The Best Amazon Microwaves for the elderly
We reviewed the best Amazon microwaves for seniors, which are easy to use, cheap and reliable. Check out what we found.
Editors Choice
Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S
Price: £119.00
Energy Class E
Retro Design
Highest Quality
Most Colours
December 15th, 2022
7 Minute Read
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When your parents or other family members get older and start to become more fragile it gets harder and harder for them to do simple tasks by themselves. Easy tasks like cooking or preparing food is challenging.
To keep your loved ones active and to be sure there is no serious risk of hurting themselves a microwave is just the perfect appliance. With a microwave elderly people with physical limitations, dementia or other age-related restrictions can still prepare and “cook” their meals by themselves easy, safe, and independent. It’s a good alternative to a normal oven or cooker, which can be a lot more dangerous.
How do microwaves actually work?
Microwave cookers are direct descendants of radar technology used in communication and now in cooking, primarily after 1945. Microwaves produce waves inside the oven by an electron rod called a magnetron. The microwaves are reflected within the metal inside of the oven where they are absorbed by food and that is how the food is cooked. The first public use of a microwave oven was in January 1947. A Speedy Weeny vending machine was placed in Grand Central Terminal and it sold freshly prepared hot dogs, basically a microwave.
Another random fact, when cooked in microwave oven, spinach retains nearly all its folate (B9). It loses about 77% when cooked on a traditional stove.
What are good microwave features for the elderly?
Using the microwave is not as simple as it used to be. There are now countless models, settings, and functions. If you are buying a microwave for an elderly person, it is important to check on some things.
The microwave should have big buttons, which only show the important settings. As already said, the common microwaves in today’s time have countless buttons for various functions. For an elderly person this can led to confusion. Therefore, your microwave should only have the most necessary and used buttons. A Touchscreen is not recommended. It can be hard to tell if a button is really pressed. Buttons to properly press or turn presume an easier use.
A timer just makes the whole situation so much easier. With this, the microwave automatically turns off after the set time, therefore the chance of burning your food is much smaller. Make sure the microwave has a loud noise once the timer is over so even elderly people that have trouble with hearing can tell.
What are oven costs for the elderly?
| Savings | Microwave | Gas Oven | Electric Oven |
|---|---|---|---|
Average energy draw per hour | 1,200 Watts | Ca. 3,000 Watts | Ca. 3,500 Watts |
Cost per hour | £0.408 | £1.02 | £1.19 |
Cost per month | £12.24 | £30.60 | £35.70 |
Cost per year | £146.88 | £367.20 | £428.40 |
A good website to check UK energy costs and to track how much energy your appliances use is the Electricity cost calculator.
Modern and futuristic microwaves are also not recommended, because knobs or handles to open the microwave are mostly hidden. Some have a button to pop the door open. This again can be challenging for elderly people with only little strength. A simple microwave with a big handle to pull is the best option. The handle can’t be overseen and even for people with dementia, the opening mechanism is easy to understand.
With microwaves wattage = power. Meaning 1000W has more cooking power than a 700W microwave. 1000W microwaves have extremely efficient cooking power and cook food through. In General the higher the W or Wattage, the quicker the food can be cooked.
What is a compact microwave?
Compact microwaves are a rather new concept. Although they lack in power, being able to use it pretty much anywhere makes up for that fact. Whether your traveling in your camper van or moving house. Small/ Compact microwaves offer a great advantage for heating foods whilst keeping a small footprint. They are specially popular with students and smaller families who may not have large kitchens.
What are the main types of microwaves? There are 3 main types of microwaves you can buy: Counter top microwaves, built in or over the range. Each type has it’s own positives and negatives. Studies have shown that 90% of American and UK households still use microwave ovens reinforcing the need for such a critical tool in our kitchens.
Built in and over the range type microwaves are typically more expensive and require professional installation. That’s why in this article we will just inform you with the most popular type of microwave. The on counter top option. Built in options will however save more space in your kitchen. Typical domestic counter top microwave ovens with modern control panels are still more popular now in the kitchen than before.
What can't I put into the microwave?
There are also some materials and certain foods you should not put in the microwave because they may cause your microwave to fail or cause injury. Here are just 3 of the top things you should not put to your microwave.
- Metal – The inside of a microwave is actually made from metal creating a mirror effect. Instead of casting a reflection of your face, the metal reflects radio waves or microwaves. The radio waves emit electromagnetic energy, warming up the contents. When metal is placed inside a microwave, the waves are reflected off of the metal and into the sides of the microwave potentially causing the microwave to melt.
- Plastic – Plastic contains many chemicals and oils. When placed in a microwave they can melt causing the release of Bisphenol A or BPA. According to a Harvard study plastic and microwaved plastic can increases the chances of cancer.
- Eggs – Because microwaves cook at such high temperatures, trying to cook an egg would create steam within the eggs shell. The steam rises in the egg, causing it to explode.
Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S - Retro Design
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (15.12.22)
Russel Hobbs Easi Flatbed Digital Solo Microwave RHEM2301S.
Now our editor’s choice the Russell Hobbs Flatbed Solo Microwave. This Microwave might be a bit more expensive than the others, but it is worth every penny. This 800-watt device has a capacity of 23L and is 30.4x 50.2 x 41.8cm big. It is the most suitable microwave if you are looking for easy design and control. Say goodbye to complicated cook menus countless power settings.
