Today’s microwaves offer innovative features, such as convection, grilling, and steam, to quickly make delicious meals. With the ability to evenly heat and brown, you can create gourmet food in almost no time.
And since there are a variety of microwave sizes and designs available, you’re sure to find the ideal model for your needs.
Today’s microwaves come in many different varieties, but they all unite around one common goal: to heat things quickly and efficiently.
We spent hours researching all the different microwave ovens on the market. We post our findings on this website so that you can access all the info in one place.
If you like what you see please do us a favor and leave a comment about any of the microwaves because this helps other people in their decision making.
- Top 10 Microwave Oven
- 1.Panasonic NN-SD997S Inverter Microwave Oven
- 2.Panasonic NN-SN651B Countertop Microwave
- 3.Panasonic NN-SN661S Stainless Countertop Microwave Oven
- 4.LG Over-The-Range 1.8 CF Microwave Oven
- 5.Sharp R-216LS
- 6.Sharp R-1405 Over-the-Range Microwave
- 7.Oster OGB81101
- 8.Panasonic NN-SD681S
- 9.Sunbeam SGS90701B-B
- 10.Panasonic NN-SN667
- 11.Panasonic NN-SD688S
- 12.Sharp R-309YK – Best Mid-Size Microwave Oven
- 13.Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven
- 14.Panasonic NN-CD989S Convection Microwave
- 15.Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Oven
- 16.Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Microwave
- 17.Sharp R-820JS microwave
- 18.Panasonic NN-SD797S Microwave
- 19.Nostalgia Electrics RMO400BLK Microwave Oven
- 20.Nostalgia Electrics RMO-400RED Microwave Oven
- Why Every household Should Have a Microwave
- Pointers on Buying a Microwave
- Before buying a microwave, consider these factors:
- Foods that Shouldn’t Be Microwaved
Top 10 Microwave Oven
1.Panasonic NN-SD997S Inverter Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SD997S uses Panasonic’s new inverter technology. This ensures that the food is evenly cooked. So a plate of food heated in this oven will not have any cold or hot spots. The microwave has a sensor that measures the steam coming out of the food, that makes it harder to overcook your food.
The whole product is very sturdy and built to last. The turntable mechanism used in the oven is very strong. This means that smooth inner rotation is ensured even when the load inside is unevenly distributed.
The front panel is made from a finger print resistant material that cleans easily, this makes the Panasonic microwave a very clean neat product. All in all it is a very good product that is designed for long term use.
2.Panasonic NN-SN651B Countertop Microwave
With its innovations that will change the way people cook, this Panasonic NN-SN651B microwave oven can be considered one of the best microwave ovens on the market.
The main feature of this product is the Inverter Technology, designed to cook great meals without sacrificing taste, flavor and texture, and at a quicker rate.
In addition, its Inverter Turbo Defrost mechanism enables frozen foods to thaw much quicker than previous thawing methods.
The Genius Microwave technology has also enabled the use of automated cooking methods, enabling food to be heated both rapidly and accurately. Other features include a One-Touch Sensor, Menu Action Screen and Keep Warm Feature, all of which enable food to cook in a quick and precise manner.
These new technologies should benefit those who like and need to cook fast, and because it has been tested and validated by chefs, the Panasonic NN-SN651B microwave oven will definitely answer your time-restricted cooking needs.
It has a fresh and simple white-colored complete with a electronic control pad. There is one element on this design that I have not seen on any other microwave stove oven: flexible audio. Lastly a producer noticed that there is no one ideal audio stage.
Someone who prefers to listen to the chime from another room will certainly want a noisier alert than someone creating a late night snack food while relax of the family is resting close by. NN-SN651B microwave oven identifies this and results in the audio stage up to you. I love that! This device is pretty large; it features 1.4 cubic legs of internal area. It is also well-powered, arriving with 1100 h of power. This is a kitchen counter design but NN-SN651B microwave oven does provide a cut kit (at an additional cost) to turn it to a built-in.
This NN-SN651B microwave oven microwave stove is prepared with a turn table and wetness receptors, two things I feel are very important in any microwave stove. The turn table rotates your meals around while it warms to make sure even meals preparation and reduce hot areas. I did find the meals preparation to be very even, so clearly the turn table is doing its job. The wetness receptors allow it to know when your meals are done. There are configurations that depend entirely on the receptors for meals preparation rather than a pre-set time.
Those configurations consist of snacks, heating, vegetables, pizzas, and prepared apples. The receptors allow the wetness to be calculated so that the microwave stove knows accurately when the meals is done. I found the receptors to work quite well throughout the evaluation interval. The products were completely prepared when it considered them to be done. I was especially satisfied with the snacks establishing. When I made snacks there were very few umpped popcorn kernels and no used ones, which is not usually the case with many microwaves.
Overall, I believe this is a outstanding style and certainly value issue. The customized sound options create this microwave stove oven unique. The controls are very user-friendly and easy to use. The entry finishes well and there is an overall resilient and powerful encounter to these devices. It does everything you need a microwave stove oven to do and it does it well.
3.Panasonic NN-SN661S Stainless Countertop Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-SD681S microwave stands out with its multiple cooking options, unique inverter technology and sophisticated design.if you are looking for countertop microwave oven ,the Panasonic NN-SD681S is best. It Ideal for busy professionals and on-the-go families, the microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation while nicely accommodating and enhancing surrounding decor.
As a parent of young children I appreciate the child lock feature. Which is a code that when entered sets the microwave into an unresponsive, stasis mode. Enter the unlock “code” to reactivate. The child lock is easy to use, and as long as your kids don’t learn the “code”, it should keep the occasional, or habitual button masher from accidentally turning the microwave on when you’re not looking.
This unit is loaded with a variety of features and settings. Some of which may not be familiar to all users. Fortunately Panasonic provides a pretty straightforward users guide that does a good job explaining the various features and their functions.
This 1200-watt microwave oven by Panasonic makes a stylish and convenient addition to any contemporary kitchen. The 1.2-cubic-foot unit with its 13-1/2-inch turntable excellently cooks and evenly heats anything from breakfast foods and after-school snacks to dinnertime meals and appetizers when entertaining.
Overall, It’s a good compromise between power and size. it works very well looks good, easy to use. Looking at the whole picture in terms of price, features, and performance, and I feel the NN-SD681S is a solid value and would recommend it to anyone currently in the market for a microwave.
Pros:
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- For safety, the child lock prevents electronic operation
- Time-of-day clock and timer provide exceptional convenience.
- A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperatures at a constant level–without overcooking.
- 4-digit neon blue LED display provides a high-end look that complements any kitchen decor.
- Panasonic evolved the Turbo Defrost feature, which allows you to defrost foods even faster than previous Panasonic Auto Defrost.
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Cons:
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- No light when you open the door
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4.LG Over-The-Range 1.8 CF Microwave Oven
Looking to spruce up your kitchen with an exciting new appliance? The LG OTR 1.8 CF 1100-Watt Microwave is an appliance that will make your kitchen more spacious, convenient and functional.
