MicrowaveAll the different models of microwave ovens in the market function basically in the same way. All of them cook your food instant with microwave energy. What should be taken into consideration when deciding upon a model to buy? This decision should be based on factors like size, capacity, features, manufacturer’s credentials and warranty.

BASIC TYPES OF MICROWAVES

When choosing what microwave oven will work best in your kitchen you are deciding between three main styles: countertop, over-the-range, and built-in. Each style offers specific power and capacity limitations making it easier for you to determine which one is right for you.

To help you decide what capacities and powers are best for you, it is helpful to understand what differences between them mean in terms of what you can cook in the microwave and how long it will take. How long it will take your food to cook is determined by the microwave’s power or wattage: more watts translate into faster cook times. Next, a microwave’s capacity is defined by how much you will be able to fit inside the microwave or how big is its interior. Here, you want to consider what you will be cooking in your microwave to help you decide how big of a microwave you need.

COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES:
Counter top microwave ovens provide fast and efficient cooking and come in a variety of sizes from compact to full. Power levels will vary to accommodate the cavity size of the model. It also has the greatest variety of sizes and power capabilities, giving you lots of options to choose from. Typically, their capacity ranges anywhere from .5 cubic feet for a compact unit to 2 cubic feet for a large unit with their power varying anywhere from 600-1300 watts.

BUILT-IN MICROWAVES:
If your counter space is limited, then the built-in microwave models are for you. Built-in models are designed to be installed into a wall or cabinet, offering both convenience and extra counter space. Similar to over-the-range model, this style also comes in mid-to-large sized capacity (.8 to 2 cubic feet, with power exceeding 800 watts). If price is the determining factor in you decision process, you do pay more for the space-saving convenience of these models, and installation requires professional help.

PERFORMANCE: EXTRA FEATURES

Cooking Time: This feature allows you to program two different cook times and power levels for one dish, so that it cooks for part of the time at one level, and the rest of the time at a different level. It is an excellent example of how microwaves have evolved to go beyond reheating food, and actually allows you to cook it. Models with time cook can cook more complicated dishes, such as rice, which require different heat and time settings.

Automatic Defrost: Microwaves with this feature will automatically determine the power level and cook time to ensure that food of any type and weight will come out thoroughly defrosted.

Shortcut Keys: Convenience keys are preset to cook specific foods such as popcorn or pizza with the touch of a button. They are a great addition if you have younger children, as they no longer have to guess how long to cook their food. This feature is where you will find variance between lower- and higher-end models, as the higher-end versions offer many more convenience-key options.

Convection Cooking: The convection feature works by circulating air evenly around the food as it cooks, thus allowing the food to be cooked more quickly, with a browning and crisping effect that are otherwise impossible with a standard microwave oven. if you are looking to do more with your microwave, strongly consider models with convection cooking, which let you do previously unheard-of things like microwave-roast a chicken.

Child Lock: If you have small children, a child lock will prevent them from accidentally turning the microwave on.

Turntable/Movable Tray: Microwaves with turntables rotate your food while it is cooking to ensure even heating. In most models this feature is removable for easier cleaning and it also leaves more space for oddly shaped cookware.

Many people use microwaves only for simple heating tasks but today’s advanced units can be used to cook full meals with excellent results. Speed, convenience and simplicity are all words associated with microwave cooking. So before buying make sure the use of microwave at your home.

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