The most important factors to consider when buying a microwave are size, power, features, and price. These factors will determine how well the microwave fits your needs, preferences, and budget. In this article, we will explain each factor in detail and provide some tips on how to choose the best microwave for you.
The size of the microwave refers to both its external dimensions and its internal capacity. The external dimensions affect how much space the microwave will take up on your countertop, cabinet, or wall. The internal capacity affects how much food you can cook or reheat at once.
The size of the microwave you need depends on how you plan to use it and how much space you have available. If you only use the microwave for occasional tasks like popping popcorn, melting butter, or heating up leftovers, you may not need a large microwave. However, if you use the microwave for cooking meals, defrosting meat, or baking potatoes, you may want a larger microwave that can accommodate bigger dishes and containers.
The average size of a countertop microwave is about 1.5 cubic feet, which can fit a 12-inch dinner plate. However, countertop microwaves can range from 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet, depending on the model. If you have limited space on your countertop, you may want to consider a compact or under-the-cabinet microwave that can save you some room. Alternatively, you can opt for a built-in or over-the-range microwave that can be installed into your kitchen cabinets or above your stove. These types of microwaves usually have a larger capacity and more features than countertop microwaves, but they also cost more and require professional installation.
Power
The power of the microwave refers to how much electricity it uses to generate microwaves. The power of the microwave affects how fast and evenly it can cook or reheat food. The power of the microwave is measured in watts, and it usually ranges from 600 to 1200 watts, depending on the model.
The higher the wattage, the faster and more efficient the microwave is. However, higher wattage also means higher energy consumption and higher cost. Therefore, you need to balance your cooking needs with your energy budget when choosing the power of your microwave. Generally, a microwave with 800 to 1000 watts is sufficient for most cooking tasks. However, if you frequently cook large or dense foods, you may want a microwave with 1100 to 1200 watts for better results.
Another thing to consider when choosing the power of your microwave is the cooking time and power level settings. Most microwaves have preset programs that automatically adjust the cooking time and power level based on the type and amount of food you are cooking. However, some microwaves also allow you to manually set the cooking time and power level according to your preference. This can give you more control and flexibility over your cooking process. However, you also need to be careful not to overcook or undercook your food by using the wrong settings.
Features
The features of the microwave refer to the additional functions and options that the microwave offers besides the basic heating and cooking functions. The features of the microwave can enhance your convenience, versatility, and safety when using the microwave. However, they can also increase the complexity and cost of the microwave. Therefore, you need to decide which features are essential and which are optional for you when choosing a microwave.
Some of the common features that microwaves have are:
Turntable: A rotating plate that helps distribute the microwaves evenly and cook the food more uniformly. Most microwaves have a turntable, but some models have a rectangular tray that slides back and forth instead. Some models also allow you to turn off the turntable if you need to fit a large or irregular-shaped dish in the microwave.
Sensor: A device that detects the moisture and temperature of the food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level accordingly. This can prevent overcooking or undercooking your food and save you the hassle of guessing the right settings. However, not all sensors are equally accurate and reliable, so you may still need to check your food occasionally.
Inverter: A technology that allows the microwave to operate at a consistent power level throughout the cooking process, rather than cycling on and off at different intervals. This can result in more even and gentle cooking, especially for delicate foods like eggs, cheese, and fish. However, inverter microwaves are more expensive and less common than conventional microwaves.
Convection: A feature that combines microwave and fan-forced hot air to cook food faster and more evenly. This can also give your food a crispy and browned finish, similar to an oven. However, convection microwaves are more expensive and require more maintenance than regular microwaves.
Grill: A feature that uses a heating element to grill food in the microwave, giving it a charred and smoky flavor. This can be useful for cooking meats, vegetables, and pizzas. However, grill microwaves are more expensive and consume more energy than regular microwaves.
Steam: A feature that uses steam to cook food in the microwave, preserving its moisture, nutrients, and flavor. This can be ideal for cooking rice, vegetables, and fish. However, steam microwaves are more expensive and require a water reservoir to generate steam.
The price of the microwave refers to how much money you need to spend to buy the microwave. The price of the microwave depends on several factors, such as the size, power, features, brand, and quality of the microwave. The price of the microwave can range from $50 to $500, depending on the model.
The more features and functions the microwave has, the more expensive it is. However, this does not necessarily mean that the most expensive microwave is the best microwave for you. You need to consider your cooking needs, preferences, and budget when choosing the price of your microwave. You also need to compare the prices of different models and brands to find the best value for your money.
A good way to save money on buying a microwave is to look for discounts, sales, and coupons online or in stores. You can also read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the performance and durability of the microwave. However, you should also be wary of cheap and low-quality microwaves that may break down easily or pose safety hazards.
Conclusion
A good microwave can make your life easier and your food tastier. However, not all microwaves are created equal. You need to consider the size, power, features, and price of the microwave before you buy one. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can find the best microwave for you and enjoy your cooking experience.
