave |
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| Which is the best... Microwave AP is often asked about choosing the best value or best performing product and although we can sometimes speak from personal and/or professional experience, there are many appliances out there that we cannot vouch for. And this is where we and the public rely on the press or other consumer groups for information.
The one that springs to mind immediately is Which? Consumer magazine and their scientific approach to tests, while other groups, such as Good Housekeeping, regularly test home appliances for performance from a practical point of view. This month sees the February 2008 issue of Which on the newstands with a comprehensive tests on microwaves.
In 1947, the first microwave oven was built in the USA. Ovens for domestic use went on sale there in 1955 and it took another 20 years before these appliance became an exotic feature in UK kitchens. In fact my first ever microwaved meal was a hot dog purchased at the Mile End Odeon in 1973!
The microwave oven has moved on since then. Not only price but overall oven dimensions have decreased during this time. Features have multiplied too. The original mechanical timer models with rotary dial controls have been largely superceded by the touch control electronic models, while on-board computers have added 'programs' that are supposed to take the guesswork out of cooking, reheating and defrosting different foods.
There are 3 types of microwave on the market: the standard microwave-only model; the microwave & grill; and the larger combination which incorporates many features of an electric fan oven too. We could sneak in a fourth type here, the combi with steam that Whirlpool have introduced with their JT359 and MAX25 series of 6th Sense intelligent microwaves.
The recent Which test rates 61 different models on their qualities in cooking and defrosting speed, evenness in heating, ease of use and so on. Scores are then generated in relation to the model prices and the winners announced. We are not in the business of reproducing the Which report here, but we will tell you about the models we sell and how they fared in this limited test.
The best Which-rated basic model we sell was the 16 litre Baumatic BTM231SS. Priced at £117, it is an above average machine and easily outperforms the more expensive and better known Hotpoint MWH211 at £132. In fact, the Baumatic even beat the built-in Siemens HF17065GB which is three times the price, thus proving that a higher prices does not always necessarily mean better performance.
The leading AP microwave in the grill model category was the Whirlpool MAX28 model. It came second in this group, beating the built-in and expensive Electrolux EMS26405 into third place while the similarly priced built-in Stoves 600MWC came bottom with very poor scores in most tests. The only drawback with the MAX28 is the limited 10 litre capacity, making it one of the smallest models tested. Yet its curved rear allows it to be positioned easily in corners than the usual rectangular models and a baby bottle holder for warming feed.
One thing we notice in our line of business is how many different brands have very similar models. Many 'manufacturers' re-badge a model offered by a Far Eastern factory. Consequently, it is not surprising to see two budget machines side by side where the only visible difference is the door design, control panel and price tag. Internally, everything else is the same.
Safe usage tips
For more information, these websites may be of interest: http://www.microwaveassociation.org.uk/ http://www.howstuffworks.com/microwave.htm AP 10.03.08 |
