Kitchen Appliances Buying Guide

Appliances were designed to make our lives easier, shorten prep and cook times, and make clean up a snap. Generally there are only a few basic home appliances that every kitchen needs: an oven, microwave, and perhaps a blender. If only these were the only choices available, picking out appliances would be simple. The kitchen store at Overstock.com has striven to take the guess work out of choosing an appliance.

Microwaves

Microwave ovens are a huge time saver. They are able to reheat and cook food quickly. Finding the right microwave can be daunting. There are two types of microwaves available to consumers: counter top microwaves, which sit on the counter, and over-the-range or built-in microwaves, which are mounted directly into the cabinetry of the kitchen.

Compact Microwave- The smallest microwave available, also called the portable microwave. Compact microwaves are the most popular size of microwave oven. A typical compact microwave oven is no more than 18 inches wide (46 cm) and 12 inches (30.5 cm) or less tall and 14 inches (35.5 cm) or less deep. These ovens are rated between 500 and 1000 watts of power and measure less than 1 cubic foot in capacity.

Medium Capacity Microwave- This is the "family" sized microwave. They are larger than the compact microwaves, but only slightly so. Their width is typically 20 inches (51 cm) or more. Their interiors are typically between 1 and 1.5 cubic feet and power runs from 1000-1500 watts.

Large Capacity Microwave- This is capable of cooking a meal. With a size of well-over 20 inches (51 cm) wide, as much as 20 inches deep, and 12 inches (30.5 cm) or more high, this microwave oven can handle a 9 x 13 casserole dish, or even a roast or turkey breast. This type of microwave features many "auto cook" and precise temperature control measures.

Things to look for when choosing a microwave

• Type and size: Countertop models take up counter space but they tend to have a larger capacity than most built-in models. Built-in microwaves save space, yet they require installation.
• Microwave capacity: Larger over-all size doesn't always mean the microwave has more usable capacity. Some large microwaves may take up more space but have the same (or less) usable capacity.
• Decide on extras: Will you really be using the grilling and browning features?
• Convenience and safety: Look for presets and time saving features that you use, as well as settings for highly used foods, such as potatoes and popcorn. There are also safety lock features, which can keep children out of harm's way.
• Turntables: Does the microwave have a turntable? This helps to ensure that food cooks evenly, and who wants to grab a hot dish to rotate it a quarter turn?
• Noise: Is this microwave noisy? Read customer reviews for first-hand knowledge.
• Also, look for quality components: metal, glass, stainless steel, durable electronics, and less breakable (updated) features (non-turn dial).

Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Toasters are a handy small appliance that toasts bread, bagels or toaster snacks. The bread or bagel pops up when the toaster has finished its job. In contrast, a toaster oven, also a small appliance that toasts, is a small electric oven with a door in the front and a tray within. Modern toasters and toaster ovens come in sleek colors and trendy stainless steel.

Basic Toaster- The basic toaster differs in size ranging from two slots to four slots. Each slot only holds one slice of bread. Toasters are available with temperature and time adjusters.

Bagel Toaster- Bagel toasters have wider slots to accommodate the larger size of a sliced bagel. Bagel toasters also have adjustable temperatures and cooking times.

Toaster Ovens- Instead of toasting vertically the bread is laid horizontally and cooked. This allows toppings to be toasted on the bread. Toaster ovens are larger than toasters allowing larger items to be cooked within. Models can also include temperature and cook time adjusters. Toaster ovens can be a pizza lover's delight! Toaster ovens make great pizza ovens. Toasted and crisp pizza is an instant hit.

Things to look for when selecting a toaster or toaster oven:

• Consider the size: If you have a larger family, the 4 slice toaster might be the best choice.
• 2 slices or 4: Look for a feature that allows you to toast only 2 slices at a time. This slot selector allows your toaster to be more versatile.
• Crumbs: Can you remove the bottom to dispose of crumbs?
• Capacity: Will the inner capacity of the toaster oven accommodate the foods you want to make?

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens differ from regular ovens. Convection ovens do not use gas, nor do they heat from below like most typical ovens; instead they cook food by circulating heated air using a high temperature fan. The thin layer of air which normally insulates food is taken away by the moving air. Therefore, food warms faster in a convection oven. Convection ovens can operate at a lower temperature than a standard conventional oven.

Convection microwave ovens combine a convection oven, for its browning ability, with a microwave oven, for its speed of cooking.

Some things to consider when choosing a convection oven:

• Heat: Will the unit be too hot to touch?
• Capacity: The foods you desire to make should be able to fit into the convection oven without touching the sides.
• Components: Look for durable fan components, such as metal and high-impact/heat-resistant plastics.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are perhaps one of the most versatile appliances. They offer a healthy alternative to pan frying with room for larger foods or larger quantities. The different types of electric grills are:

Indoor grills- Indoor grills are the electric version of an outdoor barbeque grill. With raised ridges and a drip tray, reducing fat in recipes is a lot simpler. Heat is conveyed through both the top and bottom grill plates, allowing for fast, even cooking. Throw on vegetables and meats, as well as sandwiches for your own Panini or grilled sandwich. Indoor grills come in many sizes, including small, for one or two people; medium, for three or 4; and family sized, for six to eight.

Electric Griddles- Electric griddles offer a large surface area, allowing for more food to be cooked at a time. Electric griddles are ideal for breakfast foods; two rows of pancakes or French toast, eggs, bacon, or sausage. Grilled sandwiches can also be prepared on electric griddles. Electric griddles have a variable temperature knob and a drip tray. Many electric griddles are now dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze.

Things to look for when selecting an electric griddle or electric grill:

• Capacity: The grilling area should be large enough to fit what you want to cook.
• Extra features: If you need help, does the electric griddle or electric grill have features which can tell you at which temperatures your foods cook the best? Does the electric grill come with an extra drip catcher or scraper?

Overstock.com has the right appliance for your needs at an affordable price. You may decide to celebrate your kitchen appliance find in the kitchen store by having pizza every night and pancakes (griddle cakes) every morning!

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