Solo Vs Convection Microwave Oven: Which Is Better For Home Use?

If you lead a busy life, we are aware of how dependent you are on your microwave for daily intake of food. There are two types of microwave for you to decide from, solo and convection, to make the most of your meals. There are glaring differences between them which directly impact their usability and versatility, and ultimately their price. One is versatile with premium features and the other is practical and affordable. If you want to know how fit each one is for your home, then you can go through our comparative guide before choosing your microwave oven. To make your work easier, we will offer you some examples for both types so that you don’t make the wrong decision. 

Solo Microwave And Convection Oven: How They Compare For Different Households?

It’s not everyday that you get a microwave oven, so it’s important that you have all the right facts to determine which one fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive into how they work and differ. 

• Solo Microwave Oven 

These microwaves can be used to reheat, defrost and do basic cooking like noodles. They use electromagnetic waves to cook and heat your food properly. They are affordable and smaller than convection microwave ovens as they only perform simpler tasks. 

Suitable For: Students Or Bachelors who primarily use it for reheating leftovers or easy cooking. Since it is so easy to use, it is great for elderly who might not be that tech savvy. 

• Convection Microwave Oven

With upgraded features than the solo oven, convection ovens come with diverse options to cook and simplify your food prep. In addition to just reheating and defrosting, you can bake, grill, and roast with this device. It circulates hot air around the oven to properly heat every piece of food, so that there are no cold spots. You can create all sorts of recipes and delve deep into your love of cooking by getting this for your home. As this comes with specialized features, it tends to be pricier than solo microwave ovens but it’s an investment in better food quality. 

Suitable For: Large Families and Food Enthusiasts. Better for families that cook larger meals, bake cakes, or grill meats regularly. 

Top Options For Microwave Ovens That Fit Everyone’s Requirements

From budget-friendly solo models to feature-packed convection ovens, here are some of the finest options available to cater to every household's unique needs. 

Microwave Oven	Prices
Haier 19 L Solo Microwave Oven	Rs. 5,290
Samsung 21 L Convection Microwave Oven	Rs. 10,690
Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven	Rs. 6,290
LG 32 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven	Rs. 25,990
IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven	Rs. 6,890

1) Haier 19 L Solo Microwave Oven

With a compact size to fit every kitchen space, this Haier solo microwave oven offers individuals and smaller households easy reheating and defrosting ability. It is easy to control with simple auto defrost and timer for simple cooking. Its stand out feature is the inverter tech that provides uniform power to the oven for even cooking, leading to consistent and energy efficiency. While working, it reduces the amount of noise it creates so as to not disturb other people while making midnight snacks or working. It is easily movable with only 6.6Kg of weight, improving its usability for elderly and thin people. 

Check Here

Specifications:

• Brand: Haier
• Color: Black
• Heating Method: Solo
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 19 L
• Item Weight: 6.6 Kilograms

Pros:

• Less Noise
• Compact Size 
• Easy To Use Knobs For Different Settings

Cons:

• Can Only Do Basic Cooking 

2) Samsung 21 L Convection Microwave Oven

Coming with the ability to defrost even the most frozen food within 3 minutes or less, this Samsung convection oven will be a great addition to your family life. With the ceramic interior, you can remove any stain or spill with ease. It is also highly scratch resistant with an anti bacterial property to ensure that every food is heated and hygienic. Coming with 243 indian recipes in the auto cook menu, along with roti/naan and curd making, your cooking possibilities are endless. It comes with a glass turntable to ensure that you can easily take out the heated food without burning your hand. The safety lock makes sure that the children don’t get hurt while playing around, making it perfect for larger families. 

Specifications:

• Brand: Samsung
• Color: Black
• Heating Method: Convection
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 21 L
• Item Weight: 15000 Grams

Pros:

• Versatile
• Anti Bacterial Protection 
• 10 Year Warranty 

Cons:

• Seems To Create Noise 

3) Panasonic 20 L Solo Microwave Oven

This Panasonic solo microwave is ideal for those who live alone and couples. It is able to reheat  and defrost your daily food items while using only 800 watts of power, making it practical and efficient. With 51 recipes for the auto cook feature, you can easily make snacks and other basic recipes to keep you going daily. The digital display makes it easier to control and view from afar for people who are older or might have sight issues. For extra cleanliness, there is a vapor clean button that gets rid of odor and stain for continuous use. The stainless steel cavity ensures that your meal receives heating from all sides for proper cooking. 

Specifications:

• Brand: Panasonic 
• Color: Silver
• Heating Method: Solo 
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Installation Type: Countertop
• Capacity: 20 L
• Item Weight: 10500 Grams
• Item Dimensions: 34D x 44.3W x 25.8H Centimeters

Pros:

• Affordable 
• Anti Bacterial For Better Hygiene 
• 51 Auto Cook Menu 
• Easy To Clean 

Cons:

• Cannot Bake Or Grill

4) LG 32 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven

To savour the authentic Indian cooking flavour, this LG convection microwave oven has 401 Auto cook menus, including continental and healthy. You can create tandoori recipes with the specialized charcoal lighting heater to get the smoked taste in your curries. The child lock makes it more suitable for families with toddlers or even kids that might wanna play around with appliances. You can also make Ghee in just 12 minutes and forego the infamous odor while making it. You get a rotisserie to create kebab and other unique recipes for versatile cooking. 

Specifications:

• Brand: LG
• Color: Black
• Heating Method: Convection 
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Installation Type: Freestanding
• Capacity: 32 L
• Item Weight: 21800 Grams
• Item Dimensions: 52D x 53W x 33H Centimeters

Pros:

• Wifi-Enabled
• Touch Control
• Can Be Used With A Tawa 

Cons:

• Expensive Compared To Others

5) IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven

The IFB 24L Solo Microwave Oven is perfect for families of 3 to 4 members, offering a 24-liter capacity ideal for daily cooking needs. It’s designed for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, making your kitchen chores quick and simple. The touch keypad is easy to operate and clean. Packed with 69 auto-cook menus, this microwave lets you prepare a variety of dishes with simple control. Additional features like delay start, express cooking, and power-saving mode add to the overall convenience. This is compact yet powerful, it fits neatly into your kitchen, weighing just under 12 kg.

Specifications:

• Brand: IFB
• Color: Black
• Heating Method: Solo
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Installation Type: Freestanding
• Capacity: 24 L
• Item Weight: 11800 Grams
• Item Dimensions: 37.5D x 48.2W x 27.6H Centimeters

Pros:

• 30 Second Express Cooking 
• Touch Control
• Disinfects Food
• Stainless Steel Oven 

Cons:

• Cannot Do Heavy Cooking 

FAQs 

1)Which type of microwave is better for baking?

A convection microwave is better for baking because it uses a fan and heating element to circulate hot air for uniform cooking and browning. 

2) Is a solo microwave good enough for reheating food?

Yes, a solo microwave is perfect if you are just looking for reheating food, defrosting, and basic cooking. It’s a cheap and straightforward option for such tasks.

3) Can I grill food in a solo microwave?

No, solo microwaves do not have a grilling feature as we explained above. If grilling is essential, you’ll need a convection or grill microwave.

4) Which microwave is more energy-efficient?

Solo microwaves consume less power as their sole purpose is limited to reheating and defrosting while convection ovens need more energy to perform more cooking. 

Image Credit: Pinterest 

Disclaimer: At HerZindagi, we prioritize providing the up-to-date information on the latest trending commodities and goods. This Article is written and vetted by our in-house category authors in sync with the Google guidelines on product reviews and shoppable content. HerZindagi is in an associate partnership, so we may earn a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.