How to Choose the Right Microwave Because They Are More Different Than You Think
While some of us refer to our microwaves as inferior burrito machines, new technology has made it easier to cook a wider variety of foods than you might expect. You can cook an entire meal with your microwave if you want, and many people consider it a kitchen necessity, even if they only use it to reheat leftover food and coffee.
But just because we use our microwaves a lot doesn’t mean we understand them – it becomes obvious when people go shopping for a new one. There are a huge number of features and specifications to consider, and choosing the right microwave oven starts with understanding how you will use it. If you’re looking for a new microwave, here’s a guide to everything you need to think about in order to pick the right one.
Different types of microwaves
The first thing you need to decide is what type of microwave you need:
- Tabletop. This is usually the cheapest option and is designed to be placed on the kitchen counter and plugged into a wall outlet. It takes up precious counter space, but can be moved around as needed.
- Out of range. Microwave ovens can be attached to the bracket under kitchen cabinets and above the stove. This makes sense as it allows you to store all your heat-based culinary items in one place. If you’re replacing an existing microwave, make sure you know how the old one was installed – there’s usually a metal bracket that does the heavy lifting of holding it in place, and you want to be sure your new one will fit into the existing bracket or provide brand new. Extended range models also typically connect to your kitchen exhaust and ventilate while you cook.
- In the wall. These microwave ovens are designed to be built into a wall and are usually trimmed and trimmed to give them a finished look. You may need a contractor to install them if you are not handy. The consideration here is to choose an overall size and shape – you can find weird “tall” microwaves, but if you pick one, you’ll be stuck in that weird profile for a long time.
- The drawer. Typically the most expensive choice, a drawer microwave sits in the bottom cabinets of your kitchen where a drawer would normally be, and it slides out like a drawer as well. They’ll keep your counters clean and can be easier to use because you don’t have to reach for hot bowls and stuff. Plus, drawer microwaves can be finished to match your cabinetry, hiding the appliance until you need it.
Of course, your choice of microwave type may be limited by your existing setup, but if you’re remodeling, this is your chance to exercise some leeway.
How much do different types of microwaves cost
There is a fairly wide price range for microwave ovens, so knowing your budget goes a long way in narrowing down your choices. Generally speaking, here’s how much you can spend on different types of microwave ovens:
- Countertop: $50 to $300, although the lower end includes underpowered ovens (see Power section) that won’t be useful for anything more than the occasional snack.
- Out of Range: $200 to $400.
- Built-in: $400 to $1,000 (not including installation and finishing work).
- Drawer: $1,000 to $2,000 (not including installation and finishing).
Consider the size of your microwave.
When it comes to the size of your microwave, there are two considerations: inside and out.
- Interior: All microwave power is measured in cubic feet and ranges from 0.5 cubic feet to about 2.2 cubic feet in the upper range (often referred to as ” high capacity ” microwaves). The smaller models are big enough to fit one dinner plate or bag of popcorn, but that’s about it. The largest microwave ovens can accommodate larger dishes and more items. Most people want something in between, usually around 1.5 cubic feet. If you find yourself microwaving a lot of large meals, go big. If you toss one bag of popcorn from time to time, you can reduce it.
- Exterior. You should also take into account the external dimensions. Most large range models are designed to fit over standard sized ovens, but if you are replacing an existing oven you should measure first to be sure of the correct dimensions. If you choose a countertop model, it depends entirely on your space needs. Tiny microwaves designed to fit in corners exist , but if you have space on your countertop, you can make it bigger. This is an opportunity to evaluate how well your current microwave oven performs on your counters and make the necessary adjustments.
Microwave power is important
Another important aspect of a microwave oven is its power. You may have noticed that microwave-safe foods have different instructions depending on your wattage — the more watts, the more power, the faster the food heats up — and according to Robust Kitchen , a 700W microwave can cook a package. popcorn in about two minutes. and 15 seconds, while a 1500-watt oven can cook it in half the time. Of course, the more watts, the more expensive.
You can get some wild microwaves up to 2400W in the commercial arena. For your home, the highest power you will find is around 1250W. As a general rule, you need to stay above 700W, and 900-1000 is the optimal value for most culinary applications. But by all means, if you have the money and need to cut your popping time by 45 seconds, do more.
The most common and important functions of the microwave
Finally, the modern microwave oven has many options. In fact, even the base models come with pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or coffee mug warmers. No matter how expensive your microwave oven is, reading the manual at least once to demystify some of the features it comes with is time well spent. Other options you should consider:
- Multipurpose: You can find microwaves that pair with other oven technologies such as convection ovens, toasters, grills, or deep fryers, giving you a 2 (or more) to 1 advantage. This is especially handy if you’re short on space or you prepare gourmet meals.
- Child Lock: If you have kids who love to open things up and explore, the child lock feature can prevent them from opening the microwave and getting burned when you take something out too slowly after a bell.
- Extra rotation: Microwaves cook food by passing radio waves through it, causing its molecules to vibrate, and most often rotate the food to even out the effect. But if you have a large plate or pan that fits in the microwave but is hard to turn, you may want to be able to turn off the rotation and manually flip the dish.
- Shelving: Microwave a lot? Being able to insert a grate so you can cook two dishes at the same time can save a lot of time.
Microwave ovens are incredible inventions. Buying an oven that’s too big (or too small) or buying an appliance that doesn’t fit your kitchen can negate the benefits that a microwave oven offers, so be sure to consider every aspect of your needs before making a commitment.