There are two main types of Microwaves. Conventional Microwaves are the more common type that use micro waves to heat food quickly and efficiently, while Convection Microwaves include a fan to distribute air and heat throughout the cavity, doubling as a smaller Oven to cook and heat more evenly while allowing for baking, Grilling, and even Steaming or Air Frying in some models.

Microwaves also come in a range of designs to suit the theme and layout of any Kitchen. Countertop microwaves are the most common and easiest to set up and move around, sitting them on a Benchtop or table.

Built-in Microwaves are installed within cabinetry. These tend to be Combi Microwave Ovens that have Microwave only, Oven only or Combi Oven Microwave settings for fast, even cooking and browning like these ASKO Microwaves. They're more expensive but a great option for a minimalist aesthetic and integrated look with the Oven inside a new kitchen.

Whether it's Conventional or Convection, Microwave Ovens are highly versatile Kitchen Appliances. Many have built in sensors with automatic perfect lengths of time for heating, cooking, or defrosting as found on some Sharp Microwaves. Get the desired results the first time and save on excess power consumption, potentially preventing food from spattering to cut back on cleaning as well.

Many Ovens come with preset features and buttons for specific uses like popping popcorn or cooking frozen pizza, so keep an eye out for any relevant to you. On top of heating and defrosting, Convection Microwave Ovens make a great backup for a crowd, and some built in Combi Microwave Ovens give even more options to bake and microwave at the exact same time.

Microwaves can be used in a variety of clever ways, such as softening honey or hardened sugar or preparing freshly roasted nuts for the Oven. A quick 10 seconds or less in a Microwave will help release more juice out of limes, lemons, and oranges when squeezed.

For faster cooking look for a Microwave with higher wattage. Most are between 600 to 1200 watts with different different power level settings for lower wattages, such as slowly reheating leftovers. Microwave capacity and power tend to increase with price, so spending more will generally mean better cooking performance. Don’t forget to check capacity and wattage when comparing models across similar prices.

Many Microwaves have Inverter technology which provide steady and gradual heat to cook or defrost evenly. Some Microwaves such as Panasonic's also have a flatbed with no traditional turntable, removing any restrictions to just round plates or bowls inside.

The Microwave type best for you really depends on how often it gets used and it it's handy for cooking too. For instance thinking about whether you defrost foods overnight in the fridge or rely on a microwave to get the job done will dictate whether you need inverter technology or not. Another feature to look out for is multi stage programming to go straight from defrosting to cooking.

Regularly cleaning the inside and outside of a Microwave is the easiest way to keep it running efficiently and save time on more intensive cleaning. Food and liquid spills in the microwave get cooked on with each use, taking energy away from heating meals and leading to odours or even corrosion if left too long.

Ensuring food is covered using a Microwave safe lid or container will help stop the spatters, splashes and steam released during normal Microwave use.

Many of today’s Microwaves have a special coating like LG’s NeoChef Inverter Microwaves with anti-bacterial EasyClean interiors, or Samsung Microwaves with Ceramic Inside making quick wipes after use nice and easy to keep tidy. For grubby walls use a soapy cloth followed by a clean, not too damp cloth to wipe it away. You don't need any specific cleaning product but check the user manual for details specific to your model on how to care for the Microwave.