Available in stainless steel, black and white colors, this microwave is designed to be installed over the range and can be done without any professional help.
The appliance boasts a stylish appearance that keeps consistent with a gourmet kitchen, as it’s both professional and asymmetrical. Not only are there plenty of features included with the microwave, but also new technology that could only be executed by LG.
The Quiet Power ventilation allows the microwave to run as quiet as possible, while the vent runs hard to push out odors. The auto sensors detect humidity levels and prevent foods from over- or undercooking. If you choose, you can even turn on the vent, set the timer and walk away, knowing that it will shut off automatically.
Pros:
Quiet Power Ventilation:
If you’re tired of coming across microwave ovens that have great features but loud operations, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the LG OTR 1100-Watt Microwave. Not only does this microwave boast a quiet operation, but it has Quiet Power ventilation built into it that makes it especially quiet. This is LG’s own ventilation system, which utilizes strong ventilation to keep the appliance cool. There is even a Turbo mode that runs especially hard and removes odors, while a timer allows you to preset the fan, walk away and have the vent automatically shut off. If you live in a busy household and can’t take another loud appliance running, you’ll be pleased with the quiet operation of the LG microwave.
Professional Design:
The LG microwave sports a professional design that’s clean, streamlined and asymmetrical. The buttons are laid out comfortably, while a sturdy door handle is used to pull the door open and closed – no stubborn push button here.
The viewing window is opaque, hiding food splatters and keeping your microwave looking its best. The interior is easy to maintain, while the over-the-range design frees up counter space and adds sophistication to the contemporary kitchen. Best of all, it’s easy to install and won’t require more than a few drilled holes.
Sensor Cooking:
If you love the smarts of intuitive appliances, you’ll enjoy using this LG microwave. The features are highly intuitive, so that all you have to do is press a button and go. The humidity-sensing technology can tell when the food is cooked and will automatically turn off the microwave so that it doesn’t overcook.
The one-touch cook buttons work well, for example, if you’re cooking pizza, the entire piece will be heated through and the cheese will be melted. Even fresh and frozen vegetables come out perfect every time, taking the guess work out of preparing meals. You can also take advantage of other features that include adding 30 seconds, defrosting or reheating meals.
Cons:
Touch Buttons:
The touch buttons on the LG OTR Microwave are a bit stubborn, especially at first. You may find yourself having to touch them a couple of times or press really hard to get them to work. This takes some getting used to, but fortunately, is not anything that damages the reputation of the product. However, some people like the ultra-sensitive touchpads where all you have to do is lightly tap with a finger and the button is activated. With the LG, you’ll certainly have to give the button a good press, so make sure that you don’t have your hands full – at least until you get used to the touch controls.
No Beep Reminders:
If you’re someone that likes to toss something in the microwave and be reminded of its presence later on, the LG microwave won’t be a help in reminding you. After the meal is done cooking, the microwave beeps seven times, but no more. That means if you step away while those seven beeps go off, you won’t be reminded that food is still in the microwave if you’ve forgotten yourself.
This is actually new technology that is being built into some models, as it’s a safety feature that encourages people to stand by the microwave instead of leaving the room while food cooks. Yet to some people who enjoy the on-the-go use of a microwave, not having beep reminders is a drawback. Fortunately, the technology built into the microwave prevents foods from over- or under-cooking.
For those that are looking for an exciting new appliance that isn’t from the standard microwave manufacturers, the LG 1.8 CF 1100-Watt Microwave is a great buy.
LG is breaking into the appliance market and has been making a name for itself with quality appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators and microwaves. This over-the-range microwave is no exception, as it offers a streamlined design, plenty of practical features and exceptional performance.
This microwave is great for any home, as it can withstand frequent use, heat up full meals, defrost a whole chicken and save space with its over-the-range design.
The technology built into the appliance is respective to LG, as they introduced the Quiet Power vent and humidity-sensing technology that enable the microwave to run quietly and efficiently, without overcooking your favorite foods. Price wise, the product is right in the line with other over-the-range microwaves and available in stainless steel, white or black colors.
5.Sharp R-216LS
The Sharp R-216LS Compact Size Microwave is a cute little compact sized microwave with a stainless steel body. Stainless steel is fingerprint proof and easy to clean. This unit has 4/5 cubic foot capacity and runs at 800 watts of power.
This would be a great little micro for any dorm room, finished basement, game room or anywhere you need a second micro. It’s got a child safety lock to prevent accidents and a 10″ turntable that spins on the inside.
The Sharp R-216LS Compact Size Microwave is only 25 lbs. and is very compact to fit your smallest needs. It’s got auto touch controls that are user-friendly, intuitive and easy to use. The digital display is bright and is a 4 digit display.
This Microwave has 6 reheat options, 4 auto cook settings, and 4 defrost options. It also has a popcorn button with 11 variable power levels. Also included in this little workhorse is a handy kitchen timer.
The Sharp R-216LS Compact Size Microwave got a decent 3.5 out of 5 stars overall. One user says she really only uses this compact microwave for popping popcorn, heating up coffee, and heating up leftovers. However she had a complaint that there was no light on the inside when you open the door.
Another user says that the Sharp R-216LS Compact Size Microwave serves its purpose, but you definitely get what you pay for. This is a bottom end, low cost microwave and he says it’s cheaply made and even rattles when it’s in action. However it’s never failed to do its job and works for what it’s meant for.
Other users said for its small size, this Microwave does some pretty big jobs. One lady has had it in her small apartment for over 2 years and it is still going strong with no complaints.
Other users complained about the lack of a light on the inside even while cooking. Yet others complimented some of the features like one button cooking.
6.Sharp R-1405 Over-the-Range Microwave
For Over-the-Range Microwave, based on the price, compared to other with similar features, the Sharp R-1405 is the least expensive. This is a GREAT oven in many ways at a very REASONABLE price!
This is a wonderful oven–nice-looking and streamlined , very even cooking , a good over-the-stove light , large turntable, user-friendly features. Additionally, the defrost feature actually defrosts meat and doesn’t cook it.
If you are looking for was a dependable, nice-looking ver-the-Range Microwave that wouldn’t break the bank,you should don’t miss Sharp R-1405. The R-1405 is ideal for homemakers who want to save valuable counter space with a well designed, reasonably priced, Sharp Carousel Over the Range Microwave Oven. This is a GREAT oven in many ways at a very REASONABLE price!
Pros:
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- Auto-touch controls offer precise, reliable programming with a five-digit, two-color lighted display.
- Cook center and reheat center allow you to prepare or heat up to 6 servings of frequently microwaved foods automatically.
- Defrost center automatically sets defrosting times and power levels for meats and poultry by weight.
- Minute Plus gives users one minute of high cooking at a touch.
- 10 variable power levels allows you to adjust cooking power for any type of food.
- Work light and exhaust fan provide convenience for range-top cooking.
- Three convenient venting options: horizontal, vertical, or recirculating.
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Cons:
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- it doesn’t come with the filter for the exhaust fan
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7.Oster OGB81101
The Oster OGB81101 Oster is an affordable and spacious microwave oven. This microwave oven has 1100-watt which can be well adjusted by the frontal touch panel. Also it comes with an extra large handle and LED digital display timer.
