Microwaves for any Kitchen Design
Choose a microwave that best suits your lifestyle by following these tips on what to watch for when shopping around.
Types of Microwaves
There are three types of microwaves. Counter-top, Over-The-Range, and
Built-In wall microwave.
Counter-top microwaves are your typical microwaves that can be set anywhere in the kitchen. They range in all types of sizes and capacities.
Over-The-Range microwaves are those that are mounted over your range. These typically take the place of a range hood. These microwaves come generally, 30 inches wide, and range in capacities. They have all of the capabilities as an ordinary microwave as well as a range hood. Which includes the venting, ducted or recirculating, and lighting. These are normally more expensive than counter-tops because of their size and functionality. If you're investing in one of these, be sure that an outlet is available in the cabinet above where the microwave will go. It shouldn't be much to have a local electrician to install one.
Built-In microwaves are those that are built into the wall along with the wall oven. Building everything into the wall gives the kitchen a less cluttered look. These microwaves have less functions than Over-The-Ranges and are costly because of their built-in capability. A downside to the built-ins are that if you have a problem with the unit, it’s possible you may have to replace the oven as well, which can cost over a thousand dollars!
When shopping for any microwave consider your needs. If you typically use your microwave to defrost meats, or warm up coffee, than a less expensive, lower wattage microwave should be considered.
Need for the Microwave
If you eat a lot of T.V. dinners, get one with at least 1,100 watts. T.V. dinner instructions are generally based on microwaves that are 1,100 or 1,200 watts. Choosing a 1,100 watt microwave will give you a more efficient cook than a microwave with a lower wattage.
Now if you love gourmet meals, but do not have the time to prepare them, investigate a convection microwave. These microwaves are capable of micro waving, browning, and broiling foods. Although this technology has only been out for a few years, if you can afford it I would strongly suggest it. I have one myself and I don’t think we even touch the oven anymore! Your food will come out almost perfect every time and some of these microwaves bake 4 - 8 times faster than a conventional oven! If you do take an interest in these, they'll save you time and money on energy bills big time. Make sure they come with a cookbook and read the instructions carefully! Every system is different, but I have been extremely happy with mine; it uses less energy, cooks faster, and the food tastes better from there than my regular oven; who would complain?
Capacity
Another big thing to note when shopping for microwaves is the capacity. Many microwaves claim to have large capacities, but their glass dish doesn’t cover as much of the inside as it possibly could, which means about 30% of that claimed 1.7 cubic ft. is not getting used. Wasted space = wasted money. My simple, best advice would be, buy from a name brand you know! Stay away from the second and third hand companies such as Hotpoint, or Magic Chef to name a few. Buy the parent company name brand such as, GE, LG, Viking, etc. from what I have observed, the parent companies generally give you your money's worth.
That does it for microwaves, by now you should have enough information to begin your search for the perfect microwave for your kitchen and needs. Happy Shopping, and enjoy your new microwave!
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are not considered to be energy efficient appliances. So don't waste your valuable time comparing energy consumption. If any brand name claims to have ENERGY STAR microwaves, double check with EnergyStar.gov this is a government site that will inform you of every energy compliant appliance made in the U.S.
Where to Shop For Microwaves
Here are some great places to shop for Microwaves of every style:
 Sears offers every type of microwave; low-end to high-end. They have promotions on free delivery and also 12 months same as cash. Just don't wait past the 12 months to pay your balance! Finally, Sears will deliver and professionally install any of the microwaves you choose. They will also haul away your old microwave for $25. (This however, probably only pertains to wall microwaves or over-the-range microwaves, probably not countertop microwaves!) Sear's Microwaves
  Best Buy also offers several high-end to low-end microwaves. They're all pretty much competitevly priced, however, each place makes up in their delivery options. If your purchase is $499 or more with Best Buy your deliver and haul away service is free. If it's under $499, than the delivery and haul away together is only $49. So, with each place, inquire on installation cost to see which would be the better deal. Best Buy's Microwaves
If you need help with installation, this link will find local contractors to install the appliance for you, if the place of purchase does not.
Click Here to Find Local Contractors
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