Hello folks!
It feels great to see you here. This is the right place to be if you harbor the love for cooking. Cooking, as connoisseurs say, is an art. Every food item that you prepare is a beautiful creation containing all the healthy ingredients with superb shape texture, excellent color, and great flavor. But if you choose the wrong brush to create an artwork, it can result in a disaster. An efficient cooking appliance is just like the correct brush which is the need of the hour.
Once deemed as a luxury item, today microwaves are one of the widely used kitchen appliances owing to the ease that they provide to the users. Using a microwave, you can cook numerous mouth-watering dishes, reheat leftovers and defrost different types of meals within minutes. Cooking had never been so easy and enjoyable.
Why do I need an Over The Range Microwave?
An OTR microwave performs dual functions. It works both as a microwave oven and a ventilation system. If you do not want to suffocate under smoke and wish to get rid of awful smelling kitchens, this type of microwave is your ideal pick. It eliminates smoke, steam and cooking odors through the in-built ventilation system.
Such microwaves are installed above the cooktop and built into cabinet design. So they clear up a lot of counter space. This is beneficial to people who have a small cooking area. Even in case someone possesses a large, spacious kitchen, he/she would certainly not like to have a big microwave that eats up a huge amount of space and it becomes difficult to accommodate other appliances.
They save your precious money too as you need not buy a separate range hood. They are also safe as kids may not be able to reach up to them.
So, instead of buying a traditional microwave, go for an over the range microwave.
Which microwave should I buy?
If you go out in the market today to buy a new microwave oven, you will be bewildered to see the various kinds of models available. They range from the very basic to the hi-tech tech ones. All of them boast about being branded, offering numerous features and being the best at their price. Before making your choice, give a thoughtful consideration to certain factors such as the size of the microwave- whether or not it will fit in your desired space, looks-does it complements your kitchen decor or not, features- is it able to handle all your cooking needs, cooking power, interior capacity and finally the price.
To give you a basic idea, here are some of the best microwaves for this year.
#1 – Samsung MS11K3000AS Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 51.8*42.9*29 7 cm
Weight : 14.4 kg
Power consumption: 1600 watts
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
When it comes to buying electronic goods, one of the most popular brands that cut across everyone’s mind is Samsung. They are well-known for their user-friendly and innovative products backed up with an efficient customer service. Adding to their list of wonders is this pretty little microwave that is here to help you solve your daily cooking problems.
Have a look at this great product.
Design, Capacity, and Power
Exhibiting the classic black and silver look, this microwave perfectly blends with any type of kitchen interior. So, if you are a person who is very much concerned about the aesthetics of your kitchen, do not worry about having an appliance that looks odd in your cooking area. This microwave is quite modern, classy and convenient. All the display settings and timer are in a large visible text in blue LED lights giving it a striking appearance and making it easy for the user to read them.
What makes a quality appliance is a material with which it is built. This microwave is made of stainless steel so it will never rust and last long. It even makes cooking faster and saves energy.
The capacity of the microwave stands at 1.1 cubic feet. So, you can easily fit in a large number of food items and prepare them nicely and quickly. You can even deactivate the glass turntable to use the whole space inside, especially when you want to put large dishes in. The power output of the microwave is 1000 watts.
Distinct features and Maintenance
This microwave offers a host of features to make your cooking experience easy and worthwhile.
With this model, you get a number of cooking presets such as Defrost, Soften/Melt, Popcorn, Microwave etc. So, whenever you are ready to cook, just choose one of the preset cooking options and enjoy homemade dishes with fresh ingredients. This microwave also has three distribution points which make sure the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
While cooking, timing plays a crucial role. To take care of that, this microwave comes equipped with a digital cooking timer that allows up to 99 minutes 99 seconds of cooking. A dial control helps you add or reduce the time while it is cooking. This ensures precision and convenience. When the timer goes off, it beeps to give you an indication so you are free from keeping a check on the timer.
A unique feature of this device is its vapor sensing technology using which it automatically adjusts the cooking time based on how fast the food is heating up in there. Isn’t that amazing?
To add to your joy, now the Eco mode feature of the microwave comes into the picture. No more worrying about electricity bills! The Eco mode conserves energy by turning off the blue LED display when not in use. In other words, It reduces standby power.
Giving prime importance to the safety of your children, the microwave has a Child Lock system too which prevents children from using the microwave in your absence.
Cleaning the microwave is easy. The ceramic enamel interior aids in the effortless removal of grease or oil with a cloth. The device is also scratch resistant.
