So you have made up your mind to buy a microwave. But before you head on to Walmart or any other website and finalize any microwave for sale, we recommend you take cognizance of the various microwave features to make an informed purchase. Another point to note: the terms microwave and microwave oven mean the same; they are often used interchangeably. Use the parameters outlined in this microwave oven buying guide to make the right choice while you search for “microwave for sale near me” on Google.
Microwave Types – We bet you didn’t know about them before reading this Microwave Oven Buying Guide
These are the most common types of microwaves sold online.
Countertop Microwaves
As the name suggests, a countertop microwave is designed to be placed on a tabletop, stand, slab, etc. Countertop microwaves are easy to move around – they just need a power outlet – and are the cheapest variant of microwaves. Countertop microwaves afford you flexibility in terms of size, which is usually in terms of cubic feet.
Built-in Microwaves
Built-in microwaves are secured in cabinet and drawer spaces. A built-in microwave may disappoint you if you like to change the look and feel of your kitchen every now and then. Your options are limited if you plan to trade your countertop microwave for another model in the future.
Over-the-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range microwaves are freestanding units like countertop microwaves. However, they are wall-mounted and require a ventilation system to work. Over-the-range microwaves are mounted over your cooking slab. You will most probably need an electrician to assist with the installation process. Over-the-range microwaves tend to come with two kinds of filters – a charcoal filter for odor elimination and a grease filter for clearing the air.
Convection Microwave Ovens
Convection microwave ovens are a blend of an oven and a microwave. They are ideal if you require reheating, roasting, and baking in a single unit and do not want to maintain two different appliances. Built-in convection microwave ovens are a popular choice among homeowners today.
Microwave Turntables, Trays, and Racks – Our Microwave Oven Buying Guide emphasizes the value of Add-Ons
The rotating plate that allows food to be evenly heated is called a microwave turntable. Some microwaves come with a tray instead of a turntable. A few microwave ovens also include a rack; these microwave racks all you to head multiple food items at the same time. Consider whether you want a tray or turntable alongside racks if you aspire to buy a microwave online.
Microwave Presets
Microwave preset cooking settings enable you to heat popular items such as potatoes, frozen pizza, popcorn, and frozen pizzas at the optimal cooking time for such delicacies. Expensive microwave ovens entail a larger number of preset settings.
Microwave Sensors
New microwave models have in-built sensors that identify if your food has been heated enough. They do so by assessing the steam emitted from the heated food item. It makes sense to invest in a microwave with such sensors; you will end up saving on your electric bill since the microwave shall efficiently regulate the cooking time and power consumption.
Microwave Interior – Understand what’s Right for you using this Microwave Oven Buying Guide
A microwave’s interior decides how easy or hard it will be to clean the appliance. And that begs the question: which microwave interior is the best? Microwave interiors are generally made of stainless steel or ceramic enamel. Stainless steel microwave interiors are better heat conductors than ceramic enamel microwave interiors. Hence, they cook food faster than microwaves with ceramic enamel cavities. But ceramic enamel microwaves are easier to clean. So, keep this trade-off in mind. If cooking experience matters to you more than cleanliness, then our suggestion is to buy a stainless-steel-based microwave even though it might be pricier.
Grilling and Steaming
Is it OK to steam in a microwave? A resounding yes! One way of doing this is to evenly place frozen vegetables or whatever item in a microwave-friendly bowl. Add two or three tablespoons of water to the bowl. Then cover the bowl with a heatproof lid or plate. You can also use paper towels. Finally, set the microwave on the “high” setting for 5-6 minutes.
Grilling and Browning, which are mostly performed in an oven, can also be done in convection microwave ovens. If you enjoy cooking dishes that require an oven (for example, grilling), get a microwave with a grilling element (grill microwave oven) or a convection microwave oven.
Child Lock – Parents reading this Microwave Oven Buying Guide must consider this Factor
Microwave child lock or child safety lock, as the name suggests, is a setting that prevents children and others from operating the microwave. If you have a kid at home and have an under-counter microwave, then it is sensible to invest in a microwave with a child lock feature.
Microwave Wattage
High microwave wattage enables food to be cooked evenly and quickly. It can range anywhere from 500 watts to 1000 watts.
Microwave Power Levels
Microwave power levels determine the percentage of power the appliance uses at a time. Power levels avoid food from getting overcooked or overheated. A power level of 5 means the microwave shall use 50% of its energy during operation. The power level range differs from model to model. The microwave price goes up as the power level range widens.
Conclusion – Hope You Found this Microwave Oven Buying Guide Useful!
We hope you now have a crystal-clear idea of the kind of microwave worth investing in. If you enjoyed reading this microwave oven buying guide, then do check out the ShoppingGreedy website for a plethora of informative posts on how to buy air conditioners online, purchase refrigerators online, and much more. And best of luck with your microwave shopping!