Cooking has evolved over the years, and one of the most innovative new pieces of technology that can make your kitchen experience easier is a microwave oven. With these handy appliances, you no longer have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals, instead, you can quickly and easily reheat leftovers or heat up frozen dishes with just a few button presses. Whether you are an experienced home cook looking for a quicker way to prepare food or a beginner who is hesitant around traditional cooking methods, investing in a good-quality microwave oven is a great idea. These cooking appliances can be an invaluable asset when it comes to convenience around mealtime. Read on to learn more about how this incredible appliance works, what benefits it offers, and how to maintain it in top condition.
What are the Different Types of Microwave Ovens?
Microwave ovens are a convenient and quick way to cook your meals and reheat leftovers. With so many options available, it is essential to understand the different types of microwave ovens and their features. We shall guide you through the types of microwave ovens, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
Countertop Microwaves – Countertop microwaves are a convenient and essential appliance in almost every household kitchen. They serve as a quick solution to heating food and beverages, defrosting frozen meals, and even cooking snacks and meals in just a matter of minutes. They are widely used by households and workplaces for defrosting, heating, and cooking food in seconds. They can be simply positioned on the countertop space.
Pros – Economical, portable and easy to maintain & operate
Cons – Limited capacity & features, dated aesthetics and occupies countertop space
Over-the-Range Microwaves – An over-the-range microwave oven is mounted above the cooking range, saving valuable counter space in the kitchen. It usually comes with a fan that circulates air outdoors, eliminating the need for a separate ventilation hood. It is a great option for those who want a compact kitchen, but it may be challenging to install and repair if it breaks down.
Pros – Saves counter space, stylish, comes with a ventilation fan
Cons – Difficult to install and repair, expensive
Built-in Microwaves – A built-in microwave oven is installed inside a cabinet or wall, providing a seamless look and freeing up counter space. It is a perfect option for those who want to have a modern and stylish kitchen. However, it is the most expensive type of microwave oven, and installation can be challenging.
Pros – Saves counter space, sleek design, adds value to your kitchen
Cons – Expensive, difficult to install and repair
Convection Microwaves – A convection microwave oven combines the features of a microwave and convection oven. It comes with a fan that circulates hot air inside to provide an even and quick cooking experience. The convection feature also allows you to bake, roast, and grill your food. It is a perfect choice for those who do not have space for a separate oven and microwave. However, it happens to be the most expensive type of microwave oven.
Pros – Versatile, even heat distribution, can bake, roast, and grill
Cons – Expensive, bulky, complex features
What are the different types of microwave ovens based on capacity?
In addition to the types of microwaves mentioned above, you may also opt for compact microwaves with a capacity of 0.7 cu. ft. or less, or mid-size microwaves with a capacity in between 0.8 and 1.3 cu. ft., or large microwaves with a capacity greater than 1.3 cu. ft.
Having explored various types of microwave ovens and their pros and cons, let us know more on how to select the right appliance for your kitchen
Some of the Most Popular Microwave Oven Features
Keep tabs on advanced features and functions to pave the way for hassle-free cooking in your home. Some of the most significant features you can prefer are listed below:
Convection – This is a cooking technique that includes a fan circulating hot air on all sides of the dish for creating consistently cooked food. Some convection microwave ovens come with True European Convection to give you multiple cooking options.
Sensor Cooking – Sensor cooking allows for precise and consistent cooking, eliminating the need for guesswork and manual adjustments. This technology is useful in automatically adjusting the cooking time to help avoid overcooking of the dishes.
Auto Defrost – The auto defrost feature in your microwave oven is a worthwhile feature to have in any kitchen. It makes the defrosting process quick and efficient, saves you time, and ensures the safety and evenness of food defrosting.
Speed Cook – A Speed Cook microwave oven is a convenient and efficient kitchen appliance that can save you time and energy. With its unique combination of convection and microwave technology, it helps cook food up to four times faster than a conventional oven without sacrificing taste, texture, or nutritional value.
Smart Technology – Most of the modern day new microwaves feature smart compatibility, which lets you control the device remotely using an app, Bluetooth or voice assistant. This convenient feature is extremely useful when you wish to multi-task in your home.
Child Lock – The child lock feature in a microwave oven is a small but important safety feature that can prevent accidents and injuries. If you have young children in your household, it is important to make use of this feature.
Fingerprint-resistant Finish – A fingerprint-resistant finish feature is a must-have for anyone who wants a clean, spotless kitchen. Not only will it save you time and effort, but it will also improve the longevity of your microwave oven.
Preheat -This function helps preheat the oven to the desired temperature before letting you put your food inside. It is especially useful for those who like to bake in the microwave, like making mug cakes or microwavable brownies. By preheating the oven, you can ensure that the food cooks evenly and thoroughly, just like in a conventional oven.
Touch Panel – All kinds of microwave models come with convenience controls for ease of operation, and this depends on the price of the appliance. These are of three types: mechanical, tact dial type, and feather touch. Feather Touch panel elevates the look and feel of the microwave oven. It allows you to operate the oven with the touch your fingers.
Points to Consider Before Choosing the Right Microwave Oven
When selecting a microwave oven, you want to ensure that you pick the one that serves your needs and fits your lifestyle. If you are considering purchasing a microwave oven, this guide will assist you in making an informed buying decision.
Size – The first aspect to think about when selecting a microwave oven is size. Your choice should depend on the purpose you want to use the oven for, and how much counter space you have available. For example, if you have limited counter space, you may want to go for a compact countertop model. If you mainly use the microwave for cooking large meals, then a larger capacity one would be ideal.
