Whether it’s defrosting, heating, baking, or even cooking, a microwave is an essential kitchen appliance that most of us are unable to do without. According to a census conducted by Energy Information Administration (EIA), a whopping 96 percent of American homes have microwaves. Now that’s huge number, isn’t it?
However, one thing that’s important for you to know is that not every American home has the same kind of microwave. While countertop microwaves were yesteryears trend, today technology has brought about a gamut of innovation in the microwave arena.Due to technological advancements, today, apart from counter top microwaves there is a range of other microwaves that exist in the market. A few of these are-Over range microwaves, Built-in microwaves and Drawer style microwaves.To make the best of it, selecting a microwave that specifically suits your needs and fits your budget would be a good idea.
Here are few key features of the different microwaves available today that you must know about:
The lowest in the price bracket, these microwaves can range anywhere from USD 70 to USD 650, depending on the size. However, the only con to this model is that it ends up taking too much of your kitchen counter space.
Very often referred to as OTRs, over range microwaves are generally installed above your cooktop. And owing to its hood ventilation, it hits two birds with one stone, i.e., it acts as a microwave as well as vents out smoke, steam, and odor from your kitchen. The over range microwaves are great space savers, which is a blessing for the compact kitchens. The price of over range microwaves may vary anywhere from USD 170 to USD 1,300.
A built-in microwave fits into your kitchen cabinets and comes with a drop-down door, like a conventional oven. This is another great option in case space is a constraint in your kitchen. The price of these microwaves start from about USD 350 and go up to USD 1,500.
These microwaves are installed below a countertop or a wall oven and slide out like a drawer, which is why the name. They also come with a child lock feature, that’ll make sure the kids can’t mess around with this one. Drawer style microwaves range anywhere from USD 700 to USD 2,000.
To make your microwave experience even more user-friendly, a few features to look for while investing in one are:
Be it over range microwaves, countertop microwaves, or drawer style ones; a turntable is an essential feature you need to look for. Therefore, make sure the microwave you’re buying has an apt enough turntable size to ensure that your food is heated evenly.
A microwave with a rack ensures that you have access to more than one layer, thus enabling you to cook multiple things at the same time and saving you some more time than it already does.
While most microwaves generally come endowed with a heating feature, do make sure the microwave you invest in has a convection, cooking as well as grilling feature, so that you can do a lot more with this appliance.
Any parent would vouch for the importance of this. A child lock feature ensures that your child won’t be able to do much with the microwave once the lock is active.
This feature makes life a whole lot easier. With keys ranging from time extension to defrosting to auto-cooking, all you need to do is just press a few smart keys, and you’re good to go. Most microwaves also come with shortcut keys that make cooking foods like popcorn, steamed vegetables, bakes, etc. easier.
So, what is your favorite microwave among the above listed?
Ever wondered what you would do without your cell phone? Or how you will reach work on time without your car or the public transport? Well, almost everything you see around you and every piece of machinery which has played a major role in making your life simpler and easier is the outcome of progress in the field of technology.
With changing times and varying demands, some of these technological innovations that were earlier considered a luxury, have now become a necessity. This is applicable to the air conditioners as well. Air conditioners were once considered to be a luxury, but the fact that the weather has started getting warmer and warmer each year, air conditioners have become quite necessary. Even schools and workplaces have acknowledged the fact that they cannot function without air conditioners since smoldering heat can leave everyone distressed.
There are various things to be considered when one sets out to buy an air conditioner. For instance, you have to determine how much should be the air conditioner’s capacity, the price, the air quality, the type of air conditioner, and lastly, the after-purchase services offered by the company. After coming to a conclusion about which air conditioner will meet your demands, you need to figure out where to buy it from.
Air conditioners can be bought from stores or even online. Online shopping has become a rage since all you have to do is select the item you wish to purchase and add it to the cart, pay for it online, and it will be delivered to your doorstep within the given date.
Here are some amazing online stores where you can order your air conditioners from.
Wall ovens are one the great cooking appliances that every individual should have in their kitchen. From cooking meats to baking cakes, you can carry out most functions with wall ovens very effortlessly.
Wall ovens are a great alternative to standard all-in-one ranges of ovens, especially if you have the budget and the kitchen space that can accommodate the same. These types of oven are placed high on the wall and do not occupy too much of space on the surface of the kitchen floor. Unlike with other ovens, you do not have to bend over during cooking. Movement of heavy food items is much more convenient with wall ovens.
A wall oven is a big investment and you should make certain considerations when choosing one. There are many factors that will determine the final purchase and here are a few:
Cost or price-range: It comes as no surprise, wall ovens do come at an exorbitant price. You can not expect to find a very cheap option as the appliance is a heavy commodity. Wall ovens are available in a range that is anywhere between $500 to $4000 depending on the brand and the features that it packs. The models that are available in the below $1000 bracket are entry-level single wall ovens that do not come with extra features. The cost of the appliance will determine the kind of quality and features it packs.
Fuel: Wall ovens are either powered by gas or electricity. However, it is the electric wall ovens that have taken over the gas-fuel variants. While gas ovens are still popular among cooking-enthusiasts, they are much more expensive and come at a higher maintenance cost. Electric wall ovens come in a broader range and more function controls.
Size: Wall ovens are available in different inch sizes. The size you decide upon should abide by the kitchen space or slot that you have available. Usually, wall ovens are available in standard sizes that range from 24-inches, 27-inches and 3–inches. However, the size does vary from brand to brand, and it is advisable to stay loyal to a brand if you are considering a change in the model a few years down the line.
Controls: Today, most wall ovens in the market come with controls that let one set the time and carry out cooking functions with much ease. The settings that come with this appliance vary from model to model. Electronic displays are the most common control panels, and they make user-experience extremely great. Wall ovens with a good control panel will cost a price above $1000.
Convection: Convection is a system that uses an internal fan which efficiently circulates the hot air through the oven compartment. The circulation of hot air in the oven compartment is believed to allow better cooking due to evenly distributed heat. This also consumes less time for cooking. Wall ovens with convection do cost a higher amount, and you have to decide if you wish to spend the additional premium. In case of high-end models, they are fitted with ‘true convection,’ this is an additional heating element that surrounds the fan.
Cleaning-system: Wall ovens are left with a lot of after-cooking mess that has to be cleaned regularly to avoid damage to the appliance. There are self-cleaning wall ovens that allow for the bottom to be cleaned. You can also consider manual-clean wall ovens if they suit your liking.
Considering the above factors very carefully will help you make the right choice. After all, a wall oven will stay with you at least for a few years.