Microwaves are not just for reheating and popcorn anymore – they have become an essential appliance in every kitchen. Some new features like convection technology have made the ovens more versatile, while others like Speed Cook have made it possible to reduce cooking times dramatically. Aside from the cooking technology, there are a lot of features to consider when buying your next microwave oven.
Power and Size
Microwave power is measured in watts. Microwaves can range from as low as 600W to as high as 1300W. More wattage means faster cooking times, but the difference of a hundred watts in either direction is negligible. If you’ll be doing more than reheating in your microwave, look for models that offer at least 800W, which is the bare minimum recommended for many recipes.
Where will it go?
Today’s microwaves fit in your kitchen in a variety of ways. As their name suggests, countertop microwaves sit on your kitchen counter. While they take up more physical space than over the range (OTR), built-in or under-the-cabinet microwaves, they usually offer more usable cooking space inside. If you have room on your countertop or a utility cart, a countertop microwave will give you the most cooking capacity and is the best choice for frequent users Which is healthy otg or microwave? for a lot more than the occasional reheat.
Over-the-range models get the microwave off your countertop but don’t hold as much inside.
It is important to know that OTR models come with a built-in range hood vent. The hood vents found in OTR microwaves don’t work as well as standard range hood vents, in part because they don’t provide coverage for the front burners. If you use your range a lot, what you gain in counter space will be lost in ventilation. Is something always simmering on the stovetop? Don’t give up a full-sized hood vent in exchange for an OTR microwave. Instead, consider a microwave that can be mounted under or inside of a cabinet. It offers the same interior capacity as OTR microwaves without the hood-vent drawbacks. If you don’t need a large-capacity microwave, or don’t have space on the countertop, an under-the-cabinet model is an excellent space-saving choice.
Cooking Technology
Be sure to choose a microwave that offers you a minimum of three power levels. Generally, these are High, for regular cooking (100% power); Medium, for simmering (50% power), and Low or Defrost (usually about 10%-30% power). If the model you’re looking at comes with more levels, that’s even better it won’t necessarily add to the cost. Microwaves with convection technology include a heating element and a fan. The fan circulates the air, which helps crisp skins and brown foods (no more chewy leftover pizza). Convection technology adds significantly to the price of a microwave ($100 to $200) and the fan adds to its physical size. If you turn to the microwave more than you turn to your oven, the convection technology is worth the investment for the versatility you’ll get, not to mention the option of not heating your standard oven on hot days.
