Microwave Ovens
Your wife’s been using that old microwave oven to heat up food all these while. Since she loves to cook, you’ve thought of surprising her with a new oven that besides reheating / defrosting, can cook entire meals as well. Honey’s surely going to be happy when you get her some of the best microwave ovens with added features so amazing that makes cooking such an enjoyable event each & every day.
Microwave Oven Buying Guide
1) Conventional Or Convection?
If the main use is to reheat / defrost ready meals, then you need a conventional microwave oven. A conventional one makes use of magnetron tube to emit microwaves which are then absorbed by the foods thereby making them hot. If you want to have the ability to cook entire meals from your favorite recipe cook books, then you need a convection microwave oven. Besides the usual conventional functions, convection microwave ovens have a heating element and fan to distribute heat evenly to let you brown / crisp / bake foods.
2) Size
This refers to the amount of inside space of an oven, often expressed in cubic feet. There are currently 3 main microwave oven sizes available for consumers namely compact (< 0.8 cubic feet), midsize (0.8 - 1.2 cubic feet) and full size (> 1.2 cubic feet). How you choose the size depends on the number of family members you normally cook for but more importantly the size of the dishes you intend to reheat / cook at any one time.
3) Power
Measured in Watts (W), the higher the wattage, the faster the foods will be reheated / cooked so it’s no surprise that more consumers usually opt for higher powered microwave ovens. Please bear in mind that size and power is interconnected i.e. the bigger the size of the oven, the higher is the power used. Do take note of the following wattage as per size: compact (< 800W), midsize (800W - 1000W) and fullsize (>1000W). Most recipes designated for microwave ovens usually requires at least 800W so if you’re going to follow the cook books a lot, better get at least a midsize unit.
4) Free Standing Or Built-In?
This depends on individual preferences. Free standing models are the most popular type amongst consumers as they just need to plug in and ready to be used. Although built-in microwave oven models have to be professionally installed hence more expensive, they come with more features and integration with kitchen cabinets ensures uniform color throughout.
5) Extra Features
It may or may not be at the expense of higher cost but some interesting smart features to have include wider range for temperature settings, automatic temperature settings based on moisture detection, sensors to determine thorough cooking so as not to overcook etc.
Microwave Oven Reviews & Ratings
Being quite a popular kitchen appliance, it’s no doubt that some of the best microwave oven makers such as Amana, Bosch, Daewoo, Emerson, Frigidaire, GE, Haier, Hotpoint, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Oster, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sunbeam, Whirlpool have an amazing line up to capture buyers. Expert reviewers at Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping reviews many microwave oven models based on heating evenness, auto defrost and ease of use with customers satisfaction complementing the ratings to choose the best microwave ovens in each class.
Best Microwave Oven (Compact)
Microwave Oven Reviews #1: Simply outstanding with magnificent microwave oven reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated and top-selling model Sharp R-230KK 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave Oven. Make short work of your defrosting and heating task with this Sharp microwave oven that offers high performance features in neat, compact design. At just 0.8 cubic feet in size with 800W power, it’s ideal for small families that wants only the best in price and performance. With 15 automatic settings that include 4 cooking and 6 reheating options, you’ll have a full array of options to take your cooking skills to the next level with this best microwave oven from Sharp.
Best Microwave Oven (Mid-Size)
Microwave Oven Reviews #2: Receiving great microwave oven reviews from experts is the best rated Kenmore (Sears) 6325(2) Microwave Oven. Add versatility to your cooking options with this Kenmore microwave oven that promises to over deliver in satisfaction. Featuring 1200W and large 2.2 cu. f. capacity, this best microwave oven from Kenmore is suitable for large families. Features Inverter Technology that aims to deliver constant power, be it high or low temperature settings for even heating throughout. Sensor Cook Technology brings out the best in cooking results via adjusting the time and power requirements automatically. Double up as warmer hence maintaining freshness and warmness of cooked foods. Soften feature softens up frozen ice-cream and butter for quick bite later on. Includes Timer Controlled Defrost as well.
Best Microwave Oven (Large)
Microwave Oven Reviews #3: Heating up the competition with superb microwave oven reviews from testers and users alike is the best rated GE Profile JES2251SJ[SS] Microwave Oven. Imagination comes alive in the form of this GE microwave oven that boasts many innovative features not found elsewhere. Large 2.0 cu. ft capacity makes it ideal for larger families. Features Inverter technology that delivers consistent power on all settings for great results every time. Comes with Sensor Cooking controls for added convenience at the touch of a button. In sleek design, this best microwave oven from GE is the ultimate kitchen appliance.
Best Microwave Oven (Over-The-Range)
Microwave Oven Reviews #4: Receiving good microwave oven reviews form professional testers is the top rated LG LMV2053[ST] Microvave Oven. Add style and elegance to your kitchen with this LG microwave oven that boasts innovative features in sleek metallic stainless steel design. Large 2.0 cubic feet capacity, 1100W microwave oven offers ample space to cook all your favorite recipes. With Sensor Cook Technology, you can be assured of getting only the finest results, which adjusts cook time and power automatically. Offers Soft and Melt Feature for butter and ice-cream. Includes 5 venting steps for easier smoke and odor removal.
Resources: Microwave Oven (Wikipedia)