Microwave Ovens

You'll see larger capacity, sensors that detect doneness, and more stylish designs.

Microwave ovens, which built their reputation on speed, are also showing some smarts. Many automatically shut off when a sensor determines that the food is cooked or sufficiently heated. The sensor is also used to automate an array of cooking chores, with buttons labeled for frozen entrées, baked potatoes, popcorn, beverages, and other common items. Design touches include softer edges for less boxy styling, hidden controls for a sleeker look, stainless steel, and, for a few, a translucent finish.


WHAT’S AVAILABLE



GE leads the countertop microwave-oven market with approximately 30 percent of units sold, followed by Sharp. Other brands include Emerson, Kenmore, Panasonic, and many others. GE also sells the most over-the-range models.

Microwaves come in a variety of sizes, from compact to large. Most sit on the countertop, but a growing number sold-about 15 percent-mount over the range. Several brands offer speed-cooking via halogen bulbs or convection. Speed-cook models promise grilling and browning, though results can vary significantly depending on the food. Manufacturers are working to boost capacity without taking up more space by moving controls to the door and using recessed turntables and smaller electronic components.

Microwave ovens vary in the power of the magnetron, which generates the microwaves. Midsized and large ovens are rated at 850 to 1,650 watts, compact ovens at 600 to 800 watts. A higher wattage may heat food more quickly, but differences of 100 watts are probably inconsequential. Some microwave ovens have a convection feature-a fan and, often, a heating element-which lets you roast and bake, something you don't generally do in a regular microwave.

Price range: $40 to $250 (countertop models); $100 to $700 (over-the-range); $250 to $1,000 (convection or halogen-bulb countertop or over-the-range).


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide which type meets your needs. Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost as little as $30. Midsized and large models have more capacity and features, though most eat up 2.8 to 3.2 square feet of counter space. You can hang some countertop models below a cabinet, though doing so often leaves little space below the microwave oven.

You're likely to consider an over-the-range oven only if you're replacing one or remodeling your kitchen. While they save counter space, installation is an added expense and may require an electrician. What's more, they can't vent steam and smoke from a range's front burners as well as the range hoods they replace.

Choose convenience, not clutter. There's little reason to buy a microwave without a sensor, which shuts off oven power when it senses the food is hot; sensor models begin at about $85. Our tests have found that sensor models generally perform better than those without them. But you may want to avoid ovens with an array of shortcut and defrost settings for foods you don't eat.

Consider convection. Paying extra for a convection mode is worth it if you use your microwave as a second oven, but it might not be necessary otherwise. Combination convection and microwave cooking saves time, although these units seldom brown and crisp food as well as conventional ovens and toaster ovens, which you probably own already.

Be skeptical about capacity. Manufacturers, we found, sometimes exaggerate the capacity of their ovens by counting wasted space in the corners. The ovens' actual cooking space can be as much as 50 to 60 percent less than claimed. Check whether a large platter fits inside an oven you're considering.