Your questions about microwaves answeredWhat is the best microwave?With fierce competition from air fryers, manufacturers are working on creating a microwave to suit every home, whether you’re an occasional user or rely on your model to offer more than just microwaving. After testing, the Samsung solo microwave really stood out as the best microwave for being very practical, easy to use and a great price. The Salter duowave also made its mark as the best combi microwave, thanks to its effective air fryer and combo oven, while the brand’s Toronto microwave is an excellent budget model.How I tested microwavesI tested a range of different foods in each appliance, from baked potatoes to ready meals, and took into account the following factors:Cooking: Whether defrosting, cooking, or warming, I wanted these microwaves to quickly cook through entire meals without drying them out or leaving cold spots.Space: I also considered how much room the microwaves took up in my kitchen, plus how much space they had inside for plates and bowls.Noise: A little bit of noise is acceptable, but if a midnight snack disturbed the next-door neighbours, these microwaves didn’t pass muster. Extra features: Any add-ons like a timer, ‘keep warm’ function or settings for specific food types were a bonus.Cleaning: I wanted to ensure that it was easy to wipe down the interior of the microwave and, if any accessories were included, it was especially helpful if they were dishwasher safe.How to clean a microwave Chances are you’ll have everything you need to clean your microwave in your kitchen cupboards. You can squeeze lemon halves, or place thin slices, into a bowl of water and microwave this for two to three minutes. You can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar (for every half cup of water) to enhance cleaning.Don’t open the door straight away – let the steam build for a few more minutes so it can work to shift any dry, set stains. Then you can open the door and wipe the inside down with a microfibre cloth. You can remove the turntable to wipe down, too. Do microwaves kill bacteria?It’s not the microwave itself that kills bacteria, but the process of reheating. That’s why, when cooking or reheating food in a microwave, you need to ensure that it is piping hot throughout. The simplest way to do this is with regular stirring. The Food Standards Agency says that “microwaves can heat in ‘pockets’, so stirring or turning the food helps to prevent pockets of cold food in your meal”, which in turn helps to kill bacteria.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsRosie Mullender has more than 15 years' experience as a journalist, including roles as content director at Cosmopolitan and editor of Co-op food magazine, and has authored two books. Like all reviews at IndyBest, Rosie has tested these microwaves in her home kitchen and would only recommend products that are truly worth your money.Elsewhere, IndyBest has expertly tested and found the home appliances to buy from the best hand blenders and the best juicers to the best air fryers.Want more kitchen appliance recommendations? Read our guide to the best air fryers