Pros
- Modern and classy looks
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Large capacity
- A good number of cooking presets
- 10 power levels
- Digital timer and dial control
- Beeper
- Vapour sensor technology
- Energy efficient
- Great at defrosting
- Safe due to child lock system
- Affordable
Cons
- Noisy
- Interior is too dark to see through the door when in working condition
- Lacks keypad
Verdict
The MS11K3000AS is a great microwave for all the modern consumers who are on the lookout for a basic microwave that offers them convenience, durability, and safety. With a large capacity, a good number of cooking presets, a sensor cook and a digital timer, the microwave promises an optimally cooked dish at your fingertips. It is also light on your pockets. Moreover, you get a year-long warranty on parts and labor and a decade-long warranty on the magnetron. What else do you need? This model is highly recommended.
2) Farberware Classic Microwave Oven
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 51.3*41.9*30.4 cm
Weight : 15.6 kg
Power consumption: 1350 watts
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Farberware has a long history of excellence in kitchen appliances. In the last 100 years, they have been producing quality products keeping in mind the needs and desires of their consumers. The Farberware Classic Microwave Oven is another feather in their cap.
Let us focus on its finer details.
Design, Capacity, and Power
Possessing a sleek and stylish design and being small in size, this microwave makes for a perfect addition to your cooking area. No matter what the color scheme of your kitchen is, this microwave will easily blend with it as it is available in four different colors – Silver, Red, Copper, and White. Since the material used to make each is different, the cost varies from one color to another. The microwave also saves a lot of space. It is small enough to be locked in your kitchen cabinet.
The capacity of the microwave is 1.1 cubic feet. A spacious interior accommodates large plates so you can enjoy a number of dishes. The interior also features a 31.4 cm rotating turntable. You can remove it to avail more space. The cooking power of the microwave is 1000 watts.
Distinct features and Maintenance
This microwave has many useful features to make cooking an enjoyable task.
If you wish for a freshly prepared convenient meal, you just need to select one of the 6 preset cooking options that come with this model. The 6 cooking presets are Popcorn, Pizza, Potato, Beverage, Frozen Vegetables and Dinner Plate. So, you can enjoy a good dose of healthy food anytime.
To look after the crucial timing factor, the product comes equipped with a LED display timer and a clock. Using the timer, you can input the length of time required to heat, bake or cook a meal. The clock allows you to keep a check on the duration left till the end of the process. As soon as the time ends, the timer shuts down.
Another nice feature of this device is the multi-stage cooking. As the model boasts of 10 power levels, using this feature you can set the power level to adjust during the cooking process for perfect output without any intervention in between.
In case you are in a hurry someday, you can do some express cooking using the 1-6 minute quick start timer.
The defrost feature of this model allows you to defrost foodstuff without cooking them. It just removes the ice and makes it easier for you to cook them.
If there was an award for the best feature, it would have surely gone to the unique memory function of this microwave. It makes cooking very easy by saving all your customizations and settings for your favorite meal. The next time you want to prepare the same meal, you are saved from the hassles of making any particular settings. The microwave uses its memory to serve you your meal the way you like it.
To ensure the safety of your children when you are not at home, you can make use of the child lock feature of this microwave.
An easy to clean interior enables you to wipe off any stains.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Small size
- Spacious interior
- Durable
- 6 preset menus
- 10 power levels
- Express cooking
- Multi-stage cooking
- Defrost by weight or time
- Digital timer and clock
- Memory function
- Child lock system
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Pricey
- Not energy efficient
Verdict
The Farberware Classic Microwave Oven has both the looks and the powerful performance delivery that you might want in your microwave. It is a perfect fit for your small and stylish kitchen. Though small in size, it offers you a roomy interior. It is very easy to use and clean. The icing on the cake is surely its unique memory function. If you do not mind the price tag, this is a great buy.
3) Panasonic Countertop Microwave with Inverter Technology (NN-SN651B)
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 40.1*52.5*40 cm
Weight : 10.6 kg
Power consumption: 1480 watts
Warranty: 1 year
With the aim of providing a better life for people and create a better world, Panasonic manufactures a wide range of innovative and sustainable appliances. If you are a fan of their products and services, be prepared to add some more magic into your life as they present the Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology.
Curious to know more? Read on.
Design, Capacity, and Power
With a sleek shape and a professional look, this microwave is designed to deliver a powerful performance. And if you think power has a direct relation with size, you might be wrong, at least in this case. Though efficient, the microwave has a small size. So, you need not worry about it occupying a lot of space in your kitchen.
