How to Buy the Best Microwave for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best microwaves

Overview

This buying guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a microwave. We will cover everything from size considerations, features and settings, to budget and other factors that should be taken into consideration. We will also provide helpful tips for getting the most out of your microwave purchase. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident in making an educated decision when it comes to purchasing a microwave.

Key features

  1. Size: Before purchasing a microwave, customers should consider how much space they have for a microwave and the size of the microwave they need.
  2. Features: Customers should consider whether they want additional features such as a convection oven, programmable settings, and/or a grilling feature.
  3. Power: Customers need to consider the wattage of the microwave they need. Higher wattages typically cook food more quickly.
  4. Price: Customers should determine their budget and then select a microwave that fits within it.
  5. Oven Type: Customers should decide between different types of microwaves such as countertop, over-the-range, or built-in microwaves.
  6. Warranty: Customers should consider the warranty offered by the microwave manufacturer. Longer warranties typically offer a greater peace of mind.

See the most popular microwaves on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Convenience - Microwaves are a convenient way to quickly and easily cook or heat food without much effort.
  • Time Saving - Microwaves cook much faster than conventional ovens, making them a great time-saving option.
  • Versatility - Microwaves are capable of defrosting, reheating, and even baking food.
  • Affordability - Microwaves are relatively inexpensive compared to other kitchen appliances.

Cons

  • Radiation Concerns - Microwaves generate and emit radiation, which can be dangerous in too large of doses. Even though modern microwaves are designed to be safe, concerns regarding their safety still exist.
  • Limited Versatility - Microwaves are limited in the types of food they can cook. They are particularly not good for baking or roasting, and may not be able to cook certain foods like meats and vegetables properly.
  • Inability to Brown/Crisp - Because microwaves cook food using heat, they are unable to brown or crisp food like an oven or grill can.
  • Heat Retention - Microwaves can cause food to become overcooked if it is left inside for too long, as heat can build up inside the appliance and cause food to become dry and rubbery.
  • Safety Hazards - There are several safety hazards associated with microwaves, such as the risk of electric shock, fire, and radiation exposure. Additionally, they can become very hot and burn unsuspecting users.

Best alternatives

  1. Induction cooktops - Uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat pans, eliminate the need for preheating, and provide fast and precise heat.
  2. Convection ovens - Cooks food faster and more evenly than a traditional oven. It uses a fan and exhaust system to circulate heat.
  3. Toaster ovens - Smaller than a conventional oven, toaster ovens are ideal for reheating, defrosting, and baking smaller quantities of food.
  4. Slow cookers - Uses low, consistent heat to simmer food over a long period of time, allowing dishes to cook slowly and retain their flavor.
  5. Pressure cookers - Utilizes pressurized steam to quickly and evenly cook food, producing meal in minutes.
  6. Air fryers - Uses forced air to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy texture without using a lot of oil.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Microwave Oven - An electrical appliance used for heating and cooking food.
  • Glass Tray - A removable tray that sits inside the microwave oven and is used for cooking or reheating food.
  • Oven Mitts - Heatproof mitts used to handle hot items from the microwave oven.
  • Splatter Guard - A cover used to prevent food from splattering inside the microwave oven while cooking.
  • Cookware - Pots, pans, and other cookware items that are safe to use in the microwave oven.
  • Turntable - A tray or disc that rotates inside the microwave oven to help heat food evenly.
  • Timer - A feature used to set a time limit for how long the microwave oven will run.
  • Cooking Guide - A booklet or guide listing information about how to cook various types of food in the microwave oven.

Common questions

  1. What size of microwave should I buy?
    Size is an important consideration when buying a microwave. It will depend on the amount of counter space you have and the size of your family. Smaller microwaves are good for single people or couples, while larger microwaves are better for larger families.
  2. What features should I look for in a microwave?
    Look for features such as digital controls, a wide variety of power levels, defrost settings, and sensor cooking. Other features to consider include pre-programmed one-touch buttons, turntable, interior light, and child safety lock.
  3. What type of microwave is best?
    It depends on your needs and preferences. Countertop microwaves are the most popular and can be moved easily. If you have limited counter space, a built-in microwave may be a better choice. Over-the-range microwaves are also available, which can be used to cook and provide additional lighting above your range.
  4. Should I buy a convection microwave?
    Convection microwaves are more expensive but offer additional cooking capabilities. They can bake, roast, and brown food, eliminating the need for a separate oven. They also cook food more quickly and evenly than a conventional microwave.
  5. What is the best brand of microwave?
    It depends on your needs and budget. Popular brands include Samsung, GE, LG, and Panasonic. Do your research to find the right brand for you.

Trivia

One interesting fact about microwaves is that they are actually named after the type of radiation they use to heat food - microwave radiation. This was discovered in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon, who noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket melted while he was standing near a newly-invented microwave radar. He soon realized that the microwaves were causing the chocolate to melt and he set to work to develop a more practical application of the technology. The first microwave oven was introduced to the public in 1947 and since then, microwaves have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.