A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Right Microwave Oven for Your Home

Are you looking for a microwave for your first home? Or is it that your old one broke and you need a replacement? The truth is, shopping for a microwave oven is not as easy as most people tend to think.

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The moment you begin your search online or step into a store for shopping, you’ll come across endless options, configurations, types, and sizes that might leave you confused.

Steering through the endless options available in the market today is a very daunting task.

We’ve compiled this guide to help you get the best model for your home. Read through to understand the things you need to look out for when purchasing a microwave oven.

Factors to Consider While Shopping

What Should I Look for When Buying a Microwave

1. Type

The most challenging part when purchasing a microwave oven is choosing the type of microwave oven to get for your home.

The most common types include:

Solo microwaves are the entry-level/basic models in the microwave category. If you’re not very active in the kitchen/rarely use a microwave, a solo microwave is the best option for you.

With it, you can cook simple meals, reheat and defrost food.

Grill microwave ovens are the best for simple cooking and come with additional grilling accessories. You can prepare pasta, brew milk, coffee/tea, make popcorn, and even cook rice in it.

A grill microwave oven can also reheat and defrost food.

Go for a convection microwave oven if interested in a microwave that can cook, bake, and grill. These microwaves perform all the functions of solo microwaves and boast more advanced features.

You can bake, roast, grill, brown and crisp food with a convection microwave. However, it’s the most expensive option.

2. Size

Regardless of microwave oven you consider going for, size will matter. And to get the right size, you need to consider the space available in the kitchen.

You don’t want to bring home a microwave oven that barely fits in the space of placement.

With a countertop model, you have a little more flexibility, especially if the counter is spacious enough. However, if you choose to go for a built-in or over-the-range model, you need to get the size right.

In matters of size, you also have to consider the interior capacity of the microwave you intend to purchase. Is it spacious enough to help you cook enough food for your family at a go?

Will your microwave-safe plates fit in? Can you roast a whole chicken in the oven? Get the answers to all the questions you have in mind before paying for the microwave.

3. Wattage

The higher the microwave’s wattage you have in mind, the better it’ll perform. Ensure that you get one in the range of 900 to 1000 watts.

Microwaves in that range provide enough power to defrost and heat your food efficiently and thoroughly.

Should you choose to go for a cheaper model with 700 or fewer watts, expect longer cooking time and sometimes disappointments of unevenly cooked food.

4. Ease of Cleaning

How easy will it be for you to clean the microwave? Will it take a lot of time and effort to get the appliance clean? The answer to these questions is the deal-breaker.

Since you have to clean the microwave from time to time, ensure that you get one that you can clean with ease. One that you can wipe clean with just a clean wet towel.

5. Reliability

It’s very important to find out the shelf life of the microwave you intend to buy. This is because even the most durable of microwaves have a shelf-life.

On average, the lifespan of a microwave is 9 years.

If possible, get a microwave that can last the longest. The most durable models can go up to 12 years with proper maintenance and light use.

Therefore, before you settle on the microwave you have your eyes on, go through user reviews to find out how long it will last.

6. Preprogrammed Settings

What to Know Before Buying a Microwave Oven

Different microwaves come with different preprogrammed settings. The one to go for will solely depend on your personal preferences.

If you’re an amateur in cooking, get one with you better get one with an auto cook menu. Here, you just need to select a dish from the menu and press start.

Most microwaves come with a popcorn setting that enables you to prepare popcorns for your loved ones.

However, one thing to note is that the more settings a microwave has, the higher the price tag. But then, it’s worth it, right?

7. Noise

Getting a microwave that operates quietly is such a relief. You can use it in the morning comfortably without the worry that you’ll wake your guest up.

It also comes in handy if you have a kid who’s a fussy sleeper.

To ascertain whether the model you want to buy is noisy or not, check online customer reviews.

8. Warranty

Ensure that the microwave you get for your household comes with a good warranty. The longer the period of warranty, the better.

Actually, it’s argued that products that come with longer warranty periods are the best. That this warranty is an assurance that the item is of the highest quality.

9. Price

How much money are you willing to spend on a microwave? Does your budget allow you to get the high-end model you’re eyeing?

Price is a very important consideration when buying a microwave. These appliances come in varying price ranges, from the most affordable to the most expensive.

If all you need is a microwave that will cater to your basic needs, you can get one at $100 or less. Expect to pay more for a model with diverse settings.

10. Child Safety Lock

If you have kids, get a microwave that comes with a child safety lock. Kids are playful and can mess around with the microwave and get burnt.

The lock minimizes the risk and gives you the confidence to allow your children in the kitchen unsupervised.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Is a solo microwave better than a convection microwave?

No, instead, a convection microwave is better. It can carry out all the tasks of a solo microwave and comes with additional features.
You can bake, grill, roast, brown, and crisp foods in a convection microwave.

02. What is the best wattage for a microwave oven?

A 1000 watts microwave. It will cook quickly, efficiently, and therefore a great baseline.

03. Should I get a 700 watts microwave?

A 700 watts microwave will serve you well if you don’t cook a lot. However, if you’re into cooking, a microwave with this wattage will be your worst nightmare. It can only perform the basics like reheating and defrosting.
Instead, get one with a wattage of 900 watts and above.

04. How do I choose the best microwave size?

You can choose the right size of your household’s microwave by taking into account the number of people in your family. For instance, if yours is a small family of 4, a 1.2 cubic feet microwave would suit you best.
For a large family, get a microwave with a bigger capacity.

05. Is a microwave oven worth it?

Yes, you need to invest in a microwave oven. In fact, nowadays, it is really hard to live without one. It comes in handy, especially if you are a very busy person.
There are so many advantages that this appliance has to offer that you can’t ignore. It’s 100$ worth going for.

Conclusion

Microwaves are a necessity in modern life. And to ensure that you get the best for your home, you need to be extra careful when you step into that local store or when shopping online.

We believe that this guide has equipped you with the know-how you need to get the microwave that suits you best. There’s nothing as satisfying as knowing that you’ve spent your money on the right product.