Your Guide to Choosing A Microwave Oven

A microwave oven is no longer restricted to heating food; some families use it to cook as well! There are many different types and specifications in the market nowadays making it hard to choose one. In this article we will help you make a smart decision by informing you about the different types, specifications, and tips.

Before listing the different types and specifications of microwaves, we must point out that some people do not own a microwave fearing the electromagnetic rays that are emitted while heating.

It is true that microwaves create an electromagnetic field, but it is similar to the rays or field in refrigerators, mobiles and other electric devices. Studies and research have shown that the emission of these small devices are not harmful because of their size, also these devices are closed in a way that they does not emit the electromagnetic rays.

The electromagnetic fields that affect our health are that produced by huge devices like in some factories, and you need to be continuously exposed to this field. Home appliances that create electromagnetic fields are harmless and are submitted to tests before being released to the market.

 The World Health Organization is responsible for the microwave oven industry, as all manufactured microwaves have to be submitted to very strict rules of safety standards. These safety standards guarantee that the emitted electromagnetic field is harmless. However, that does not mean that there are no safety precautions that you need to take like making sure the microwave door is closed, leaving a ventilation space around it, and other steps that are listed in the microwave’s user manual.

Therefore, you do not need to worry about your health or your family’s health when buying a microwave, but there are certain tips you need to know after learning about the types of microwaves.

What Are the Types of Microwave Ovens?

Countertop Microwave Oven

This is the most common type of microwave ovens and it has different capacity and controls. It can be placed anywhere on the kitchen counter.

It saves time and effort since it heats quickly and efficiently.

It is available in two types depending on how it opens: one has a button that you push to open the door automatically, while the other has a handle and you pull the door open.

It has a tray inside it that you put the food on, after putting your plate on the tray you close the door and hit the start button. The plate will start spinning slowly to receive equal amount of heat all around it. All the doors in this type of microwaves usually open from right to left.

It is made from stainless steel or plastic; stainless steel is easier to clean, and you can remove the tray to clean it in both types.

It is cheaper than the built in Microwave and easier to install, move, and fix, but it takes more space on the counter.

It helps in cooking, heating, and defrosting food faster than a regular oven using microwaves.

Built In Microwave

This is not that different from the regular microwave (placed on kitchen counters) when it comes to the mechanism. What differentiates it is where it is installed in the kitchen since it is placed in the kitchen cabinets in a predesigned area.

Its advantage is that it saves place in the kitchen but it takes a professional to install it making it more expensive.

This is more suitable for people who are home owners. If you live in a rented house, you will not be able to move it if you decide to move out.

Over the Rand Microwave

This type is similar to the built in microwave, the difference is that it is hung over in the cabinets.

It is usually placed on top of ovens and has more functions like ventilation and vacuum suction; making it one of the most expensive types.

After listing the different types of microwaves, we will list the different capacities, sizes, and different specifications:

Microwave Capacity

After choosing a type, you might ask yourself: “what is the suitable capacity for me?” The answer depends on the number of family members!

All types of microwaves are usually available in the following capacities:

• Small microwaves: 14 – 22 liters (0.5 – 0.8 cubic meters).
• Medium microwaves: 25 – 37 liters (0.9 – 1.3 cubic meters).
• Big microwaves: 39 – 45 liters (0.4 – 1.6 cubic meters).
• Large microwaves: 51 – 56 liters (1.8 – 2.0 cubic meters).

The bigger the family, the bigger microwave you will need! According to the sizes above:

• Single person will need a small microwave.
• Two people or newlyweds will need a medium microwave.
• Small family (4 members) will need a big
• Large family (more than 4 members) will need a large microwave.

The microwaves dimensions will depend on its internal size (capacity) and so the bigger the capacity the larger the dimensions.

Microwave Power Rating

The power determines if the microwave only heats or heats and cooks and so the more power the more expensive it gets.

A large power means the microwave can heat and cook faster.

Most microwaves have powers ranging from 600 to 1200 watts, but you can find microwaves with 500 or 1650 watts (the least and most available powers in the market).

If you are a person who likes to cook and prepare different meals then getting a microwave with more power will be suitable for you. As for a person who wants to use it normally, then getting one with a range between 800 – 1000 watts will be good.

Small microwaves usually have a power raging between 500 – 800 watts. Medium microwaves have 800 – 1000 watts; anything with a power above 1000 watts is considered a big microwave.

Other Features, what are the Most Important Specifications of New Microwave Ovens?

After determining the type, capacity, and power of the microwave you want to purchase, there are few things that you still need to consider so that you can further limit your options:

• Sensors: This is the most important feature in microwaves as they sense the steam inside the microwave when used for cooking and automatically stops when the steam increases without manually setting it.
• Control pad: There are three main types of controls: normal buttons, touchscreens, and dials. Make sure to choose the one most suitable with your use.

• Cooking options: There are many available microwaves that have options regarding cooking and heating. Decide what type of microwaves you will need. 

• Child Safety Precautions: This will ensure that children will not be able to play with the microwave.

 Summary, Labeb’s Tips

Before making a purchase, here are some quick things you need to check:

• Choose the type of microwave you need, then the capacity and power rating.
• Measure the dimensions of the place you want to put the microwave in, and then check the microwave’s dimensions to make sure it fits.
• Leave 10 cm space around the microwave for ventilation.
• Make sure you buy an easy to clean microwave.
• Determine the extra specifications you want in a microwave.

To make a smart and wise decision, you need to follow the steps above. The most important thing is to choose what you need within your budget.

Type, model, size, power rating and extra features; these are the factors you need to determine before making a purchase!

Do not forget to visit Labeb for all the information you need to make a smart decision!