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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 Guide To Selecting Microwave Ovens
ILC Reference NO 81:20:993
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
A microwave oven is a compact, accessible cooking unit which is energy efficient and does not get hot. It reduces cooking time and allows you to heat food in lightweight serving dishes. Preparation and cleaning up are reduced. Models vary from those with simple manual cook operations to units with features such as autocook, autodefrost and memory functions.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
Three general styles are available:
Mechanical: generally cheaper to buy, rotary controls (timing can be less accurate).
Electronic: electronic touch controls, usually with some automatic functions.
Convection: you are able to combine microwave and conventional cooking at the same time or in sequence - generally more expensive than electronic microwave ovens.
Consider the location of the microwave, determine ease of transferring dishes from the microwave shelf to an adjacent bench top. Ensure there is space available for opening the door fully and adequate bench space to the side of the opened door, for placing dishes. Microwaves are able to be housed in a built in wall recess, installed on a wall bracket or arm, or placed directly on a kitchen bench or even a kitchen table - depending on the needs of the person. The height at which the microwave is positioned will affect access and visibility of controls and oven interior.
Capacity required is measured in litres, indicating the size of the oven and the ability to take larger dishes.
Output power required is measured in watts, affecting the cooking time. The higher the wattage the shorter the cooking time.
Generally, the control panel is located on the right, with a left hinged side opening door. Alternatives are available.
Controls:
A range of styles are available, choice of style will be dependant on the individual's needs: soft touch buttons (should be of a suitable size, spaced well apart and easy to push, raised touch pads make locating the controls easier, rather than a completely flat control panel), large rotary dial with cross bar, push in and turn action (may be difficult for some to operate). Consider the following -
- Position: controls should be located where they are easy to reach, operate and be clearly visible;
-Visibility: size / clarity (colour contrast) of any lettering or symbols;
-Ease of use;
-Ease of cleaning;
- Note that controls can have tactile markings added to them.
Consider suitability of the clock and timer - ease of setting, audibility of timer, 12 or 24 hour clock, digital or analogue, visibility / illumination of numbers.
Microwave oven Interior - ease of cleaning, ease of removing rotating plate for cleaning (smaller turntables are usually easier to handle and those that are elevated off the floor of the oven are usually easier to pick up), ease of wiping down interior, stability of rotating plate when heavy items are placed on it, provision of a light.
Ease of opening and closing the door (downward opening, left or right hinged). Note method of opening - push in or push down buttons located on the control panel or door handle. Note if handle is vertically or horizontally located, if the buttons are hand / thumb / finger operated, ease of wrapping the hand around the handle to assist with opening. A slide out shelf can be installed under the microwave oven, to support the weight of dishes being removed from the oven. Determine if the downward opened door is able to support the weight of dishes if required. Determine ease of visibility through the door.
Requirement for insulation around the oven or air vents.
Programming: the number and type of functions required and the number of steps necessary to operate each function should be considered, as manual cook functions may be more straight forward for some users. Consider the number and type of functions required for the necessary tasks and for the needs of the user.
Ease of changing the oven globe (service call required by some).
Overall cost.
Length and condition of warranty.
Features
Clock and digital timer.
Rotating turntable (ensures uniformity of cooking).
Touch controls with auditory signals.
Microwave cookbook, including those with Braille conversions.
Side opening door.
Variable power settings.
Selecting A System
Suggestions for those with a vision impairment
Turn dial controls may be easier to operate. Temperature and time settings can be indicated with tactile markers.
Controls are easier to read if they have a suitable colour contrast - e.g. dark print on a light background.
Touch pads with a raised surface are easier to locate than a control panel which is completely flat.
Coloured digital displays are clearer to read than LCD displays.
Braille imprinted overlays for microwave oven touch control panels are available from organisations for the blind.
Controls which are uncluttered by print and instructions may be easier to use.
Auditory signals assist in determining stages of food cooking.
Suggestions for those who experience pain, weakness or stiffness
Have sufficient bench space in front of the microwave (perhaps by placing it in the corner) so cookware can be slide out of the oven onto the bench. A turntable that is flush with the lip of the microwave frame will assist in cookware not catching as it is removed.
Plastic microwave cookware is easier to lift and carry than heavier traditional cookware.
Suggestions for those who have to sit whilst cooking
The microwave can be located at a height, with sufficient leg clearance under the working surface, to suit the user. Ensure the controls and the turntable are readily accessible.
Suggestions for those with a hearing impairment
A visual display to signal the completion of cooking may be useful.
Options
Automatic cooking functions (cooking, defrosting, reheating).
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.
Recipe prompt - an electronic cookbook with a range of recipes. The electronic display runs through the recipe step by step, including ingredients, cooking time and power level required.
Operation guide - instructions appear on the display, which runs through the steps for entering automatic and manual programmes.
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.
Keep warm / hold functions.
Alarm - regular beeping once function is complete, until door is opened.
Safety Features
No direct heat involved in cooking - oven remains cool.
Child safety lock on the door.
Auto shut-off when door is opened during cooking.
Microwave cookware does not absorb heat.
Braille imprinted overlays for microwave touch control panels are available.
Plastic microwave cookware is easier to lift and carry than heavier traditional cookware.
Additional Information
Choice magazine.
- Test report. Microwave Ovens. Choice Magazine, July 2001.
- Test report. Compact Microwaves. Choice Magazine, June 1997.
- Test report. Medium Microwave Ovens. Choice Magazine, April 1994.
- Test report. Mid - sized Microwaves. Choice Magazine, February 1996.
Local electrical retailer.
Visit the Independent Living Centre.
Display Item On Loan From
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Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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