Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
How large and powerful should your new microwave oven be? Consider your needs—and how much kitchen space you have—when choosing the size and power for a microwave.
If you want to do more than cook popcorn or bake a potato, buy a mid- or full-size oven. Cooking full meals for an entire family requires a large model and high power. Panasonic microwave ovens offer some of the largest sizes (up to 2.2 cubic feet).
Full-size ovens deliver 1,000 to 1,600 watts of power, and mid-size ovens yield 800 to 1,000 watts. Higher wattage heats food more quickly. More power is better for cooking entire meals.
Compact microwaves—the smallest ovens—work well in dorm rooms, offices, and apartments. Some people use these mini-microwaves in boats and campers.
Why we like it:
• Turntable allows even heating
• Compact size
• LCD display
The compact unit should be able to hold one dinner plate. These smaller microwaves yield 500 to 800 watts. Keep in mind that the lower the power, the longer it takes to cook a meal.
Microwave toaster ovens are a ‘do-it-all” version of the compact microwave: They warm meals for one, heat water for tea and cocoa, and toast bread and bagels. Fancier models may offer up to 24 toaster settings and 10 automatic cooking settings.
How large and powerful should your new microwave oven be? Consider your needs—and how much kitchen space you have—when choosing the size and power for a microwave.
