A microwave is a pretty self-explanatory appliance. Microwaves can be used for a variety of purposes, but they are mainly used for quick cooking or reheating food. However, microwaves can also be used to defrost a variety of frozen foods, as well as heating up a cup of water to make a quick cup of coffee. Some microwaves can even be used to aid in baking because they allow users to soften butter or cream cheese to make it easier to cream together with other ingredients.
When it comes to microwaves there are a few different types that consumers can choose from. One of the most popular types of microwaves is over the range microwaves. These microwaves are placed above the oven and come equipped with an exhaust fan. Another type of microwave is a built-in microwave, which differs from the over the range because it goes inside of a cabinet.
Most built-in microwaves require consumers to purchase a separate trim kit to ensure the proper ventilation. The last type of microwave is a countertop microwave, which doesn’t require any special placement. The only requirement with these is that there needs to be open space around the microwave to allow it work properly.
Like many other products currently on the market, microwaves have a variety of features, which can be used to determine what microwave is being purchased. With these features, some of them are going to be optional features, whereas other features are going to be considered must-haves. Here is a closer look at the features consumers should look at when choosing the right microwave for their homes.
Shortcut keys: Most microwaves now a days me with a variety of short cut keys. For example, auto defrost or a dedicated popcorn key, along with quick minute. What short cut keys you choose will depend on personal preference, but these keys do a lot to make cooking with a microwave easier.
Westinghouse WCM660B Microwave Oven. This is the perfect microwave for a small apartment or mobile home. Only 17.8 inches by 13.3 inches, the dimensions compliment any limited space. Compact in size, this 0.6 cubic foot microwave oven works great for all my cooking and reheating needs. I can fit an entire dinner plate onto the 9.5-inch turntable, push the minute button to the desired cooking time and wait for the ding that signals my meal is hot and ready to eat. While I cannot quickly cook enough food for a crowd in my 600-watt microwave oven, I easily bake oatmeal, reheat meals, warm my evening tea and cook popcorn in a snap. I love the simple design. There is no confusion when cooking or reheating with this machine. The convenience and size really sell the Westinghouse WCM660B Microwave Oven, and I recommend it to all my friends who need a small microwave oven for their home, office, dorm, camper or haul truck.
Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic Foot Convection Microwave with Grill. I purchased this microwave to replace an old microwave and an old toaster oven. I love how evenly this 1000 watts microwave cooks. The microwave’s sleek silver stainless steel design looks great. It is so much more versatile than a regular microwave. The double grills cooks the food from both sides. Having the convection features lets me brown and crisp food. This means no more pale and soggy microwave food. Reheated breads come out like they were freshly baked. This microwave grills meat perfectly. It has 1.2-cubic-foot of interior space and a turntable that allows for even heating. I have even cooked a whole turkey in the Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave. I was amazed that the turkey was cooked so perfectly. The control panel is easy to use. This convection microwave has 11 power levels. It also offers nine preset options Fresh vegetable, Roast Chicken, Potato, Beverage, Reheat, Popcorn, Frozen Vegetable, Cake and Pizza.
When it comes to microwaves there are a few different types that consumers can choose from. One of the most popular types of microwaves is over the range microwaves. These microwaves are placed above the oven and come equipped with an exhaust fan. Another type of microwave is a built-in microwave, which differs from the over the range because it goes inside of a cabinet.
Most built-in microwaves require consumers to purchase a separate trim kit to ensure the proper ventilation. The last type of microwave is a countertop microwave, which doesn’t require any special placement. The only requirement with these is that there needs to be open space around the microwave to allow it work properly.
Like many other products currently on the market, microwaves have a variety of features, which can be used to determine what microwave is being purchased. With these features, some of them are going to be optional features, whereas other features are going to be considered must-haves. Here is a closer look at the features consumers should look at when choosing the right microwave for their homes.
