Kitchen 101: Read This Before Buying a Microwave
If your current microwave is starting to fail or you’ve simply never owned before, and you’re looking to buy a new one, you’ve come to the right place. Even though a microwave might seem like a simple and straightforward purchase, buying one can be just as difficult as purchasing a regular oven. If you’re in the market for a new microwave but aren’t sure where to start or which model to opt for, you’re in luck - we’ve compiled a list of the seven things you must know before buying a microwave.
#1 - Types
The most common type of microwave is a countertop microwave, which are used on - you guessed it - countertops! All you need to do is find a spot for it to live, plug it in, and you’re good to go. The other main type of microwave is a fitted or ‘over-the-range’ microwaves that usually slot in above the oven or in another spot in your kitchen. While the latter does allow you to maximise kitchen space, it doesn’t ventilate as well as its countertop brethren, so this is something to take into consideration prior to purchase. Countertop microwaves are the certainly the most accessible and more often than not the cheapest, but which you opt for will depend on your needs and the space available in your kitchen.
#2 - TouchPads
Touchpads are touchpads, right? Not always! Some are easier to use than others, so always explore the touchpads of microwaves you’re considering buying. Some microwaves have a wide array of buttons for different types of foods, such as meat, potatoes, pizza etc., whereas others are more simple. Choose whichever ticks all the boxes you need it to tick. There’s no point spending extra money on a fancy microwave with lots of options if you’re not going to use them.
#3 - Wattage
Contrary to popular belief, wattage does matter. The higher your microwave’s wattage is, the better it will function. Period. Ideally, you’d opt for a microwave that has 900 or 1000 watts, as this will provide you will enough power to cook and defrost with ease. Microwaves with 700 watts will take longer to do these tasks and may not heat things evenly. That being said, they are often less expensive.
#4 - Convection
Convection microwaves do exist, and they’re merely a smaller version of their namesake - as well as having nuking power! This type of microwave can cook most things, including roasting a chicken, baking vegetables, heating up frozen foods etc. If you’re never out of the kitchen and only have on the oven, you may find having a convection microwave oven a great help when preparing lots of food as it is more versatile than a regular microwave.
#5 - Sensors
In 2020, microwaves are capable of doing things that many people aren’t aware of. For example, more expensive microwaves have sensors that make it cook only for exactly the right amount of time needed, rather than simply going until the timer hits zero. This is great to stop things exploding in the microwave (which I’m sure we’ve all done at some point!) and from stopping excess usage of power. Sure, it’ll cost you more upfront, but you will save in the long run.
#6 - Used
Don’t be frightened of buying used. Microwaves typically last for ten years; therefore, if you can find a used oven that is only one or two years old at a good price and in full working order, it certainly is worth considering if you’re on a budget. While buying used isn’t for everyone, it is certainly an option for those who want to save money.
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