Knowledge Builders

are more expensive microwaves worth it

by Ahmad Murray Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Are more expensive microwaves worth it? Larger, more expensive machines cook faster, while smaller, less expensive options will still get hot enough to heat most things. Like convection ovens, inverter microwaves are a little more expensive but worth the extra money if you tend to cook in your microwave a lot or draw butter or chocolate regularly enough.

Full Answer

What is the most expensive microwave?

Are more expensive microwaves worth it? Larger, more expensive machines cook faster, while smaller, less expensive options will still get hot enough to heat most things. Like convection ovens , inverter microwaves are a little more expensive but worth the extra money if you tend to cook in your microwave a lot or draw butter or chocolate regularly enough.

What is the best built microwave?

Depending on the brand, convection microwave ovens can cost under 150 dollars or go for in the hundreds of dollars. This mainly depends on all the functions we discussed earlier above. The more functions and recognized the brand is, the pricier the item is.

How much does a microwave oven cost?

 · 101 Posts. 16 February 2009 at 3:36PM. The thing to watch with built in microwaves is that the majority are 500mm units that are built up to fit a 600mm carcase. Consequently they look a real mess if you stack them above a normal oven. If you have an IKEA close by then it is worth a weekly visit to their bargain bay.

What is the best microwave oven combo?

Basically I have narrowed it down to two Whirlpool microwaves, one is fairly basic and can be picked up for $150 at Lowes, the other has some slightly beefier specs, a rack, steam cooking, and sensor cooking that can be picked up for $250 at Best Buy. The more expensive one is stainless steel so that is adding to the cost as well.

image

Do more expensive microwaves work better?

The higher the wattage, the faster your microwave cooks. Buy a microwave with 1,000 watts of power. Anything less can heat your food unevenly.

How much should you spend on a microwave?

A microwave costs $100 to $600 on average, depending on the brand, type, features, and size. Microwave oven prices are $50 to $500 for countertop models and $150 to $600 for over-the-range types. Built-in microwave prices are $400 to $2,000. Microwave installation costs $100 to $400.

Is there a difference between microwaves?

Microwaves cook food much faster than a conventional oven. You won't really need to microwave anything for longer than 10 minutes. There's no need to preheat the oven and it cooks at full capacity from the moment it's turned on.

Which brand of microwave is the most reliable?

Microwaves from Breville, Hamilton Beach, Insignia, LG, Proctor-Silex, and Signature Kitchen Suite stand out as the most reliable brands; all six brands earn an Excellent rating. Seven of the 32 brands in our survey earn a Very Good rating.

What is the average lifespan of a microwave?

The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.

Are newer microwaves more efficient?

New microwaves run more efficiently, and feature an enhanced standby mode that will further reduce your power bills. Efficiency: Not only does this power efficiency reduce your power bills, it also reduces the time it takes to actually cook the food. You can't put a price on your time!

Which microwave is best to buy?

The best microwaves in 2022Toshiba EM925A5A. Best microwave overall. ... Sharp SMC0912BS. Best microwave for those on a budget. ... GE JES1072SHSS. A great compact pick. ... GE Profile JES2251SJ. Best microwave for cooks. ... Whirlpool WMH53521H. ... GE JES1097SMSS Smart Countertop Microwave Oven. ... AmazonBasics Microwave. ... Samsung MC11K7035CG.More items...•

What should I look for in the microwave?

8 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your New MicrowaveYour Kitchen. Your microwave needs to fit in to the kitchen it will become a part of. ... Size. No matter what type of microwave you end up going with, size will matter. ... Wattage. ... Reliability. ... Price. ... Preprogrammed Settings. ... Noise. ... Safety.More items...•

What wattage is best for microwave?

A 1,000-watt microwave will cook quickly and efficiently, so that's a great baseline. Microwaves with 700 watts or less are slower and may not cook evenly. In general, the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time.

What makes one microwave better than another?

The wattage matters. The higher the wattage, the better your microwave will function. You want a microwave in the 900- to 1000-watt range to make sure you have enough power to heat and defrost anything in your freezer efficiently and thoroughly.

Do microwaves lose power over time?

A microwave oven's power diminishes over time because its magnetron tube weakens. A magnetron tube is a high-voltage system that uses magnetic and electrical fields to create the oscillating waves that bounce around the oven and heat food. It is the source of a microwave oven's energy and power.

Are all microwaves made by the same company?

