MICROWAVE OVEN BUYING GUIDE
Throughout this guide dashed links will take you to filtered product lists.
INTRODUCTION
If it has been awhile since you purchased your last microwave oven, you are in for a real treat. Similar to the older models, new models offer traditional option such as preheating, thawing, and reheating while also offering an array of additional features. With an assortment of features to choose from, microwaves today are designed to meet a diverse range of needs.
BASIC TYPES OF MICROWAVES AND HOW TO CHOOSE
When choosing what microwave oven will work best in your kitchen you are deciding between three main styles: countertop, over-the-range, and built-in. Each style offers specific power and capacity limitations making it easier for you to determine which one is right for you.
To help you decide what capacities and powers are best for you, it is helpful to understand what differences between them mean in terms of what you can cook in the microwave and how long it will take. How long it will take your food to cook is determined by the microwave’s power or wattage: more watts translate into faster cook times. Careful here, you don’t want to assume that cook times for your old microwave will be the same as your new one. If you don’t know how much power your old microwave had, see how long it takes to boil 8 ounces of water on high power: less than 2 minutes (850-1000 watts), 2-3 minutes (650-850 watts), and 3-4 minutes (400-650 watts). Next, a microwave’s capacity is defined by how much you will be able to fit inside the microwave or how big is its interior. Here, you want to consider what you will be cooking in your microwave to help you decide how big of a microwave you need.
Countertop units are designed to be moved around and sit in any open space in your kitchen. Generally, this style is the cheapest of the three models, and works best in kitchens with lots of open counter space. It also has the greatest variety of sizes and power capabilities, giving you lots of options to choose from. Typically, their capacity ranges anywhere from .5 cubic feet for a compact unit to 2 cubic feet for a large unit with their power varying anywhere from 600-1300 watts.Some countertop models even allow you to mount the unit underneath a cabinet to free up extra counter space.
Over-the-Range models are professionally installed above your range or cook-top and serve as a replacement for a range hood. They offer the same features as their countertop counterparts; however, they also eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen through their built-in ventilation system. These models are usually slightly larger than countertop models and fall in the mid-to-large range capacities (.8 to 2 cubic feet with power exceeding 800 watts). Still, be careful here: Many of these models aren’t as deep as countertop microwaves with the same capacity.
If your counter space is limited, then the built-in microwave models are for you. Built-in models are designed to be installed into a wall or cabinet, offering both convenience and extra counter space. Similar to over-the-range model, this style also comes in mid-to-large sized capacity (.8 to 2 cubic feet, with power exceeding 800 watts). If price is the determining factor in you decision process, you do pay more for the space-saving convenience of these models, and installation requires professional help.
PERFORMANCE: EXTRA FEATURES
Time Cook: This feature allows you to program two different cook times and power levels for one dish, so that it cooks for part of the time at one level, and the rest of the time at a different level. It is an excellent example of how microwaves have evolved to go beyond reheating food, and actually allows you to cook it. Models with time cook can cook more complicated dishes, such as rice, which require different heat and time settings.
Automatic Defrost: Microwaves with this feature will automatically determine the power level and cook time to ensure that food of any type and weight will come out thoroughly defrosted.
Shortcut/Convenience Keys: Convenience keys are preset to cook specific foods such as popcorn or pizza with the touch of a button. They are a great addition if you have younger children, as they no longer have to guess how long to cook their food. This feature is where you will find variance between lower- and higher-end models, as the higher-end versions offer many more convenience-key options.
Sensor Cooking: The sensor cooking feature automatically adjusts power levels and cook time by assessing moisture levels in food as it cooks. It is designed to help you make sure that your food has been cooked before you remove it from the microwave.
Convection Cooking: The convection feature works by circulating air evenly around the food as it cooks, thus allowing the food to be cooked more quickly, with a browning and crisping effect that are otherwise impossible with a standard microwave oven. Iif you are looking to do more with your microwave, strongly consider models with convection cooking, which let you do previously unheard-of things like microwave-roast a chicken.
Child Lock: If you have small children, a child lock will prevent them from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Turntable/Moveable Tray: Microwaves with turntables rotate your food while it is cooking to ensure even heating. In most models this feature is removable for easier cleaning and it also leaves more space for oddly shaped cookware.
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