Microwave, what good is it besides reheating leftovers, heating a cup of tea and making popcorn. But there’s more to it, something Samsung is trying to showcase with its 2021 Baker Series microwaves, which come with a couple of features that have so far been mostly restricted to high-end convection microwave models.

The series comes at a time when a sizeable portion of the work-from-home population is open to new techniques in the kitchen and that can also come in the form of “microwave cooking”, which can be particularly healthful.

With the new ovens, steaming doesn’t involve added fat while frying can happen with maybe just a swipe of oil (up to your liking). The new series has five models — two Grill Fry models and three Steam Cook models — that are available in 23-litre capacity.

The Grill Fry microwaves come with a crusty plate on which you can cook dishes packed with flavours and textures such as ready-to-cook frozen food, like fish cutlets. Who knows, you may even try fried parsley. Chefs like Alain Ducasse like to fry or dry their herbs in the microwave for an added crunch.

Steam Cook microwaves come bundled with a steam cooker while the auto-steam function allows one to steam vegetables, meat, fruits, eggs, porridge, rice, potatoes and so on. For vegetable that you would usually parboil or steam, the microwave works well and is faster. Try it out.

The South Korean company says the new microwaves have 99.9 per cent anti-bacterial ceramic enamel interior, making the machines durable and easy to clean. In case you are interested, the range is available on Flipkart and Amazon, and Samsung’s official online store, with prices ranging between Rs 10,290 and Rs 11,590.