Most microwaves come from the same factory We found evidence that most countertop microwaves sold in the US are manufactured by just one company, Midea. We confirmed with Midea that it makes and sells Toshiba, Comfee, and Black+Decker ovens.

What is the difference between cheap microwaves and expensive microwaves?

Another difference between cheap and expensive microwaves are the features that are included. In general, the cheaper the microwave, the fewer the features. Basic/ cheap microwaves will have the following features only:

How much does a microwave cost?

If you are looking for a good countertop microwave, you can expect to spend between $150 – $200 for a good microwave. A good microwave will have a large cubic footprint, high wattage, and a number of features. However, just because it is expensive, doesn’t make it good.

How many factors contribute to the difference between cheap and expensive microwaves?

To conclude, there are at least six factors that contribute to the difference between cheap and expensive microwaves. What do you think? Did I miss and important factors? Have you purchased a microwave recently?

What is the one minute function on a microwave?

One minute function that lets you cook at full power for one minute. Child safety lock. While the other microwaves had a few of the features, none of them had all of these features. So, features play a major role in the difference between cheap and expensive microwaves.

Can a convection microwave be used as a microwave oven?

Convection microwaves, which could be considered microwave ovens, take advantage of a special fan and heating element that the solo and grill microwaves don’t have. In addition to cooking minute rice, grilling chicken, convection microwaves can bake cakes, pies, and pizzas with ease.

Is a gill microwave more expensive than a solo microwave?

In general, gill microwaves will be more expensive than solo, but don’t be surprised if you see a high-end solo microwave out-price a lower end grill microwave.

Can you grill with a microwave?

In addition to reheating leftovers and Ramen, grill microwaves have the ability to grill certain foods. Grill microwaves can grill just about anything you can place on an outdoor grill, including chicken, beef, and vegetables.

How much more is the LG WM3770HWA than the LG WM3270CW?

When it comes to front-load washers, the jumps in price tend to correspond with more features. So the LG WM3770HWA is about $200 more than the similarly performing LG WM3270CW. They are both the same size and color but the major differences are that the 3770 can sanitize and has a 30-minute "Normal" wash cycle.

Is the Whirlpool 800 dishwasher quiet?

When in operation, the 800 series cannot be heard from another room, producing no more than 39 dBA. That is an order of magnitude quieter than a more affordable Whirlpool, and addresses one of the most common complaints people have about their existing dishwashers.

What is the best budget microwave?

On the lookout for a bargain, but don’t want a cheap-looking appliance? The Sharp SMC0912BS is the best budget microwave around. In spite of its great price, it has a sleek, upscale design with a large push button rather than a handle for opening the door.

What are the two types of microwaves?

There are two main types of microwave available: countertop and over the range. Here's what you need to know about each of them, as well as other specifications and features you should keep in mind while choosing your next microwave.

What is the best popcorn to use in a microwave?

You’ll get the best popcorn results with the Sharp SMC1442CS and Orville Redenbacher popcorn. The oven’s popcorn button has been tested and programmed using Orville microwave popcorn and certified by the company to give the best taste, aroma and yield. However, even if you never munch on popcorn, this is a great microwave to consider. It has sensor and preset pads to give you ideal results with all kinds of foods from a “baked” potato to a frozen lasagna.

Does the Jetsons microwave have voice control?

Need more Jetsons in your life? The AmazonBasics Microwave comes with voice control — well, sort of: Press the Alexa button on the microwave, and a nearby Amazon Alexa device (such as an Echo Dot) hears your instructions. That means you have to have an Alexa device in your kitchen in order to tell it to "microwave for 60 seconds," "reheat a cup of coffee" or "defrost a pound bag of peas" and have the oven oblige. Reviewers found that the voice-control feature worked well, with the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant understanding and following instructions clearly.

Can you scan to cook on a microwave?

With the app installed and connected, you can use a neat feature called Scan-to-Cook. Scan the barcode of a supported microwavable food and the app detects the code and programs the oven appropriately. Reviewers found that the feature worked well, but at the present time the list of scannable foods isn’t that long. You can check out the list for yourself and see if your favorites are compatible with the oven.

Does Whirlpool microwave have a nonstick finish?

A wire rack comes with the oven that makes it possible to reheat two dinner plates at once. Inside, there’s a nonstick finish so you don’t have to work too hard to wipe off splatters. And of course, you’re also getting a vent hood to clear your kitchen of odors from broiling salmon or smoke from searing a steak.

What is a Whirlpool microwave?

