There is no better guide than this one if you’re looking to buy a microwave oven. You should do your homework to get the most value out of your investment in a Microwave Oven once you’ve made up your mind to add one to your kitchen. It’s important to go into the microwave oven buying process with an idea of what to seek and avoid. But first, we will teach you the basics of How to Select Microwave Oven for Home.
Although it may have saved you more time than you can calculate, the microwave oven is hardly the most groundbreaking technology of our time.
Microwave ovens were once considered a convenience but are now necessary for most households. Considering how common they are and how quickly they wear out (7-12 years on average), most American households will need to buy a new one at some point. In such a case, read on to learn about the many models of microwave ovens available.
What is Microwave Oven
The microwave oven is a cooking utensil that has revolutionized home cooking. Food may be cooked quickly by subjecting it to electromagnetic radiation, which heats the food from within. Because its main purpose is to heat food rapidly, it is perfect for tasks like melting butter or boiling water that would normally take a lengthy period.
Microwave ovens, unlike conventional ovens, cook food thoroughly all the way through. Although its first application was in commercial kitchens, microwave ovens are now often found in homes and workplaces.
How Many Types of Microwave Ovens Have
Different sizes and styles of microwaves mean you can choose one that works in your home. If you’re in the market for a new microwave, you may learn more about the built-in countertop, under-counter, and convection types described in the following paragraphs.
Built-in Microwave Oven
Consider installing your microwave inside one of your cabinetry for a tailored look that’s in keeping with the rest of your kitchen’s design. They are typically installed above a wall oven to ease switching between the traditional and microwave oven.
This kind of appliance combines a conventional wall oven and a microwave, making it simple to cook elaborate meals. Unlike freestanding microwaves, which often have doors that swing out to the side, built-in microwaves typically have doors that swing out to the front, like an oven.
Countertop Microwave
Having a microwave right where you do most of your cooking is quite helpful. Put it on a flat surface near an electrical outlet, and you’re ready to go. You may take them with you on the move without any hassle. It is possible to install a countertop microwave inside a cabinet with the use of a trim kit, much like a traditional built-in microwave.
These multipurpose microwaves come in a wide range of sizes and features. One example is the convection and sensing cooking cycles seen on countertop microwaves.
Over the countertop, a microwave oven
An over-the-range microwave or microwave-hood combo is ideal for those who want to free up counter space in their kitchens while still having convenient microwave cooking. Over-the-range microwaves are a space-saving and time-saving addition to any kitchen. Now is the time to choose between a range hood for an oven or a microwave.
These models are in high demand because of their cutting-edge design, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship. In addition, the PrintShieldTM Finish is available on several professional-looking, high-use kitchen equipment, including over-the-range microwaves.
Under Counter Microwave Oven
Drawer microwaves are convenient in open kitchens and islands because they free up valuable counter space for other appliances and ingredients. However, under-the-counter and in-wall microwaves are still the best alternatives for maximum storage and safety.
More importantly, thanks to the easy access it provides, you can check on your food and stir it without having to remove it from the microwave. The microwaves of those who don’t wish to draw attention to themselves tend to be placed at about hip level.
Convection Microwave Oven
A convection microwave uses a fan and heating elements similar to an oven to distribute heat evenly throughout the space. Convection microwaves are typically as effective as a regular convection oven when baking, broiling, or roasting.
If you set your Microwave Hood Combo with Convection Cooking to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the convection element will evenly spread the heat throughout the oven. All microwaves, whether built-in, over-the-range, countertop, or under-the-counter, include a convection cooking option.
How to Select Microwave Oven for Home
Some factors to consider when choosing a microwave oven or buying a microwave include personal preference and the amount of counter space you have. The following factors should be taken into account while selecting a microwave.
Looks Your Kitchen
Your microwave’s ability to blend in with its surroundings is an important consideration when shopping for one. If you care about how the space looks as a whole, you must take this into account. If your other kitchen appliances are stainless steel, you may also like a stainless steel microwave.
Think of trying to paint your kitchen walls a bold, contrasting color instead. Your new microwave has a smaller cavity than your previous one, so you’ll need to replace it. Search for a replacement microwave with the same footprint as the one you’re replacing.
In many cases, you may obtain the same product in a nearly identical size to the original. Think about how you normally use your kitchen and where a microwave would be most handy or inconvenient before deciding where to install it.
To illustrate, are you willing to relocate other appliances to accommodate a new microwave? Avoid buying a microwave that won’t work in your kitchen by learning as much as possible about the models available.
Size
Size is an important consideration, no matter what kind of microwave you’re looking at. You should first evaluate the current kitchen space (as already mentioned). It would be a shame to buy a microwave you want but cannot use because the space you’ve allotted is too little.
