All the different models of microwave ovens in the market
function basically in the same way. All of them cook your food in a jiffy by bombarding
it with microwave energy. What should be taken into consideration when deciding upon a model
to buy? This decision should be based on factors like size, capacity, features,
manufacturer’s credentials and warranty.
Types Of Installation
When it comes to installing a
microwave oven there are five basic options to choose from. These are built-ins,
under the cabinet, over the range, drawer ovens and countertops. Of these five varieties,
countertop microwave ovens require no installation. Instead, you can just plug it in and use it.
The other four varieties of microwave ovens need to be installed professionally in order to provide adequate ventilation.
Microwave ovens are fitted with ventilation
hoods for the purpose. The ventilation may be either routed outside or may be channeled
using a charcoal filter.
Limited worktop space is one of the main reasons
people opt for a microwave oven that can be accommodated with the cooking range
or with the cabinetry in the kitchen. This option can also be considered after a kitchen is remodeled.
The inclusion of a fitted oven will impart an integrated, sleek
look to the kitchen.
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Counter Top Microwave Oven
Built-In Microwave Oven
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Free standing or countertop microwave ovens are less expensive than the fitted ovens
as there are no installation costs involved. Countertop microwave ovens have the
controls on the door of the oven itself making usage very simple and user friendly.
On the other hand, built-in microwave ovens and over the range microwave ovens are
usually more powerful than countertops. They are more feature-packed and provide true value
for the money.
Size And Capacity Considerations
The terms size and capacity seem to refer to the same
thing but are actually two entirely different references. The term ‘size’ refers to the external
dimensions of the microwave oven, and, the term ‘capacity’ refers to the amount
of cooking space available inside the oven.
The size of the microwave oven will be represented in terms of the height, width
and depth of the oven. These measurements should be considered in light of the available
space in the kitchen. Both built-in models and countertop models
need to be measured for size suitability both inside and out. It is generally suggested
that you bring along the biggest dishes you intend to use in the microwave to ensure that
they will fit.
The size of a microwave oven may be either ‘compact’ or ‘family.’ The family-sized
ovens bring you larger turntables and a spacious interior that could probably hold
your special Sunday roast.
As for deciding on the right capacity, you will have to consider your needs. The
range of capacity generally varies from 0.5 cubic feet to 2.0 - 2.2 cubic feet.
If you think you will just be using your microwave for reheating, then a small one
would suffice. Don’t buy a fancy model with several features that you do not plan
to use. However, a larger one may be more suited to your needs if you are a cooking aficionado.
There are a multitude of choices out there. All you need to do is decide what you need and how
much you are willing to pay for it.
Power – How Much Do You Need?
It would be wise to buy the highest wattage possible within
your budget. Remember, the higher the wattage, the faster your oven cooks. The measurement
of microwave power output is represented in watts and is a standardized measure
given by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC.
The choice that you will be offered will range from 600 watts to 1200 watts. Higher
wattage microwave ovens are used for commercial purposes. Obviously, the higher the
power, the faster the cooking process will be. Some
models might give up to eight different temperature settings. Even the most basic
microwave oven comes with three settings: low, medium and high.
Keep in mind that recipes and heating instructions generally provide
time and heat settings based on 800 watt microwave ovens.
The main criteria for deciding the wattage of your microwave oven should be the
type of cooking you intend to do with it. If just melting, reheating and making popcorn
is what the term ‘cooking’ implies for you, then you certainly do not need a 1200W
microwave oven. On the other hand, multiple temperature settings will come in very handy if you are
planning to cook full meals in a microwave oven.
Types Of Microwave Ovens
A basic microwave oven can be used for reheating, defrosting,
dehumidifying and baking. If you want to add roasting, browning and grilling
to the list, you can opt for a standard microwave oven with a grill/browning option.
These ovens have an internal grill fitting and can be used either exclusively as
a grill or along with the microwave facility to cook your food and then make it
crisp and brown.
The third variety of microwave ovens available is the combination oven that provides
you with a microwave, grill and convection mode. The convection mode uses hot air
and offers users a lot of flexibility in the cooking process. This variety gives
the user one space saving appliance by offering three modes in one model.
Options In The Cooking Process
The new generation microwave ovens offer several options
to ease and optimize the cooking process. Some ovens come equipped with a multiple
sequence cooking option which ensures an automatic change in power levels. Once
programmed, the defrosting will automatically be followed by the cooking process
without requiring intervention from the user.
