Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Microwave Ovens for Your Cooking Needs

Choosing the Right Microwave Oven for Your Needs

With so many options on the market, choosing the right microwave oven for your home can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for a new microwave.

Microwave Oven Types

There are three main configurations for microwave ovens:

• Countertop - These sit on your kitchen counter or any flat surface. They are the most affordable and versatile option.
• Over-the-range - Mounted above the stove, these save space but require proper ventilation.
• Built-in - Installed seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry. Streamlined look but requires expert installation.

Size and Capacity

Consider the size and capacity you need:

• Compact - Under 1 cubic foot capacity, ideal for small kitchens or to reheat leftovers.
• Mid-size - 1.1 to 1.5 cubic foot capacity, suitable for most households.
• Large - Over 1.5 cubic foot capacity, great for large families who cook in bulk.

Measure your countertop or other space where you plan to place the microwave. Also consider the size of dishes you typically use.

Power Levels

Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times:

• 750-1,000 watts - Budget models that work well for reheating.
• 1,000-1,200 watts - Good for most cooking tasks.
• Over 1,200 watts - Best for quickly cooking or defrosting large portions.

Basic & Advanced Features

Nearly all microwaves have a timer, turntable, and pre-programmed settings. Higher-end models offer extra features like:

Consider which features would be useful to have for your cooking needs and habits.

User-Friendliness

Look for a simple, intuitive control panel and easy-to-read display. Make sure the buttons and dials are responsive and straightforward to operate. Test out the programming and see how easy it is to set times and power levels.

Reliability

Research microwave brands and read reviews about reliability and longevity. Look for good warranties. Higher price doesn't always mean better quality, so compare options across brands.

Your Budget

Microwave ovens range greatly in price from $50 to $1,000+. Determine how much you can reasonably spend. Create a list of must-have features, then compare models in your budget until you find the best match.

With these factors in mind, you can zero in on the ideal microwave that meets your space, cooking, and budget needs.

Microwave Oven Types: Countertop, Over-the-Range, Built-In

When purchasing a new microwave oven, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which type or configuration works best for your kitchen. The three main options are countertop, over-the-range, and built-in.

Countertop Microwaves

This is the most popular and versatile microwave oven type. As the name suggests, countertop microwaves are designed to sit on a counter, table or other flat surface in your kitchen.

• Pros:
  • Affordable price points
  • Wide range of sizes from compact to extra-large capacity
  • Can be easily moved or relocated as needed
• Cons:
  • Take up counter space
  • Cord is visible

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Over-the-range microwaves are installed above your stove or cooktop and vented outside just like a range hood. This saves considerable counter space.

• Pros:
  • Freestanding so doesn't require cabinet space
  • Vented outside like range hood
• Cons:
  • More expensive
  • Harder to install
  • Limited size and capacity

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are integrated into kitchen cabinetry for a streamlined, concealed look. Expert installation is recommended.

• Pros:
  • Hidden, built-in look
• Cons:
  • Most expensive option
  • Limited capacity
  • Permanent placement

Assessing the pros and cons of each type will help determine which microwave oven configuration will work best for your kitchen needs and budget.

Microwave Oven Sizes and Capacities

Microwave ovens come in a range of sizes and capacities to meet different cooking needs. Consider what size and interior capacity best suits your kitchen space constraints, cooking habits, and family size.

Compact Microwaves

Compact microwaves have less than 1 cubic foot capacity, typically 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet. They work well for:

• Small kitchens
• Singles or couples
• Reheating leftovers
• Defrosting small items

Mid-Size Microwaves

Mid-size microwaves have 1.1 to 1.5 cubic feet capacity. With more interior space, they can accommodate:

• Larger dinner plates up to 12 inches
• A standard 9 x 13 casserole dish
• Cooking and reheating larger portions

This size range is ideal for most general household cooking tasks.

Large Microwaves

Large microwaves start at 1.6 cubic feet capacity, going up to 2.2 cubic feet for extra-large models. The spacious interior is great for:

• Large families
• Batch cooking
• Multi-dish meals
• Big cookware like large casserole dishes

Picking the Right Capacity

When deciding on microwave capacity, consider:

• How many people are you regularly cooking for?
• What is the largest dish you need to fit inside?
• Do you meal prep or cook large batches often?

Keep in mind exterior dimensions grow with interior capacity, so make sure you have adequate countertop or cabinet space for the microwave size you choose.

Carefully measuring dishes and containers you currently use for microwaving will help determine the right minimum interior capacity you need.

Selecting the right size for your cooking habits and kitchen space will maximize functionality and convenience.

Microwave Power Levels

Microwave ovens feature different power levels that determine how much microwave energy is used for cooking and heating. Higher power levels mean faster cooking times, while lower levels allow for more gradual, gentle cooking.

Wattage

A microwave's power rating, or wattage, indicates the maximum microwave power it can produce. Higher wattage means more power:

• 750-1,000 watts - Standard models good for reheating and defrosting.
• 1,000-1,200 watts - Sufficient power for most cooking tasks.
• Over 1,200 watts - Quickly cooks and heats larger portions.

