A microwave oven might not be the prime technological breakthrough of our age. However, having one in our homes has surely saved us more hours of our life than we could possibly count. We guess that’s why this once deemed luxury appliance has turned into a necessity for most of us.
Though the question of whether or not to buy a microwave is an easy one, steering through the wide world of options available for sale is an entirely different thing. Therefore, in this post, we’ll explain the four key types of microwaves and their benefits to help you find the best option for your lifestyle.
Countertop Microwaves
| ✓ Easy to set up/replace | ✗ Lacks features |
| ✓ Affordable | ✗ Requires counter space |
| ✓ No installation requirements | ✗ Small in size |
| ✓ Lightweight and portable |
These are easily the most common type of microwaves you’ll come across. Perhaps due to the fact they’re super easy to set up, replace and buy. All you have to do is plug in and start cooking. However, you need to consider whether you have sufficient countertop space to securely place it. The majority of most budget-friendly microwaves at Gimmie will likely fall into the countertop category.
Built-in Microwaves
| ✓ Doesn’t require counter space | ✗ Expensive than other options |
| ✓ Exudes an elegant built-in look | ✗ Requires installation |
| ✗ Hard to replace | |
This microwave type can easily be built into your kitchen. All you have to do is find a spot that sufficiently fulfils the electrical and dimensional requirements of the unit. Built-in microwaves are a good option if you’re remodelling the kitchen, want a drawer-style microwave and have custom designed cabinets. These microwaves are typically installed directly above a wall oven; however, the location can vary based on your kitchen design.
Over-the-Range Microwaves
| ✓ Doesn’t require counter space | ✗ Expensive than other options |
| ✓ Helps bent odor, fumes, and heat | ✗ Requires installation |
| ✓ Extends additional lighting to range below | ✗ Often hard to reach |
This kind of microwave is installed directly above your cooking range or stovetop. Over-the-range microwaves are generally installed flush amid your kitchen cabinets, seamlessly blending with the rest of the kitchen.
Generally regarded as elegant and luxurious, these microwaves offer some additional benefits that aren’t available in other types of microwaves. Apart from saving counter space, over-the-range microwaves also have light fixtures at the bottom in order to help illuminate the cooking surface down below. Plus, they usually have built-in ventilation systems that effectively remove fumes, odours, and excessive heat, much like an exhaust fan or range hood.
Convection Microwaves
| ✓ Versatile and convenient | ✗ Expensive than conventional options |
| ✓ More cooking options, like roasting, baking and broiling | ✗ Easier to burn food if not careful |
| ✓ Unique cooking style provides better textures and flavours | |
A convection microwave uses an entirely different approach for cooking food. For instance, like ovens, this microwave utilizes high heat temperatures as well as an internal fan to circulate the air, while standard microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food.
Due to their one-off cooking style, convection microwaves are the most versatile kind of microwave. You can use these units to cook foods in several ways, such as baking cookies or making casseroles. Baking, broiling, roasting, or simply adding a little crisp can all be achieved with a convection unit. Best thing> They are available in countertop, built-in and over-the-range options.
Remember, whichever microwave type you buy, it’s first crucial to consider the design, space and layout of your kitchen. If you remodel your kitchen or build a new home, built-in and over-the-range microwaves can seamlessly blend into your kitchen. If not, you can get a conventional countertop or even a convection microwave that best works with the space you already have.