The microwave is made of stainless steel which is a mark of its build quality. It is highly durable, never rusts, allows speedy cooking and saves energy too.
A control panel rests at its right side. It has sleek touch buttons and a 4 digit display screen illuminated with blue lights. There is a 0-9 numbered keypad below it. All of these give a high-end look to the device. The controls are also around 8 pounds lighter than the components of other conventional microwaves.
If you have to tackle with a large amount of food, this microwave is a perfect companion as it boasts of an interior of 2.2 cubic feet with a 34.2 cm turntable inside it. It also offers 1200 watts of cooking power.
Distinct features and Maintenance
Available in the two classic black and white colors, this microwave has quite a few interesting features to offer you.
Starting with the much talked about Inverter technology which promises you delicate food items with the look and taste intact. It basically generates a steam of power at all temperature settings which leads to evenly prepared food, from the edges to the center. It is applicable to a wide range of cooking techniques. The microwave energy is produced in such a manner that the food items retain all their original properties be it color, texture or nutrients.
With this microwave, you get 12 auto cook options which include soup, pasta, pizza, oatmeal, frozen entrees and vegetables and many more. The one-touch controls include Popcorn, Sensor Reheat, Turbo defrosts and Keep warm.
The sensor technology uses the moisture sensor that automatically makes out the status of the food. You need not feed any timer. Just choose a particular sensor category and hit the start button. There is a long list of items that can be made by this microwave. Breakfast sausages, omelets, fish fillets, pasta, pizza, ground meat stew and a lot more.
Using the sensor reheat function, you can treat yourself with a warm serving of food. A quick minute timer allows you to fix the cooking and reheating time at an interval of 1 minute. Once the time is over, it beeps 5 times to give you a signal.
By bringing into play a microwave sequencing system based on the continuous power delivery method of the patented inverter technology to cook food quickly and evenly, the Turbo defrost fastens the defrosting time sensor. It adjusts the amount of power and time according to the different food items. This ensures excellent delivery of food.
The most useful feature of this device is the Keep warm feature. Do you doubt? Then just imagine the following situations:
- You are about to eat your food but suddenly an important call demands your precious eating time.
- A lovely gathering has been arranged by you at your home. The food to be served is ready but your guests are stuck somewhere.
- It is dinner time but you have to meet a professional deadline.
What will you do? Content yourself with the cold, tasteless food? Will you serve such food to others? No more! The Keep warm feature is your lifesaver as it will keep foods like soups, sauces, vegetables, gravies, and desserts warm and tasty for around 30 minutes.
So you and your guests can enjoy hot and delicious food anytime!
Other than food, giving due consideration to the safety of you and your children, the microwave comes equipped with a child safety lock.
When it comes to maintaining the microwave, it is pretty easy due to the stainless steel exterior. It does not get marks easily. If there is any settled dirt, you can wipe it off with a cloth.
Pros
- Good looking
- Compact
- Durable
- Never Rusts
- Energy efficient
- Spacious interior
- Both touch buttons and keypad are present
- Patented Inverter Technology
- 12 Auto Cook Options
- Sensor reheat function
- Turbo defrost feature
- Keep warm feature
- Delay start and Quick minute Timer
- Child lock system
- Easy to maintain
- Reasonable price
Cons
- When operating, it produces noise.
- The timer only beeps 5 times before going off. If you miss it, you might not know the status of the food unless you physically check the timer.
- The device does not light upon opening the door. So if you wish to use the microwave you need to have the lights of the cooking area on.
Verdict
If you love cooking and eating and thus have to deal with a large amount of food on a daily basis, this microwave with Inverter technology is best for you. This oven delivers powerful performance in the form of consistent food with amazing flavor, great color, lovely shape, and texture. Its great internal capacity along with the features like Keep warm and Sensor Reheat allow you to enjoy a good amount of warm and yummy food at all times. Consider this model for its capability for a mid-range countertop price.
4) Westinghouse WCM660B 600 Watt Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 45*31.7*26 cm
Weight : 10.4 kg
Power consumption :
Warranty : 1 year
The brand Westinghouse has been serving its consumers since 1886. The reason they exist to date is their expertise in the field of producing energy efficient home appliances. Their wide range of products caters to everybody’s needs and demands. Getting away from the league of producing highly technical and bulky microwaves, they bring to you the Westinghouse WCM660B Countertop Microwave Oven with a simplistic yet efficient design and performance.
