How to Choose a Microwave

Microwave ovens can sit on your countertop, be built into your kitchen, or fit over your range. While most microwaves do approximately the same thing, you may wish to include some special features that will make microwave cooking a breeze.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Product Brochures
• Measuring Tapes
• Microwavable Cookware
• Microwaves

1. Measure the space where you intend to put the microwave. Be sure to measure height, width and depth.

2. Be sure that the vents on the microwave will not be covered, and that there is room to open the door.

3. Assess your microwave needs. If you only use a microwave for defrosting meat or warming up coffee, an inexpensive, basic microwave may be all you need.

4. Consider the capacity of the microwave. If you have a favorite baking dish for microwave cooking, make sure it will fit with the door closed.

5. Decide whether you need a convection capability in your oven.

6. Consider features such as controls set for cooking certain kinds of foods, sensors, temperature probes, removable racks and auto defrost.

7. Check for cleaning features such as removable bottom trays or racks.

Tips & Warnings

• You probably don't need a convection microwave unless you use the oven for actually preparing food and not just for warming it up. A convection microwave has the capacity to brown food while it cooks. Microwaves with convection capacity are considered high-end and are often quite a bit more expensive than standard microwaves.
• Microwave cooking is a whole new experience in food preparation. Be sure to study the instruction booklet that came with the microwave, and to invest in a microwave cookbook or two.