Must-Have Features of the Best Microwave
Size: The size of the microwave is probably the most important aspect of the microwave, aside from the type of microwave. Full size microwaves will consume up more space, yet they can likewise warm up bigger dishes. Full measured microwaves normal around 1.5 cubic feet. Midsize microwaves average around 1.2 cubic feet and can handle a full sized dinner plate, but not larger casserole dishes. Reduced microwaves, which normal .5 cubic feet or less, are ideal for little families or the individuals who don't wish to warms up a ton of nourishment. These smaller microwaves will not accommodate a full sized dinner plate.
Cooking Power: The amount of cooking power is also important when choosing a microwave. The higher the cooking power the speedier the cook or warm the nourishment. Microwaves can be found as low as 600 watts, yet as high as 1200 watts. Average cooking power on microwaves is 1000 watts.
Cooking Sensor: One of the best features to have is a cooking sensor because it will adjust cooking times and temperatures to prevent the food inside from overcooking. The cooking sensor will also shut off the microwave once the food has reached its ideal temperature.
Turntables: A must have is a turntable, but how big the turntable is will depend on the size of the microwave. Microwaves need to have a turntable in order to properly cook the food. Microwaves do not heat evenly, so the turntable allows the food to rotate around the microwave to help with the cooking.
While recognizing what highlights to search for is useful, it additionally comprehends what the most prominent brands are.With microwaves, the two most popular brands currently available on the market are Sharp and Panasonic. Both of these manufacturers offer over the range microwaves, as well as counter top microwaves. Where they differ is in the technology used to cook the food. For example many Sharp microwaves use cycling power, which means it starts off at 100% power and then has periods of no power. Then again, Panasonic microwaves utilize inverter technology, which enables the nourishment to cook at a consistent temperature the whole time.
Now that you know what features to consider when choosing a microwave, take a look at my recommendations for the best microwaves below. These are without a doubt, the top microwaves out there on the market right now.
The Best Countertop Microwave – My #1 Overall Recommendation
Panasonic NN-H765BF 1250-Watt Microwave Oven.
This microwave from Panasonic has saved me several hours in the kitchen over the past year. As a countertop microwave with 1250 Watts and 1.6 Cubic feet of space to load food into, this microwave has done everything that I need it to do. It has been so helpful to have the extra internal space to thaw out larger items from my freezer, and the defrost settings are programmable for larger quantities of frozen items. My last microwave only had a few limited options for defrost. I am glad that it has the “Keep Warm” option because I frequently get interrupted by phone calls or work when I’m reheating food. This microwave actually keeps my coffee or food warm until I come back to pick it up, even if it’s already done heating! And once you’ve used a “Popcorn” button, you’ll never go back to guessing how much time to program your microwave for; it can sense when the popcorn is done popping so it doesn’t burn!
Click the link to read full review of the Panasonic NN-H765BF 1.6 cu ft 1250-Watt Microwave
Best Microwave Under $70 – And it’s Black and Stainless Steel too!
Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave.
I have searched for a Stainless Steel microwave, with great features, for years. This 700 watt Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD microwave looks spectacular with its delicious warm, black and stainless steel tones. It fits perfectly on my counter-top and does not take up much space. The Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD 0.7 cubic foot microwave looks fantastic, cooks evenly and is easy to operate. With dimensions of 14 x 17.3 x 10.1 inches the interior is big enough to hold my casserole dishes. The instructions are easy to understand. This Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD microwave will defrost without cooking the edges of the meat and there is a button that automatically adds 30 seconds to the timer: very convenient. I love the ten power levels and auto cook settings of beverage, soup, fresh and frozen vegetables and baked potato.
Click the link to read full review of the Danby Designer DMW077BLSDD 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
Best Small Microwave – Compact Microwaves Save Space!
Click the link to read full review of the Westinghouse WCM660B Microwave Oven
Best Convection Microwave Oven
Click the link to read full review of the Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave
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