It is a good choice on a budget. It has a generous 1.1 cubic feet interior, making it for a big family. It has mutiple automatic programs including express cooking and defrost mode, they are all useful. The smooth glass front makes the outside easy to clean. Food heats evenly and quickly.
All in all this one is perfect, It operates quietly, it has a light that comes on when open the door and during cooking, the controls are easy to use and it is a small, attractive addition to your kitchen.Check Price On Amazon
8.Panasonic NN-SD681S
The Panasonic NN-SD681S is one of the most technologically advanced microwaves currently being produced.
It features Panasonic’s own patented “Inverter” technology that offers what is known as linear cooking which actually prevents your food’s edges from being overcooked and allows for juicier and more tender meals every time.
Cooking a variety of different types of food has never been easier with the NN-SD618S’s 1200 watts of power, one-touch sensor cook and reheating options, 10 power levels and Inverter Tube Defrost technology.
This model also features a very easy-to-read blue fluorescent digital display for monitoring and control. The NN-SD681S has a beautiful stainless steel designed front and would be a great addition to any kitchen.Check Price On Amazon
9.Sunbeam SGS90701B-B
The awesome Sunbeam SGS90701B-B microwave oven is a great small microwave especially for a dorm room or studio apartment. It is made with quality materials even though the price is relatively cheap.
The Sunbeam SGS90701B-B will not take up a lot of space, making it great for small counter tops in flats, office pantries, dorm rooms and even recreational vehicles. Despite its small size, the microwave is able to defrost food thoroughly and efficiently heat and cook your food to a palatable warm temperature quickly.
Overall, the compact Sunbeam SGS90701B-B microwave oven is a perfectly functional little microwave that comes at a very cheap price. I would recommend it to singles or new cooks who need a microwave to reheat and defrost food, and to cook simple meals.Check Price On Amazon
10.Panasonic NN-SN667
The Panasonic NN-SN667 Microwave is an excellent powerful 1300 watt family size microwave with a 1 1/5 cubic foot capacity. It has a full sized 13 1/2″ turntable with 1 touch sensor cooking.
It also has a feature to keep your food warm if you aren’t ready for it just yet. The Panasonic NN-SN667 Microwave also has Inverter Turbo Defrost for thawing out those frozen foods. It has 10 different power levels for defrosting.
The Panasonic NN-SN667 Microwave also offers 5 button and flat panel controls which are easy to read and operate. It has a 4 digit LED display with a delay start and kitchen timer for your convenience. It makes re-heating and cooking foods much faster with its intuitive features. It also offers a pulsing low microwave power to keep food warm at a constant level without overcooking. If you’ve got a side dish that is ready before the main dish, keep it warm with that excellent feature.
Overall the Panasonic NN-SN667 Microwave got an excellent 4 out of 5 star review from actual owners of this product. One user said it arrived just as promised and all you have to do is plug it in and you are all set up. She goes on to say that she purchased this item for the two special features of the sensor buttons and the inverter defrost button, but she was extremely surprised to find out the “keep food warm” feature.
Another user is a die hard Panasonic Microwave user and won’t use any other brand, but he says the downfall to this microwave is that you can’t view the display from an angle above 45 degrees. So if you’re up close to it, you have to bend down to check it out unless it is at eye level.
Another user says it’s an excellent microwave but the beep could be a little louder. Many other users have given it a two thumbs up and said it was the perfect dimensions for their kitchen counter.
However others said it was larger than previous Panasonic microwaves and they actually had to have a carpenter come in and fit the microwave in the slot.
11.Panasonic NN-SD688S
The Panasonic NN-SD688S is a large, family-size microwave with a spacey 1 1/5 cubic foot capacity inside. It is another excellent microwave that is under their “Prestige” series.
It provides for an easy meal preparation with its large 13 1/2″ turntable inside for even heating. It’s got inverter technology which is proprietary to Panasonic that makes the microwave send out even pulses so that your food is heated thoroughly and evenly all over and not cold in some spaces and burning hot in others.
The Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave has a multi-lingual screen that translates from English to French to Spanish. It has a one touch sensor that adjusts power levels on its own and calculates cooking time automatically.
This Microwave is stainless steel and has many other features including inverter turbo defrost technology, keep food warm mode, delay start, kitchen timer, and so many other functions. It’s very intuitive and easy to operate without looking at the manual.
This Panasonic NN-SD688S Microwave got a great 4 out of 5 stars by over 50 consumers whom have used this product. One user says the Panasonic NN-SD688S is an excellent microwave but doesn’t like that you can’t read the digital display above 45 degrees and you have to bend down to see it.
He also mentioned that the door release button requires that you press it very hard, especially when its new. However so many other people praised the Panasonic NN-SD688S. Especially with its fast cooking times and excellent functions.
One lady said that this microwave takes 40 seconds to cook what her other microwave used to take a minute to cook. One user said it looks great with its stainless steel finish in her kitchen and she thinks it has tons of power.
Unfortunately she didn’t like that the interior light doesn’t stay on while cooking. Yet others applauded the inverter technology and one touch cooking and so many other features of this unit.
12.Sharp R-309YK – Best Mid-Size Microwave Oven
There’s a mid-size microwave in virtually every home in America. The Sharp R-309YK is the best choices for any kitchen and lifestyle.
The Sharp Carousel microwave is a secure element of the best microwave brands that continues to evolve with more characteristics and ability that is better. Carousel microwaves are a number of the very most popular due to their wide-ranging group of attributes and value pricing. It’s frequently true the most popular products are additionally products that are better because the research has been done by buyers and found them to be an excellent option.
The R309YK a midsized microwave at 1.1 cubic feet and in size they’re on the mark. As far as cooking characteristics and skill, the Sharp Carousel R-309YK microwave is on par with some bigger microwaves. With attributes like One-Touch Time and Weight Defrost, five Auto Cook choices, and four Onetouch Reheat settings, this microwave can stay informed about your hectic lifestyle.
This mid size microwave has 1000 watts of power to cook your microwave meals all, from frozen dinners to popcorn, quickly. You can cook frozen vegetables, soup, baked potato, fresh vegetables, and bread without stress with the 5 built in, Auto-Cook plans of the Sharp R-309YK.Check Price On Amazon
13.Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven
If you want to find best Convection Microwave Oven with Grill, Cuisinart CMW-200 is best for you. It not only able use it for the microwave, but also bake without heating up the large conventional oven, or grill. just set temp and time and put food in oven. Convection cooking is faster.
The microwave is very flexible and easy to use with many different choices on the control panel. It has three settings. 100% grilling, 30% micro plus 70% grill, and 55% micro plus 45% grill. Roasting and baking have a fast setting which combines micro and convection, you can go straight convection too.
Summary, the Cuisinart CMW-200 is the perfect small kitchen tool. It has lots of uses and lots of recipes can be adapted for it. Exellent product do what it said microwave , convection , grill with the advantage of three ovens in one. require you to replace your plastic or metal cookwares used in combination cook modes as expected. If you must cook on small counter kitchen this unit can’t be beat , must be ready to adapt your cooking.
