Congratulations, you’ve decided to buy a microwave oven! The question now is what do you look for? Many microwave ovens have many similar features but experts say that there are certain specific features that you should keep a look out for when you are in the process of buying. I have compiled them into 9 big headings of how to choose microwave ovens:
- Decide the Function
- Determine the Size
- Determine Your Budget
- Microwave Power
- Turntable
- Design
- Controls
- Features
- Check for Easy Clean-Up
1) Decide the Function
- How? It depends on what is your purpose of buying a microwave oven.
- Standard microwave oven = heat/cook ready meals or warm coffee only.
- Convection oven = microwave, grill & cook!
2) Determine the Size
- Compact vs. Family sized
- How? Ask 3 questions:
- How much room do you have in your kitchen?
- Measure the height, depth & width of available space.
- Remember to leave enough space to cover the vents and to allow you to open the door.
- Drop down door is ideal for those who lack space. - How many people will you be cooking for?
- A compact microwave is sufficient for a single person.
- If you have frequent large functions or want to cook for several people on a daily basis, choose a family-sized microwave. - Is there enough capacity for your favourite dishes?
- Measure your favourite dish and make sure that they can fit in with the door closed.
- How much room do you have in your kitchen?
- Summary Box:
| Criteria | Compact | Mid-sized | Full-sized |
| For whom | Single People/ College students | Medium-sized family | People who spend lots of time in the kitchen |
| Capacity | 0.8 cubic-feet or less | Between 0.8 & 1.2 cubic feet | 1.5 feet or more |
| Suitability | Not much room to spare | Take more shelf space | Counter space to spare |
| Amount of food | Prepare simple meals/ reheat leftovers | Accommodate family meal | Regularly prepare food for people |
3) Determine Your Budget
- How much are you willing to spend on a microwave oven?
- Stick to your budget to avoid wasting time focusing on other microwave ovens beyond your budget range.
- Narrows down your choices in a jiffy!
- Then, surf online to get great deals instead of zooming straight to your nearest store.
4) Microwave Power
- Higher wattage = Cook quicker
- Try to choose a model that offers you a range of different levels.
- Remember, when a microwave is described as for example 600W, that is the MAXIMUM power level.
5) Turntable
- With this, the heating waves allow an even exposure to heat the food evenly all the way through.
- Without it, the heating waves can only penetrate a certain depth beyond the surface of the food.
6) Design
- Choose one that matches your:
- Kitchen Style
- Kitchen Colour
- Appliances
7) Controls
- Check for keypad controls which are:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Function at the touch of a button
- Auto functions – instant cook food
- Or older style dial control if you prefer them
Features
- You may want specific features which varies with people:
- Auto programmes
- Temperature Probes
- Cook or defrost by weight functions
- Crisping functions
- Child lock
- Removable Racks
- Easy to clean interior & exterior
- Sensors
- Experts say that cooking sensors really do work to prevent food from being raw or overcooked. Although they raise the overall price by a couple of dollars, reviews say it is well worth it.
9) Check for Easy Clean-Up
- Look for removable bottom trays or racks which make cleaning the interior much easier.
- Look for microwave ovens that do not scratch easily on the exterior.
Hopefully, with these 9 essential steps on how to choose your best microwave ovens, you can successfully determine the microwave oven that is most suitable for you. All the best!
Related Post:
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- Sharp R-426HS Microwave Review – Most Stylish Microwave Oven
- Sharp R-820JS Microwave Review – Best Mid-Sized Microwave Oven
- Sharp R-305KS Microwave Review – Best Convection Microwave Oven