All microwaves, whether built-in or over-the-range, must be fitted per the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Before purchasing a countertop microwave oven, think carefully about how much counter space you have and how much of that area you are willing to sacrifice.
Check the dimensions and remember what you have room for in your luggage. Take into consideration the kinds of foods you often microwave before making a final choice. Make sure your microwave can accommodate the dishes you use most regularly.
Before buying a convection microwave, think about what size casserole and pizza pans you typically use. When shopping for a microwave, size matters more than anything else. Therefore, before you start looking at all your options, knowing how much space you have and what size would be great for you is a good idea.
Wattage
Keep in mind that the microwave’s cooking time and ability to heat things uniformly improve with a higher wattage. A microwave with at least 1,000 watts of power should be able to handle your supper.
Microwaves with lower wattage are more affordable but take longer to cook and are more likely to malfunction. It’s always a good idea to check customer reviews and shop from reliable stores.
Consistency
The average lifespan of a microwave oven is over nine years, with most models lasting closer to ten. A long-lasting microwave might be hard to come by, so it’s important to check reviews before purchasing.
Since you will probably replace your microwave over the next few years, you may give more weight to other aspects than durability.
Cost
Regardless of the apparatus’s size or complexity, the cost is always an important consideration. The cost of a microwave oven might vary widely depending on the specific model you’re looking at.
Discounted options may be found on countertops. However, consider if the added expense of a built-in or over-the-range microwave is worth it for your kitchen’s layout and style.
A built-in unit not only eliminates the need for extra counter space but also improves the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, which may lead to a higher asking price when you decide to sell your home. You’ll likely have to spring for an over-the-range model if you want a convection microwave with a limited budget.
Decisions Preset in Advance
Presets can be helpful, depending on personal preferences. Others find it annoying to manually enter a date and time, while others only use them sometimes. Most modern microwaves include a Popcorn setting that automatically adjusts cooking time based on the quantity of the bag of popcorn you use.
The defrost function is another typical microwave option. In higher-end microwaves, you may choose from various preprogrammed options, such as roasting potatoes, reheating pizza, and preparing drinks like coffee. Avoid deciding what to cook in the microwave by making sure it offers several preset selections for your most-used items.
Noise
You should try out the type you’re thinking about buying to get an idea of how loud it is, as the microwave’s loudness can be an issue for some individuals.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a microwave online but won’t be able to test it beforehand. In that case, you may read customer reviews to see if other people found it annoying. The decibel rating of each microwave may also be provided.
Security
Despite the occasional scare story, no credible research has found that using a microwave oven increases your risk of cancer or destroys your food’s nutritional value. Children are more at risk when using over-the-range microwaves because they require adults to retrieve potentially dangerously hot items from the microwave.
Other than that, though, using a microwave is relatively safe for kids. If safety is a concern, reading up on a model’s reputation might help you spot potential red flags before they become serious incidents.
Air Circulation
Keep this in mind if you plan on eliminating your range hood in favor of an over-the-range microwave. The ventilation of over-the-range microwaves is rarely praised in reviews, but Buyer Reports has examined how several models are fair. Take a look at what they discovered if you need an above-the-range microwave.
Some Additional Factors to Select Microwave Oven
You can pick and choose among variants with desirable traits. And there are many options and configurations to play around with:
Auto Cook
Modern microwaves include many conveniences that make cooking in them a breeze. Understanding the defrost, preheat, and specialty preprogrammed settings of a potential oven purchase is crucial. In addition, an “Auto Cook” function is quite helpful for novice chefs.
Instead of messing with the time and power settings, select a meal from the auto-cook menu and press start. This feature may be useful if you are starting in the kitchen. To use, choose an item from the auto cook menu, set the desired cooking time and power, then press the start button.
Child Lock
Researching and buying the best microwave for your household’s needs might save time and money. Using a microwave oven makes quick work of any meal and also cuts down on prep time.
A child lock is included in most modern microwaves, allowing you to prepare meals without constantly watching the door. A kid lock is a feature that requires a password to be entered to access the device when it is in the hands of a child.
Multifunctional Microwave Oven
Suppose you’re doing a kitchen makeover and might benefit from saving money by purchasing numerous appliances at once. In that case, you should get a microwave/oven or microwave/refrigerator combo. By streamlining the installation procedure, buying them together might save you time and money.
A combination microwave/fridge is a practical and space-saving appliance that many people choose to have in their dorm rooms, studio apartments, or even close at hand in their single-room homes.