Power Levels

Within the maximum wattage rating, microwaves have variable power settings, typically ranging from 10-100%:

• 100% / High - Quickly heats and boils liquids.
• 90% - Good for reheating meals, cooking vegetables.
• 80% - Gently heats dense foods like casseroles, meats.
• 70% - Slow defrosting setting.
• 50% - More delicate tasks like melting chocolate.
• 30% - Keeps food warm without overcooking.
• 10% - Very gentle cooking.

Choosing Power Levels

Lower power levels around 50% are ideal for dense frozen foods to thaw them gently without cooking the exterior too fast. Higher power levels around 80% work well for cooking fresh vegetables, rice, and reheating meals.

Get to know your microwave's power settings and adjust them as needed to suit different foods and cooking tasks.

A microwave with a higher maximum wattage will heat and cook faster on all power levels compared to a lower wattage model.

How Amazon Prime Benefits Microwave Oven Buyers

For frequent shoppers of microwave ovens on Amazon, a Prime membership can be extremely valuable. Amazon Prime provides a number of benefits that can save microwave buyers time and money.

Free Two-Day Shipping

Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on eligible items. This means that new microwave ovens can arrive at your doorstep very quickly. No more waiting over a week for delivery. You can get your new microwave set up and ready to use in just a couple days.

Free Release-Date Delivery

You can pre-order upcoming microwaves and appliances and get them delivered on their actual release date at no extra cost with Prime. This ensures you'll be among the first to get your hands on the latest microwave oven models and innovations.

Try Before You Buy

The Prime Try Before You Buy program allows you to try out select microwaves at home for up to 30 days. You can test out the microwave to ensure it fits your space and meets your cooking needs before committing to purchase it.

Lightning Deals

Amazon Prime members get 30 minute early access to limited time Lightning Deals. This lets you snap up microwaves and appliances at heavily discounted prices before they sell out. You can find microwaves for up to 25-50% off regular prices.

Streamlined Returns

Returning or exchanging a microwave oven is simplified with free return shipping. Shop worry-free knowing that if a microwave doesn't work out for any reason, you can easily send it back at no extra cost.

A Prime membership pays for itself quickly if you regularly purchase microwave ovens and other major appliances on Amazon.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Microwave Oven?

Convenience: Microwaves allow you to heat or cook food at the press of a button, saving time and effort. They cook food faster than conventional ovens and don't make a mess in the process.

Healthier Cooking: Microwaves help retain the taste, flavor, and nutrient content of food. They are ideal for steaming vegetables without losing their nutritional value and can be used to make oil-free tikkis and chips.

Energy Efficiency: Microwaves consume less energy than gas burners and conventional ovens, making them a more economical and environmentally friendly cooking option.

Defrosting and Melting: Microwaves are great for defrosting and melting food items quickly and efficiently.

Easy to Clean: The smooth, glass finish inside the microwave makes it easy to clean with just a damp towel, saving you time and effort.

Safety: Unlike other types of heating methods, microwave ovens present less risk of burns as they heat the food but stay cold themselves.

Preservation of Nutrients: Microwaving food for shorter periods of time helps preserve vitamin C and other nutrients that break down when exposed to heat. Microwaves are a better option for preserving nutrients in fruits and vegetables compared to stovetop cooking, as long as the correct technique is used.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Microwave Oven?

Here are some of the disadvantages of using a microwave oven:

Uneven Cooking: Food cooked in a microwave oven may not be evenly cooked, leading to hot spots and cold spots.

Dehydration: Microwaving food can lead to dehydration, as the water content decreases and food is more prone to drying out.

Inability to Bake, Roast, or Fry: One of the significant disadvantages of microwave ovens is the inability to bake, roast, or fry foods. Chapattis and rotis are also impossible to make. When baking, for example, you won’t be able to get the browning or crisping results that an oven designed for baking gives, whether for savory or sweet treats.

Safety Concerns: If a microwave oven is damaged, there is a danger of microwave radiation leaking out of it.

May Not Kill Bacteria: Microwaves may not be as effective as other cooking methods at killing bacteria and other pathogens that may lead to foodborne illness.

Limited Cooking Options: Microwaves have limited cooking options compared to conventional ovens. For example, you cannot use metal utensils or containers in a microwave oven.

May Not Be Suitable for Large Items: Microwaves may not be suitable for cooking or reheating large items, such as whole chickens or turkeys.

• Choosing the Right Microwave Oven for Your Needs
• Microwave Oven Types
• Size and Capacity
• Power Levels
• Basic & Advanced Features
• User-Friendliness
• Reliability
• Your Budget
• Microwave Oven Types: Countertop, Over-the-Range, Built-In
• Countertop Microwaves
• Over-the-Range Microwaves
• Built-In Microwaves
• Microwave Oven Sizes and Capacities
• Compact Microwaves
• Mid-Size Microwaves
• Large Microwaves
• Picking the Right Capacity
• Microwave Power Levels
• Wattage
• Power Levels
• Choosing Power Levels
• How Amazon Prime Benefits Microwave Oven Buyers
• Free Two-Day Shipping
• Free Release-Date Delivery
• Try Before You Buy
• Lightning Deals
• Streamlined Returns
• What Are The Benefits Of Using A Microwave Oven?
• What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Microwave Oven?