Best Microwave Ovens

How to acquire the best microwave oven

A microwave oven is one of the most common appliances in the modern kitchen nowadays. They can be found at a variety of prices, ranging from $90 to more than $750.

There are different aspects to bear in mind when choosing the best microwave oven for your own household:

Size: You need to consider where exactly you will be placing your microwave oven; the size of your appliance will definitely depend on its location. Will you be installing it in a cabinet or just placing it on the countertop?
Bigger ovens have some extra functions, but are of course pricier than smaller ones.

Power: The more powerful the oven, the faster it will heat up your food. Basic ovens offer you between 400/500 watts and can be used to defrost and reheat small portions. Power settings can be really varied: some ovens offer you just one power level, whereas more modern ones can have as many as 100 different possibilities.

Floor space: You will need to look for a bigger or a smaller microwave oven according to the amount of food you will be planning to cook. The inside of the oven is generally measured in cubic feet –the biggest ones in the market are around 1.6 cubic feet.

Regular oven or microwave convection ones? The latter can be used for multiple functions, such as crisping food, baking or roasting. They are of course pricier.

Controls: Older microwave ovens have mechanical controls, which include a timer dial and an on/off switch. More modern appliances come with a touch pad control –remember to look for an easy to program one. Some models allow you to cook your food easily by just pressing a specific button.

Automatic defrost: Some people find this feature very convenient; however, any microwave in the market can be used to defrost food.

Design and extra features: Some models have a window that allows you to see the food while it is being cooked. Others come equipped with a shelf, which of course makes it possible to cook bigger amounts of food. Other special features worth mentioning are trays, temperature probes, turntables, moisture sensors, among others.

Warranty: In general warranties cover your microwave oven for up to one year. Make sure to read yours carefully.

Safety and care: These appliances are quite safe and easy to use. Just make sure not to stand too close to it while you are heating your food. Follow the manual’s instructions to learn how to take care of your device.