Microwaves are handy devices that can help you with multiple tasks.
A good microwave not only provides you with food heating capabilities, but it also helps in reheating and defrosting.
Some even have defrosting modes that automatically control the defroster and end the defrosting when it is completed.
As long as you know what to look for before buying one, you can find a good microwave that will suit your needs. There are a few factors to consider before buying a microwave oven.
This guide will help you get a microwave that’ll last for a long time. In doing so, you can avoid it breaking down, and needing an appliance repairman.
I have listed below some of these factors which can help point you in the right direction:
1. Consider your cooking needs
If you’re looking for an appliance that will do more than just reheat leftovers and make popcorn, then consider getting one with more power.
The more watts it has, the larger dishes it can handle.
For example, if you’re planning on using it to cook frozen lasagna or large steaks, then buy one with at least 1,000 watts.
If you’re someone who only uses their microwave to heat up leftovers and reheat frozen meals, then an over-the-range model might be your best bet.
If you like to use the “bake” function to make things like cakes, muffins, brownies and more frequently, then an undershelf model may be better suited for your needs.
2. Check energy consumption and power levels
The most efficient microwaves use less than 1kWh per minute of cooking time – anything over this amount means they’ll cost more on your electricity bill.
Also look out for the wattage (W) rating, as this shows how much power it uses and how quickly it heats food up.
Lower wattage means energy efficiency, so look for microwaves with a low W rating – anything below 900 watts should be fine for most people’s needs.
3. Ensure you can open the door without getting burnt
Opening a microwave door can be a dangerous thing if you aren’t careful.
If the door doesn’t open and close properly, then you could get burned by steam or sparks when opening it.
Also, if you have young children, then it’s best to avoid microwaves that don’t have proper safety features like automatic shut-off buttons.
4. Look for extra features
Some people want a basic microwave that just heats up food.
Others want something with more bells and whistles, like preset cooking options or a steam cleaning feature.
When buying a new microwave oven, think about what features you need most and try to find one that offers those features at an affordable price point.
5. Make sure it is easy to install and use
This is important because microwaves can be heavy and bulky, so if your new microwave doesn’t come with clear instructions on how to install it or if it’s difficult to operate, this could lead to frustration down the road.
6. Don’t Buy A Cheap One
This might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: don’t buy the cheapest microwave that you can find!
The reason is simple — if it costs less than $50, then there’s no way that it will last very long at all (especially if you plan on using it often).
Instead, invest in something more expensive but also more reliable so that it won’t break down anytime soon!
Having said that, higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.
We recommend that you do your due diligence before getting a new microwave oven. For example you can read reviews online, or ask friends for recommendations.
Don’t be afraid to invest in a microwave oven that meets your needs and offers the features that you need.
They’re not all expensive and they’re not all cheap—you can find models on either end of the price range.
And you don’t have to feel like you must have the most expensive model out there. Just make sure that the microwave oven that you purchase will last for a long time and won’t die on you if and when you need it most.
