Are you a first-time microwave buyer? In the market for an upgrade? Maybe you’re looking to gift one. Whatever your reason, shopping for a microwave is more than just finding something that looks good. There are different microwave types for different situations, with a variety of features and sizes, as seen on Reviewho. So, what’s the right Goldilocks size for you?
The most common microwave is the countertop microwave. They come in small, medium, and large sizes. These must never be used above a stove range. Small is often used for dorms and apartments. They’re the cheapest of options (around $60 to $300) with the smallest internal space for cooking and the least powerful in wattage. Smalls range from 10-14″ wide, 15-19″ high, and 10-14″ deep. The most common measurement to look out for is the internal cooking space, measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves range from around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet. The average power of a small microwave is 100-1000 watts. These may also have the most basic of functions or features.
Medium countertop microwaves are great for most households or apartments of 3 to 5 members as they are usually large enough to cook food for multiple people. These can cost around $60 to $800 and range around 12-15″ high, 20-24″ wide, and 12-17″ deep with a cubic feet range of 1.1 to 1.6. The average power ranges around 900-1300 watts. These microwaves will accommodate most dinner plate sizes and small casserole dishes.
Large countertop microwaves will be more expensive ($150 to $300) but are ideal for larger families that like using large dishware or want to defrost whole birds up to a small turkey. Sizes will range at 15-18″ high, 26-30″ wide, 15-20″ deep, with 1.7-2.2 cubic feet and runs at 1,000-1,400 watts. These are the fastest cooking countertop microwaves with the most space.
Other options used in households are over the oven range and built-in types. Over the range, microwaves have dimensions roughly near the upper dimensions of a medium countertop, to a large countertop size and run near 1,000-1,200 watts. Cost ranges between $200 to $1,200 and that excludes the cost of a professional’s installation. Built-in microwaves vary between medium and large countertop sizes and power but must be installed by a professional as well, adding to the average cost of $700 to $1,000 for the microwave alone. This type will also have fewer features such as lack of a turntable. Both are great for space-saving options.
Lastly, commercial microwaves are best for restaurants, cafes, and professional food services. They average the height and width of a medium countertop with the depth of a large countertop. These are the quickest to cook and most powerful of up to 3,000 watts and run $500-$3,000 or more.
Always make a checklist of your needs before choosing.
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