You're going to want to pay attention to the control panel and door, too. If the dish is too wide to rotate, look for a feature that lets you shut off the turntable so it's stationary during cooking. Pro tip: See if your favorite dish fits on the turntable. It's easy to use: Adults have to press a sequence of buttons (1234, for example) before being able to operate the appliance. Some double as convection ovens, toasters, rotisseries, or other appliances!įamilies with young children should look for microwaves with a child lockout feature. If you're trying to save space in your kitchen, it might be worth it to explore a multi-purpose microwave. Buttons that allow you to precisely control timing down to the second can be very useful. Things like automatic defrost and pre-programmed settings quickly warm up snacks and take the guesswork out of preparing meals, while sensors can calculate cook time based on the amount of steam the food emits. Today's microwaves offer many features to make your life easier. What microwave features and specs should I look for? "Whether you’re boiling water, melting chocolate, or popping popcorn, take advantage of the 'add 30 seconds' or 'quick minute' button to test for doneness," says Susan Westmoreland, culinary director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Don't lose hope if it's not exactly the same as what you're used to. Top-Tested Microwaves That Bring the HeatĬoncerned about how a change in wattage will affect your cooking? With your new microwave, make something you always made in your older model and note the difference of how long it takes.Keep in mind that microwaves with higher wattages often come with bigger price tags, so that's something to remember if you're trying to stick to a budget. In general, the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time. Microwaves with 700 watts or less are slower and may not cook evenly. A 1,000-watt microwave will cook quickly and efficiently, so that's a great baseline. When it comes to microwaves, wattage equals power. Even if you live alone, a mid-size microwave is worth the money and space if you cook with it a lot. The GE Profile Microwave (a favorite of our Kitchen Appliances Lab!) is perfect for families that use it often. If you're feeding a whole family, go for a bigger oven that can handle large dishes, like casseroles and lasagnas. Opt for a smaller model (less than one cubic feet) if you're pressed for room on the countertop, like this compact AmazonBasics microwave that works with Alexa if you already have an Amazon Echo. Good for: Bigger families and anyone who uses a microwave to cook meals often Dimensions: 20 x 24 x 14 inches Watts: 1200 "Built-in models free up counter space and make your kitchen look more high-end." If you're set on a countertop model, but like the built-in look, she suggests looking for trim kits that make most microwaves seem like they're built into your cabinets. "Over-the-range models draw smoke and odors from the cooktop and filter it before exhausting it back into the room or outdoors," says Carolyn Forte, director of the GH Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab. On the other hand, built-in and over-the-range models cost more, usually need a professional installer and they're more likely to stay with your home, even when you leave it. Another big benefit: if you need to move, they move with you. People like them because they don't require any extra installation - simply unpack the box and plug in your new appliance. Countertop microwaves are the most common and generally the most affordable. There are three main microwave types: countertop, over-the-range and built-in. Check out our complete guide below before you buy your next microwave, and then pick your favorite from our list of the best countertop microwaves. The Good Housekeeping Institute can answer all the questions that are probably on your mind while shopping. Buying a microwave is an essential to-do for most people, whether it's for your first home, because your old one broke or your kitchen needs an upgrade.
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