Microwaves

How to choose the right microwave

There are very few useful appliances that can make meal prep as easy as a microwave oven. From something as simple as heating up your soup to defrosting your steak or heating up a family-sized lasagna, microwaves make preparing a meal quick and easy.

Microwaves have really changed from the days when they took up half the counter space and could only heat up your food. The latest models offer everything from smart features like auto cook to warming features, and they come in three types: over-the-range microwaves, countertop microwaves, and built-in microwaves. Which type you choose depends on the size you’re looking for, the features and brand you’d like, and where you’ll place the microwave in your kitchen.

What size of microwave do you need?

Size is a big consideration when it comes to buying a microwave. You can find small microwaves, as small as 0.7 cu.ft, and that size would be perfect for a small kitchen or dorm room. If you’re looking for a large microwave designed to fit a casserole or large platter, you’ll find microwaves as big as 2.2 cu.ft.

Countertop microwaves

Countertop microwaves are a popular choice for home owners, students, and office spaces. They’re plug and play so they’re easy to install, and all you need is a standard outlet and you can place your countertop microwave anywhere in your kitchen.

Countertop microwaves from brands like Breville, Panasonic, and LG come with handy features like smart defrost to automatically detect what you’re defrosting to avoid over-thawing or a bake function that lets you use your microwave as an extra oven.

Over-the-range microwaves

When kitchen space is a consideration and you don't want your microwave on your countertop, you’ll want an over-the-range microwave. Over-the-range microwaves are available from brands like Samsung, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid, and they come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1.2 cu.ft all the way up to 2.2 cu.ft.

Over-the-range microwaves do double duty as a microwave and range hood, so they can eliminate food odours from your kitchen while they’re cooking your food.

Built-in microwaves

They have all the features you’d look for in a microwave while providing you with a seamless, integrated look in your kitchen: a built-in microwave fits flush with your existing cabinetry or wall, and are available from brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, and Frigidaire.

Just like over-the-range microwaves and countertop microwaves, built-in microwaves may have features like bake, broil, and auto-sensor to make cooking easy.

How do you clean a microwave oven?

Cleaning a microwave oven is simple: just wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth. If there’s an internal glass plate that is removable you can put it in the dishwasher for quick clean up.

Here are more resources to help you learn more about microwaves

Microwave as a smart solution for faster meals

Microwaves 101: How to choose the best microwave oven for your kitchen

Shelly’s Friday Favourites microwaves some meals for back to school

Best Microwaves for Back to School as Rated by Best Buy Customers