How to Buy a Microwave Oven

Tips on buying a microwave oven

1. Begin by considering the three basic microwave oven designs. There is the built-in type, which is installed into the wall so that that the door is flush with the wall surface. There is also the over-the-range (or over-the-counter) microwave oven, which either attaches to an existing range or is mounted on the wall or under a cabinet. Finally, there is the familiar countertop microwave oven, a stand-alone unit that sits either on a counter or a refrigerator or wherever you find room in a kitchen.

2. If money considerations matter, know that the stand-alone microwave ovens will cost you considerably less than the other types. The primary reason is installation costs. With a stand-alone microwave oven, all you need to do is make space and plug it in. With a built-in or an over-the-range microwave oven, the units must be installed in or on the wall, and proper venting is also often necessary.

3. Figure out how powerful a microwave oven you will need. Microwave oven power is measured in watts, with 600 watts being the lower end of power and 1400 the upper end. If you are cooking large quantities of food, then you will want a more powerful microwave oven. However, if you are cooking for one or two people, than a less powerful microwave oven can serve you well.

4. You will also want to consider the size of the microwave oven you want. A bigger oven will cook more food at once, of course, but it will also require more wall space or more counter space. Know where the oven is going to be situated before you shop.

5. A basic microwave oven should be able to cook, defrost and reheat. Make sure the ovens you are considering do perform at least these tasks.

6. Finally, think of any extra features you may want. Many microwave ovens have turntables that rotate the food to ensure even cooking. A newer feature is a toasting element that crisps the top of the food. For some people, it is important to have a popcorn feature that allows you to cook popcorn with the push of a single button.

Caution

Microwave ovens are actually very versatile instruments. Once you learn the range and power of each button on your microwave oven, you will be able to cook many types of food. Make sure your new microwave oven comes with instructions that detail all of the capabilities of this powerful appliance.

Where to buy a microwave oven

You can purchase a new microwave oven at one of these online retailers—

AJMadison has every type of microwave oven available. Find countertops, built-ins and over-the-range designs.

J&R.com has several kinds of microwave ovens. Take a look at the toaster-microwave oven combinations.

Find a great selection of microwave ovens at Target. Shop by price.