Pros:
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- very pretty
- good brand name
- good price
- The microwave works very fast.
- it is both a microwave and a convection oven
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Cons:
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- you had to read the user manual to learn how to work the convection oven.
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14.Panasonic NN-CD989S Convection Microwave
The Panasonic NN-CD989S Prestige is a top of the line microwave that is a full size micro made of fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. It’s got modern great looks and a sleek design, which is why they call it the “Prestige”.
This unit offers a spacious 1 1/2 cubic foot capacity and a removable 15″ turntable. This Inverter Oven has 4 in one cooking capabilities where you can choose microwave mode, bake mode, broil mode, or combination mode.
Have you ever made a birthday cake in the microwave? With the Panasonic NN-CD989S Prestige you can!
The Panasonic NN-CD989S Prestige has inverter technology which delivers consistent microwaves in a way that cooks food evenly like a conventional oven. This unit provides delicious flavor in all of your cooked dishes, but in less time.
Plus it has a Genius Prestige Sensor which will automatically adjust power levels to calculate cooking times for different types of foods. Very user-friendly control panel which can be changed from English to French to Spanish.
Other features include a push button door release, epoxy interior, 1100 watts of cooking power, 10 power levels, keep warm function, popcorn key, delay start, a kitchen timer and more.
When you want the convenience of a microwave and the cooking power of a convection oven, you’ll find perfect harmony with the Panasonic Prestige 1.5 Cubic Foot 1100 Watt Convection Microwave.
You may jump at the price when you first see it, but consider that this appliance is really two-in-one, plus is housed in attractive stainless steel that resists fingerprints and complements any modern-day kitchen. The microwave oven has a large capacity for family-sized meals, plus technologically advanced features that make cooking a breeze with one-touch buttons.
You can also rely on the intuitiveness of this appliance that automatically adjusts power and time to properly cook your meals. From cheese pizza to chocolate cake to beef stew, the Panasonic Prestige Convection Microwave can handle it all.
Out of every review this microwave oven received, it got a perfect 5 star review from every consumer. One user said it’s very intuitive and user-friendly.
It’s very easy to figure out the controls without having to learn the owner’s manual. Plus it’s got inverter technology which provides more even heat. Another user says the sensor cook option works really well and they followed the directions to bake a potato. The Panasonic NN-CD989S Prestige baked the potato perfectly in a total of 90 seconds.
Another user commented on how quiet this microwave oven was compared to other microwaves. Users comment on how it’s easy to install, however the trim kit is not included to mount it over the oven. And yet other users compliment its sleek design. One user says she gets a lot of compliments in her kitchen.
Pros:
Dual-Purpose:
Instead of getting one appliance with the Panasonic Prestige Convection Microwave, you get two, meaning more bang for your buck. The appliance combines the efficient cooking power of a convection oven, plus the speed and convenience of a microwave. The dual-purpose nature of the convection microwave means that you can cook just about anything you want, including cakes, pizzas, stews and fish filets. Best of all, you get all these great features in one stylish appliance that can sit on your countertop or be built-in using one of the optional trim kits.
Four-in-One Cooking Options:
With the Panasonic Prestige Convection Microwave, you get four-in-one cooking capabilities that you won’t find with other appliances. Choose from the following modes: Microwave, Bake, Broil or Combination. With Microwave mode, you can heat, reheat and defrost meals within minutes, while the Bake mode allows you to bake and brown your favorite goodies while using circulated heated air. Broil mode is great for forcing heat inside foods so that flavors and juices are sealed inside, while Combination mode delivers the speed of a microwave and the baking and browning of a convection oven for pure perfection.
New Technology:
The Panasonic Prestige Convection Microwave wouldn’t be complete without advanced technology built into it. Like other Prestige models, the convection microwave is no stranger to Inverter Turbo Defrost Technology and the Genius Prestige Sensor. These technologies make it quick and easy to defrost and cook foods while automatically adjusting power levels and cooking time. Not only are these technological advancements perfect for maximizing time in the kitchen, but also they suit the modern-day cook who’s short on time, but not ready to sacrifice the taste of food.
Modern:
If you’re tired of buying appliances only to find out that they’re outdated before they hit your countertop, you’ll be in luck with the Panasonic Prestige Convection Microwave. With so many forward-thinking features implemented into the design, you’re already a step ahead of other appliances on the market.
You can also enjoy a stylish design that features a stainless steel exterior. With a large capacity, the microwave will continue to grow with your family, while the programmable dials are far superior to touchy touchpads that can break down over time. With the option to install the microwave over your oven, you can enjoy this appliance for years to come.
Cons:
Oven Light:
If you’re like most people, you probably won’t want to call out a tech just to replace the light inside the convection oven. Unfortunately, the Panasonic Prestige requires that you do. Surely, the light will burn out over time and cannot be replaced by the owner. Furthermore, the light inside the microwave is very dim, making it hard to see how cooking is coming along. Instead of being positioned on the top of the appliance, the light is set back on the right side. If you can, place the microwave in a well-lit area so that you can see your cooking progress.
Door Mechanism:
A common problem amongst Panasonic Prestige models is their door mechanisms. The door often jambs and then cannot be opened with one hand. Because the door latches with a small piece of plastic, this plastic can break or cause the door to jamb, and Panasonic hasn’t yet fixed this issue with their Prestige line of products.
This is a major inconvenience for those that are approaching the microwave with a plate of food in one hand and expecting to open the door with the other hand. To make matters worse, getting the door fixed isn’t exactly easy. You will have to have a repair technician come out, or if the product is under warranty, you can try sending it back for a new one.
Finding modern-day appliances that look great and keep up with the demands of busy families can be difficult, but this Panasonic Prestige 1.5 Cubic Foot 1100 Watt Convection Microwave is a breath of fresh air. This forward-thinking appliance combines the speed and convenience of a microwave with the even cooking of a convection oven.
From baking to broiling to heating and reheating, the convection microwave will take care of it all. And thanks to modern day technology that has been perfected by Panasonic, you can get the most out of an intuitive appliance that seems to know exactly what you’re cooking.
With a fingerprint-resistant steel exterior and the option to install the microwave over the oven or leave it on the countertop, any kitchen can welcome this addition that’s just as stylish as it is functional.
15.Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Oven
The Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven is a kitchen apparatus that’s in a category of its own. It’s a fact the external stainless steel appearance is appealing to look at but there’s more to this microwave than meets the eye. It’s possible for you to reheat, defrost or even cook your meals in it.
Your cooking cannot FAIL with the Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven for the reason that it includes a pre-plan of twenty five settings and it also has ten power levels that change.
This is a purchase that is great as it’s affordable and it is a plus thinking about the variety of services it provides. You don’t have to get concerned about the size of your plate sine the turntable is sized just your meal will probably be prepared in an issue of minutes. It’s possible for you to cook food that’s considered difficult to cook without worrying about it being overcooked. Security in the house is additionally improved with a availed child lock.
