Microwave ovens

Frigidaire FFMV1645TD microwave oven

This standard 30" wide Frigidaire 1.6 cubic-foot 1000-watt microwave oven has the following:

  • auto-defrost
  • touchpad controls

About

The Frigidaire FFMV1645TD is part of the Microwave oven test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Microwave oven models like the FFMV1645TD are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Predicted reliability: Predicted brand reliability icons are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased over-the-range microwaves, not under service contract, within the first five years of ownership.

Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their over-the-range microwave brand to their friends and family.

Heating evenness: This reflects how evenly a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes.

Results in the following chart are gathered from Consumer Reports’ 2018 and 2019 Spring Survey of 57,712 over-the-range microwaves, owned by members who purchased a new unit between 2009 and 2019.

Our predicted brand reliability ratings are based on a statistical model that estimates problem rates within the first 5 years of ownership, for over-the-range microwaves that are not covered by an extended warranty or service contract. We also adjust for the number of days of use per week. The median in our survey was 7 days per week. Higher ratings are indicative of better reliability. Brands receiving a red or orange rating cannot be recommended by CR at this time.

Our owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their over-the-range microwave brand to friends and family.

Predicted Reliability

Amana
Bosch
Café
Dacor
Electrolux
Frigidaire
GE
Ikea
Kenmore
KitchenAid
LG
Maytag
Monogram
Samsung
Sharp
Whirlpool

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Owner Satisfaction

Amana
Bosch
Café
Dacor
Electrolux
Frigidaire
GE
Ikea
Kenmore
KitchenAid
LG
Maytag
Monogram
Samsung
Sharp
Whirlpool

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Features

Convection mode Convection mode A few microwaves include a convection oven feature, which has a heating element and a fan that distributes heat. In convection mode, you can set the oven temperature as you would in a traditional oven to bake or roast items.
No
Sensor Sensor Controls the cooking and reheating time automatically. It shuts off an oven when it determines (usually by sensing steam) that food is hot enough.
No
Stainless/SS-look option Stainless/SS-look option Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.
Yes
Speed-cook mode Speed-cook mode Uses microwave energy in addition to other heating (convection, or supplemental halogen or quartz bulbs) so as to "speed cook" foods normally cooked in an oven or skillet.
No
Grill Grill Allows the oven to grill foods such as toasted cheese sandwiches (cook without microwaves), or to top-brown dishes while cooking with microwaves.
No
Racks for bi-level cooking Racks for bi-level cooking Allows more than one item to be cooked or reheated at the same time by stacking them vertically. This may also be used to improve convection cooking by allowing heat beneath the cooking dish.
No

Specs

Watts Watts This is the manufacturer's figure of the microwave power output. In general, the more watts an oven offers, the greater its cooking power-and the faster your food will be cooked. That said, differences in claimed wattage of 100 watts or less are unlikely to result in significant differences in performance.
1000
Detailed prompts Detailed prompts Display offers instructions to guide you through the cooking process.
No
Type Type Countertop models are listed in size categories according to the manufacturer's claimed interior volume. Compact models are 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet, mid-sized models are 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet, and large models are 1.3 to 2.2 cubic feet. Over-the-range models mount directly over a standard 30-inch range and act both as a microwave and as an exhaust fan.
Over-the-range microwave
Door-Open Method Door-Open Method The doors on most ovens open with a button press, but some have a handle. Neither method is better; it's a matter of personal preference.
Handle
Touchpad/Dial Touchpad/Dial On most ovens, cooking times are entered on a numeric keypad. On some models cooking times and/or programs are selected by turning a dial. Neither method is better; it's a matter of personal preference.
Touchpad
Power level display/recall Power level display/recall Some ovens automatically display the power level you've chosen. Most others will show that level momentarily, on command.
Yes
Turntable diameter (in.) Turntable diameter The measured diameter of the oven's turntable, rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch, not including rim. Rectangular tables -- which typically move from side to side and can generally accommodate larger dishes -- are also measured to the nearest tenth of an inch. Their dimensions are given as length by width. Note that similar and non-tested model specifications are provided by the manufacturer when available, and are not confirmed by Consumer Reports.
12.4