Selecting a New Microwave for Your Kitchen

Daniel Wellington

With so many of us barely having time to cook meals after a busy day at work, a microwave is a must-have tool for any kitchen. Whether you are moving into a new house or just trying to replace your current microwave, you’ll find there are so many options to choose from. Your budget will naturally impact the choices on offer to you, and today you’ll find many high-tech ones which come with a wide range of features. Let’s take a look at everything you should consider when purchasing a new microwave.

The Size of the Microwave

The size of your new microwave will depend on the size of your kitchen, and you’ll want to decide if you need a built-in microwave or a freestanding microwave that will live on the kitchen surface. Built-in microwaves are generally a much more sleek and stylish option, but you’ll need to have the space to insert this into your current kitchen setup. This will usually require the assistance of someone else unless you are simply replacing your current microwave. Some people purchase matching oven and microwave sets, which can help to create a cohesive aesthetic in the kitchen. Measure out the space you have to spare in your kitchen before looking at microwaves to ensure you don’t purchase one that’s far too big or small for your room or college dorm.

Working With Your Budget

Your budget will dictate the number of options on offer to you when it comes to selecting a microwave. There are microwaves available for all budgets today, and even if you are working with a strict budget after moving house, you’ll still be able to afford this essential purchase. By comparing your options online, you’ll see that you have a good range of products to choose from in every price range. We always recommend comparing the price of the microwave to the guarantee that’s included, as this will give you a good indication of how many years it should last. It’s not always a good option to buy the cheapest microwave, as you may find it only lasts you a few years. Sometimes investing a little bit more in this device will mean you have a great microwave that you and your family can use for ten or more years.

The Design of the Microwave

While you may think that the microwave you choose will mainly be down to the size and style of the microwave, also consider the design of the microwave oven. If you have a more traditional kitchen setup, you won’t want a modern microwave that looks completely out of place in your home. On the other hand, a modern kitchen will need a steel microwave or another option that looks as up to date as the rest of the devices you have in the kitchen. You’ll find microwaves come in a wide range of colours and designs, so you’ll have a good selection to choose from when it comes to choosing a microwave for your kitchen. The most common colours are black, white, and steel, but you can find some other unique options out there today too.

The Functions You Need on a Microwave

After looking at the style and size of the microwave, another key consideration is the functions you need. If you aren’t a keen cook, we recommend looking for a microwave with various automatic programs and settings. This will mean that the microwave has a good selection of settings pre-programmed, so it automatically sets the time and temperature that you need. For example, if you are making microwave popcorn, it may have a setting just for this, which will ensure your popcorn doesn’t become burnt but is still fully popped. This is great for anyone who regularly reheats food but isn’t sure what setting they should use to safely reheat their dinner.

Modern microwaves often have a memory function. This is great for anyone who cooks the same meals each week, as you can save the best settings for this meal on your memory function. That way, the next time you cook your favourite meal again, you will automatically have the right settings in place. Almost all of us hate cleaning microwaves and kitchen appliances, but thanks to the advanced technology on offer, you’ll find that some microwaves are self-cleaning today. Look for microwaves with catalytic walls, which will absorb grease and dirt that’s created when the microwave is in use. Over a certain temperature, the grease will burn, and you’ll no longer have to spend hours scrubbing your microwave by hand.

We all lead busy lives today, and the last thing we sometimes want to do is spend hours preparing a meal for our families after a long day at work. A microwave can offer you a wide range of settings that can be used to cook meals, reheat food, or defrost meat. You’ll find that the top microwaves on the market offer dozens of settings that will cook almost anything to perfection. Make sure you measure out the space you have for your appliance before purchasing one online, as this is a common error that people make when shopping online. You’ll want to ensure it fits with your current kitchen decor so that you have a stylish but sophisticated new appliance that will be a handy tool you use every day.