This really is what every kitchen should have in regards to keeping high standards of hygiene. Simply speaking, it doesn’t keep smell, moisture or food particles. As a result on the liner inside that’s also produced from stainless steel, this really is.Check Price On Amazon
16.Panasonic NN-SD372S Stainless Microwave
The Panasonic NN-SD377S is an 800 watt, 0.8 cubic feet stainless steel microwave. At 19-by-11 inches it is on the bigger side for microwaves that are streamlined, but small enough to fit in tight spaces.
The display panel of the NNSD377S features few buttons and a dial. At first it seems that popcorn is the sole preset. Other than popcorn, they’re all obtained by pressing the auto cook button multiple times, although in actuality, there are a total of nine presets. Directions for the presets are located in the doorway. The dial is utilized to place the cooking time and weight of the food. There’s a rapid minutes button for fast setting up minutes to 10. Auto reheat buttons and auto defrost are found too. The microwave has multiple cooking period choices, as well as a child safety lock attribute.
Generally the smaller the less attributes it’s are got by a microwave. The 372S is smaller, but nonetheless, it has characteristics that are great. Stainless steel is the sole style alternative for NNSD377S, but it’s fashionable and looks great in almost any setting.
Not overly pricey and this microwave is efficient, quickly, nicely designed, simple to keep. Microwave’s weight is 9.4 kg making it simple to transport. Appealing layout of microwave and measurements have led to the microwave fits into any modern kitchen.
Ditch the big, bulky microwave and settle for the smartly designed Panasonic NN-SD372S 950-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave Oven.
With a small footprint of 0.8 cubic feet, you can feature this stainless steel microwave oven on any countertop without it taking up much space.
You don’t have to give up features or power for the size of this appliance either, as it comes with such features as more/less control, Quick Minute, popcorn key, timer and delay start. Everything can be controlled from the user-friendly control panel that features real buttons instead of a touchpad.
Even the start time can be easily controlled by turning the knob instead of having to punch in the numbers. Also included is a generous 9-5/8-inch turntable, leaving room for all your meals.
Pros:
Stylish:
If you have a stainless steel kitchen, you’ll find the Panasonic 950-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave Oven to be the perfect addition. The appliance features stainless steel housing with a black door and panel, plus it’s compact in size so it won’t take up much room on the countertop. In fact, this microwave oven is one of the smallest in its class, with a compact footprint of only 0.8 feet, but with plenty of features. And, the microwave oven has a simple interface and a smart design, unlike other smaller ovens that fall short in these areas.
User-Friendly:
The Panasonic 950-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave Oven has a range of features that will make preparing meals a snap. While you won’t be able to cook a five-course meal in this microwave unless you’re highly talented, it’s perfect for everyday heating, reheating and thawing. The one-touch sensor cooking makes heating up foods foolproof, while six power levels and three cooking stages offer a variety of choices when preparing meals. Popcorn lovers will enjoy the popcorn key, a timer and delay start provide more user-control and a large, 9-5/8-inch turntable leaves plenty of room for large plates of food.
Value:
Current owners of the Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave Oven rave about the value of this appliance. Instead of having to settle for less features and power when purchasing a smaller appliance, this microwave oven is packed with options. While many other microwave ovens have touchpads that can be difficult to use, the Panasonic has real buttons and an easy-to-turn knob. The knob is a smart alternative to having to punch in the numbers. With lots of settings, 950-watts of power and stainless steel housing, this microwave oven has an affordable price point as well.
Cons:
LED Display:
The LED display is difficult to read, especially when attempting to read the display from an angle. If you’re looking at the display straight on, you won’t have a problem, so you can try positioning the microwave at eye level.
For those that are short, you can finally give thanks to your height, as you’ll have an easier time reading the display when the microwave oven sits on the countertop. Otherwise, you will have to stoop down to read the display and make sure that you look at it straight on. Panasonic did report that they would be fixing the problem on newer models, although those who purchased the product in late 2011 found that the issue still remained.
Unbalanced:
The Panasonic microwave oven sits on four legs, and these legs aren’t exactly stable. Even if you have a super straight countertop, you may notice that the microwave rocks back and forth. The best solution is to place furniture protectors underneath the feet so that the appliance is stable and the feet won’t scratch your countertop.
Another design flaw is that the cord comes out from the bottom of the microwave instead of the back, making it more difficult to plug in and hide the cord. If the cord gets stuck under the microwave, it too can cause the appliance to feel unbalanced.
No Interior Light:
How many of us love being able to open the microwave door and have the light come on? This makes seeing what we’re doing much easier, plus makes it possible to whip up a meal in low light. The Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave Oven lacks an interior light, so don’t expect this to come on when you open the door. Another drawback is that it’s difficult to see through the opaque door, so you won’t be able to judge how the cooking is coming along.
If you’re in the market for a compact, stylishly designed microwave oven, the Panasonic 0.8 Cubic Feet Microwave is a great purchase. The display panel is unique compared to others, and most customers found that they enjoyed the easy turn knob in place of a digital display.
With 950-watts of power, you’re not sacrificing power with the smaller design, plus there are so many features that make cooking a breeze. With one push of a button, you can warm up foods for a minute, pop a bag of popcorn or pre-set your cooking time.
The only thing to watch out for is that the display is difficult to read, so you’ll want to position the appliance eye level to your height if you plan on reading the display panel. Fortunately, this is a small price to pay for a microwave that is compact, looks great and has a ton of features.
17.Sharp R-820JS microwave
The Sharp R-820JS Convection Microwave has 1500 watt double grills that will heat food from the bottom and top evenly, yet is powered on 900 watts and can both brown and crisp your food like a conventional oven.
It has an auto touch convenience and you can choose from several different auto settings like AutoGrill, AutoRoast, AutoDefrost, and Reheat. The unit is housed in a stainless steel shell and has a 0.9 cubic foot capacity.
It also has a 12 3/4″ turntable that spins to provide even heating. There are eleven power levels that offer much control over your cooking. Plus temperature settings from 100 degrees all the way up to 450 degrees.
It offers a two line, 12 digit display, an interior light, and easy to clean design. It’s very intuitive and gives cooking hints as to what type food you are preparing.
The average review of this Sharp Microwave was an even 4 out of 5 stars from actual users. One user has used a lot of features of this oven including the grilling, roasting and convection features. She claims it is extremely versatile and has many convenient cooking features.
Another reviewer said that the microwave was very well constructed and a solid unit. He said the Sharp R-820JS Convection Microwave has a commercial grade convection motor. He also said that the manual is very easy to read and learn and the oven itself is pretty intuitive on its own.
Another user says that this Microwave works great but really should be put on a microwave cart instead of in an enclosed space due to the immense heat that it puts out in convection mode. Otherwise, other reviewers had said that they could cook anything in it from a cheesecake to roasting an entire chicken.
A lot of users complimented this Microwave for its versatility in cooking styles.
18.Panasonic NN-SD797S Microwave
If you’re tired of microwave ovens that can’t keep up with your family’s demands, you’ll love the Panasonic Prestige 1.6cuft 1250-Watt Microwave.
