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In most Indian homes, the microwave starts as a reheating machine: warming yesterday’s sabzi, softening rotis, heating milk at midnight. But a good convection microwave can do far more. It can bake a cake, grill paneer tikka, make ghee, set curd and cook a quick khichdi, all in one box on your counter.
The first question is which type you need: solo, grill or convection. Then come size, Indian auto-cook menus and the warranty on the parts that actually fail. We compared the specifications, warranties and recurring buyer feedback of popular microwaves on Amazon.in from LG, Samsung, Panasonic and IFB, and picked five for Indian kitchens.
Quick answer: the best microwave ovens in India right now
The best microwave for most families is the LG 28 L Convection (MC2846BV): it bakes, grills and reheats, has 251 auto-cook menus including Indian dishes and a stainless steel cavity. Here’s the full shortlist:
- LG 28 L Convection MC2846BV: best overall for families of 4–6.
- Samsung 28 L Convection MC28A5013AK: best for curd and dough proofing, with a 10-year cavity warranty.
- LG 28 L Charcoal Convection MJ2887BIUM: best premium, with a charcoal heater and rotisserie.
- Panasonic 23 L Convection NN-CT353: best compact convection for 3–4 people.
- IFB 24 L Solo 24PM2S: best solo microwave for reheating and quick cooking.
How we chose these microwave ovens
Full transparency first: this is a research-based guide, not a hands-on test. We compared each microwave’s specifications on its Amazon.in listing, the warranty and service support available in India, and the recurring themes in buyer feedback, including the complaints. Every model was in stock on Amazon.in when we checked. You can read how we work in how we review kitchen products.
We weighed what matters in Indian kitchens: the right type and size, useful Indian auto-cook menus, an easy-to-clean cavity, child lock and the warranty on the magnetron and cavity, which are the most expensive parts.
Top 5 microwave ovens compared
Short on time? Here are the key facts. Prices change often, so treat the price tier as a rough guide and check the latest price on Amazon.
| Microwave | Type | Capacity | Standout feature | Warranty | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG MC2846BV | Convection | 28 L | 251 auto-cook menus, steel cavity | 1 year | Mid-range |
| Samsung MC28A5013AK | Convection | 28 L | Curd and dough proof modes | 1 yr product, 10 yr cavity | Mid-range |
| LG MJ2887BIUM Charcoal | Convection | 28 L | Charcoal heater, rotisserie, 301 menus | 1 yr product, 10 yr charcoal heater | Premium |
| Panasonic NN-CT353 | Convection | 23 L | 61 auto menus, compact | 1 yr product, 4 yr magnetron | Budget-friendly |
| IFB 24PM2S | Solo | 24 L | 69 auto menus, 900 W | 1 yr + 3 yr magnetron and cavity | Budget |
*Price tiers are a rough guide to where each model sits in the market, not a quoted price. Prices and offers change frequently, so always check the current price on Amazon.in before buying.
The 5 best microwave ovens in India, reviewed
1. LG 28 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC2846BV): best overall
LG’s MC2846BV is one of the most popular convection microwaves in India, and buyers often call it one of the best in its class. It bakes, grills, reheats and defrosts, and its 251 auto-cook menus include Indian Cuisine, Tandoor Se, Paneer/Curd, Ghee and Tea/Dairy programmes. The stainless steel cavity is hygienic and easy to wipe clean.
LG 28 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC2846BV)
Best for: Families of 4–6 who want to bake, grill and reheat
- 28 litre capacity
- Convection, grill and microwave modes
- 251 auto-cook menus, including Indian Cuisine and Tandoor Se
- Quartz heater
- Stainless steel cavity with steam clean
- 1-year warranty
What we like
- Buyers praise its cooking options and value for money
- Indian menus for ghee, paneer, curd and tandoori dishes
- Stainless steel cavity is easy to keep clean
Watch out for
- Some buyers received defective units or units without a manual, so check on delivery
- Large and heavy at about 18 kg
- Only a 1-year product warranty
Who should skip it: Skip it if you only reheat food. A solo microwave like the IFB costs much less.