The Whirlpool WMH53521H is an over-the-range microwave with a 14-inch turntable that’s large enough to hold a baking dish filled with mac ‘n cheese or apple crisp. If you should find your lasagna is too large to rotate on the turntable, you can turn the turntable off. Reviewers rave about this oven’s fast and even cooking.

Settings on Convection Ovens to Try

Not all convection ovens have the following settings. The newer and more expensive retro ovens often have more presets. Below are settings that show how versatile they can be in your home. They are not all-inclusive.

Convection Microwave Pros & Cons

As with every appliance, convection microwaves have their pros and cons. They are useful devices, but they are not necessarily for every kitchen. Some of their pro's include:

Tips for a Convection Microwave

When using a convection oven, some general tips while playing with any of the settings would include:

How Much can a Convection Microwave Cost?

Depending on the brand, convection microwave ovens can cost under 150 dollars or go for in the hundreds of dollars. This mainly depends on all the functions we discussed earlier above. The more functions and recognized the brand is, the pricier the item is. Depending on how powerful the oven is (see 1100 watt ovens ), it can be more costly as well.

Who Should Buy a Convection Microwave?

Convection microwave ovens are great, but may not be for everyone. Not all people can cook or need another kitchen appliance. You should consider buying a convection microwave if you find that you:

How big is a microwave built in?

The thing to watch with built in microwaves is that the majority are 500mm units that are built up to fit a 600mm carcase. Consequently they look a real mess if you stack them above a normal oven.

Does B&Q have a microwave?

B&Q have a built in microwave/oven which ,a few weeks ago was £70 incl kit for buiding in but I haven`t been in recently.

Do microwaves have built in ovens?

lots of peeps have built in ovens now. (even fridges/freezers). very few have a built in microwave.

Popular flavor combos that you can't even eat without gagging?

It's oranges and chocolate for me. I've tried so many different desserts that feature orange and chocolate flavors that everyone else seems to enjoy, and without fail i gag every time. I love all sorts of chocolate and I love oranges.

A letter to all Supermarket bacon suppliers

A bit of a rant, but is a resealable (or easier to open) bag really that bad of an idea? I already have to carve open the bag like I'm recreating Michelangelo's David. As it stands nothing holds the bacon better than the original packaging, yet the bacon strips are somehow both too long and too short for the average resealable bag sizes.

What's a dish that you KNOW must taste better because you had the best version of it at some point? And now you can never find it or make it just as good?

My husband and I have this running joke about the stories I tell him about the best coffee or chai or samosa back in India. I know what best tastes like but it's been decades and I can never find another. He says I'm imagining it. I'm sure I'm not the only one :)

Tofu Convert - Read if You've Never Cooked It!

This might end up sounding like an advertisement, but I am so excited and want to share with anyone that might be in the same boat I was.

My biggest kitchen regret-The built-in microwave

I chose an expensive built-in microwave (anything over $200 is expensive for a MW IMO) for my kitchen. I haven't even been using it for 2 months and I burned the &^%% out of a bag of popcorn last night. It was awful. I had to open windows, turn on fans to air out the house. The MW was a mess. It smelled so bad.

Comments (28)

Rookie 2010 -- I'm so sorry to hear about your microwave experience. But thanks so much for sharing your experience with the rest of us who are still planning our kitchens. I've been trying to decide if I should spend lots extra for a built-in microwave drawer. They are so sleek and stylish.

Can you leave a microwave on a countertop?

You could get one that goes above your range, but those types don’t have the bandwidth to ventilate as well as typical hoods, so that’s a tough compromise for an everyday cook. There are even built-in oven/microwave options, but that’s assuming you’re not the type to want a stovetop that includes an oven. If you have a big pantry (lucky duck!), you can always tuck the microwave away, but then it’s not super easy to access. It’s all a bit of a Goldilocks situation, you know? Enter: the microwave drawer.

Do microwaves have buttons?

Just like a lot of things in life — like scissors and inky ballpoint pens — traditional microwaves favor right-handed people. The buttons are usually on the right and the door swings out to allow easy access for right-handed people. A microwave drawer has no preference for righties or lefties. It just slides out and is an equal opportunity reheater.

Do microwave drawers have plates?

Microwave drawers don’t have plates (you know, those turntables that always seem to stop spinning eventually). They’re just one big space that you can easily wipe clean — no plates, grooves, or perfect puzzle pieces to worry about! You can also just bend down to clean, versus straining on your tippy toes to reach the very back of a deep, high-up machine.

Can you move hot dishes from a microwave to a countertop?