This appliance is large and designed for families, or at least those that enjoy cooking. The Prestige comes with all the traditional Panasonic features such as Quick Minute, Inverter Turbo Defrost and one-touch sensor cooking. You can even keep meals warm in the microwave without them getting cold or overheating.
The 15-inch turntable leaves plenty of room for large plates and bowls, and the clearance is enough to fit tall beverages for a quick zap in the microwave. All this and the microwave still ends up looking stylish, with a stainless steel fingerprint-resistant exterior that will keep your kitchen looking its best.
Pros:
Family-Friendly:
Let’s face it. Small appliances are cute, but they’re not designed for families. If you want a microwave oven that will keep up with your family’s demands, the Panasonic Prestige is the one. With a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, the appliance is large and features a 15-inch turntable for cooking all sizes of meals. The microwave is 1250-watts of power, which means faster cooking times for your family. You can also enjoy a half mirror door and fingerprint-resistant stainless exterior that will continue to look great no matter how many fingerprints are on it.
Practical:
Not only is the 1.6 Cubic Foot Panasonic Prestige great for families, but it also boasts a number of practical features that makes cooking more enjoyable. Instead of dealing with a sensitive touchpad that can break over the years, the Panasonic comes with a pop-out dial and push-button panel. Quick Minute is great for one-minute meals, while the keep-warm menu keeps foods warm without overcooking them. Most of all, families enjoy the one-touch sensor cooking that allows them to push a button and go.
Advanced Technology:
Today’s appliances are packed with technology, and the Panasonic Prestige is no exception. The technology that is built into this appliance is practical, so you won’t find it overstuffed with features you won’t need. The Inverter Turbo Defrost can handle all types of frozen foods, whipping up meals in no time. The one-touch sensor cooking recognizes foods, adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times on its own. And if your family is running late, you can leave your meal in the microwave on the keep-warm setting.
Performance:
The Panasonic Prestige delivers exceptional performance by heating foods evenly. There are no hot spots in meals, and even delicate foods won’t overheat or burn on the outside. Foods defrost quickly and evenly, and because of the large size, you can cook more than one food item at once. Some people toss in a full plate of food, plus a bowl of something else, while still having the food come out warmed the way it should be. Basically, whatever the job is, the Panasonic Prestige gets it done right the first time around.
Cons:
Large:
You know what you’re getting with this microwave, as it’s 1.6 cubic feet and intended for families and heavy cookers. While the size is a great feature for those that like cooking large plates of food or sticking in a spoon for a quick stir, you also need the room to store the microwave. Fortunately, the microwave can be built-in over the oven so you don’t need to keep it on the countertop. If you don’t have this luxury, know that the microwave is a stylish appliance and will look great no matter what.
Power Levels:
Although the turn knob is a nice idea, you can’t use it to choose the power level. You can use the control knob to select the cook time, and if you push the sensor cook button, you can use the knob to choose a sensor cook mode. But if you need to cook a meal, say, at 50 percent power, you have to push the power level button five separate times. Another minor annoyance is that there is no 30-second button, which many families rely on and feel is more accurate than the Quick Minute feature.
Door Mechanism:
Like other Panasonic models, there are issues with the door sticking. There is a small indentation built into the top of the microwave where the door is supposed to latch, but this setup is inconsistent. Sometimes the door sticks, leaving you to use two hands to open it.
Other times, the door latch will crack or break and needs to be replaced. This isn’t that uncommon for microwave doors, since the latch mechanism is made from thin plastic. If you plan on setting the microwave on the countertop, the issue is easier to work around, compared to if you have it built in.
If you want a large sized microwave that can stand up to your family’s needs, the Panasonic Prestige 1.6cuft 1250-Watt Microwave is definitely the purchase for you.
It can be built-in or sit on the countertop, leaving you with plenty of options to suit your kitchen. What makes this microwave such a great purchase is that it has a large capacity, 1250-watts of power and a range of features that can cook up food with the press of a button. The intuitiveness of the appliance meets the needs of today’s families, plus maximizes time and efficiency when it’s needed the most.
19.Nostalgia Electrics RMO400BLK Microwave Oven
Tired of modern-day appliance that all look the same? The Nostalgia Electrics RMO-400BLK Retro Series Microwave Oven sports a retro design with up-to-date features.
It’s super stylish and available in a sleek black color, so it complements a modern kitchen by adding a splash of character and retro influence. You’ll find that this retro microwave oven is in a class of its own, but before you consider it to be a novelty, bear in mind that it has 12 pre-programmed settings, ten power levels and a digital clock.
The door handle makes opening and closing the microwave door effortless compared to other microwaves that have a push button. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity also keeps this simple appliance the right size for smaller homes or those with limited counter space.
If you want something truly extraordinary looking without paying a high price tag, the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave is a purchase worth considering.
Pros:
Unique:
So many microwaves look the same nowadays. They feature a square-shaped body, square-shaped window and stainless steel or white exterior. The Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave in Black is different and will give your kitchen the refreshing update that it deserves.
In a sleek black color, the microwave is inspired from the 1950s and has chrome accents, a circular viewing window, a turn knob and push buttons. It’s easy to keep clean and very simple in nature, as it sports the round dials and nothing more.
Ease of Use:
Having lots of features is great – for some people. But if you’re not interested in paying hundreds of dollars for a microwave with a ton of intuitive features, the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven is an appliance you’ll appreciate. It isn’t complicated with unnecessary features, although it doesn’t skip over the necessary ones.
You’ll find 12 pre-programmed settings for cooking up potatoes, popcorn or plates of food, as well as ten power levels, stop/cancel and add 30 seconds. The no-fuss nature of this microwave makes it easy to use and operate, without omitting the most practical features.
Well-Constructed:
A lot of what you’re paying for with this microwave oven is the quality of the product. The Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven is well built, and you can feel this in the way the appliance is constructed.
There’s no cheap plastic, no push button on the door and no touchpad that can break. The buttons are easy to use and keep clean, plus the door handle is sturdy and allows the door to open and close without any hassle. This appliance reminds us that a product can be functional, simple and quality made.
Small Footprint:
Simplicity at its best, the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven has a convenient size that makes it perfect for second homes, rentals or a fabulous home theater.
If you’re limited on counter space, which who isn’t these days, this microwave will be the perfect alternative, as it’s stylish, functional and won’t take up much space.
But just because you’re getting a smaller appliance doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing quality or power. The microwave includes 800-watts of power, plus a decent sized turntable for large plates of food.
Cons
Not Intuitive:
Many microwaves are designed to be intuitive, so if you’re looking for an appliance like this, you’ll be disappointed with the simplistic nature of the Retro Series Microwave. The microwave is designed to be basic, as its strengths center on the simple, retro-inspired design.
Yet for a similar cost, there are microwaves that have auto-sensors that can automatically adjust cook time and temperature, as well as one-minute buttons and one-touch buttons for all your favorite foods.
This microwave oven is not only basic, but requires that you do all the adjusting for your foods using the turn knob. If you want a microwave that seems to know what you’re cooking, you’ll want to look beyond the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave.