Several high-quality microwave options are available, not only from the major kitchen appliance manufacturers. To better understand the state of the microwave market, we perused evaluations of some of the most popular microwaves on the market today.
famous brand to microwave for home
Avanti
The basic microwaves made by Avanti have received rave reviews from customers all over the internet. Reviewers have praised the company’s black rotary control microwave for its unusual rotating display, which many users, especially those who are older or struggle with certain forms of disability, find simpler to operate than the standard digital touchscreens.
Cuisinart
Those who shop for kitchen equipment daily will recognize the name Cuisinart. They have several different microwaves available, each of which has received varying customer evaluations. If a Cuisinart microwave is on your shopping list, it’s worth reading through several reviews to see if any common complaints match yours.
Danby
Danby’s selection of inexpensive countertop microwaves spans a variety of designs, but they all share the same core features. Customers searching for a quiet, compact microwave that may fit into modest kitchens have given Danby microwaves generally excellent reviews. This model is excellent to consider if you need a compact microwave with basic features.
EdgeStar
EdgeStar provides a handful of great options if you’re shopping for a microwave-refrigerator combination. It makes sense that this well-known manufacturer would add a microwave to their lineup, as they already have a solid reputation for producing wine coolers, beverage refrigerators, and mini-fridges.
Reviews of this microwave are harder to come by than those of competing models, but the ones that exist are overwhelmingly good. Customers who desire the capability of both items but need more area to work with often recommend the combination.
GE
One such name that’s instantly recognizable in the world of reliable household appliances is General Electric. There is a wide selection of microwaves, and many models come in various sizes and colors.
While many consumers are pleased, there is a common thread of dissatisfaction over the longevity of certain high-end models and the associated cost of repairing any problems that may occur. Although this view is not shared by many, it highlights the need to consider the microwave’s warranty before making a purchase.
Kenmore
Aside from Whirlpool, Kenmore is another well-liked manufacturer of domestic machines. They provide a wide variety of microwaves at reasonable prices. You may find both raving and complaining reviews of their microwaves online. Since there is a wide variety of microwaves to select from, it is recommended that you read some reviews of the ones you are considering purchasing.
Magic Chef
Customers generally approve of the few attractive and reasonably priced microwaves that Magic Chef offers for sale. The compact design, sleek aesthetic, and sturdy construction of the company’s products consistently receive high marks from reviewers. You should think about this company while shopping for a new microwave.
Nostalgia Electrics
The vintage microwaves produced by Nostalgia Electrics are a hit with clients. The reviews are mostly good; however, there is enough negative feedback to make you think twice before purchasing this microwave. The layout, however, is universally praised for its excellence. This brand could be perfect for you if you want a nice device that you will use sparingly.
Oster
Another well-known name in tiny home appliances is Oster. Oster, perhaps most known for its blenders, also offers many countertop microwaves that are both reasonably priced and reliable.
The reviews are mainly good, with a few criticisms similar to those given by many of the other well-known companies here. Oster is a good brand to consider if you need a microwave that will serve its purpose without breaking the bank.
Panasonic
The microwaves manufactured by Panasonic are also quite popular. Consumers are generally pleased with their products, while some have voiced concerns about their lack of longevity. Since they have so many different options, reading through the reviews written about the model you’re considering in detail is essential.
Sharp
There is a wide variety of microwaves, and Sharp is one of the leading manufacturers. A wide range of options is available to meet various requirements and budgets.
The reviews are mostly favorable, yet, as is customary, there are some rave and panned entries. Many different models are available, so it’s a good idea to narrow down your search by reading reviews of the specific models you’re considering.
Smeg
Smeg is a well-known multinational manufacturer of vintage-style home appliances. Several high-end, aesthetically pleasing, built-in microwaves are included in this. Customer opinions differ widely depending on the model being reviewed and the reviewer’s preferences and needs. We highly recommend this brand of the built-in microwave if that’s what you’re in the market for.
Summit
Summit sells a variety of microwaves, and they all have positive ratings on various review websites. The microwaves are praised for their high-quality construction and modern aesthetic. With so many options, it’s best to narrow your search for this brand’s microwaves to the specific model you have in mind.
FAQs:
What Is the Difference Between a Microwave and a Microwave Oven?
When you hear “microwave,” you’re referring to “microwave oven.” In both cases, we’re having the same conversation: a device that heats food with microwave energy. This method of cooking is referred to as “microwaving.” In contrast, the air in an oven is heated by a heat source, which cooks the food.
What Is a Microwave Oven Used For?
A microwave oven, sometimes known as an electronic oven, is cooking equipment that uses microwaves to cook food. Tiny, box-like microwave ovens raise the temperature of food by emitting a high-frequency electrical wave around it.
Conclusion
A gadget such as a microwave oven requires a certain level of expertise to choose what works best for you. Therefore, you may save time and money by researching the ideal oven for your needs. Not only that, it helps you save time.