Microwave Buying Guide

Microwave styles and sizes

Appliances were designed to make our lives easier, shorten prep and cook times and make clean up a snap; microwave ovens are a huge time saver. There are two types of microwaves available to consumers:

Counter-top microwaves: This microwave sits directly on the counter. If you have limited counter space, then consider a smaller capacity microwave or extra kitchen storage; kitchen carts make great storage for microwaves, as do bakers' racks.
Over-the-range or built-in microwaves: Built-in microwaves are mounted directly into the cabinetry of the kitchen. If your cabinets have space for a built-in microwave, go for it; you'll save valuable counter space with this microwave style. Some over-the-range microwaves even have venting systems incorporated into the bottom, adding another helpful appliance to your kitchen.

These are the most common sizes of microwaves in those two styles:

Compact Microwave: This is the smallest microwave available, also called a portable microwave. Compact microwaves are a 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 microwave 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 by 13 casserole dish or even a roast or turkey breast. This type of microwave features many “auto cook” and precise temperature control measures.

What to look for in a microwave

Besides the functions you'll use most in these small appliances, like "popcorn" or "minute plus," you should also look for basic things, like the size, capacity and noise level of your microwave oven.

• 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 overall 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: Would you like to use extras like 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.
• Quality components: Metal, glass, stainless steel, durable electronics and less breakable, updated features, like buttons instead of a turn dial.