Power Ratings – The wattage of a microwave determines its cooking strength and speed. If you use the microwave for basic cooking requirements like reheating and defrosting, a lower wattage microwave should suffice. However, if you plan on using your microwave oven for cooking or baking, a higher wattage microwave is the best choice. Microwaves with wattages ranging from 700 watts to 1100 watts are sufficient for most household requirements.
Type of Oven – Before shortlisting any of the countertop, built-in or over-the-range appliance for your den, consider the kitchen layout and preferences. The selected appliance must have a dedicated space which is convenient for cooking. Ideally, it should not occupy more space and clutter the kitchenette.
Excessive Features – Technology advancements have made microwave ovens more efficient and feature-packed. Some microwaves come with options like defrost, automatic cook menus, and sensor cooking. Advanced models also have convection cooking, which uses a fan to circulate the air inside the oven for even cooking. If you have specific cooking requirements, look for an oven that fits those needs.
Pricing – Last but not the least, the price of each oven varies depending on the capacity, features and installation. Determine a budget range upfront, and research microwaves within that range to select the best option available. In the way, your expenses are under control.
What Kind of Foods Should Not be put in a Microwave Oven?
The microwave oven has revolutionized the way we cook and reheat our food. Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that cook or warm up food. However, not all foods are safe to be exposed to this type of radiation. Following these guidelines can help you avoid potential hazards and keep you and your family safe.
Foods with high water content – Microwaving foods with high water content such as eggs, tomatoes, and potatoes can be dangerous as they can explode or burst. When heated in the microwave, water molecules in these foods can become superheated and create steam pressure.
Frozen packaged foods – Many frozen foods come in packaging that is not microwave-safe. Placing these packages in the microwave can cause them to melt or release toxic chemicals into your food. It is always advisable to remove frozen foods from their packaging and place them on a microwave-safe plate before heating them up.
Plastics -Although it is convenient to use plastic containers to microwave your food, it is not always a safe option. Some plastics can release harmful chemicals when heated in the microwave. It is best to use glass or ceramic containers to heat up your food in the microwave.
Leftover rice – Reheating leftover rice in the microwave can also be dangerous. Rice contains bacteria spores that can survive even after cooking. When rice is cooled down and then reheated, these spores can multiply and release toxins that can cause food poisoning. To avoid this, always make sure to cool down your rice properly before storing it in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove or in the oven rather than in the microwave.
How to Maintain your Microwave Oven?
From heating food to cooking full meals, your microwave oven plays an essential role, and just like any other appliance, it requires regular maintenance. The following tips help avoid malfunctioning or breakdown of the oven.
Regular Cleanup – Cleaning your microwave regularly is a must to keep it in excellent condition. Food particles and splatters can accumulate in your microwave, creating stains and bad odors. When left uncleaned, these spills can also create a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can microwave a bowl of water and vinegar, and then let the steam sit in the closed microwave for ten minutes before wiping it down.
Proper Door Handling – Slamming the microwave door shut can result in damage to latch or door switch mechanism. When you slam the door, it puts unnecessary pressure on the connections and wears them down prematurely. It is essential to close your microwave door gently.
Avoid Overloading – Overloading your microwave with too many containers or putting oversized dishes can cause damage to the appliance. When your microwave is overloaded, the appliance has to work harder to heat up food efficiently. Over time, this can make your microwave work harder, leading to breakdowns and reduced lifespan.
Scheduling Regular Maintenance -Just like any other appliance, your microwave requires professional maintenance to keep it running optimally. In course of time, wear and tear may lead to part failures and performance issues. Instead of waiting for it to break down, schedule routine maintenance checks with a professional technician. They can identify problems early on and help you avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Shop Sears for Top-rated Ovens at Offer Prices
There is no denying that the oven is one of the most important appliances in any home. When it comes to investing in an oven, you want to make sure you get the best one that suits your needs. And where better to find your perfect oven than at Sears? We have all kinds of ovens available with us, and that too at great discounts! Our options also include the following:
Electric Ovens -Sears offers a variety of electric ovens. These ovens are great for baking, and the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the oven so you get a more consistent temperature. They are also energy efficient which will save you money on your electricity bill. The range of electric ovens also offers features like self-cleaning ovens, delay start timers, and convection heating systems.
Gas Ovens -Gas ovens are another popular option for cooking. They run on natural gas or propane gas, and they are ideal for roasting and broiling. The heat in gas ovens is concentrated on the bottom of the oven, which makes them great for baked goods such as bread and pizza. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can choose one that matches your kitchen decor.
Dual-Fuel Ovens -If you are torn between gas and electric ovens, a dual-fuel oven may be the perfect solution for you. These ovens offer the best of both worlds, with a gas stovetop and an electric oven. Dual-fuel ovens are more expensive than single-fuel ovens, but they are worth the extra expense if you want the versatility of both cooking methods.
Wall Ovens – If you are looking to save space in your kitchen or create a more modern and sleek look, then a wall oven may be the perfect option for you. Wall ovens are mounted into a wall and offer the same features as a standing oven. They are typically larger than a stand-alone oven, and they come with a range of features such as convection heating, self-cleaning, and delayed start timers.
Microwave ovens are a valuable and versatile cooking appliance which can be used for numerous purposes. They are easy to use and maintain, as well as energy efficient. Whether you are in a hurry, or just looking for convenience in your kitchen, a good-quality microwave oven can do wonders for you. If you are upgrading your kitchen, addition of a microwave oven may be an affordable way of improving your culinary potential. Your selection is all the more simple when you choose Sears because we have all top-rated microwaves from best-selling brands like LG, Samsung, GE and more.
