Are You Buying the Right Microwave?

If you want to have increased flexibility and convenience in the kitchen you may be considering purchasing a microwave oven. When contemplating the purchase of a new microwave, first find out what's available, and then consider this information in light of your own needs.

The major features to look at when assessing microwaves include:

Type - Conventional or convection microwave, countertop model or built in.
Size - The compact size ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet, the mid-size ranges from 0.9 to 1.3 cubic feet, the family size from 1.4 to 1.6 cubic feet, and the full size ranges from 1.8 to 2.0 cubic feet.
Power - Smaller models offer 400 to 500 watts; compact microwaves between 500 and 800 watts; mid size microwave between 800 and 1000 watts; largest sizes offer more than 1000 watts of power.
Construction ­- Steel, stainless steel, plastic, glass.

Capacity and speed in cooking are major considerations in purchasing a microwave oven, as well as how this appliance fits with your kitchen layout and its compatibility with your lifestyle. Some households use microwaves to heat entrees, beverages, and side dishes, while others rely on the microwave to cook entire meals for the family and guests.

If your home doesn't have a traditional oven, a convection microwave can be a practical choice. While a conventional microwave only uses radiation to heat water molecules in food, a convection microwave uses high intensity halogen lights and the circulation of heated air to heat the food, achieving the same browning results typically expected of a conventional oven.

Perhaps your kitchen is on the small side and you're considering a built-in model. In this case the over-the-range convection microwave is a good choice, being space-efficient yet still maintaining a large user interface to assist cooking controllability. These models are generally more powerful than their countertop counterparts, and have great features such as built-in fans, but keep in mind they are more expensive and usually require professional installation.

To avoid the risk of over cooking you can look for a 'sensor cooking' feature. This convenient feature ensures the food cooks reliably to the desired degree on the first try. Sensor cooking works on the basis of humidity within the oven, and cooks the food by measuring the amount of moisture the food releases. It starts cooking with one touch. You just need to add the food, set the sensor-cooking feature, and start. It automatically determines the required cooking time and power level you need.

Ventilation fans are rated in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Higher CFMs draw out more grease and steam and 180 CFM is the minimum. Vented models need to be connected with ductwork and non-vented or internally ventilated models need a charcoal filter.

Tip: Appearances can be deceiving; always check the internal capacity of a microwave.

For everything you need to know about buying the right Microwave go to Buyz123.com: Microwave Buying Guide

Richard Block is the webmaster for Buyz123.com and has written and edited hundreds of their buying guides.

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