Cornell CMOP26
If you’re looking for a no-frills microwave oven, look no further than this. Available in an easy-tomatch white exterior, the CMOP26 comes with basic functions such as grilling and defrosting, and up to five heat levels – ideal for warming up food, as well as cooking. Its 23-litre capacity can accommodate large poultry easily, too. Making a meal becomes easy, fast, and fuss-free!

The Cornell CMOP26 r etails for $138. It’s available at Courts, Gain City, and other authorised dealers.

Electrolux EMS2540X
This built-in microwave oven by Electrolux allows even beginner home chefs to whip up delicious meals. There is a defrost function, which auto-selects the settings best suited to the weight of your meat, eight pre-installed cooking programmes for vegetables, fish, pasta and soup, as well as the option to set two programmes back to back – such as grilling your chicken after steaming it. Now, you can try out new recipes without a fuss.

The Electrolux EMS2540X retails for $1,199, and is available at major electrical stores.

LG Neo Chef
Not only can you defrost meat, melt chocolate and pop corn in the LG Neo Chef, you can also bake delicate glaze-on pottery. This ceramist-friendly microwave oven is equipped with the Smart Inverter technology, a controlled heating system that ensures both food and pottery receives heat evenly – up to 1,100 watts – despite its compact size! The antibacterial Easy Clean coating also makes it difficult for bacteria to remain, so you’ll need only three wipes to clean the Neo Chef.

The LG Neo Chef, from $299 to $969, is available in three models, at major electrical outlets and authorised LG retailers.

Panasonic 27L Steam Combination
This compact steam combination oven is ideal for small households that love to feast; it features eight functions, including microwaving, baking and roasting. The Panasonic NN-DS596B features not only an upper heater, but also a microwaveheated grill tray that gives your dish a crispy base. These, along with the Panasonic Inverter technology, which prevents overheating, ensures your ingredients are perfectly cooked while retaining flavour and nutrients. Additionally, the grooves of the tray allow melted fat from your food to trickle off.

The Panasonic NN-DS596B retails for $699, and is av ailable at all Panasonic authorised dealers.

Samsung MC28
Thanks to Samsung’s Hotblast technology, you’ll spend more time enjoying than cooking your meals. Heat is blown in various directions, reducing the time needed for your food to evenly cook. Eating healthier is also easier with the Slim Fry option, as the grill and warm air circulation combination leaves food crispy inside and out – but with much less oil than when deep frying. All these features come neatly packaged in a sleek, all-black exterior with glass doors for better visibility.

The Samsung MC28 with Hotblast retails for $439 and is available at all major electronic stores.