Noisy:
The small size of the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven makes it ideal for apartments or flats, but there is something to keep in mind with this model: The noise. The microwave is a bit louder than others on the market, and some people even report that the microwave vibrates nearby objects with its noise output and movement.
On the upside, this problem works itself out for many people, as after the microwave runs, it settles into position and becomes less noisy. Or, as some people speculate, you may get used to the noise and tolerate it better. But for others, the problem continues and may disturb quiet households.
The Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven in Black is an excellent purchase for those that enjoy retro-inspired themes or just want to add some classic appeal to their homes.
Even though the microwave oven looks like it’s from the 50’s doesn’t mean it’s built like it. The design has a small footprint, attractive chrome accents and a sturdy handle for opening and closing the door.
There are 12 pre-programmed settings and ten power levels, making all your meals easy to heat, reheat and defrost. And since the microwave is small, you can add it to any home, second home or home theater without having to do any rearranging. All in all, this is a great microwave that has a unique appeal, nostalgic feel and modern-day features.
20.Nostalgia Electrics RMO-400RED Microwave Oven
If your decorating style is far from ordinary, you’ll love the Nostalgia Electrics RMO-400RED Retro Series Microwave Oven.
The red color is bold and vibrant, complementing a stainless steel or black kitchen. This bold appliance has a small footprint, with 0.9 cubic foot capacity and handsome front that features a turn knob and pop-out buttons. These knobs are easy to operate and allow you to navigate between 12 pre-programmed settings and ten power settings.
You also get a convenient LED display with a digital clock, as well as stylish chrome accents that bring the design together.
Cons
Retro Design:
There’s not too many microwaves on the market that sport a stylish 50’s design, but the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven is just that. First, it’s available in a vibrant red color that’s perfect for adding a burst of color and character. Second, the design is one that brings retro styling to the kitchen without sacrificing modern-day technology.
There’s no fancy touchpad, just a turn knob and push-out buttons. This keeps the design clean and simple, plus gives you less to worry about since touchpads are known for breaking. To finish the design, the microwave has a round viewing screen in place of a square one, as well as attractive chrome accents.
Color:
If you’re tired of microwaves that are black, white or stainless steel, you’ll find the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven to be a refreshing addition to the world of microwave ovens. The design sports a brilliant red hue that looks great in any kitchen.
It will complement stainless steel or black appliances, or you can choose matching products from the Retro Series line. The surface is fingerprint resistant and easy to keep clean, plus you can enjoy chrome accents on the bottom. If you want something fun and unique to match your personality, this red microwave oven is for you.
Functional:
The Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven is simple and basic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not functional. This microwave has all the essentials built into it so that you can whip up meals in no time. By turning the knob left, you can choose the setting functions such as popcorn, plate of food or potato.
By turning the knob right, you can choose the cook time. And unlike other smaller microwaves that sacrifice practical features, this microwave oven has a convenient 30 second button, ten power levels and 12 pre-programmed settings.
Size:
If you’re in the market for a microwave oven that won’t take up half your counter space, the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave is the purchase for you. Not only does this appliance look great, but it has a small footprint that makes it easy to store.
Not only is this appliance great for homes where counter space is limited, but also second homes, apartments, basements and home theaters. But don’t let the 0.9 cubic foot capacity fool you; you can easily fit a large plate of food on the turntable.
Cons
Loud:
If you like your appliances to be virtually silent, you’ll have some getting used to with this microwave oven. The appliance is loud, especially when you use it the first few times. Fortunately, many current owners of the product report that the noise level subsided with use, so it’s definitely worth it to wait it out. For others, the microwave is still a bit loud, but nothing extreme, especially in a busy home.
However, the sound of any appliance is something to be considered if you’re planning on using this microwave in an apartment or rental property, which is where many people choose to use it considering its small size. Another drawback is that the microwave oven has been known to vibrate, so make sure you have it on a flat surface with nothing light and fragile nearby.
Controls:
What makes this appliance so great for some is that it lacks a touchpad and instead has easy-to-use buttons that are more dependable and less sensitive. Yet even with the pre-programmed settings and ten power levels, it can be difficult to achieve the exact cooking time and temperature that you want.
Instead of having intuitive features, it’s up to you to find the perfect cook times, and some users have found it difficult to warm foods by having to turn the dial back and forth. You can’t enter in any times, and there are no quick buttons to push such as one-minute buttons or auto sensors that automatically adjust the time and temperature.
If you don’t mind turning the knob and only plan to use the microwave for basic heating and reheating, this microwave will be suitable. Yet if you’re replacing a microwave that already has a lot of neat features, you’ll be taking a step back with this appliance.
With the Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series Microwave Oven, you get a stylish, practical appliance that makes a great purchase for any retro-loving individual.
This microwave oven will take you back to the way that microwaves used to look without denying modern-day technology. That being said, the appliance isn’t overstuffed with features you’ll never use, keeping it easy to operate and convenient for everyday needs.
This microwave is also a great purchase for those that are limited on counter space, but not ready to give up on a quality appliance that looks great and delivers exceptional performance.
Why Every household Should Have a Microwave
The microwave oven is a relatively small kitchen appliance. It can fit on top of your kitchen counter or above your standard stove and requires very little room. The microwave ovens built today are faster than ovens built even 5 years ago.
Microwave ovens are energy efficient and speedy when it comes to roasting even the largest cut of meat. A microwave uses almost half of the electricity that a standard oven uses, making your electric bill smaller every time you switch from the oven to the microwave. All of these benefits make it easy to see why every household should have a microwave oven.
If you are like most of the world, you are a busy person. Working outside of your home makes it difficult to spend time defrosting, cooking and serving a healthy meal each day of the week. Many of us spend more and more of our money eating out during the week because we just do not have the time to cook a healthy meal.
A microwave oven can drastically reduce the time required to defrost and cook a complete dinner. Rather than having to remember to remove a roast from the freezer to defrost at 6 o’clock in the morning, you can wait until you get home from work to defrost the roast. Having this freedom also makes it easier to pick a meal that your whole family will enjoy. You do not have to spend as much time planning your dinner because whatever you have in your freezer will be ready to go when you need it.
Microwaves are also perfect for reheating leftover meals. You can cook several dinners on one day and freeze them for use later in the week. Many people choose to cook several casseroles on Sunday, freeze them and then serve them Monday through Friday. This makes the worry over what to cook for dinner a thing of the past.
Your microwave can defrost the casserole and reheat it in less time that it takes to initially prepare the casserole. This makes preparing a quick meal almost effortless. It also saves you the exhausting decision of what to make for dinner. If your dinners are already prepped, just microwave them and they are ready to go.
Every household should have a microwave oven because they are extremely energy efficient. Microwaves use almost half of the energy required to run your standard oven. They are also great at keeping the heat inside the microwave rather than heating your entire kitchen like a normal oven would. This means you will save money while using the microwave and save money because your air conditioner will not have to make up for that hot kitchen air.
