Microwaves

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your New Microwave

 Your Kitchen: Your microwave needs to fit in to the kitchen it will become a part of. If you’re replacing a built-in microwave that no longer works, you’ll need to find something that fits in the space, you can start with the same brand and find a comparable size. You should consider how you use your kitchen each day and which areas of it would be the most convenient or inconvenient for the microwave to be placed. Countertop space is a valuable commodity in every kitchen, maybe it isn't a good ideia give it up for a new microwave.

 Size: For a built-in or over-the-range microwave, you have to fit it exactly to the size specifications available. If you opt for a countertop model, you have a little more flexibility in the size you go with, but you still need to carefully consider the amount of counter space you have to work with, as well as how much you’re willing to give up.

Size is, hands down, one of the most important things you have to consider when buying a microwave. Before you start browsing all of your options, it would be wise to get a clear idea of the space available and the size that would work best for you.

Wattage: The main thing you need to know about wattage is that the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time and more evenly you can expect the microwave to heat the contents inside. Usually, as long as a microwave is at least 1,000 watts, it should cook your food well. You can find microwaves with lower wattage that are usually cheaper, but they’ll be slower and oftentimes less reliable. 

Reliability: Even the most durable microwaves are likely to have a shelf life of somewhere around 10-12 years or so, with the average lifespan of a microwave coming in at 9. If it’s important to you to find a microwave that will last for as long as possible, take some time to read any reviews you can find of the model you’re considering. Chances are, you will be replacing the microwave one way or another within a few years, so you may find it makes more sense to focus your decision on other features than durability. 

Price: All of the most affordable options will be found in the countertop category. But if your kitchen design makes a built-in or over-the-range microwave a more practical choice, the extra investment will be well worth it. Not only will a built-in unit save countertop space, but it will create a more elegant kitchen that improves the value of your home. You can easily get by with a microwave that costs less than $100 if your needs are basic, but if you decide an over-the-range model or a convection oven is the best choice for you, expect to pay a bit more.

Preprogrammed Settings: Most microwaves will come with at least a Popcorn setting that allows you to cook based on the size of the bag. Defrost is another common setting that will be found on most microwave ovens. When you start to explore more high-end microwaves, you will notice a whole new range of preset cooking options for uses from baking potatoes to reheating pizzas to warming up beverages like coffee.

Noise:  This won’t be a concern for everyone, but some microwaves will be louder than others and if you’re sensitive to the noise they produce, If you’re considering buying a microwave online, customer reviews will often mention it if a microwave is particularly noisy, so you can find out which models to avoid. While this is rare for microwaves, you may also find decibel ratings listed for each unit.

Safety:  The only real safety concerns that come with microwaves are the slight possibility of one catching fire and the need to teach kids to be careful when using them, especially with over-the-range microwaves where reaching over the stove and removing hot items that are difficult to reach can cause problems. For the most part, microwave safety issues generally have more to do with proper use than which model you buy, but to be careful, you can always check the reviews of a model to see if you encounter any warning signs.

Ventilation: This is mostly a concern for those considering an over-the-range microwave that replaces the range hood that would otherwise provide ventilation while you cook on the stove.  Their research is well worth the read if you’re buying an over-the-range microwave.

Different Types Of Microwave Oven 

BUILT-IN MICROWAVES: Built-in microwave ovens are installed directly into pre-existing cabinet space for a custom look that integrates seamlessly with your kitchen style. They can be installed in a variety of locations in the kitchen, but are usually placed above a wall oven for easy transitions between oven and microwave. Built-in microwaves also feature doors that open from the front, like an oven, rather than the side for quick access.

OVER-THE-RANGE OR MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATIONS: Over-the-range microwaves, also called microwave-hood combinations, get your microwave off your countertop by placing it over the range where it can double as a vent hood, helping clear smoke and odor from the air. Over-the-range microwaves from KitchenAid free up counter space while centralizing cooking tasks. Find out if a microwave hood or range hood is better for your kitchen.

COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES: Countertop microwaves provide quick access right where most of the making happens the countertop. All they need is an outlet and a stable, flat surface, so installation is as easy as it gets. You can even take them with you if you move homes. Countertop microwaves can also be installed in cabinets, much like a built-in microwave, with an additional trim kit.