The Russel Hobbs Flatbed Solo Microwave only has four big buttons on the front with four easy to use controls, which are “Microwave”, “Defrost”, “Stop/ Cancel” and “Start”. You set the time by simply pressing the button (for example the defrost button). The timer increases by 30 seconds every time you press it.
When you set your timer for over five minutes it will increase by 1 minute every time you press the button again. You can see the set time on the digital display that is as well on the front of the microwave. The display shows the numbers big and clear, so any elderly person can be able to see them.
As well as some of the others, this appliance also has a pull handle to open the microwave door.
Pros
- Only simple/necessary buttons, therefore super easy to use
- Pull open door handle
- Digital timer
- Good size
Cons
- Flat push buttons could be easier to click
Russell Hobbs RHMM791B - Retro Design
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (15.12.22)
Russel Hobbs Compact 17L Microwave RHMM701B-N. The Russel Hobbs Microwave is the right device for you if you look for safe, simple and also very good-looking microwave.
The device has a capacity of 17 litres and a wattage of 700 watts. With a size of 32.6 x 45.1 x 25.6 and a weight of 10,4kg it fits perfectly in just about any kitchen.
Its easy and simple to use. Just two knobs to turn on the front make it clearly arranged. One of them is for the timer, while the other is used to choose the program and the power.
The big handle on the door can easily be pulled to open the microwave which makes it easy and clear for all elderly people. A little extra is that you can buy the microwave in a bundle with a matching kettle for a cheaper deal.
Russel Hobbs is a well-known business that has been in existence since 1952. The British company focuses on design and efficiency. Due to their long experience and wide range, they have been able to win many loyal customers for their electric and household appliances. Many of their products have received several awards with the value very good.
Pros
- Pull open door handle
- Easy to use knobs
- Appealing look
- Available in different colours
- Bundles with kettles
Cons
- Timer is analogue
Sharp YC-MS01U-S - Highest Quality
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (15.12.22)
The Sharp Solo Microwave might be good for everyone who wants to use it on a regular basis. Even though it is only 12.76 x 17.32 x 10.16, this microwave has a bigger capacity of 20 litres and power of 800 watts. The light of the microwave only turns on when actually in use, therefore even when someone forgets to close the microwave door it doesn’t use to much electricity.
You have the options between the manual and the digital series. The manual model has two manual control panels to twist which make it easy to use for elderly people. But also, the digital model has advantages. It has a lot of different buttons that might be confusing, but this model also has the option of pre-set programes such as “Dinner Plate”, “Reheat coffee & tea” or “frozen vegetables”.
This might be suitable for older people who are still relatively fit.
Sharp is a international company founded in 1912. It’s actually a Japanese firm but the head office and production locations are all over Europe. Sharp has a wide range of devices sold worldwide. Microwaves, Televisions and stereos, the Technology manufacturer offers countless devices for relatively small prices but with big quality.
Pros
- Great price
- Digital model has pre-programmed large buttons
- Good size for much usage
- Easy to use knobs
Cons
- Timer is analogue
- Door opener is harder than other models
Swan Retro LED - Most Colours
The information in this section is according to Amazon.co.uk (15.12.22)
This Microwave is not only an eye catcher, it also convinced us with its technology and quality. The 800 watts microwave has a capacity of 20 litres and has a dimension of 32.1 x 44 x 26. The design is inspired by the 1950s combined with very modern technology. The Microwave has five power levels, also a defrost and express cooking program.
Nevertheless, it’s easy to use. The front side only consists of two rotary dial controls for time and power. It has a digital display which shows the timer while cooking in big numbers which can help for everyone with bad sight. Last but not least there is a start and stop button. This simple design of the front makes it easy to use for any kind of elderly people. The pull out door handle is easy to use even with little strength.
You can get the Swan retro microwave in 9 different unique colours, which will take you back in time and give you a nostalgic feeling.
Swan offers a whole range of retro kitchen appliances such as the retro 1.5L Jug Kettle or the Retro 4 Slice Toaster to match your Microwave!
Affordable but still trendy and with good quality, that’s what Swan wants to offer their customers. The British company was found in the 1930s and is since then registered in the UK. Not only the company is registered there, also the headquarter is located here. Swan convinced us because simple devices for elderly people don’t have to look monotone and boring, they make the simplest appliances look stunning.
Pros
- Timer is digital
- Retro look
- Available in many colours
- Express cooking program
- Easy knobs
Cons
- Smaller written numbers as the others
So what now?
The question of which one is the right one can be quite difficult now. Especially when you buy the device for someone you take responsibility for and who is very important to you. Unfortunately, we can’t make this decision for you but we recommend our favuorite devices above. Make sure to check on quality first rather than price.
Not only can this help to create more security for the elders, but it also gives you a bit more peace of mind.
Mark Hoffman
Mark Hoffman has worked as a freelancer and writer for several years. Reviewing ovens, washing machines and any other household items he can get his hands on. When he’s not sitting in-front of a computer he enjoys cycling, climbing and volunteering at charitable health organisations.
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