Microwaves have earned a permanent place in busy households everywhere. They are safe, fast and provide a convenient primary or secondary means of cooking. To select the right microwave for your household, look for a model that is easy-to-operate, blends well with the decorative style of your kitchen, is large enough and has the right features for your lifestyle.
Microwave Types
Many new homes feature microwave hood combinations, which combine a microwave oven with a ventilation hood. They free up counter space while also providing ventilation for electric and gas ranges and built-in cooktops.
Built-in microwaves offer the versatility and speed of a microwave with the built-in appearance of a wall oven. These models come as single ovens, or are paired with a conventional oven unit as a double wall oven.
Performance Features
Many of today's microwaves perform so well, they often take the place of other, traditional appliances in the kitchen. Even the most basic microwave models will efficiently and conveniently heat and defrost food. And new, innovative designs are used daily for far more than just popping popcorn or heating up leftovers. Many models now offer the versatility to bake, roast, grill and toast, too.
When choosing a microwave, think about how your household will use it. Will it function as the primary cooking appliance for preparing everyday meals? Or will its use be limited to heating occasional frozen entrees and re-heating coffee?
- Sensor cooking: Microwave ovens are not only fast, but they offer flexible cooking options as well. Many higher-end models feature sensors, which adjust the time and temperature as needed and will automatically shut off the oven when it determines that the food is cooked or sufficiently heated.
- Low-power heating: Consider models with inverter technology that provide gentle, even power levels, which will eliminate the potential for cold food centers and overcooked edges. Low, accurate temperatures provide heat low enough to melt butter, without splattering, and ensure uniform melting.
- Grilling, browning, and crisping: New, innovative models include grilling and browning capabilities. These ovens are equipped with special pans, griddles and grills to bake or fry foods to a golden brown. Some microwave ovens use light energy, a combination of halogen and quartz, to brown baked goods and grill meats while sealing in juices. Other models combine microwaves with convection ovens. The combination cycle automatically measures cooking times and temperatures.
- Easy-clean interiors: Microwaves with a non-stick interior coating save time cleaning up cooking spills and do not require special wipes for the oven interior. This is an especially helpful feature if your microwave gets a lot of daily use or if you have children using the oven. Non-stick exterior surfaces will make daily clean up faster and easier, as well.
Whirlpool® offers microwaves that help you cook faster and make clean-up a breeze, including the GH4155XP, rated the #1 microwave hood combination by Consumer Reports.
Learn more about Whirlpool microwave hood combinations and Whirlpool built-in microwaves.
KitchenAid® microwave ovens offer you spacious interiors and multiple cooking options, allowing you to prepare the same foods you prepare in a conventional oven with impressive results.
Learn more about KitchenAid microwave hood combinations and built-in microwaves.
