Quick answer
- Solo microwave: reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. The cheapest option.
- Grill microwave: adds a grill for crisping, toasting and tikka-style browning.
- Convection microwave: works as a full oven too, for baking cakes, roasting chicken and pizza.
- Size: 20 litres for 1–3 people, 25–30 litres for families, 40 litres and above for baking and large dishes.
A microwave is one of the most-used appliances in a Pakistani kitchen, whether it’s reheating salan, defrosting meat or warming milk at night. But the difference between solo, grill and convection models confuses many buyers. This guide makes the choice simple.
The three types
| Solo | Grill | Convection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reheat and defrost | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grill and crisp | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bake and roast | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
| Best for | Reheating, small households | Toast, kebabs, crispy food | Baking, roasting, replacing an oven |
Solo
Uses microwaves only. Perfect for reheating food, boiling water, making tea, defrosting meat and cooking simple dishes. If you mostly reheat, a solo model is all you need.
Grill
Adds a heating element at the top. You can toast bread, grill chicken pieces or kebabs, and crisp the top of a dish. Some programmes combine microwave and grill to cook faster.
Convection
Adds a fan and heating element that circulate hot air, so it works like a regular oven. You can bake cakes and biscuits, roast a whole chicken, and make pizza, as well as using it as a normal microwave. If you do not have an oven, a convection microwave is the best value.
What size do you need?
| Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|
| 20 litres | 1–3 people, mostly reheating |
| 25–30 litres | Families of 4–6, larger plates and dishes |
| 40 litres and above | Baking, roasting a whole chicken, large families |
Check the turntable diameter if you use large serving dishes. A 20-litre microwave usually fits a standard dinner plate, but not a large tray.
Features worth having
- Digital controls and auto-cook menus: one-touch programmes for common dishes.
- Defrost by weight: enter the weight of meat and it sets the time.
- Child lock: important with small children at home.
- Stainless steel or easy-clean interior: easier to keep clean.
- Inverter technology (on some models): steadier power for more even cooking and defrosting.
Power use and safety
Microwaves draw about 1,000–1,200 W while cooking, and convection or grill modes can draw more. Because cooking times are short, monthly use is small, usually around 10 units for typical home use.
- Never run a microwave empty.
- No metal, foil or dishes with metal rims in microwave mode. Metal is fine on the grill rack in grill or convection mode, as the manual describes.
- Use microwave-safe glass or ceramic; avoid ordinary plastic containers for heating.
- Leave space around the vents, especially for convection models, which get hot outside.
Microwaves we recommend
Solo, grill and convection
HaierHaier Microwave Oven 20-Liters HMW-20MBS/MWS Black/WhiteRs 14,400In stock
HaierHaier Microwave Oven 20 LTR (HMW-20DGS) Grill SilverRs 20,999In stock
PELPEL Microwave Oven Convection PMO 25LRs 42,000In stock
HaierHaier 30L Microwave Oven HGL-30100 Convection Rotisserie BlackRs 41,999In stock
DawlanceDawlance 42 Litres Microwave Oven DW-142HZ PlusRs 46,000In stockSee all microwave ovens, or browse kitchen appliances.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bake a cake in a grill microwave?
Not properly. Baking needs hot circulating air, which only convection models provide.
Is a convection microwave as good as a real oven?
For home baking and roasting, yes. It is smaller than a full oven, so very large trays may not fit.
Does a microwave remove nutrients from food?
No more than other cooking methods. Short cooking times and little water can actually help keep nutrients.