2. Samsung 28 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC28A5013AK): best for curd and dough
Samsung’s 28-litre convection model stands out for two things Indian kitchens love: a dough proof and yogurt mode, for setting curd and proving dough for pav and pizza, and a ceramic enamel cavity with a 10-year warranty. It also has a child lock, an eco mode and a turntable on/off option for bigger dishes.
Samsung 28 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC28A5013AK)
Best for: Families who make curd, bread and pizza at home
- 28 litre capacity
- Convection, grill and microwave modes
- Dough proof and yogurt-making mode
- Ceramic enamel cavity
- Child lock, eco mode, turntable on/off
- 1-year product warranty and 10-year warranty on the cavity
What we like
- 10-year cavity warranty
- Curd and dough modes are genuinely useful
- Easy to use, according to buyers
Watch out for
- Some buyers report touch panel problems or failures within a year
- Mixed feedback on value for money
- Large and heavy at about 17.5 kg
Who should skip it: Skip it if you want the widest choice of Indian auto menus. The LG MC2846BV has more.
3. LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (MJ2887BIUM): best premium
LG’s charcoal convection model adds a charcoal heater, which LG says helps keep natural flavours, plus a motorised rotisserie for even grilling. It has 301 auto-cook menus, including Healthy Heart recipes, diet fry and an Indian roti basket mode, and LG gives a 10-year warranty on the charcoal heater (parts only).
LG 28 L Charcoal Convection Microwave Oven (MJ2887BIUM)
Best for: Keen home cooks who grill and want the most features
- 28 litre capacity
- Charcoal heater with convection and grill
- 360° motorised rotisserie
- 301 auto-cook menus, including diet fry and roti basket
- Child lock
- 1-year product warranty and 10-year warranty on the charcoal heater (parts)
What we like
- Most features of any pick here
- Rotisserie for tikkas and kebabs
- Long heater warranty
Watch out for
- Priced at the premium end
- Fewer buyer reviews so far, with some reporting units not turning on
- Some buyers say the cooking manual was missing
Who should skip it: Skip it if you rarely grill. The LG MC2846BV does most of the same jobs for less.
4. Panasonic 23 L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT353): best compact
If counter space is tight, the Panasonic NN-CT353 packs convection into a 23-litre body. Its 360° Heat Wrap duct is designed for even cooking, it has 61 preset auto-cook menus, a mirror-finish door and a wire rack for grilling and baking. Panasonic backs the magnetron for 4 years.
Panasonic 23 L Convection Microwave Oven (NN-CT353)
Best for: Families of 3–4 with smaller kitchens
- 23 litre capacity
- Convection, grill and microwave modes
- 61 preset auto-cook menus
- 360° Heat Wrap for even cooking
- Wire rack and glass tray included
- 1-year product warranty and 4-year warranty on the magnetron
What we like
- Convection in a compact size
- Buyers find it good value for money
- 4-year magnetron warranty
Watch out for
- Some buyers find heating uneven
- Membrane buttons can be stiff to press
- Smaller than 28-litre models for big cakes
Who should skip it: Skip it if you bake large cakes. Choose a 28-litre convection model.
5. IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven (24PM2S): best solo microwave
If you mainly reheat, defrost and make quick meals, you don’t need convection. The IFB 24PM2S is a solo microwave with 900 W output, a 24-litre cavity that fits dinner plates, 69 auto-cook recipes including mug meals and one-pot meals, and child lock. IFB adds a 3-year warranty on the magnetron and cavity.
IFB 24 L Solo Microwave Oven (24PM2S)
Best for: Reheating, defrosting and quick cooking on a budget
- 24 litre capacity
- 900 W microwave output
- 69 auto-cook recipes, including mug and one-pot meals
- Steam clean, deodorise and power-save functions
- Child safety lock
- 1-year comprehensive warranty, plus 3 years on magnetron and cavity
What we like
- Affordable and simple to use
- Fits standard dinner plates
- Long magnetron and cavity warranty for a solo model
Watch out for
- Can’t bake or grill
- Some buyers find it loud
- Mixed reliability feedback after a few months
Who should skip it: Skip it if you want to bake or grill. Choose a convection model.
