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Microwaves and electric sterilizers work the same way – they use hot steam to kill germs in your baby’s bottles – and both work best when used correctly. The difference is really simple: an electric toaster sits on your bench, holds more bottles and runs at the push of a button, while a microwave decanter is smaller, cheaper and easier to carry but relies on your microwave and holds a few bottles at a time. What’s “good” comes down to your kitchen, your budget and how many bottles you’re going through.
If you’re setting up your dining set and looking at two similar options, this guide explains how they differ so you can make a confident decision.
Just looking
| Part | Microwave oven | Electric steamer |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Air generated by your microwave | Steam from a built-in heating element |
| Cycle time | 2-8 minutes (including cooling) | 6-12 minutes (including cooling) |
| Power | Small – usually up to 4 bottles | Larger – usually 6 bottles or more |
| The price of the front | On the floor | High quality |
| Bench area | Keeps away easily | It needs a permanent place |
| Carrying | Good for travel | Well kept at home |
| Needs | A microwave | A place of strength |
How each type works
Microwave oven
A microwave oven is an airtight container (or reusable bag) that you fill with water, hold bottles and nipples, and place in your microwave. Microwaves boil water into steam, and the steam kills bacteria on your equipment in minutes. Because it uses the device you already own, the device is cheaper and smaller.
Electric steamer
A bench top electric sterilizer with its own heating element. You add water, pack your bottles, and it steams automatically – no microwave needed. Most have a large volume and hand cycle, and most will keep the contents for several hours if you leave the lid closed.
Whatever you choose, remember that irrigation works on clean equipment. Always wash bottles in hot, soapy water first – our guide on how to stop baby bottles from leaking permanently.
Speed is power
Microwave sterilizers can usually finish their steaming quickly – sometimes in a matter of minutes – but they only hold a few bottles, so if you’re sterilizing a large batch you’ll be running multiple items. Electric sterilizers take a little longer to cycle but they fit in one cycle, making them a quick all-rounder for families going through 6+ bottles a day. For newborns who eat around the clock, this large amount can be a time saver.
Price, location and convenience
Microwave ovens win on price and storage – they are cheap to buy and keep in the cupboard between uses. Electric sterilizers are more expensive and require a fixed bench, but you only have one touch and you don’t have to close your microwave at mealtimes. If your kitchen is small or you’re on a tight budget, a microwave oven makes perfect sense. If bottles rule your day and you want to push the button, the electronic method finds its place.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose a microwave oven if you want a less expensive option, have less bench space, cater for smaller groups, or want something that goes well with the holidays and grandma’s house.
- Choose an electric steamer if you are protecting many bottles every day, you want to exchange hands, you don’t want to share time with your microwave, and have a place to leave it.
- Consider both – Many families keep a microwave oven at home and carry a microwave oven (or steam bags) when traveling.
Are we going far? The integrated system works perfectly with our bottle warmer so you can clean and warm bottles wherever you are.
What about UV protection?
Air is not the only method you can follow – UV sterilizers use ultraviolet light instead of heat, which is gentle on some materials and dries while it works. If you’re considering this, our comparison of UV steriliser vs steam steriliser covers the product in more detail.
Keeping your sterilizer working properly
Whatever your choice, high levels of salt in Australian tap water can affect performance over time. Defrosting every few weeks will improve the vapor flow – see our tips on cleaning the decanter and decanting the decanter. The Australian Raising Children Network recommends that breastfeeding for babies under 12 months should be easy, so it’s good to have a routine that’s easy to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave oven as good as an electric oven?
Yes – they all use steam to kill germs and they all work well when used correctly. The difference is simplicity and ability, not how well they raise.
How long do bottles stay sterile after being sealed?
If you leave the lid closed and do not touch the contents, microwaves and electric sterilizers can keep the bottles empty for 6 hours. Once opened, use or store the bottles again.
What is faster, the microwave or the steam sterilser?
A microwave oven usually has a shorter duration, but it has fewer bottles. For larger loads an electric steam cleaner is often faster because it does everything at once.
Do you still need to wash the bottles before sealing?
Yes. Irrigation works in a clean environment, so always wash bottles and teats in hot, soapy water and rinse before killing them.
How long do you need to refrigerate baby bottles?
In Australia it is recommended to remove the breast feeding material from babies under 12 months. After that, a good wash in hot soapy water or dishwashing detergent is sufficient.
Can you use a microwave dryer without a microwave?
No – a microwave oven requires a microwave oven to generate steam. If you don’t have one, an electric kettle or stovetop is the way to go.
This story is familiar to Australian parents. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your diaper, and ask your child’s health nurse if you are unsure. Source: Raising Children Network.