Buying advice Microwave ovens
Speed is being joined by smarts as the big brands heat up their microwave lines. Many now have sensors that automate a number of cooking chores beyond popcorn.
Sales-hungry manufacturers are also adding convection cooking and other features aimed at homeowners who want a second oven without having to remodel.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
GE leads the countertop microwave-oven market with approximately 30 percent of units sold, followed by Sharp. Other brands include Emerson, Kenmore, and Panasonic. GE also sells the most over-the-range (OTR) models.
Sizes range from compact to large. While most still sit on the countertop, more and more are being mounted over the range. Several brands offer speed-cooking via halogen bulbs or convection. Speed-cook models promise grilling and browning, though results can vary significantly depending on the food. Manufacturers are working to boost capacity without taking up more space by moving controls to the door and using recessed turntables and smaller electronic components. Price: $40 to $250 (countertop models); $100 to $700 (over-the-range); $250 to $1,000 (convection or halogen-bulb countertop or over-the-range).
HOW TO CHOOSE
Pick a type and size. Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost very little. Midsized and large models add capacity and features, but typically eat up 2.8 to 3.2 square feet of space. You can hang some countertop models below a cabinet, though that often leaves little working space below the oven. Over-the-range models are often bought as replacements or when remodeling a kitchen. But venting isn't very good, and installation may require an electrician.
Be realistic about extras. Decide whether you'll really use grilling and browning features, convection cooking, and other added functions before paying extra for them. None consistently provided the results you'd get in a regular oven. And while a sensor is a convenient feature, think twice about an array of shortcut and defrost settings for foods you don't eat.
Be skeptical about capacity. Manufacturers sometimes exaggerate the capacity of their microwave ovens by counting wasted space in the corners. Actual space can be 50 to 60 percent less than claimed. Bring a large platter to the store with you to see whether it fits inside an oven you're considering.
Speed is being joined by smarts as the big brands heat up their microwave lines. Many now have sensors that automate a number of cooking chores beyond popcorn.
Sales-hungry manufacturers are also adding convection cooking and other features aimed at homeowners who want a second oven without having to remodel.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
GE leads the countertop microwave-oven market with approximately 30 percent of units sold, followed by Sharp. Other brands include Emerson, Kenmore, and Panasonic. GE also sells the most over-the-range (OTR) models.
Sizes range from compact to large. While most still sit on the countertop, more and more are being mounted over the range. Several brands offer speed-cooking via halogen bulbs or convection. Speed-cook models promise grilling and browning, though results can vary significantly depending on the food. Manufacturers are working to boost capacity without taking up more space by moving controls to the door and using recessed turntables and smaller electronic components. Price: $40 to $250 (countertop models); $100 to $700 (over-the-range); $250 to $1,000 (convection or halogen-bulb countertop or over-the-range).
HOW TO CHOOSE
Pick a type and size. Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost very little. Midsized and large models add capacity and features, but typically eat up 2.8 to 3.2 square feet of space. You can hang some countertop models below a cabinet, though that often leaves little working space below the oven. Over-the-range models are often bought as replacements or when remodeling a kitchen. But venting isn't very good, and installation may require an electrician.
Be realistic about extras. Decide whether you'll really use grilling and browning features, convection cooking, and other added functions before paying extra for them. None consistently provided the results you'd get in a regular oven. And while a sensor is a convenient feature, think twice about an array of shortcut and defrost settings for foods you don't eat.
Be skeptical about capacity. Manufacturers sometimes exaggerate the capacity of their microwave ovens by counting wasted space in the corners. Actual space can be 50 to 60 percent less than claimed. Bring a large platter to the store with you to see whether it fits inside an oven you're considering.
