Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate policy.
The biggest mistake people make with a microwave is buying the wrong type: a ₹16,000 convection oven that only ever reheats chai, or a ₹6,000 solo model bought by someone who wanted to bake. This guide explains what each type actually does, using the 16 models on our microwave oven page (all rated 4★+ on Amazon with 100+ ratings and 100+ sold a month, checked 12 October 2026) for real prices and specs.
We haven't run hands-on tests. Specs and warranties come from the makers' Amazon listings; prices are from 12 October 2026.
The Short Answer
| Solo | Grill | Convection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reheat, defrost, cook | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toast, grill, brown | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bake cakes, bread, cookies | No | No | Yes |
| Price in our list | ₹5,990–8,970 | ₹8,290 | ₹10,990–24,290 |
| Models in our list | 6 | 1 | 9 |
If you'll never bake, a solo microwave does everything you need for far less.
Solo Microwave: For Reheating, Defrosting and Simple Cooking
A solo microwave only has the microwave (magnetron). It heats the water in food directly, which makes it fast for reheating dal, sabzi, rice and milk, defrosting, and simple cooking like steaming vegetables. What it can't do is brown or crisp anything, because there's no heater.
The solo models we list run 700–900 W of microwave power. More watts means faster heating: the LG MS2043BP and Godrej are 700 W, the Panasonic 20 L models 800 W, and the IFB 24PM2S and Panasonic 25 L model 900 W.
Our solo picks:
Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave Oven (NN-ST26JMFDG, Silver)
Reheating, defrosting and simple cooking on a budget
The Panasonic NN-ST26JMFDG (20 L, about ₹6,700) is the most-reviewed microwave we list, at 4.3★ from 7,669 ratings. For a family of 3–4, the IFB 24PM2S (24 L, 900 W, about ₹8,500) adds space and 3 years on the magnetron and cavity. On the tightest budget, the Godrej GMX 20SA2 (about ₹6,000) has a 5-year comprehensive warranty but no auto-cook menus.
Grill Microwave: Adds Toasting and Tikkas
A grill microwave adds a heating element at the top of the cavity, so it can toast bread, make grilled sandwiches and brown paneer or chicken tikka. It still can't bake, because there's no fan to circulate hot air evenly.
Grill-only models have become rare: just one passes our rule.
Panasonic 20L Grill Microwave Oven (NN-GT221WFDG, White)
Grilling sandwiches and tikkas without paying for convection
The Panasonic NN-GT221WFDG (20 L, about ₹8,300) is rated 4.4★ by 604 buyers. It's worth it only if you want grilling but are sure you won't bake; the Panasonic 23L convection costs about ₹2,700 more and does both.
Convection Microwave: Bakes as Well as Grills
A convection microwave adds a heater and a fan that circulate hot air, like a small oven. That lets it bake cakes, bread and cookies, roast, and grill, on top of everything a solo model does. Most also offer combination modes (microwave plus convection or grill).
The convection heaters on the models we list are rated 1,950–2,400 W, and grills 1,200–1,500 W, so plug it into a properly rated wall socket rather than an extension board.
Our convection picks:
Panasonic 23L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT353BFDG)
Most families: a well-priced convection oven for baking, grilling and everyday reheating
The Panasonic NN-CT353BFDG (23 L, about ₹11,000) is our Best Overall: the only convection model on our list selling 1,000+ a month, 4.4★ from 2,721 ratings, and 4 years on the magnetron.
For bigger families, the IFB 30BRC2 (30 L, about ₹16,500) adds a motorised rotisserie and is the most-reviewed convection model we list (4.4★ from 6,964). The LG MC3286BRUM (32 L, about ₹18,300) is the largest we list.
Indian presets on convection models
Several convection models have programmes aimed at Indian cooking. These are the makers' own features; we haven't checked how well each works:
- LG (MC3286BRUM, MC2886BRUM, MC2846BV and the charcoal models): Indian Cuisine and Tandoor Se menus, ghee (LG says about 12 minutes), milk pasteurising, and a roti basket mode on several models.
- Samsung MC28A5013AK: a curd-making and dough-proofing mode.
- LG MJ2887BIUM and MJEN286UFWF: a charcoal-lighting heater aimed at tandoori-style dishes; the MJEN286UFWF also air-fries.
Size: How Many Litres Do You Need?
The makers' own guidance, from the listings:
| People | Size |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | About 20 L |
| 3–4 | 23–25 L |
| 4–6 | 28–32 L |
Check the outside dimensions as well. A 20 L solo is about 44–45 cm wide, while the LG 32 L is 53 cm wide and 53 cm deep and weighs 22.6 kg.
Electricity: What It Costs to Run
IFB gives the clearest figures: about 10.2 units a month for its 24 L solo and 11.3 units a month for its 30 L convection, both at 25 minutes of use a day. At ₹6–8 a unit, that's roughly ₹60–90 a month. If you bake often, expect more: the convection heaters on these models (1,950–2,400 W) draw more than microwave mode.
Utensils: What You Can Put Inside
- Microwave and combination modes: only microwave-safe glass, ceramic or plastic. Metal and aluminium foil can spark, and LG's listing warns about this.
- Grill and convection-only modes: convection models come with metal racks or trays for these modes. Check your manual for which modes allow metal.
So Which Should You Buy?
- You mostly reheat food, warm milk and defrost: a solo model, such as the Panasonic NN-ST26JMFDG or IFB 24PM2S.
- You want toast and tikkas but will never bake: the Panasonic grill model, although a convection model costs only a little more.
- You want to bake cakes or grill chicken: convection, such as the Panasonic 23L, or the IFB 30L for big families.
- You're choosing between an air fryer and a microwave: see air fryer vs microwave oven.
All 16 models are compared side by side in our best microwave oven guide.