Another useful feature is sensor cooking. This system makes the microwave oven intelligent
enough to adjust power levels and cooking time by gauging the moisture level in
the food.
For those of you who bank heavily on frozen food, the ‘chaos defrost’ feature might
prove to be indispensable. Random pulses of microwaves defrost food in a jiffy in
microwave ovens with this feature.
Easy to use touchpads are a boon. Take the time to read the manual or ask questions
to make yourself familiar with all the buttons on the touchpad. Most touchpads
are very user friendly and a little effort is enough to use them well. Several models
have shortcut keys on the touchpads that help immensely in the cooking process.
Maintenance Of Microwave Ovens
Most models from top manufacturers give several years of
hassle free service. However, to be on the safe side, buy a model with a strong
warranty and cross check the service record of the manufacturer.
Microwave ovens that are maintained well are bound to give trouble free service
for years. Choose a model that will be easy to maintain. Several models have non-stick
coatings that are easy to wipe clean. Ensure that any spills during cooking are
cleaned up immediately. Remember, food residues inside the oven will affect the cooking
process besides affecting the flavor of the food.
If your microwave has a grease filter, teach yourself how to remove it and clean
it. Regular cleaning ensures that the food you cook doesn’t absorb unwanted odors
from the grease filter. Some models come equipped with dishwasher safe grease filters.
If you are pressed for time, opt for one of those.
The turntable in the microwave oven should also be removed and cleaned on a regular
basis.
Price Range
Most manufacturers produce models to fit various price
ranges in order to have a wide customer base. Features of different models in each
category can be compared to find the one model that will give you your coffee just
as you want it. A modest budget of say $50 - $120 can get you a microwave oven from
a reputed manufacturer like Sanyo, Sharp, GE, Panasonic, Avanti and Whirlpool among
others. This range will get you a countertop microwave oven with power ranging between
800-1200 Watts. The capacity of a microwave oven in this price range could vary
between a compact 0.8 cubic feet to an average sized 1.4 cubic feet. The number
of power levels could vary between 3 and 12. Most of the microwave ovens in this
range come with a child lock for safety purposes.
LG, GE, Whirlpool, Sharp and Panasonic as well as some other manufacturers make
several models that will fit into the $120 - $225 price bracket. Most of the microwave
ovens in this price range have a capacity of 1.4 cubic feet – 2.2 cubic feet. Features
like multiple power levels and child lock are common in this category. Some of the
models in this price range are also programmable. Counter top microwave ovens are
the most common models in the up to $225 price bracket.
Reputed companies like GE, Panasonic, Amana, Sharp, and Whirlpool have several models
of microwave ovens available for those willing to spend up to $300. This price band
offers consumers a choice of convection/microwave ovens. The convection mode is
available in countertop models in this price range. Some of the manufacturers make
over-the-range standard microwave models that can be bought in the below $300 price
band. Models with lesser features are available in bigger sizes like 1.4 - 2.0 cubic
feet. Addition of more features like convection mode will mean a smaller oven with
a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet on an average.
Once you cross the $300 threshold and are willing to spend up to $400 a whole world
of built-in microwave ovens open out in front of you. All the top players in the
field like GE, Panasonic, Amana, Sharp, and Whirlpool among others make models for
this category. Capacity can vary from 1.5 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet.
When you step into the next price range, i.e., $400 - $700 you can get almost any
permutation and combination of features that you could possibly want. If a
feature-packed countertop convection/microwave oven is what you are looking for, then you
can find a model from practically every top manufacturer in this elite category.
All manufacturers also offer several built-in models of microwave ovens in this
category.
For those who are not limited by budget, the $700-$1200 price band offers several
choices of sleek microwave ovens that would be a delight to own. Shiny stainless
steel finishes, high power, large feature-packed countertop ovens, built-in and
over-the-range varieties are available in this category. All top manufacturers have
models to suit the discerning customers in this price range.
Microwave ovens for commercial use are available in high power configurations like
2000W - 3200W. These large capacity ovens are ideal for use in restaurants, catering
units, cafeterias and the like. The high wattage ensures fast performance and the
large capacity enables the cooking of multiple servings at the same time.
Top Manufacturers
GE,
Sharp,
Haier,
Panasonic,
Whirlpool,
Dacor,
Amana,
KitchenAid,
LG,
Maytag,
Jenn-Air,
Sanyo,
Frigidaire and
Avanti are among the top
manufacturers of microwave ovens. Most of them manufacture several models for different
categories to ensure that consumers with varying needs get microwave ovens to match
their specifications.