Buying guides

Ovens (OTG and microwave)

OTGs, solo, grill and convection microwaves. Compared on capacity, heating modes, power and what you can actually cook in them.

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Black OTG oven glowing inside, with samosas and snacks on the counter
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How to choose an oven

Shoppers for an oven are choosing between an OTG, a solo microwave and a convection microwave. Borosil says an OTG suits baking, grilling and toasting. A solo microwave suits reheating, defrosting and quick cooking. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element, so it can bake and grill as well.

Your menu decides the pick. A cake lover leans to the OTG or convection type. Someone who mostly warms leftovers needs only a solo.

Open the best microwave oven and best microwave oven brand pages first. Type guides cover the best solo microwave oven, the best convection microwave oven and the best OTG oven. Others cover the best microwave oven for home use, the compact solo microwave ovens and the best LG microwave oven.

Capacity and power differ by type. Borosil gives these typical ranges:

Table
TypeCapacityPower draw
OTG9 to 60 litres1,000 to 1,500 W
Solo microwave15 to 32 litres700 to 1,200 W
Convection microwave20 to 32 litres900 to 1,400 W

Borosil notes that OTGs run for longer. Preheating also differs. An OTG needs about 10 to 15 minutes. A solo microwave needs none for most tasks. A convection model needs about 5 to 8 minutes in baking mode.

Microwaves make water molecules in food vibrate, and that makes heat. In thick foods, the centre cooks mostly from heat conducted inward from the outer layers.

Cookware needs thought. The US FDA advises using cookware made for microwave ovens. Metal pans and foil can cook unevenly and may damage the oven. Some plastics can melt. Borosil adds that not all borosilicate glassware is microwave-safe.

All oven and OTG guides

Start here Best Microwave Oven in India A buyer in this category picks one of three oven types: solo, grill or convection. 6 products compared · 8 min read
Microwave Best Solo Microwave Oven in India Choosing a solo microwave comes down to knob or keypad, and how many ready-made menus you want. 6 products compared · 8 min read
Microwave Best Convection Microwave Oven in India Buyers of a convection microwave mainly weigh convection wattage against cavity size. 5 products compared · 8 min read
Microwave Best Grill Microwave Oven in India A grill microwave suits people who want crisp tops on tandoori snacks, toast and gratin without buying a full convection oven. 6 products compared · 8 min read
Microwave Best Microwave Oven for Home Use in India The IFB 28 L Air Fry Convection Microwave is the top pick because it adds an air fry mode to its grill and convection and lists the longest auto-cook menu of the six. 6 products compared · 11 min read
Microwave Best Microwave Oven for Baking in India The top pick for baking is the IFB 28 L Air Fry Convection Microwave, because its convection settings reach higher than the other three ovens. 4 products compared · 8 min read
Microwave Best Microwave Oven Brand in India Panasonic 27L Convection Microwave Oven NN-CT645B is the top pick here. 5 products compared · 9 min read
Microwave Best IFB Microwave Oven in India IFB lists the same warranty on every microwave below, so the choice here is about type and size. 5 products compared · 7 min read
Microwave Best LG Microwave Oven in India Anyone shortlisting an LG microwave picks between four kinds of oven here: solo, grill, convection and convertible with air fry. 5 products compared · 7 min read
Microwave Best Panasonic Microwave Oven in India Panasonic sells solo, grill and convection microwaves in India, and the six models below cover all three types. 6 products compared · 8 min read
By size Best 20 to 25 Litre Solo Microwave Oven in India Solo ovens in this size range come down to a knob oven with no menus or a menu-led oven with a long list of auto-cook programmes. 5 products compared · 7 min read
OTG Best OTG Oven in India Shoppers comparing OTG ovens usually weigh size, control style and rotisserie access. 6 products compared · 8 min read
OTG Best OTG for Baking in India Our top pick for baking is the Borosil Prima Pro 30 L 1500 W Oven Toaster Griller with Convection and Motorized Rotisserie. 4 products compared · 8 min read
OTG Best OTG Oven for Home Use in India Our top pick for a family-size OTG is the Morphy Richards 40RCAD Digital Air Fryer OTG with Convection and Rotisserie. 4 products compared · 7 min read

Oven and OTG questions

Which standard covers microwave ovens?

IS 11676 covers household microwave ovens on single-phase AC up to 250 V. They must meet the safety clauses of IS 302-2-25. Leakage must stay under 5 mW/cm² at 5 cm from the oven in normal use.

What should I check on the door?

The US FDA advises against using an oven whose door does not close firmly or is bent, warped or damaged. Stop at once if it runs with the door open.

Is it safe to heat water for tea?

Water can become superheated without visibly boiling and then erupt when disturbed. Do not heat liquids longer than the oven manual recommends.

Does the stated power match the real output?

Under IS 11676, the usable cavity volume, shelf area and microwave power output must be within 10 per cent of the declared values either way.