Choosing the right microwave for your kitchen can be overwhelming, with so many options available. But fear not, this guide will help you navigate the world of microwaves and find the perfect one for your needs.
What to Consider When Buying a Microwave:
1. Size:
- Small spaces: If you have limited counter space, consider a smaller microwave with a capacity of 0.6 to 0.9 cubic feet. Danby’s DMW7700BLDB 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is ideal for dorms and small kitchens.
- Apartments and smaller kitchens: Look for a unit between 0.6 to 0.90 cu. ft., like Danby’s DMW099BLSDD 0.9 cu. ft. unit.
- Smaller families: Microwaves that are 1.0 cu. ft. are perfect in size for smaller families.
- Large families: Look for units that are 1.0+ cu. ft. to handle larger jobs. Danby’s DMW111KPSSDD 1.1 cu. ft. is great for larger families.
2. Wattage:
- A microwave’s power is measured by its total wattage.
- Generally, the more wattage a unit has, the more power and the less time it needs to cook food.
- However, your heating habits easily adjust to any wattage.
- For example, it takes an estimated 3 minutes to boil a cup of water in a 650 watt microwave and 2 minutes in a 1,000 watt microwave.
3. Features:
- Pre-programmed settings: Many microwaves come with pre-programmed settings for common tasks like reheating, defrosting, and popcorn. These can be convenient, especially if you’re not comfortable with manual settings.
- Sensor cooking: This feature automatically adjusts the cooking time and power based on the moisture content of the food. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid overcooking or undercooking their food.
- Convection cooking: Some microwaves have a convection feature, which allows them to cook food more evenly and quickly. This is a good option if you frequently cook pizzas, casseroles, or other dishes that benefit from convection cooking.
- Turntable: A turntable helps to ensure that food is cooked evenly by rotating it during the cooking process. However, some people find turntables to be inconvenient, as they can take up space and make it difficult to fit larger dishes in the microwave.
- Child safety lock: This feature is essential if you have young children in the house. It prevents them from accidentally starting the microwave or changing the settings.
4. Budget:
Microwaves range in price from around $50 to $500. The price will vary depending on the size, features, and brand of the microwave. Determine your budget before you start shopping so you can narrow down your options.
5. Brand:
There are many different brands of microwaves available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular brands include Danby, Whirlpool, GE, LG, and Samsung. Do some research on different brands to see which one is right for you.
Additional Tips:
- Read reviews: Before you buy a microwave, read reviews from other consumers to get an idea of its performance and reliability.
- Consider your needs: Think about how you will use the microwave and what features are important to you.
- Compare prices: Shop around to get the best price on the microwave you want.
- Don’t forget the warranty: Make sure the microwave you buy comes with a good warranty in case something goes wrong.
Choosing the right microwave for your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can find the perfect microwave for your kitchen and enjoy years of convenient and delicious meals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a 0.9 microwave too small?
It depends on your needs. If you have limited counter space or only need to heat up small portions of food, then a 0.9 cu. ft. microwave may be sufficient. However, if you frequently cook for a large family or need to heat up large dishes, then you may want to consider a larger microwave.
What is the best wattage for a microwave?
The best wattage for a microwave depends on your needs. If you mostly use your microwave for reheating food, then a lower wattage microwave will be sufficient. However, if you frequently cook food in your microwave, then you may want to consider a higher wattage microwave.
What features are important in a microwave?
The features that are important in a microwave depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some common features include pre-programmed settings, sensor cooking, convection cooking, a turntable, and a child safety lock.
How much should I spend on a microwave?
Microwaves range in price from around $50 to $500. The price will vary depending on the size, features, and brand of the microwave. Determine your budget before you start shopping so you can narrow down your options.
Sizing Basics for Microwaves
Not everyone has the counter space to accommodate an industrial-sized microwave, and size matters. The best way to choose the right microwave size for your kitchen is to measure the size of your existing model. Use the outside dimensions (height, width, and depth) of the microwave to help determine whether your microwave oven can fit on your counter, and use the interior cubic feet measurement to further assist your purchasing decisions. Was this microwave too small for you? Do you have the room to go bigger?
For dorms…
When choosing a dorm for your student, choose one with a smaller capacity. These range from 0. 6 to 0. 90 cu. ft. Danby’s DMW7700BLDB 0. 7 cu. ft. microwave is perfect for these smaller living arrangements.
Apartments and smaller kitchens…
Seek for a unit that is between 0 and depending on the counter space that is available. 6 to 0. 90 cu. ft. like Danby’s DMW099BLSDD 0. 9 cu. ft. unit.
Smaller families…
Microwaves that are 1. 0 cu. ft. are perfect in size for smaller families.
Large families…
Look for units that are 1. 0+ cu. ft. to handle the bigger jobs. Danby’s DMW111KPSSDD 1. 1 cu. ft. is great for larger families.
What to look for when buying the best microwave?
Microwaves are now a common household item and a kitchen tool that we use on a daily basis. Purchasing a microwave may seem like a straightforward task at first, but microwaves are far more complicated than people may realize. Let Danby assist you whether you’re looking to upgrade or replace—after all, they don’t call us experts at microwaves and ovens for nothing!