Buying A Microwave Oven?
Buying A Microwave Oven?
Once, a microwave was seen as a futuristic accessory belonging only to the wealthiest households. Today, just about everyone has one. The microwave has become one of the most common kitchen accessories, and deservedly so. Whether it’s preparing a warming bowl of soup, reheating a cup of coffee or rustling up a TV dinner in under four minutes, few kitchen appliances make your life so easy.
Microwave ovens have also become very affordable, but if you’re in the market for a new one, don’t simply rush out and buy the cheapest. Consider what you’re going to use it for and check out some of the extra features available that can make your life even easier.
Size – Microwaves come in a range of sizes from the very small to industrial scaled models, so think about how many people you’ll be cooking for and what you’ll mostly be cooking. If you’re mainly using it for reheating leftovers, soups and warm drinks, then you won’t need a mammoth micro, whereas if you’re using it for family meals, such as a large lasagne, you might need something larger. Make sure the depth is right for your needs too. Some baby bottles, for example, won’t fit into smaller microwave ovens.
Power – The newest microwaves come in wattages of 1350W and higher, making them very powerful indeed. Just remember that the lower the oven capacity, the less power you need. When reheating food, it can be too easy to burn the outside of the food while the internal temperature is still cold using a microwave oven that is too powerful. Make sure the power setting is correct for the task and type of food in the oven. 800W is the optimum power for evenly cooking food – avoid anything under 700W.
Multifunction microwaves – If you find you use your microwave more often than your conventional oven, consider a multifunction model with an integrated grill that can do just about anything a conventional oven can on a smaller scale. These are deal for busy single people and students. Some come with a hob on top, perfect for tiny kitchens – you might even be able to get by without a conventional oven. Convection microwave ovens with integrated fans fall into this category too and can even be used for roast dinners.
Design & Features – Most people will want their new microwave to fit in with the overall design of their kitchen, so make sure the size, form and colour are appropriate. Don’t forget to check how easy it is to clean. Some come with a self-cleaning function. Bear in mind programmable functionality and special features too. There’s not much point shelling out extra cash for a fancy feature, such as a popcorn setting, if you never use it.
Of course, if you’re looking to integrate the right type of microwave into your new kitchen, the design and installation experts at My Beautiful Kitchen will be only too glad to help. Simply give us a call on 0141 771 3640.