Let us examine it more closely.
Design, Capacity, and Power
A sleek shape and a simple design are that which makes this microwave quite different from others. It has a comfortable grip handle and beautifully curved edges. Being small in size, it easily fits into a variety of places. It takes up minimal counter space. Other than being compact, it is lightweight which allows for its easy movement from one place to another.
The construction is both smart and strong which provides this microwave its durability.
The size of the interior is 0.6 cubic foot. It can accommodate dishes up-to-the size of 24 cm. It also has a removable glass turntable inside it. The power output of the oven stands at 600 watts. It is available in two colors black and white.
Distinct features and Maintenance
Instead of dimly lit digital controls with tiny print, this microwave has two mechanical dial controls for power and time. They are very easy to use and extremely helpful to senior citizens and people with vision impairments. To prepare your food, you just need to turn a knob. That’s all!
You get 6 cooking power levels with this microwave – low, medium, high, medium/low, medium/high and defrost. This makes it apt for a variety of cooking tasks. You can melt chocolates at lower settings, reheat food or defrost veggies at the medium level and cook your own frozen pizza at the higher settings.
All of the above cooking tasks are taken care of by a timer. Its maximum time limit is 30 minutes. You cannot cook beyond it which ensures your safety, in case you forget about the timer. The end time of the cooking process is denoted by a clear ‘ding’. Once you hear that sound you know you are ready for a treat!
The best thing about this microwave has to be its easy cleaning and maintenance. You can wash the turntable in the dishwasher. In case of settled dust, you just need to wipe the oven with a clean cloth. Since there are no electronic controls, this microwave is highly energy efficient and prone to malfunction.
Pros
- Simple and sleek design
- Takes up less space
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Quiet operation
- Mechanical dial controls
- 6 cooking power levels
- 30-minute timer
- Easy to use and clean
- Energy efficient
- No electronic controls to malfunction
- No glow from digital display to disrupt sleep if used in a room or studio
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Small capacity
- Lacks advanced features
- No child lock
- 600 watts may not be enough power for some food items
Verdict
Do you sometimes find yourself caught in the web of multiple features? Are hi-tech appliances more of a pain in the neck than a helping hand? Is simplicity is what attracts you? If yes, then this microwave is the answer to all your problems. It is good for preparing small food items, is lightweight and portable, does not consume much electricity and highly affordable. This is best suited for students, senior citizens and for other people who reside in small apartments, city flats, college and dorm rooms, offices etc that offer limited space.
5) GE JES1072SHSS
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 44*26*32.5 cm
Weight : 9.5 kg
Power consumption: 1050 watts
Warranty: 1 year
GE appliance is a well-known brand in the field of kitchen and home appliances. With a legacy as old as 125 years, their name today is a symbol of trust and value. Striving to improve the life of their consumers, they have come up with this wonderful microwave oven.
Join me as I gather more information about this product.
Design
This is a modern countertop microwave. It looks very stylish with the shiny black case and stainless steel build. It makes for a perfect addition to your kitchen. Not just it is good- looking, but highly reliable too owing to its sturdy construction. Its small size allows it to be placed anywhere in the kitchen so you save a lot of space there.
The interior is small, being only 0.7 cubic foot in size. It can easily fit dishes of size 27.3 cm. It also contains a rotating glass turntable of the same size. Since the interior is lit, you can clearly see through the door and keep a track of your food. All the controls on the oven are basically electronic touch buttons illuminated by LED lights. It also has an electronic digital display with a 12-hour clock. The power output of the oven is 700 watts.
Distinct features and Maintenance
This microwave has a few simple and useful features. Have a look.
There are 4 express buttons namely popcorn, potato, beverage, and reheat, for 1-6 minutes of cooking time. Just press the desired button and you can enjoy a bowl of popcorns over your favorite movie or drink a warm cup of coffee while reading a book. Using the reheat function, you can help yourself with a warm serving of your favorite food item.
An Auto and Time defrost feature allows for automatic programming or manual setting of the defrosting time and power level for optimal results. This microwave offers 10 power levels.
To keep you updated regarding the status of the cooking process, the microwave comes equipped with a minute timer. You can extend the timing using the ‘Add 30 seconds feature’. Once the cooking is complete, you are reminded of it through beeps. If you find those beeps annoying, you have the option to turn them off using the Sound On/Off feature. This is a unique feature of this model.
