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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Microwave Ovens
ILC Reference NO 81:20:610
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Microwave ovens are compact accessible cooking units providing energy and time efficiency. Food can be defrosted, cooked quickly with minimal utensil and dish use. Preparation and cleaning time are minimised.
More Details
POINTS TO CONSIDER
* The space the unit has to fit into.
* The space needed for the door to open fully.
* The capacity needed (Measured in litres and by the wattage - the more powerful the oven the shorter the cooking time.)
* Ease of seeing the controls (dials, touch pads or buttons.)
* Ease of seeing the clock/timer; fluorescent digits may be easier to read than liquid crystal.
* Ease of operating the controls; large dials with crossbars may be easier for those with limited hand function; those with higher level skills deficits may find these more logical than touch pads.
* Number of programming steps to straight cooking/re-heating.
* Ease of cleaning; ease of removing turntable for cleaning.
* Visibility through microwave door.
* Ease of changing the oven globe (service call required by some.)
* Preference for push-down or push-in door opener (push down easier].
* Length and conditions of guarantee.
* Number and type of functions required for the necessary tasks and for the needs of the user.
* Microwave ovens with turn dials are the easiest to operate
* The temperature and time settings can be marked with tactile paste.
* Temperature and time selections can be more easily seen if they are printed on a contrasting background.
* Raised touch pads are easier than flat ones.
* Coloured digital displays are clearer than liquid crystal displays.
* Braille imprinted overlays for microwave touch control panels are available from organizations for the blind.
* Controls which are uncluttered by print and instructions may be better.
FEATURES
* Clock and digital timer.
* Rotating turntable (ensures uniformity of cooking.)
* Touch controls with auditory signals.
* Microwave cookbook, including with Braille conversions.
* Side opening door.
* Variable power settings.
* Automatic cooking functions - requires food to be plastic wrapped or covered.
* Automatic defrosting functions.
* Autostart function ( Microwave to start at a certain time.)
* Built-in scales , linked to auto weight cooking programmes , which double as ordinary kitchen scales.
* Meat temperature probes for auto cook.
* Pre-programmed recipe memory function ( Cooking time and power level of a particular recipe stored].
* Combination microwave , convection , grill and slow cook oven.
* Boomerang turntable which returns dish to original position ; this may be useful if a casserole dish has handles on the side.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE PAIN , WEAKNESS OR STIFFNESS
* Have bench space in front of the microwave (perhaps by placing it in the corner) so cookware can be slid out of the oven onto the bench.
* Plastic microwave cookware easier to lift and carry than heavier traditional cookware.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO SIT TO WORK (WHEELCHAIR USERS, THOSE WITH CHRONIC PAIN, POOR ENDURANCE ETC.)
* A microwave can be placed at a height to suit the user. The controls and the turntable must be accessible.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT
* A visual display to signal the completion of cooking may be helpful.
SAFETY
* No direct heat involved in cooking - oven remains cool.
* Safety switch on door.
* Auto shut-off when door opened during cooking.
* Microwave cookware does not absorb heat.
FEEDBACK
We are keen to receive feedback on the information we provide. If there is something we should add or need to change, please let us know. These are general suggestions - if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an Occupational Therapist at a Community Health Centre, or Aged Care Assessment Team, or make an appointment at the ILC.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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