Fishing out the right microwave is a complicated task. The key to resisting persuasive sales agents at home appliance stores is being an informed customer. Do your research, unless you prefer paying extra for features you absolutely don't need. 

Some features to look out for.

Auto-cook 

Low-end microwaves usually exclude this feature but it is a must-have if you prefer simplified cooking. Auto-cook will allow you to select a preset and move onto the next task without having to configure time and power. 

Defrost 

Do we really have the time to wait around for a chicken to defrost? Even if we change the water once the temperature drops, that doesn't make it less frustrating. A microwave that allows you to defrost an entire chicken at the cost of a few minutes can save a lot of your valuable time. 

Child-lock 

If you have kids running around, leaving a microwave within their grasp could compromise their safety: especially with countertop microwaves. To avoid disasters, it is rather crucial to choose a microwave that is child-proof. 

Timer 

A timer will let you select how long the microwave needs to operate. Depending on the panel type, you can either use the “timer knob” or the “LCD touch” to set the timer generally between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. 

Panel Types 

There are three common types of control panels: mechanical, tact dial type and feather touch. Mechanical and tact dial are most common in low-end appliances. Feather-touch adds to the design of the microwave. Usually found on high-end models, these panels function similarly to smartphone screens. They are highly responsive to fingertips.   

Wattage 

Higher wattage results in a shorter cooking period. The power output of most microwaves falls between 600 - 1200 watts. 

Recipes curated for microwaves usually require a wattage of roughly around 800 for an even cook.

Countertop vs over the stove 

Countertop-microwaves do not require installation. They are just a plug away from functionality. On the other hand, over the stove microwaves need installation and may require an experienced pair of hands. As the name suggests, over the stove microwaves are installed underneath the cabinet over the stove. 

Solo microwave ovens.

Solo microwaves are the standard microwaves your bachelor friend uses to heat up their frozen meal packs or to reheat their coffee. These are entry-level appliances for basic needs and can usually be used for limited purposes: reheating leftovers, drinks, minute rice/ramen and popcorn. That sounds perfect for someone with simple needs, does it not? 

The downside is they are not built for baking or grilling and lack special features: well defined presets.

Grill microwave oven. 

The difference between a solo microwave and a grill microwave is the added ability to grill meats and vegetables. Grill microwaves simulate outdoor grills, browning the exterior without increasing the temperature of the inside.

Since both solo and grill microwaves are dependant on exciting water molecules to heat up or cook, parts of the food with higher water content will heat up faster, resulting in an uneven process. 

To sum up, both solo and grill microwaves use electromagnetic radiation - emitted microwaves that jump up and down, left and right, and all-around to contact the food. This causes the water molecules inside the food to get excited and generate thermal energy, which then proceeds to heat up or cook the food quickly. 

Cooking techniques usually come down to personal preference. Inherently, using a grill microwave is ideal for people who prefer a grilled-crunchy texture on their food. You can grill a burger or a steak without the hurdles of firing up an open grill and get your meal fixed much quicker. 

Convection microwave ovens.

Convectional microwaves are designed to carry out the functionalities of both solo and grill microwaves along with conventional methods of cooking. As the name suggests, it uses convection as an additional form of heat transfer. The process is carried out through a heating element along with a fan to circulate the air inside the oven, distributing the heat more evenly. 

In short, a convection microwave is an ultimate crossover between a conventional oven and a microwave. Additional uses include baking, roasting, and grilling meat.

The perfect convectional for compact homes.

The apartments in our city infamous for compact size. While many of us have grown accustomed to the lack of room, we still have a lot to learn on the proper utilization of available space. A small kitchen can be equipped with all the necessary appliances and still leave some room to breathe. 

The most ideal way is to go for low-profile designs: appliances that blend in. 

Whirlpool has discovered a way to elevate over-the-stove microwaves by combining a convectional microwave and a kitchen hood system. The slim model fits in the space of most under cabinet exhaust hoods. You will not miss the ventilator since the model features an exhaust fan rated for a surprising 400 CFM per minute.

One-touch cooking paired with 24 microwave features, the Whirlpool WML75011HW has earned a spot amongst the most user-friendly convectional microwaves available in the market. To sweeten things up, its standard width provides enough space and a stoppable turntable, making it safe for larger dishes.

The inside walls are coated with a non-stick layer, making them easy-to-clean; fingerprint-resistant finish and the low-profile design marks this powerful 1000 watt convectional microwave purposeful and aesthetic. 

One of the most celebrated features of the Whirlpool WML75011HW is the steam cooking feature: allowing you to fully-cook vegetables whilst preserving most of its nutritional contents.

Highly recommended by The Spruce Eats for its reliable performance, the Whirlpool WML75011HW comes dressed in four unique finishes: white. black, stainless steel and black stainless steel. 

Next time you have guests for dinner, you can lean against the countertop and watch their jaws drop.

Visit Whirlpool Microwave Hoods to discover the latest models.