Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens  have become one of the most common, popular kitchen appliances -- they make leftover nights easy and prepare your popcorn automatically.Most microwaves today do an excellent job of heating food; the differences between styles are mostly in the special features and the size. You also have your choice of a number of shapes and integrated appliances -- some microwaves can also function as ovens, while other can installed over your cooker and perform double duty as a hood.

Microwave Types

Microwave Hood Combinations 

  • Saves counter space.
  • Acts as a ventilator for your cooker or hob.
  • Vented hood installations send the exhaust outside, while non-vented installations will recirculate the exhaust back into the kitchen.

Countertop Microwaves 

  • Usually made for countertop use, but they many can be installed into a wall, with professional guidance.
  • Less expensive than microwave hood combos.

Important Features

  • Size
    • Determine the size you need based on your estimated use and the space available in your kitchen.
    • If you're buying a microwave for a college dorm, a small model (as small at 0.5 cubic feet or 14 litres) is better and are often cost as little as £30.
    • For a family, or if you tend to cook large dishes in the microwave, a large model (as big as 2 cubic feet, or 55 litres) is probably better.
    • Make sure to consider the actual dimensions of the microwave as well as the total volume. Make sure the space is wide enough to hold your largest dish.
  • Power
    • Microwave ovens range in power from 600 watts (boils 8 ounces of water in 2 minutes) to more than 1200 Watts.
    • Recipes usually assume a power of at least 800 Watts.
    • Many microwave ovens also have adjustable power settings, programmed settings, and defrost modes.
  • Special Features
    • Convection Feature
      • This allows you to do much more than just heat up food. It converts your microwave into a mini oven so that you can toast, roast, and bake without making food soggy. Perfect for cooking pizzas or other smaller items.
      • It takes a lot less time to heat up a small convection oven than a large oven.
    • Extras
      • Griddles, special pans, and grills may be included with some models.
    • Turntable
      • This will save you from having to rotate foods periodically during cooking.
      • Helps food heat more evenly without constant attention. (You still have to stir your food periodically, however.)
    • Timer
      • Most microwave ovens today have digital timers.
      • A few models have mechanical timers with a dial; these are hard to set for exact times and are not recommended.
    • Special Programs and Settings
      • Some high-end microwaves have cooking programs, such as "popcorn" and "auto-defrost." Look for well-designed buttons for easy access to these pre-programmed functions; otherwise, you may end up paying for a feature you won't use.
      • Some models can also be used as a kitchen timer -- often quite helpful.
      • Some have sensors that will automatically shut off once the food seems to be cooked.
      • If you're buying a microwave-hood combination, test the lights to make sure they're bright enough and test the hood -- some hoods can be quite noisy!
  • Other Things to Consider
    • Noise level (some microwaves are quiet when they cook, others are loud).
    • Child Safety Lock.
    • How does the alarm sound? Will it irritate you when it goes off? Does it stop beeping when you open the door, or does it continue to sound?

Top Manufacturers

Related Products

Cookers 

Toaster Ovens 

Indoor Grills 

Slow Cookers 

Sandwich Makers 

External Links

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Magnetrons Shopgids