
KITCHEN / CATEGORY FILE
MICROWAVES
Inverter technology, cavity size and hot-air combinations matter more than the wattage on the box. We separate heating performance from marketing.
WHAT WE INVESTIGATE
- Heating technology (inverter vs transformer)
- Real cavity volume vs external size
- Combination functions (grill, convection)
- Power levels and control precision
- Build quality and door mechanism
- Freestanding vs built-in fit
SPECS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER
- INVERTER
- Delivers continuous power instead of pulsing — defrosts evenly and cooks more predictably.
- CAVITY
- A 25 L cavity fits a standard dinner plate with room; check turntable diameter, not just litres.
- COMBI
- Convection + grill models can replace a second oven for small households.
- WATTAGE
- 900–1000 W microwave output is the practical sweet spot for family use.
COMMON BUYING MISTAKES
- Comparing wattage without checking inverter technology
- Buying a combi unit but never using the convection mode
- Ignoring external depth for built-in niches
- Paying for grill functions in a unit with a weak element
WHAT TO PRIORITIZE
- 01Inverter technology for even heating
- 02Cavity size for your dishes
- 03Only the combination functions you'll actually use
- 04Fit for your counter or cabinet
IN THE LIBRARY
FULL LIBRARYRECENT CASES IN THIS CATEGORY
CATEGORY QUESTIONS
What is inverter technology and does it matter?
It replaces on/off power pulsing with continuous, adjustable power. For defrosting and gentle reheating it's a real, measurable improvement.
Can a combi microwave replace an oven?
For one or two people, largely yes. For family baking, no. We flag which role each model realistically fills.
Why do prices range from €80 to €600?
Inverter systems, cavity build, combi heating elements and door engineering. Our value analysis shows exactly what the premium buys.
INVESTIGATE A MICROWAVE NOW
Paste the link or model you're considering — the full nine-stage report takes under a minute.
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