GB:Microwave Ovens

Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens  have become one of the most common, popular kitchen appliances -- they make leftover nights easy and prepare your popcorn automatically.Most microwaves today do an excellent job of heating food; the differences between styles are mostly in the special features and the size. You also have your choice of a number of shapes and integrated appliances -- some microwaves can also function as ovens, while other can installed over your cooker and perform double duty as a hood.

Microwave Types

Microwave Hood Combinations 

  • Saves counter space.
  • Acts as a ventilator for your cooker or hob.
  • Vented hood installations send the exhaust outside, while non-vented installations will recirculate the exhaust back into the kitchen.

Countertop Microwaves 

  • Usually made for countertop use, but they many can be installed into a wall, with professional guidance.
  • Less expensive than microwave hood combos.

Important Features

  • Size
    • Determine the size you need based on your estimated use and the space available in your kitchen.
    • If you're buying a microwave for a college dorm, a small model (as small at 0.5 cubic feet or 14 litres) is better and are often cost as little as £30.
    • For a family, or if you tend to cook large dishes in the microwave, a large model (as big as 2 cubic feet, or 55 litres) is probably better.
    • Make sure to consider the actual dimensions of the microwave as well as the total volume. Make sure the space is wide enough to hold your largest dish.
  • Power
    • Microwave ovens range in power from 600 watts (boils 8 ounces of water in 2 minutes) to more than 1200 Watts.
    • Recipes usually assume a power of at least 800 Watts.
    • Many microwave ovens also have adjustable power settings, programmed settings, and defrost modes.
  • Special Features
    • Convection Feature
      • This allows you to do much more than just heat up food. It converts your microwave into a mini oven so that you can toast, roast, and bake without making food soggy. Perfect for cooking pizzas or other smaller items.
      • It takes a lot less time to heat up a small convection oven than a large oven.
    • Extras
      • Griddles, special pans, and grills may be included with some models.
    • Turntable
      • This will save you from having to rotate foods periodically during cooking.
      • Helps food heat more evenly without constant attention. (You still have to stir your food periodically, however.)
    • Timer
      • Most microwave ovens today have digital timers.
      • A few models have mechanical timers with a dial; these are hard to set for exact times and are not recommended.
    • Special Programs and Settings
      • Some high-end microwaves have cooking programs, such as "popcorn" and "auto-defrost." Look for well-designed buttons for easy access to these pre-programmed functions; otherwise, you may end up paying for a feature you won't use.
      • Some models can also be used as a kitchen timer -- often quite helpful.
      • Some have sensors that will automatically shut off once the food seems to be cooked.
      • If you're buying a microwave-hood combination, test the lights to make sure they're bright enough and test the hood -- some hoods can be quite noisy!
  • Other Things to Consider
    • Noise level (some microwaves are quiet when they cook, others are loud).
    • Child Safety Lock.
    • How does the alarm sound? Will it irritate you when it goes off? Does it stop beeping when you open the door, or does it continue to sound?

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