A quality microwave makes cooking and reheating meals a lot easier as well as a lot faster. Here are some tips to help you pick the right microwave for your needs.
Things To Consider
There Are Microwaves At Every Price Point
Regardless of your budget, the odds are good that there’s a microwave out there that will fit it. Microwaves started about $70 and can go up to $500 or more depending upon the technology, mounting options, and features.
Consider Your Space
Before you purchase a microwave you need to know that it’s going to fit in your kitchen. Countertop models take up a lot of counter space whereas wall-mounted units save space but only if it’s available to begin with.
Picking The Right Model
Countertop Microwaves
The most affordable microwaves, they offer convenience, high capacity, and are powerful enough for most home cooks.
Built-in Microwaves
Built right into walls, these microwaves are usually quite expensive but have a luxury finish and high-end power and capacity serious home cooks look for.
Over The Range Microwaves
These microwaves mount directly over your range and include some type of range hood, saving space while increasing performance. They may have to be installed by professionals and usually aren’t quite as large as countertop options.
Features To Look For
Turntables And Trays Should Maneuver Effortlessly
Look for quality turntables that move around in the microwave with no difficulty for even cooking and heating.
Microwave Oven Racks Increase Capacity
A lot like racks in ovens, microwave racks increase capacity and speed up reheating or cooking.
Microwave Oven Racks Increase Capacity
A lot like racks in ovens, microwave racks increase capacity and speed up reheating or cooking.
Convection Cooking Capabilities
Found in the highest and microwaves, this turns a microwave into a miniature oven.
Best Brands
Samsung
Another luxury small appliance manufacturer (most other things), Samsung combines beautiful aesthetics with powerful performance better than most.
Frigidaire
Manufactured by the Electrolux company they are available in budget priced models that start at $80 all the way up to much more expensive luxury options that command $500 or more.
Maytag
This company doesn’t offer as many countertop microwaves as others but has a much larger over the range product lineup.
LG
Usually much more expensive than most other microwaves, this is a premium brand with premium features.
General Electric
One of the most popular manufacturers of microwaves today.