Important features Microwave ovens
FOR ALL MICROWAVE OVENS
Power varies for the magnetron, which generates the microwaves. Midsized and large ovens are rated at 850 to 1,650 watts, compact ovens at 600 to 800 watts. More watts may heat food more quickly, but differences of 100 watts tend to be inconsequential.
On most, a turntable rotates the food so it will heat more uniformly. Some models have replaced the turntable with a rectangular tray that slides from side to side to accept larger dishes while keeping food moving. A numeric keypad is used to set cooking times and power levels. Most models have shortcut keys for particular foods and for reheating or defrosting. Some have an automatic popcorn feature that takes just one press of a button. Pressing a 1-minute or 30-second key runs the oven at full power or extends the current cooking time. Microwave ovens typically have a number of power levels. We've found six to be more than adequate. A child lock renders controls inoperable. A sensor helps prevent overcooking or undercooking by determining when the food is done based on infrared light or the steam emitted by the food. The small premium you pay for a sensor is worth it. A convection mode maximizes browning and crisping with heated air circulated by a fan. A few ovens have a crisper pan for making bacon or crisping pizza crust.
FOR OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES
These vent themselves and the range below with a fan that usually has several speed settings. Typically, the fan turns itself on if it senses excessive heat from the range. OTRs can be vented to the outside or can recirculate air in the kitchen. If the oven is venting inside, you'll need a charcoal filter (sometimes included). Either way, don't expect an OTR to vent as well as a range hood that extends over a range's front burners.
FOR ALL MICROWAVE OVENS
Power varies for the magnetron, which generates the microwaves. Midsized and large ovens are rated at 850 to 1,650 watts, compact ovens at 600 to 800 watts. More watts may heat food more quickly, but differences of 100 watts tend to be inconsequential.
On most, a turntable rotates the food so it will heat more uniformly. Some models have replaced the turntable with a rectangular tray that slides from side to side to accept larger dishes while keeping food moving. A numeric keypad is used to set cooking times and power levels. Most models have shortcut keys for particular foods and for reheating or defrosting. Some have an automatic popcorn feature that takes just one press of a button. Pressing a 1-minute or 30-second key runs the oven at full power or extends the current cooking time. Microwave ovens typically have a number of power levels. We've found six to be more than adequate. A child lock renders controls inoperable. A sensor helps prevent overcooking or undercooking by determining when the food is done based on infrared light or the steam emitted by the food. The small premium you pay for a sensor is worth it. A convection mode maximizes browning and crisping with heated air circulated by a fan. A few ovens have a crisper pan for making bacon or crisping pizza crust.
FOR OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES
These vent themselves and the range below with a fan that usually has several speed settings. Typically, the fan turns itself on if it senses excessive heat from the range. OTRs can be vented to the outside or can recirculate air in the kitchen. If the oven is venting inside, you'll need a charcoal filter (sometimes included). Either way, don't expect an OTR to vent as well as a range hood that extends over a range's front burners.
