Thanks to technology, slaving over an open flame has gone the way of the Pony Express. Instead, there are ovens for baking, stoves for boiling and grills for cooking. But nothing has done more for convenience cooking than the microwave.
The microwave first appeared in households in 1967, quickly becoming the must-have appliance for college students, harried parents and office dwellers around the world. At its most basic, your own slice of quick-cooking heaven can be purchased for under $100, although an over-the-range model starts around $300.
Types of Products
There are three different types of microwaves: countertop, over-the-range and convection microwaves. Countertop models employ the simplest technology while convection microwaves are considerably more advanced.
Countertop microwaves are the most popular style of microwave, coming in a variety of sizes and colors. They are the cheapest microwave and also the easiest to move around. Power levels differ, based on the size of the microwave, but most offer programmable timers, power control, auto defrost and sensor cooking. There is one large drawback, however; countertop microwaves commandeer valuable countertop space in the kitchen work areas.
Over-the-range microwaves help free up kitchen countertops as well as provide ventilation for the stove. These microwaves are considerably heavier and more expensive than the countertop styles and must be mounted and permanently installed. Over-the-range microwaves contain either an external vent that is hooked up to outside the house or an internal system that circulates the air through charcoal filters.
Convection microwavescombine both a traditional microwave and a convection oven. They can be either countertop or over-the-range styles. Along with the convenient microwave functions, convection microwaves can bake like a traditional oven. They can also cook more quickly than a traditional microwave through the use of a small fan to help circulate heat. For small dishes, they can replace an oven. Convection microwaves are more expensive than countertop microwaves and over-the-range microwaves with this feature will usually run $100 more than their counterparts.
Key Features
Although all microwave systems employ the same basic technology, different features set them apart. As with most items, determine what features will work the best for you and your family before spending the extra dough.
Powerdetermines how fast and thoroughly you are able to cook. The higher the watts, the stronger the power. The ability to adjust the power is what prevents you from cooking the fish when all you want to do is defrost it.
Sizeis also important. The microwave has to be big enough to hold the dishes you want to prepare but small enough to sit safely on your counter (or above the stove). Compact microwaves are good for college students who want to reheat leftovers, but not much else. Family size models are perfect for smaller families and the slightly larger full sized microwaves are best for those who do a lot of cooking for groups.
Cleaning features include removable turntables, grease filters and non-stick interiors. These allow for easy wipe up of spills and splatters, especially handy for microwaves that get a lot of use.
Pre-programmed functions help eliminate the guesswork of microwave cooking. Auto Defrost, Reheat and Cook make it easier to correctly perform these tasks, as do pre-programmed buttons for common foods. Sensors that work to automatically adjust your cooking power and time are a good investment.
Rotating turntables are a must. Usually made of glass, they help your food cook evenly.
Child safetyfunctions, such as control locks requiring a passcode, ensure that children cannot start the microwave on their own.
How to Choose
For many cooks, a microwave is a microwave. However, sometimes subtle differences matter, like when you realize your roast is half an inch too big for your compact microwave.
First, establish the size that you have available. Where will it go in your kitchen? Do you have enough counter space? Make sure to measure, as eyeball approximations can be deceptive, especially if you plan to place the microwave below a hanging cabinet. If you plan a remodel in the near future, that's an excellent time to upgrade on an over-the-range unit.
Second, determine what you are most likely to cook in your microwave and decide on the features you will need to prepare these items. If you use it for reheating leftovers, almost any microwave will do. If you plan to defrost meat or fish every night, something with auto-defrost programming and sensors is the way to go. Not all features are necessary; for example, most people do not cook all of the items featured on the food-specific buttons. Do not feel pressured into adding items you will not use.
Finally, look for a microwave that works with the style of your kitchen. While this is not a necessary feature, many people prefer a model that blends with their existing appliances. Microwaves usually come in black, white, cream or stainless steel. Some are also available with a wood trim system to blend into your existing cabinets.