Also worth a look: Panasonic 20 L Solo (NN-ST26JMFDG)
For bachelors and couples who only reheat, the compact Panasonic 20 L Solo offers 800 W, 51 auto menus and vapour clean in a small footprint.
Solo, grill or convection: which type do you need?
For most families, convection is worth it: it does everything a solo microwave does and adds baking and grilling. If you only reheat food, a solo microwave is simpler and cheaper.
Microwave buying guide: what really matters
Size
20 litres suits singles and couples; 23–25 litres suits families of three or four; 28–32 litres suits families of four to six and anyone who bakes. Check that your largest plate or baking tin fits.
Indian auto-cook menus
Menus for dal, sabzi, paneer, ghee, curd, idli and tandoori dishes set time and power automatically. LG and Samsung offer the widest Indian menus.
Cavity material
Stainless steel and ceramic enamel cavities are easy to clean and resist stains and smells. Ceramic enamel, like Samsung’s, is also scratch-resistant.
Warranty on the magnetron and cavity
The magnetron generates the microwaves and is the most expensive part to replace. Longer warranties on it, or on the cavity, are a real plus.
Safety
A child lock is essential if you have small children. Always use microwave-safe glass, ceramic or plastic, and never put metal in microwave mode.
Microwave or OTG?
A microwave heats food quickly from the inside, so it’s best for reheating and fast cooking. An OTG uses heating rods, so it’s better at browning and baking. A convection microwave can do both, at a smaller scale. For dedicated baking, see our best OTG ovens in India.
5 tips for using a microwave in an Indian kitchen
- Cover food with a microwave-safe lid to reheat evenly and avoid splatter.
- Stir halfway when reheating dal and curries to remove cold spots.
- Use metal only in convection or grill mode, never in microwave or combination mode.
- Steam clean weekly with a bowl of water and lemon slices to loosen stains and remove smells.
- Leave space around it for ventilation, especially at the back and top.
Deciding between appliances? See our best OTG ovens and best air fryers in India.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best microwave oven in India?
For most families, the LG 28 L Convection MC2846BV is the best all-rounder, with baking, grilling and 251 auto-cook menus including Indian dishes. If you only reheat food, the IFB 24 L solo microwave is a good budget choice.
Which is better: a solo, grill or convection microwave?
A solo microwave reheats and cooks simple dishes. A grill microwave adds toasting and grilling. A convection microwave does all of that and can also bake. For most families, convection is the most useful.
What size microwave is best for a family of 4?
A 23–28 litre microwave suits most families of four. Choose 28 litres or more if you plan to bake cakes or cook in larger dishes.
Can I bake a cake in a microwave?
Yes, in a convection microwave using convection mode and a metal or glass cake tin. A solo microwave can make quick mug cakes, but convection gives proper baked results.
Is it safe to use steel utensils in a microwave?
Not in microwave mode. Metal can spark. You can use metal tins and racks in convection or grill mode only, as your manual allows.
How much electricity does a microwave use?
Microwaves use power in short bursts. Reheating for a few minutes a day uses very little, and IFB estimates around 10 units a month for 25 minutes of daily use on its 24-litre solo model.
Our verdict: which microwave should you buy?
For most families, buy the LG 28 L Convection MC2846BV: it bakes, grills and reheats, with plenty of Indian menus. Make curd and bread at home? The Samsung 28 L Convection has dedicated modes and a 10-year cavity warranty. Want every feature? Choose the LG Charcoal Convection. Short on space, the Panasonic 23 L brings convection to a compact size, and if you mainly reheat, the IFB 24 L Solo is all you need.
Not sure which type suits your cooking? Ask us in the comments.