Everybody loves any conveniences in the kitchen, especially if you are living a very hectic lifestyle. You would do everything to reduce your meat’s defrosting time or reheat the food you earlier prepared instantly. It is why microwaves are the most important appliances in the kitchen you cannot really live without.
Nowadays, there are plenty of microwaves available in the market. If you are contemplating purchasing a brand new one or planning to replace your old oven, here is a microwave shopping guide to help you make the best choice.
Type Of Microwave
The market offers three major types of microwave ovens. The first one is the countertop, the most common among all the microwaves available. Consumers usually pick this affordable option because it does not need any installation. You are only required to put it out of the box and plug it in the socket near the spot where you intend to keep it. You can also move it anytime you want and take it with you if you plan to move.
The second one is the over-the-range microwaves. It has incorporated fans that also work as a range hood. If you choose this type of microwave, you can save space and money due to its two-in-one function. Finally, the third type of microwave is the built-in variety. It helps keep the counter clutter-free and allows your kitchen to look more sophisticated. Compared to the countertop, both these options require professional installation.
Specs And Features
Most microwave models come with a wide range of features to help make your life a lot easier. You will find something that offers pre-programmed settings to speed up heating and get you off the hook from guessing how to prepare your meals. Others also have automatic defrost settings to allow you to make your meal preparation easier.
Several microwave ovens come with sensors. It can automatically calculate the cooking time according to the amount of steam emitted by the food. But if you want the most value for your money, you may find a multi-purpose microwave that also serves as a rotisserie, boaters, or convection ovens. You also need a microwave that comes with a child lock feature if you live with young kids.
Size And Wattage
Depending on your needs, you can pick a big microwave or a smaller one. The size of this kitchen appliance is measured by the cubic space. If you have limited space in your kitchen, you need to find something with lower cubic measurement. But if you have a larger kitchen and need something to do more than reheating and cooking popcorn, you must look for a larger microwave.
You must also consider the product’s wattage to know how fast it can cook your meals. Most microwaves usually have an average of 1000 watts. But if you need a faster model, you can get something that can provide 1200 to 1750 watts.
Buying a new microwave can be overwhelming due to the options available in stores. But if you are already equipped with an idea about what you want in an oven, you can pick the right microwave faster. You must also consider the brand’s warranty and after-sales services to get the most out of your investment.