Microwave Buying Guide

Microwave ovens are no longer just for heating up leftovers or making popcorn, although that is a great way to use them. Today’s microwaves are much more advanced and offer a multitude of cooking options and features.

When determining what type and size of microwave you need think about what you are cooking in it as well as where it will be located in your kitchen. If you use your microwave mostly for reheating and making popcorn then you probably don’t need a lot of fancy features, but if you plan on cooking entire meals then you will want to take advantage of the latest innovations and features available. If you have children that will use the microwave, be sure to pay attention to ease of use and safety features too.

Types of Microwaves

Built-In Microwaves source: Jenn-Air Built-in microwaves are designed to slide into your cabinetry. Many come with trim kits that give a built-in feel while also providing ventilation so they don’t over heat. They are available in basic and fully loaded models.	Microwave/Hood Combo source: Kenmore Microwave hood combinations are installed over a range or cooktop to provide ventilation and lighting, making them a great space saver.
Microwave Drawer source: Jenn-Air Microwave drawers are perfect for under counter installations because they open like a drawer providing easy access to the microwave interior without having to bend down.	Countertop Microwaves source: Amana Countertop microwaves are usually more compact than other types of microwaves. They are available in basic models as well as fully loaded models. If you have plenty of countertop space, this type of microwave is a great choice because installation is a cinch. Just plug it into any standard outlet.

Microwaves Sizes and Capacities

Microwave sizes include compact, midsize and large capacity. Compact microwaves can be as small as 18” wide, 11” high and 13” deep with capacities of 1 cubic foot or less, making them great for either the countertop or in an upper cabinet. Larger models have capacities up to 2.2 cubic feet and are usually anywhere from 24” wide to 30” wide and can be as deep 20” making them better for built in installations.

Wattages range from 500 to 800 watts on compact microwaves and up to 1200 watts on larger microwaves. The higher the wattage the faster your food will cook.

Options and Special Features to Consider

If you do a lot of microwave cooking you may want to consider some of the special features available today such as a combination microwave / convection oven which will give you the convenience and speed of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping ability of convection.

If you want even more cooking flexibility with your microwave consider a speed-cook microwave. Manufacturers claim these microwaves cook up to eight times faster! They also have the capability to bake, brown, and roast with no preheating.

Some speed-cook and convection microwaves come with recipe guides that feature up to 100 pre-programmed recipes and you can even add your own favorite recipes.

Perhaps you don’t need all these fancy options but you still want convenience and ease of use. Here is a list of popular features you should consider when making your next microwave purchase.

• Automatic Defrost - allows you to select the weight and type of food you want to defrost, and then it automatically determines the power level and cook time to ensure thorough defrosting.

• Convenience Keys/Automatic Settings - preset programs allowing you to prepare specific foods such as popcorn, pizza and beverages with the touch of a single button. Basic models offer a few options while high-end models have many more options.

• Sensor Cooking – uses sensors to determine moisture levels in food as it cooks and automatically adjusts power levels and cooking time to ensure thorough cooking.

• Turntable/Movable Tray - rotates food around for more even heating so you don’t have to watch, stop and rotate midway through. Consider one that is designed for easy removal and cleaning.

• Child Lock - allows you to lock the control keypad preventing accidental use; it also prohibits activation when you're cleaning the keypad.

• Time Cook - allows you to program two different cook times and power levels for a single dish.

Microwave Oven Pricing

You can get a basic countertop microwave for as little as $50 but spending $150 to $250 should get you a countertop microwave with plenty of features. If you want convection cooking on your countertop microwave, plan on spending $350 or more.

Over the range microwave/hood combos can run anywhere from $150 - $1500 with the higher priced models offering higher CFM blowers and convection or speedcook options.

Pricing for built in microwaves can start as low as $500 and go as high as $1800 or more depending on the features and options you choose.

Microwave drawers are relatively new to the market and prices range from $750 to $1200 or higher but more manufacturers are adding them to their product line so expect lower price points in the future.