Moving hot dishes from the microwave to countertop becomes less precarious when you have a drawer-style microwave. 3. They’re childproof. Most microwave drawers have a lockout feature that can require a user to enter a passcode before the door opens.

Is it bad to put a microwave on top of a fridge?

If you’ve ever kept a microwave on top of your fridge (or anywhere high up), you know what I’m talking about here. Reaching up for something hot is a very bad idea — and yet so many people think it’s normal! Moving hot dishes from the microwave to countertop becomes less precarious when you have a drawer-style microwave

Can you put a microwave under a countertop?

Remember all those placement options I talked about earlier? Yeah, none of them are really ideal. By putting a microwave drawer in a kitchen island or under the countertop, you can free up counter space and have the ultimate appliance layout.

image

Microwave Capacity

What About Different Capacities Within The Same Brand?

Microwave Oven Power

What About Different Wattages Within The Same Brand?

Construction Type

Microwave Type

Features

Brand Name

Conclusion

Additional Questions

  • How much does a good microwave cost?
    If you are looking for a good countertop microwave, you can expect to spend between $150 – $200 for a good microwave. A good microwave will have a large cubic footprint, high wattage, and a number of features. However, just because it is expensive, doesn’t make it good. A good micro…
  • What is a good wattage for microwaves?
    microwave wattage ranges from 700 – 1300 watts. In general, the higher the watts the better. Lower wattage microwaves may take long for your food cook, and your food may suffer from poor taste and cold spots.
See more on smallapplianceplanet.com

1.Buying a microwave: Why you should never pay too much …

Url:https://www.reviewed.com/microwaves/features/buying-microwave-why-never-pay-too-much-money

5 hours ago Are more expensive microwaves worth it? Larger, more expensive machines cook faster, while smaller, less expensive options will still get hot enough to heat most things. Like convection ovens , inverter microwaves are a little more expensive but worth the extra money if you tend to cook in your microwave a lot or draw butter or chocolate regularly enough.

2.What’s the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive …

Url:https://smallapplianceplanet.com/whats-the-difference-between-cheap-and-expensive-microwaves/

16 hours ago Depending on the brand, convection microwave ovens can cost under 150 dollars or go for in the hundreds of dollars. This mainly depends on all the functions we discussed earlier above. The more functions and recognized the brand is, the pricier the item is.

3.Are expensive appliances really worth the money?

Url:https://www.reviewed.com/home-outdoors/features/are-expensive-appliances-really-worth-the-money

12 hours ago  · 101 Posts. 16 February 2009 at 3:36PM. The thing to watch with built in microwaves is that the majority are 500mm units that are built up to fit a 600mm carcase. Consequently they look a real mess if you stack them above a normal oven. If you have an IKEA close by then it is worth a weekly visit to their bargain bay.

4.Best microwaves in 2022 | Tom's Guide

Url:https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-microwaves,review-6316.html

26 hours ago Basically I have narrowed it down to two Whirlpool microwaves, one is fairly basic and can be picked up for $150 at Lowes, the other has some slightly beefier specs, a rack, steam cooking, and sensor cooking that can be picked up for $250 at Best Buy. The more expensive one is stainless steel so that is adding to the cost as well.

5.Are Convection Microwaves Worth It? | Should You Get …

Url:https://kitchengearoid.com/microwave-oven/are-convection-microwaves-worth-it/

31 hours ago My biggest kitchen regret-The built-in microwave. rookie_2010. 11 years ago. I chose an expensive built-in microwave (anything over $200 is expensive for a MW IMO) for my kitchen. I haven't even been using it for 2 months and I burned the …

6.Why Are Built in Microwaves So Expensive?

Url:https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1493041/why-are-built-in-microwaves-so-expensive

10 hours ago  · Reaching up for something hot is a very bad idea — and yet so many people think it’s normal! Moving hot dishes from the microwave to countertop becomes less precarious when you have a drawer-style microwave. 3. They’re childproof. Most microwave drawers have a lockout feature that can require a user to enter a passcode before the door opens.

7.I need to purchase a new microwave; Is it worth the extra …

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/Cooking/comments/1rkvaj/i_need_to_purchase_a_new_microwave_is_it_worth/

35 hours ago

8.My biggest kitchen regret-The built-in microwave - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2699763/my-biggest-kitchen-regret-the-built-in-microwave

4 hours ago

9.Are Microwave Drawers Worth the Extra Expense? - Kitchn

Url:https://www.thekitchn.com/are-microwave-drawers-worth-the-extra-expense-242287

26 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9