Microwave Ovens Buying Guide

What should be taken into consideration when deciding upon a model of microwave oven to buy? Consider installation type, size, capacity, power, features, and manufacturer credentials and warranty.

When it comes to installing a microwave oven, there are five basic options to choose from. These are built-ins, under cabinet, over-the-range, drawer ovens, and countertop models. Countertop microwave ovens require no installation. The other four varieties of microwave ovens need to be installed professionally in order to provide adequate ventilation, which may be 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. The inclusion of a built-in oven will give an integrated, sleek look to the kitchen.

Counter Top Microwave Oven Built-In Microwave Oven

Free-standing or countertop microwave ovens are less expensive than built-in 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. Built-in microwave ovens and over-the-range microwave ovens are usually more powerful and more feature-packed.

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. Both built-in models and countertop models need to be measured for size suitability both inside and out. It is generally suggested that you measure 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.’ Family-sized ovens bring you larger turntables and a spacious interior.

Microwave 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 will suffice. Don’t buy a fancy model with several features if you do not plan to use them.

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.

Power ranges from 600 watts to 1200 watts. Higher wattage microwave ovens are generally used for commercial purposes. Some models offer a range of power 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.

Deciding on the wattage of your microwave oven will depend on the type of cooking you intend to do with it. If melting, reheating, and making popcorn is what you desire, then you certainly do not need a 1200W microwave oven. If you are planning to cook full meals in your microwave, opt for more power.

Microwave ovens for commercial use are available in high power configurations of 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.

A basic microwave oven can be used for reheating, defrosting, dehydrating, and baking. If you want to add roasting, browning, and grilling to the list, there are standard models available with grill/browning options. These ovens have an internal grill fitting and can be used either exclusively as a grill or along with the microwave function.

Combination ovens feature microwave, grill, and convection modes. The convection mode uses hot air and offers a lot of cooking flexibility. This variety saves space by offering three cooking modes in one model.

The new generation of microwave ovens offers several options to simplify 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 is automatically followed by cooking without requiring a restart.

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 food.

‘Chaos defrost’ settings put out random pulses of microwaves to defrost food quickly.

Easy to use touch pads are a boon. Take the time to read the manual or ask questions to make yourself familiar with all the buttons on the touch pad. Most touch pads are very user friendly and a little effort is enough to use them well. Several models have shortcut keys on the touch pads that can help immensely in the cooking process.

Most models from top manufacturers should give several years of hassle free service. However, to be on the safe side, buy a model with a strong warranty and check the service record of the manufacturer.

Choose a model that will be easy to maintain. Several models have non-stick coatings that are easy to wipe clean, but always ensure that any spills during cooking are cleaned up immediately. Remember, food residues inside the oven will affect the cooking process, as well as affect the flavor of the food.

If your microwave has a grease filter, remove 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.

The turntable in the microwave oven should be removed and cleaned on a regular basis.

A modest budget $50 - $120 can get you a countertop microwave oven from a reputed manufacturer like Sanyo, Sharp, GE, Panasonic, Avanti, and Whirlpool, among others. Power will typically range 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 will vary between 3 and 12. Most will come with a child lock for safety purposes.

LG, GE, Whirlpool, Sharp, Panasonic and other manufacturers make several models in the $120 - $225 price range. Most will be countertop models, and have a capacity of 1.4 cubic feet – 2.2 cubic feet. Features like multiple power levels and child locks are common. Some models are also programmable.

Up to $300, consumers have the choice of convection/microwave ovens. Some manufacturers make over-the-range standard microwave models that can be bought for under $300. Models with lesser features are available in bigger sizes like 1.4 - 2.0 cubic feet. The addition of features like convection mode will translate to a smaller oven with a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, on average.

If you are willing to spend up to $400, all the top manufacturers make models in this price range. Capacity typically varies from 1.5 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet.

For $400 - $700 you can get almost any permutation and combination of features. 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. All manufacturers also offer several built-in models.

For those who are not limited by budget, the $700-$1200 price range offers several choices of sleek microwave ovens. In this price bracket, shiny stainless steel finishes, high power, large feature-packed countertop ovens, built-in and over-the-range varieties are all available.

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 offer several models across all price points.

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