You mean you don't have one already? :)
Jun 14 '00
Well, if you don't have a microwave already, this is the review for you. Today there are many different makes and models available when it comes to microwaves. There are also quite a few features depending on the model.
Here is a list of a couple features available for some microwaves.
Turntable
I put this one at the top of the list because I feel that this is one of the most important features to look for in a microwave. The reason I believe that is because when you are cooking something that says to cook X amount of minutes, then turn half way, then cook X amount of minutes, this will make it so that you can just cook it the whole amount first time through.
Presets
What I mean by presets are the buttons that say Popcorn, Baked Potato, etc. If these are on the microwave, so be it, but don't go buying a microwave just for these. I have found that the popcorn button is not accurate. I've used some microwaves that overcook the popcorn and others that undercook it.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the faster something will cook. In the beginning, it is going to take a lot of guesswork to figure out how long anything will cook. I wouldn't push your wallet for the highest wattage out there, because let's put it this way....if the package says cook 5 minutes, you cook it 5 minutes. I wouldn't go for the lowest wattage either, just find a happy medium.
Power Levels
This to me is another important feature. Varying power levels mean that the 'oven' will run for a few seconds, then the microwaves cut out for a few seconds, and the cycle repeats. There are some things that say cook at 20% power for a certain amount of time. If you don't have that setting, you're going to have problems. It's also good when reheating soup. You want the solids to get warm, but the liquids not to get scalding. With the variable power settings, cooking at 20-30%, they tend to cook together.
Automatic Amounts
How can a microwave know how to automatically defrost things? The other automatic buttons that I am talking about are when you push the number 1, it automatically runs for 1 minute. I find this annoying. I guess that if I were to get used to it, it would be ok, but I get frustrated with the ones like that at work.
Another thing to consider is interface. What I mean is does the microwave have a dial or a keypad? Does the clock glow? I like keypads, because they usually give you a few more options. And I like it better when the clock glows, because when I go to make my son a bottle, I like to notice what time it is.
Another thing, as always, to consider is price. Just because it is expensive doesn't mean that it is better. For the most part, I have seen expensive models and inexpensive models and from what I have seen, all of them perform about the same. It's the bells and whistles that are going to cost you.
And as ALWAYS......check the model on epinions first!!!
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Epinions.com ID:
serena21
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Location: Cape Coral, FL
Reviews written: 226
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