Microwave Oven 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

• Compact Microwave (0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet / 14.2 to 25.5 liters):
  • Width: 18 to 20 inches (45.7 to 50.8 cm)
  • Depth: 12 to 14 inches (30.5 to 35.6 cm)
  • Height: 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm)
• Medium Microwave (1.0 to 1.4 cubic feet / 28.3 to 39.7 liters):
  • Width: 20 to 22 inches (50.8 to 55.9 cm)
  • Depth: 14 to 16 inches (35.6 to 40.6 cm)
  • Height: 12 to 14 inches (30.5 to 35.6 cm)
  • Large Microwave (1.5 cubic feet and above / 42.5 liters and above):
    • Width: 22 inches and above (55.9 cm and above)
    • Depth: 16 inches and above (40.6 cm and above)
    • Height: 14 inches and above (35.6 cm and above)Portion Size and Utensil Fit: Ensure the microwave’s turntable is big enough to fit your plates or favorite cooking dishes. A turntable diameter of 12 to 16 inches is typical and accommodates most dishe

three types of microwave ovens are available in the market

• Standard Microwave Ovens
• Convection Microwave Ovens
• Grill Microwave Ovens
• Standard Microwave Ovens: Standard Microwave Ovens are the most basic type, designed primarily for heating and defrosting food quickly and efficiently. They use microwave radiation to heat food by agitating water molecules within it. These ovens typically have simple controls for adjusting power levels and cooking times. They’re great for everyday use, such as reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or defrosting frozen foods. However, they may not provide as even cooking or browning as other types of microwaves. you can use this type of oven for
• Reheating leftovers
• Heating frozen meals
• Cooking microwave popcorn
• Defrosting frozen foods
• Cooking ready-to-eat meals
• Heating beverages like coffee or tea
• Making microwaveable soups or noodles
• Convection Microwave Ovens: Convection Microwave Ovens combine the quick cooking capabilities of a microwave with the browning and crisping abilities of a convection oven. They use a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air evenly around the food, resulting in faster and more even cooking. This type of microwave is versatile, allowing you to bake, roast, grill, and microwave food all in one appliance. It’s particularly useful for cooking dishes that benefit from a crispy exterior or golden brown finish, such as roasted meats, baked goods, or pizzas. Additionally, convection microwaves often come with a variety of cooking modes and settings to accommodate different types of food. you can use this type of oven for
• Roast chicken or turkeyBaked potatoes
• Pizza (homemade or frozen)
• Casseroles
• Bread or rolls
• Cookies or biscuitsGrilled sandwiches or paninis
• Roasted vegetables
• Lasagna or baked pasta dishes
• Meatloaf
  
  
• Grill Microwave Ovens:Grill Microwave Ovens combine the functionality of a microwave with a grill element, allowing for quick cooking, grilling, and browning of food. Here’s a breakdown of this type of oven and the dishes it supports:
• Grilling Function: Grill microwaves feature an additional grilling element, typically located at the top of the oven cavity. This element produces intense heat, allowing for the grilling and browning of food surfaces.
• Microwave Function: In addition to grilling, these ovens also have standard microwave functionality, utilizing microwave radiation for rapid heating and cooking of food.
• Versatility: Grill microwave ovens offer versatility, allowing users to quickly cook a variety of dishes that benefit from grilling, such as meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, sandwiches, and kebabs.
• Browning and Crisping: The grill function enables the browning and crisping of food surfaces, giving dishes a grilled texture and flavor that is not achievable with standard microwaves.
• Convenience: Grill microwaves provide a convenient cooking option for those who want the speed and efficiency of a microwave combined with the ability to achieve grilled results.

• Examples of Supported Dishes:

  • Grilled chicken or fish fillets
  • Grilled vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini, or eggplant
  • Grilled sandwiches or paninis
  • Kebabs or skewers
  • Toasted bread or bagels
  • Broiled or grilled cheese
  • Pizza with a crispy crust
  • These ovens are suitable for users who desire the convenience of microwave cooking along with the ability to achieve grilled textures and flavors in their dishes.
    
    

three types of fittings are available

• Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
• Built-In Microwave Ovens
• Countertop Microwave Ovens 

• Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens: Microwave Ovens are typically installed directly above your stove or cooktop, replacing or complementing your existing range hood. They are mounted onto the wall or in a cabinet space above the cooking surface, providing convenient access for cooking while also serving as a ventilation system to remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen.
• Built-in microwave Ovens: are designed to be installed within custom cabinetry or wall units, seamlessly integrating into your kitchen layout for a streamlined appearance. They can be installed at eye level or below the countertop, depending on your preferences and kitchen design. Built-in microwaves offer a built-in, polished look and are often installed alongside other built-in appliances like wall ovens or warming drawers, providing a cohesive and modern aesthetic to your kitchen space.
• Countertop Microwave Ovens are freestanding units designed for easy placement on kitchen counters, offering convenient access for quick heating and cooking tasks.

Check the wattage of the microwave, as higher wattage typically means faster cooking times. Consider your typical cooking tasks and how quickly you need them to be completed. 

Consider Cooking Tasks: If you primarily use your microwave for basic tasks like reheating leftovers, defrosting, or cooking simple dishes, a lower-wattage microwave (700-900 watts) may suffice. These models are often more affordable and suitable for basic cooking needs.

Speed and Efficiency: Higher-wattage microwaves (1000 watts or higher) cook food faster and more evenly compared to lower-wattage models. If you frequently cook or require faster cooking times, a higher-wattage microwave is recommended for more efficient performance

Energy Efficiency: Higher wattage microwaves consume more power, so consider the energy efficiency ratings of different models to minimize energy consumption and operating costs over time.

Consider the control panel layout and ease of use, including features like one-touch settings, pre-programmed cooking functions, and intuitive controls.

• Key Pad or Touch Pad,
• LCD or LED Display,
• Cooking Modes and Settings,
• Power Levels,
• Timer Function,
• One-Touch Cooking,
• Child Lock,
• Clock and Timer Disply

User Manual: Read the user manual carefully before purchasing the microwave oven to familiarize yourself with its safety features and operating instructions. Ensure that the manual provides clear guidance on safe usage and maintenance.

Certifications: Look for microwave ovens that have been certified by reputable safety organizations, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association). These certifications indicate that the appliance has undergone testing and meets safety standards.

Child Lock Feature: Check if the microwave oven has a child lock feature, which prevents unintended use by children. This feature is essential for households with young children to prevent accidents.

Automatic Shut-Off: Some microwave ovens are equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the appliance if it detects overheating or other safety issues. This helps prevent fires and other hazards.

Door Safety Mechanism: Ensure that the microwave oven has a sturdy door with a reliable safety mechanism to prevent accidental opening during operation. The door should also have a tight seal to contain steam and heat.

ventilation: Over-the-range microwave ovens should have adequate ventilation systems to remove steam, smoke, and odors from the cooking area. Proper ventilation is important for maintaining air quality and preventing overheating.

Sturdy Construction: Choose a microwave oven with sturdy construction and durable materials to ensure long-term safety and reliability. Avoid models with flimsy components or loose door seals.

User Manual: Read the user manual carefully before purchasing the microwave oven to familiarize yourself with its safety features and operating instructions. Ensure that the manual provides clear guidance on safe usage and maintenance.