What color are the appliances that you already have in your kitchen? For an appealing look that pairs nicely with your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher, choose a countertop microwave with a matching finish.The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS zaps food quickly with its 1,100-watt output but costs a bit more than the brands that put out 900 watts of power. Keep in mind that microwaves that deliver more wattage power cook faster than lower-wattage options, but also tend to cost a bit more.On the other hand, if space is not a concern, a larger countertop microwave will provide ample space and power for the majority of your cooking needs. Models like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS take up several extra inches of width and depth space than a smaller unit.

You need to consider how much counter space you have to work with before choosing a countertop microwave.Just like other small and major kitchen appliances, they are available in different colors and finishes to fit any home’s decor. Microwaves that have quick-warm buttons allow you to heat food in 30-second increments, allowing you to gradually heat food to the perfect temperature.Īs you shop for a new countertop microwave, don’t forget aesthetic appeal. Functions like melt and defrost are useful for preparing ingredients for recipes or de-thawing frozen foods. Turntables rotate food while cooking so you don’t have to, and buzzers alert you when your food is ready. Digital displays make it easy to read cook times and settings and can even be programmed with the time when not in use. Microwaves have other features that make cooking in them a breeze. Fast and smart technology equals a win-win when it comes to cooking and reheating your favorite snacks, tasty leftovers and mealtime recipes. Some microwaves offer state-of-the-art cooking technology, measuring the moisture levels released from food and automatically adjusting cook times accordingly. For example, all you have to do is tap the pizza button on a microwave to warm up a slice, and it does the work for you!Ī microwave’s ability to cook fast and further cut down on prep time with one-touch controls brings convenience to the kitchen, but some models take time-saving heating to the next level. These one-touch controls have programmed times that are designed to precisely heat specific types of food, taking the guesswork out of preparing numerous favorites. Most modern models also feature numerous preset buttons for one-touch cooking. Some microwaves also have temperature control functions so you can reduce or increase the power as needed.Ĭountertop microwaves have knobs or digital keypads that allow you to control the amount of time needed to reheat or cook food. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS delivers 1,100 watts of power, earning praise for the fast, even results it produces. The higher the wattage, the faster the model cooks. A microwave’s power is measured in its wattage and typically ranges from around 600 to 1,200 watts. Have you ever wondered how microwaves cook food so quickly? It’s the electromagnetic radiation within these handy small appliances that heat the molecules within liquids and foods, warming them quickly and effectively. Look for models that offer a practical footprint with a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity, but that also feature straightforward controls that are simple to use. While some models fit over a range and require certain space specifications and hardware, countertop microwaves do just what the descriptive name implies - they sit right on your countertop, and are ready to start cooking by simply plugging in the power cord and selecting the appropriate time, temperature and function buttons. They also provide a convenient way to heat up leftovers, eliminating the need to choose between eating cold food or turning on an oven.Īnother handy characteristic of microwaves is that they don’t take up an extensive amount of space. In fact, microwaves have changed the way many people cook and eat, allowing for fast meal prep without the need for a lot of pots and pans or long periods of time standing over a stovetop. The ability to pop your food in the appliance, push a few buttons and have snacks or meals ready to eat in a few minutes is a great convenience. In today’s busy, fast-paced world, most people couldn’t imagine living without a microwave.

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