Microwave ovens are a staple in many homes, and for good reason. They can cook faster and are helpful for reheating leftovers.
However, not all microwaves are the same. There are various types such as family-sized microwaves available in the market today and choosing the perfect one for your home will depend on several factors that I will discuss here.
Power level
Microwave power levels range from 400 watts to 1,200 watts or more; the higher the wattage, the faster food will cook and heat up.
However, if you’re only using your microwave for reheating beverages or heating small amounts of food, then buy a small-sized microwave.
Capacity
Microwave ovens come in various sizes; from tiny models that can fit on top of your cabinets to larger countertop models that can easily accommodate a dinner party’s worth of food.
If you have space for only one appliance on your kitchen countertop, go for something smaller. Otherwise, consider whether you’ll need to cook large batches of food in your microwave or if you’re likely to move it around frequently.
Cost
Microwaves generally cost less than $200, but there are features like convection cooking that will increase the price tag considerably. If you’re looking for a basic unit without any extras, expect to pay between $70 and $150 for it.
You may be surprised to learn that a microwave isn’t just a microwave. It can do more than reheat leftovers and melt butter.
Cooking Features
The most important thing you should look for in a new microwave is cooking features. Most microwaves have at least a few standard preset buttons. But if you’re buying a new microwave, here’s what you should consider:
Roasting
Roasting is an excellent way to cook meats and veggies without adding fat or oil. Some microwaves come with presets for roasting food; others require you to set the time manually.
Baking
Baking bread, cakes, and pies is quicker in a microwave oven because there is no preheating like in an oven. Many microwaves have presets for baking specific types of foods; others require you to set the time manually.
Built-in Microwaves
If you have a built-in microwave, it’s probably in an overhead cabinet or under the range hood. Built-in microwaves are great because they don’t take up any room on your countertop or any floor space. They can be built into the cabinetry or installed as an add-on unit.
Convection Microwave Ovens
Convection microwaves are a popular choice for cooking because they combine the speed of microwaves with the even heating of conventional ovens. In this type of microwave, air circulates throughout the oven cavity and around food as it cooks.
The hot air helps cook your food quickly and evenly, so you can achieve crispy baked potatoes or melt chocolate without worrying about burning your dish or leaving cold spots.
Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves are the most common type of microwave on the market.
Countertop microwaves are usually larger than built-in models, which makes them ideal for cooking large amounts of food at once. They also offer more power than built-in models and thus, more cooking options.
Some countertop microwaves come with extras like convection features (which allow you to bake) and rotisserie functions (for roasting meats).
Smart Microwaves
Smart microwaves are a great option for anyone who is looking to upgrade their kitchen or make their home more convenient. You can find smart microwaves that offer many different features, including:
Touchscreens
Some smart microwaves come with touch screens that allow you to control your microwave without having to use buttons or knobs. This makes it easier to set cooking times and temperatures without having to use your hands.
Voice Control
Voice control is another popular feature of smart microwaves. This allows you to tell your microwave what temperature and time setting you want, so there’s no need for buttons or knobs.
Apps
If your microwave comes with an app-enabled interface, then it’s worth considering. The app can let you do things such as setting the time and temperature from afar, viewing the status of your cooking, and more. Some brands also offer their own apps for other purposes, such as recipes or nutrition information.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect your microwave with other devices in your homes, such as smartphones and tablets. This can be especially useful if you want to monitor your food while it cooks or checks the status of other appliances in your kitchen while they’re running.
Commercial Microwaves
Commercial microwaves are used to heat food and cook in restaurants, cafeterias, canteens, and fast food chains. They are also used in hotels, motels, and other places where large quantities of food need to be prepared fast. Commercial microwaves come in different sizes depending on the number of people they have to serve and the type of food being prepared.
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