Pointers on Buying a Microwave
Microwaves have come a long way in the past twenty years. And it’s important that you take a few things into consideration before you buy your next microwave.
It is an investment and if you do a little bit of research before you buy, you are going to be happy with your purchase, not whining about how crappy your microwave is! So here are a couple of things to think about before tossing away some hard earned money on your next microwave: SIZE AND COST These are two pretty big factors when buying just about anything. Using a little bit of logic will help you buy the best microwave for your needs.
When it comes to size, if you have a teeny tiny apartment and no counter space, it makes no sense for you to go out and buy the biggest microwave on the market! And if you live on your own you don’t need a huge and expensively powerful device.
Have a look at your personal situation and decide whether you need a small or big one, and what your budget is. If you have no money and desperately need a new microwave, there is no sense in looking at the more expensive ones. Go cheap and small for now and figure out a way to plan to buy a bigger and better one when you can. You can compare the prices of the different microwaves on sites such as Price Runner for example.
WATTAGE This is a big one. When you’ve decided on price and size you should have a look at the wattage you’d like. I know of so many people that have went out and bought a fancy and expensive microwave only to be disappointed that it takes way too long to cook things. Newsflash! Just because a microwave is more expensive doesn’t mean it is more powerful! You would think this to be the case but often it’s not.
Have a look around before you buy. Most microwaves are between 600 and 1350 watts. If you are impatient or use it a lot, you might better opt for the higher end on the wattage scale. Make sense? DESIGN Now this one shouldn’t be on the top of your list but it may be important to you. Essentially you want to ensure the microwave you buy is easy to clean and has easy-to-use features. This means the push buttons are user friendly and the turntable easily comes out to clean.
POWER BOX The power box is really important. And by this I mean the programmed settings and quick cook button features: chicken recipes, pizza, liquids or even fish recipes. If you have to take five minutes each time to figure out how to get the microwave started, you might want to look in another direction. You would think they would all be self-explanatory but many are not. If the function of it doesn’t make sense to you then don’t buy it. There are thousands of different configurations out there and if you look long enough you will find what you’re looking for.
These are just a couple of things you need to keep in mind to find the most practical and efficient microwave for you and your lifestyle. Don’t rush, take your time and ensure you get a microwave you’ll be happy with for a long, long time!
Before buying a microwave, consider these factors:
Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for a new model:
Where are you going to place the microwave?
Countertop microwave ovens are the most economical alternative, however they take up valuable counter space. Space will be saved by an over the range microwave, but it is more work to set up, and specialists say it will not do as great a job of venting fumes and heat as a range hood that is actual.
A built in leaves room for a range hood and leaves your counters clear, but it is definitely the most pricey alternative. Many users say a better alternative would be to construct a ledge for a countertop microwave oven to take a seat on; adding an optional trim kit can give it the appearance of a builtin. A couple of microwaves could be hung underneath a cabinet using a hanging kit. No matter which alternative you decide on, make sure you measure your space carefully so you understand how large a microwave you’ll be able to manage.
Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost very little but typically offer the least cooking space.And while over-the-range models save counter space and add convenience, they don’t vent nearly as well as a dedicated range hood and typically require an electrician to install.
This is one of the most important preliminary decisions you will make about your microwave purchase. Where you put your microwave can significantly impact its price, features, size, and ease of installation.
How are you going to use it frequently?
Along with the -popular popcorn setting, many microwaves feature one-touch cooking for oatmeal, soup as well as various other foods. Automatic settings for defrosting and reheating are common. Nevertheless, these characteristics can increase the price, thus do not invest in a model loaded with features you are not likely to use.
For example, a convection feature, which empowers a microwave to bake and brown like a standard oven, will add the price of a microwave and $50 to $100, therefore it is only worthwhile should you truly want another oven. Rather, search for shortcut keys for the settings you will use most frequently, whether that is melting butter or reheating java.
How much room do you want? Pay careful attention to capacity — not only the stated capacity, but the useable space inside in case you would like to cook or reheat big dishes. Some shoppers go to bring a big platter to the shop when shopping to ensure it’ll fit in.
How much noise can you handle?
The great news is the fact that modern microwaves are fairly silent. In we did not locate any that were given a low rating for their noise level. Yet, even models that complaints occasionally trigger from owners about their loudness. If it’s possible to do so make an effort to listen to the microwave running in the shop and judge for yourself whether its sound level is something that that you can live with.
What’s the deal with watts?
Microwave wattage equals power. In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600-1,200 watts. Larger microwaves will tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.Midsized and large ovens are typically rated at 850 to 1,200 watts; compact ovens, at about 600 to 800 watts. More watts typically mean more cooking power.
Worth expectancies: The dollars and cents of it
Getting your microwave break down right following the guarantee expires is frustrating, but having it break down within the guarantee period may be an even bigger hassle. Many owners whine about needing to drive their microwave ovens a lot more or 100 miles to get them serviced.
To prevent this issue, before you purchase a certain microwave, check the company’s web site and discover where your closest repair shop is. Additionally, bear in mind that some manufacturers need the item to be with all the initial sales receipt, in its original packaging. Without assessing your guarantee first so do not lose these things.
Foods that Shouldn’t Be Microwaved
In today’s amazingly fast-paced world, the microwave oven is a huge time saver. Imagine that you head off to work in the morning and remember that you have not taken anything out of the freezer to cook for dinner.
Thanks to your handy microwave oven you can remove the frozen food from the freezer, pop it into the microwave oven, hit the defrost button and you are well on your way to a home-cooked meal.
The microwave is even perfect for cooking that meal. From a whole pot roast to a tray of steamed vegetables, it seems as if there is nothing that you cannot cook in your microwave oven.
Although there are an endless variety of foods that can be cooked in a microwave, there are also several that you should avoid placing in that handy little oven. Foods that are dangerous when heated unevenly are best to keep out of the microwave oven. Avoid placing baby food jars or baby formula in the microwave oven to heat them. Because a microwave does not heat all foods evenly, hot spots can occur in the baby food or formula. These hot spots can cause severe burns to the inside of the mouth and hands when they go unnoticed. It is always best to warm your baby food or formula by soaking the bottle in hot water or by using a warmer rather than heating them in a microwave oven.
Breast milk and other milk products are also foods that you should avoid heating in the microwave. Studies have shown that using the microwave oven to heat these products causes small changes in the structure of the milk. Scientists believe that these changes may not be dangerous to your health, but they might cause the milk to lose some of its natural vitamin or mineral content. Using the microwave to reheat breast milk or heat milk in a baby bottle should always be avoided because steam can build up within the sealed bottle. The steam can cause an explosion when the bottle is removed from the oven and exposed to cold air.
There are several foods that can be cooked in a microwave oven but will not have the optimal flavor if a microwave is used for the recipe. Foods like bread and biscuits or rolls should not be microwaved for any extended period of time. Bread, rolls and biscuits tend to become overheated very quickly and will harden when reheated in the microwave. If you must warm a roll in the microwave oven, use the shortest time period and lowest power option available. This will ensure that your roll comes out nice and hot but does turn as hard as a rock!