Safety features of the oven include child lock and control lockout. The child lock system prevents small children from meddling with the appliance in your absence and the control lockout helps prevent accidental activation of the oven.
Maintaining the microwave does not require much effort. The stainless steel exterior resists stains and scratches. You can wipe off dust and stains from the surface using a cloth.
Pros
- Attractive
- Sturdy build
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Digital controls and display
- Interior is lit
- 12-hour clock
- 10 power levels
- Buttons for express cooking
- Auto and time defrost
- Timer along with a beeper
- Beeper can be turned off
- Child lock
- Control lockout safety feature
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Small height
- Interior is not spacious enough
- Lacks advanced features
- Sometimes the food may not be cooked evenly
Verdict
This is a great product for those who use a microwave for limited purposes such as occasional cooking of frozen dinners, reheating leftover food items or boiling a cup of water. It is attractive and reliable, fits well in a small space and budget in a friendly way. If you are on the hunt for a basic microwave, to begin with, this is a deal worth your attention.
6) Samsung MG14H3020CM Countertop Microwave Oven with Grill
Product Specifications:
Dimensions : 46*55.6*31.2 cm
Weight : 19 kg
Power consumption: 1600 watts
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
It is time for all Samsung brand lovers to cheer up as one of their star products is finally here! The Samsung Counter top Microwave Oven with Grill gives a stiff competition to other microwaves as it includes the high in demand grill feature. If you aim to savor the taste of crunchy kebabs and tikkas, this is the microwave for you.
Sounds exciting? It actually is. Read till the end to make an informed choice.
Design, Capacity, and Power
The Samsung MG14H3020CM is a beautiful and sophisticated model with an asymmetric shape and glossy mirror finish. Once you set your eyes on it, you can’t stop yourself from praising its stylish looks. It will surely enhance the overall style of your kitchen.
Built from stainless steel, this model is highly strong and durable. It is prone to rust. It has a 1.4 cubic foot interior which accommodates a glass turntable as wide as 36 cm. The turntable rotates to ensure even cooking. The cooking power output stands at 950 watts.
Distinct features and Maintenance
This model has a lot of great features to offer you. Let us begin with the exclusive feature of this model which is, of course, the grilling element.
The grill function works by even distribution of heat to the food which reduces cold spots yielding in finished food items such as sandwiches, fish, bacon, and chicken that are brown and crispy on the outside and juicier on the inside. The model also features a round rack and a ceramic plate which make it great for preparing a stuff like pizza.
The factor responsible for consistent cooking and the evenly prepared food is the Triple Distribution System of this model.
Moving ahead, you get various cooking modes that let you enjoy convenient meals at your fingertips. This includes options such as Auto Reheat, Auto cook, Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Kids meals, Vegetables, Snacks Soften/Melt, Grill and Auto Defrost. All you need to do is touch a button and choose a particular preset cook mode that delivers you optimally cooked dishes.
You can keep track of your food using the built-in timer that allows 99 minutes 99 seconds of cooking. In case you want to increase the timing, you just need to press the +30 seconds button. A beeper communicates the end of the cooking process. You can turn off the beeper if you want to. Besides that, there is an easy to read LED display, a 12-hour clock, and a child lock.
With this microwave, you need not worry about your electricity bills as it comes with the Eco mode feature. The Eco mode button conserves energy by turning off the display when not in use. It is much easier than unplugging the microwave.
The appliance requires minimal maintenance. Its ceramic enamel interior provides a polished surface which is easy to clean. It is both scratch and stain resistant. In case of any grease or oil stain on the surface, you can wipe it off using a cloth.
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- Rust-free
- Spacious interior
- 10 power levels
- Dual operation-Microwave + Grill
- Triple Distribution System
- Timer and beeper
- Beeper can be turned off
- +30 seconds addition feature
- Easy to read and use controls and LED display
- 12-hour clock
- Child lock
- Energy efficient
- Easy to clean
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- You cannot watch the food being cooked
- Heavyweight and hence not portable
- Might be noisy sometimes
Verdict
The Samsung MG14H3020CM Countertop Microwave Ovens with Grill is a great unit. It is super stylish, long-lasting, energy efficient, has numerous features and is highly affordable when compared to other models. Not to forget, it lets you enjoy the best of both worlds by combining the microwave with a grilling element. In addition, you get a 10-year warranty on magnetron and a year-long warranty on parts and labor. Overall, this is a wise choice.
So what are you waiting for? Grab any of these hot deals today before it is too late.