Top Ten Considerations Before Buying Microwaves
When you need to cook a quick meal or
modern microwave, we have a few important details and considerations you should know before making a final decision.
Size It Up: Compact, MidSize
Microwaves vary in size, which means measurements will depend on how much space you have to spare.
Size isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to microwaves. There are four main aspects you will want to mull over before purchasing a microwave.
Watts the Deal?
Wattage is the unit in which power is measured, and in microwaves, it determines how fast or how slow food cooks. Microwaves usually range between
microwave grills, pans, and griddles. Timers are also a main feature in all microwaves, but always choose a digital timer over the older, often inaccurate manual timer. Features vary by brand and size, but most include:
* '''Power Rating''': This is generally known as magnetron or wattage; it is what powers the microwave. These appliances may vary from 500 watts to 1,650 watts, depending on size and use.
* '''Numeric Keypads''': All microwaves come with a digital keypad for easy use and clear directions. Users must use this keypad to program cooking times and power levels.
* '''Removable Racks''': Need to cook multiples foods at once? No problem. Removable racks divide the inside of a microwave into two sections so that you will be able to cook, heat, or defrost more than one food item.
* '''Sensors''': When shortcut or precooking.
Settings, Settings, and More Settings
The Perfect Price
Depending on the size and wattage of the unit, a microwave can be incredibly inexpensive. A
Countertop microwaves are popular because there is no installation involved, just plug it into an outlet. There are also microwaves that can be built into cabinets for a sleeker, concealed look. Here's the breakdown.
* '''Overrange microwaves are secured over a stove and have the option of being hooked up to a vent. OTR microwaves require professional installation, which will set you back a few hundred dollars.
* '''Countertop''': The most popular type of microwaves are countertops. These models are not limited to countertops, and can be placed almost anywhere in the kitchen including cabinets and storage racks. However, most mid-size to large countertop microwaves take up approximately three square feet of space.
* '''Builtup. The main downside to these models is the fact that you will need to set aside space. This means that measurements must be precise for proper installation.
Convection Oven
If you don't have the space for a microwave and a toaster oven, opt for a hybrid. We're not talking about cars, but a microwave convection oven. It's the best of both cooking worlds.
Proceed with Caution
Microwave Lingo
When you're buying a microwave, you might comes across a few unfamiliar, but important terms. These words and phrases play a huge part in the amount of wattage you will need, as well as the cost.
* '''Chaos defrost''': Cuts down the time needed to defrost frozen foods.
* '''Sensor cooking''': This feature detects the amount of moisture your food emits, then automatically modifies the cooking time and power level.
* '''Crisper plate/Browning tray''': If you can't afford a microwave convection oven or would rather not have one, you can still use a standard microwave to brown and crisp foods such as pizza, chicken, and fish with these trays.
* '''Dualmode timers offer the ability to time food that's cooking while acting as a standard timer.
* '''Multiple sequence cooking''': Since certain foods require different heating levels, microwaves with the multiple sequence cooking option automatically adjusts the power level so that you won't have to.
* '''Child Lockin an "access" code to operate the microwave.
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