FAQ About Countertop Microwave Ovens
What are the advantages of a countertop microwave?
Countertop microwaves offer you the convenience of reheating your food almost anywhere you've got a power outlet. From kitchens to dorm rooms, anywhere you've got a flat surface, you can benefit from a countertop microwave.
Beyond simply reheating or warming your food, countertop microwaves offer you flexibility and portability. You can plug one in anywhere in your kitchen and move it to another counter if you need to. With a countertop microwave, you don't even need a kitchen, which makes it ideal for reheating, and even cooking food, in a dorm room, office, or other living space without a kitchen. Plus, if you ever move you can take the portable microwave with you to your new place.
What should I consider when buying a countertop microwave oven?
Size
Countertop microwaves come in a variety of sizes, which gives you the freedom to find the best one for you. The first thing to consider is how much counter space you want to devote to the microwave. Remember that the overall size of the microwave you choose will determine the capacity of the microwave, so if you're planning on cooking with it you may want to consider a larger model.
Cooking and convenience
If you plan to use your microwave for cooking look for a model with features like convection cooking, grilling, browning, broil, steam, and sensor cooking that adjusts cooking time and power settings. Also look for convenience features like auto-reheat, auto-defrost, power levels, and specific food settings for things like frozen entrees and popcorn.
Power
Countertop microwave power is measured in watts. The more watts a unit has the faster it will reheat or cook your food. If plan to mainly reheat leftovers or heat up frozen food, you're probably okay with a microwave under 1000W. For cooking, consider a microwave over 1000W.
What else should I consider when purchasing a countertop microwave?
If you plan to place your microwave on a shelf, in a cabinet, or in any other tight space, consult the manual to ensure that you have adequate space around the unit for proper ventilation and airflow. Also, if you have little ones consider getting a model with child safety features. For quick cleanup choose a model with a stain-resistant, easy-to-clean interior.