8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Microwave
Here at Lost My Kitchen, we have several recipes that use only a microwave like this one for scrambled eggs, this one for pasta, and this one for sweet potatoes. See more of them on our microwave main page here. Soon we'll even have a whole ebook of microwave recipes for your enjoyment.
But you need access to a microwave to make these recipes. What should you keep in mind when buying a microwave?
By the way, check out our top 3 specific microwave recommendations here.
Microwave Selection Factors
When buying a microwave, it's best to think about the following factors.
1) Wattage
A higher-watt microwave will cook your food faster, but it will also draw more power.
Higher power usage can be a concern if you are in an RV, tiny home, or other place where only a certain number of amps can be used at a time. It can also mean a higher electric bill.
1000 watts is considered an average-watt microwave. Many frozen foods' directions default to 1000W microwaves.
2) Brand
Amazon and other sites have a wider selection of microwaves and their brands than any brick-and-mortar store can fit on its shelves. This is great for convenience, but it also means that more unknown brands are included.
Some obscure brands can be surprisingly competent. But in general, it is best to go with brands that have a history of high quality.
3) Quality
High-powered electronics like microwaves are not where you want to compromise on quality.
Be sure to research the brand as well as the specific model, including reading reviews from multiple sources where possible. Pay particular attention to safety concerns.
4) Size
Select a size that will work for your living space.
Measure the area where the microwave will go. Then compare it with the height, width, and depth measurements in the listing.
5) Location
Most microwaves fall into one of the following categories: countertop, drawer, or over-the-range.
Countertop microwaves are more accessible for shorter folks. They tend to be less expensive and preferable for rental homes.
Over-the-range and drawer microwaves save you counter space. But drawer microwaves may have questionable ventilation if not installed properly.
6) Ventilation
While you're measuring your space and deciding whether to put the microwave over, under, or on the counter, be sure to note where your future microwave's vents need to be.
In other words, notice which side of the microwave the vents should be on.
Countertop microwaves may have vents on the top, bottom, sides, or back. Most over-the-range microwaves vent out the bottom.
Ventilation is important for safety, so don't skip this important factor.
7) Buttons, chimes, and other features
These are highly dependent on your personal use and preference. Microwave noises and volumes vary. Some microwaves allow you to turn off the beeps that happen when buttons are pushed or when food is ready. Others do not.
You may want buttons for specific modes like Popcorn or Steam. Most microwaves have some type of Defrost function, but some have multiple defrosting modes. Decide which (if any) modes and functions are priorities for you.
Some microwaves have power level adjustment features in a more accessible place than others.
Another example is the auto-cook feature where, for example, pushing the number 3 will cook your food for 3 minutes at 100% power. Some microwaves have these, while others do not.
Note that all of our microwave recipes use standard cooking times in minutes and seconds. No extra buttons or features are needed.
8) Appearance
If desired, consider whether the microwave will match your existing kitchen decor or your other aesthetic preferences. Some microwaves come in a fun color or follow an interesting theme like vintage or a specific character or franchise.
And that's all 8 factors!
Jot down your notes for them and check out my current top 3 microwave picks in the next article here.
