A microwave oven is one of the most-used appliances in a modern Pakistani kitchen — for reheating, defrosting, cooking and even baking. But not all microwaves are the same, and buying the wrong type means paying for features you won't use or missing ones you need. This guide explains the three types, the right capacity, the features that matter, and real 2026 prices so you can choose confidently.
The three types of microwave
- Solo: the basic, most affordable type — reheating, defrosting and simple cooking only. Perfect if you just want to warm food and drinks.
- Grill: adds a grilling element for browning and crisping — good for kebabs, toast and grilled snacks alongside normal microwaving.
- Convection: the all-rounder — combines microwave, grill and a fan-forced oven, so you can bake cakes, roast and grill as well as microwave. The most versatile (and priciest).
Choose solo if you only reheat; grill if you want some browning; convection if you want a microwave that can also bake and roast.
What capacity do you need?
Microwave capacity is measured in litres and should match your family size and what you cook.
| Household | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people / reheating | ~20 litres |
| Small family (3–4) | ~23–28 litres |
| Large family / baking | 30+ litres (convection) |
A bigger cavity fits larger dishes and a turntable plate, which matters for convection baking and family-size cooking.
Solo vs convection — which is right for you?
If your microwave will only ever reheat leftovers, warm milk and defrost meat, a solo model is all you need and the cheapest to buy. But if you'd like to bake cakes, roast chicken or grill without buying a separate oven, a convection microwave replaces several appliances in one — excellent value for keen home cooks despite the higher price. Grill sits in between for those who want browning without full baking.
Key features to look for
- Auto-cook menus & presets — one-touch settings for common dishes.
- Defrost by weight — even, safe thawing.
- Child lock — important in family kitchens.
- Turntable — for even heating (most models).
- Easy-clean interior — stainless or ceramic cavities resist stains and odours.
- Power levels & wattage — higher wattage cooks faster.
Real prices and models (2026)
At Inspire Home Store, microwaves span a wide range. Solo models start affordably — the Haier HMN-20MXP6 (around Rs 13,500) and Dawlance DW-MD15 (around Rs 14,000) are dependable entry options. Grill and larger models run higher, and convection units from Haier, Dawlance and Canon reach up toward Rs 85,000–128,500 for premium, large-capacity ovens. Browse the full live range on the microwave oven price page.
Best brands for microwaves in Pakistan
Dawlance and Haier dominate with the widest range and strong after-sales, Homage and Kenwood offer good value, and Canon features at the premium convection end. Compare on the Dawlance and Haier pages, and match the type (solo/grill/convection) to how you actually cook.
Placement and safety
Place the microwave on a stable, heat-resistant surface with ventilation gaps around it so it doesn't overheat, and never run it empty. Use only microwave-safe dishes (no metal in microwave mode), keep the door seal clean so it closes properly, and wipe spills promptly to avoid odours. A stabiliser helps protect the electronics where voltage fluctuates.
Care and maintenance
Clean the interior regularly with a damp cloth (a bowl of water with lemon, microwaved for a minute, loosens stuck-on grime), keep the turntable and roller ring clean, and don't slam the door. These simple habits keep it hygienic and extend its life well beyond a few years.
Your quick buying checklist
- ☐ Type: solo (reheat) / grill (browning) / convection (bake & roast)
- ☐ Capacity matched to family size
- ☐ Auto-cook presets & defrost-by-weight
- ☐ Child lock for family kitchens
- ☐ Easy-clean interior
- ☐ Reliable brand with local service
Microwave vs oven vs air fryer
These three appliances overlap, so it helps to know what each does best. A microwave reheats, defrosts and cooks fast using microwaves; a convection microwave also bakes and grills. A traditional oven bakes and roasts larger quantities with the best results for serious baking. An air fryer crisps and "fries" with little oil — great for snacks and chips but small in capacity. For most Pakistani kitchens, a convection microwave is the most versatile single purchase, covering reheating, grilling and light baking in one appliance; add an air fryer separately if you love crispy food.
Understanding wattage and power levels
A microwave's wattage (often 700–1200W) determines how fast and evenly it cooks — higher wattage heats quicker. Power levels let you dial it down for delicate tasks like defrosting or melting, so food doesn't cook unevenly at the edges. If you cook a lot, a higher-wattage model with multiple power levels is worth it; for simple reheating, a standard solo unit is fine.
What you can and can't put in a microwave
Use only microwave-safe containers — glass, ceramic and microwave-rated plastic. Never put metal or foil in microwave mode (it sparks and can damage the unit), and avoid sealed containers or whole eggs, which can burst. In a convection microwave's oven/grill mode, metal bakeware is usually fine — check the manual. Knowing this keeps both your food and your microwave safe.
Energy use and running cost
Microwaves are actually energy-efficient for reheating and small cooking jobs because they heat food directly and quickly, using less power than firing up a full oven or stove for the same task. A convection microwave uses more when baking, but still less than a large conventional oven for small batches. For everyday reheating, the microwave is one of the cheapest ways to warm food.
Convection cooking tips
If you buy a convection microwave, a little know-how unlocks its value. Preheat it like an oven before baking, use the metal rack and oven-safe bakeware in convection mode (not microwave mode), and follow the auto-cook menus for cakes, pizza and roast items until you learn the timings. Combination modes (microwave + convection) cook faster than a normal oven while still browning — great for busy weeknights. With practice, a convection microwave genuinely replaces a separate oven for most home baking.
Best microwave for a large family
Bigger households should size up to a 28–30+ litre cavity so large dishes and family-size portions fit, and lean toward a convection model so one appliance handles reheating, grilling and baking. A higher wattage speeds up cooking when you're feeding several people. The Dawlance, Haier and Canon convection ranges cater to this end of the market; match the capacity to your largest regular dish.
Common microwave problems and fixes
- Not heating: often a door-switch or fuse issue — needs a technician; don't open it yourself.
- Sparking: metal or foil inside, or a damaged interior coating — remove metal; get the cavity checked if it persists.
- Turntable not turning: a misaligned plate or worn roller ring — reseat or replace it.
- Uneven heating: stir food midway and use lower power levels for thick items.
The bottom line
Choosing a microwave comes down to how you cook. If you only reheat and defrost, a solo model from Haier or Dawlance (from around Rs 13,500–14,000) is all you need. If you want some browning, choose a grill model; and if you'd like to bake and roast without a separate oven, a convection microwave is the versatile, money-saving all-rounder. Match the capacity to your family, prioritise auto-cook presets and a child lock for a busy kitchen, and buy from a brand with local service. Get that right and you'll reach for it every single day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between solo, grill and convection microwaves? Solo reheats and cooks; grill adds browning; convection also bakes and roasts like an oven.
Which microwave is best for baking? A convection microwave — it combines microwave, grill and oven functions.
What capacity microwave do I need? ~20 litres for 1–2 people, 23–28 litres for a small family, 30+ litres for baking or a large family.
How much does a microwave cost in Pakistan? Solo models from around Rs 13,500; convection and large models up to Rs 85,000–128,500.
Which brand is best? Dawlance and Haier for range and service; Homage and Kenwood for value.
Can I bake a cake in a microwave? Yes — in a convection microwave, not a solo one.
What wattage microwave is good? 700–1200W; higher wattage cooks faster, and multiple power levels help with delicate tasks like defrosting.
Can I put metal in a microwave? Never in microwave mode (it sparks); metal bakeware is usually fine only in a convection model's oven/grill mode.
Do you offer cash on delivery? Yes — with delivery across Rawalpindi & Islamabad and nationwide shipping.
