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Microwave ovens are basically two types: over the range and counter type. Always look for a unit with a turntable a turntable basically allows the microwaves to more evenly penetrate the food and heat it more uniformly. Some units allow one to turn of the turntable which can be a handy feature if you need to use a square or rectangular dish. Wattage is important as the higher the wattage the faster the reheat times, however a small oven with a proportionately lower wattage will heat at the same rate as the larger unit of higher wattage. One of the features available is the sensor reheat function. The sensor basically helps take the guesswork out of reheating food. It is a handy feature. Convection/microwave units are common. People often ask why buy a combo unit when they have full size oven. the main reason is for cooking and baking an item that heating a full size oven is not energy efficient.
Panasonic came out with Inverter Technology a few years ago. It was I would say the most significant advance in years. Previously lower power levels simply operated the oven emitter intermittently ie. a power level of 2 would operate the emitter 20% of the time at full power. Panasonic’s Inverter technology changed that. The Inverter equipped microwave operates 100% of the but at lower output wattages ie. a power level of 2 runs at 20% power 100% of the time. The result is more even cooking and reheating. Inverter technology also helps prevent items from overcooking on the edges while the center is still cold. I am sure other manufacturers will come out with their own version or perhaps Panasonic will license them to use Inverter Technology.
Over the Range Microwave Ovens
The over the range (OTR) type have a built-in ventilation fan. OTR’s are a standard 30” width. The power wattage ranges from 800-1100 watts. Most of the blowers for the ventilation system are rated at 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) Though a few from Whirlpool and Kitchen Aid are 170 CFM. The blowers are able to be flipped for either vertical or rear ducting. It is important that the top edge of the unit is between 30”-33” from the top of the cooking surface. Any lower and you risk damage to the unit as well as the unit will be to low to pass most building codes, which means ripping out the unit and cabinet above and adjusting it to meet code. OTR’s require a cabinet above to mount them to. A plate mounts to the wall and then the unit pivots on bottom edge of the plate and mounts to the upper cabinet.
OTR’s have some advantages. The units often have one or more shelves allowing you to heat more than one dish at a time as well as use both square and rectangular dishes. The units get the microwave oven off the counter and giving the kitchen more usable countertop workspace. They integrate the fan and microwave into one space saving unit. The disadvantages are the fact that the microwave oven and ventilation fan are integrated which means that when one part goes on the fritz it may mean replacing the unit even though one part is in good working order. Another disadvantage is the height which means a shorter person and children may have to stretch to reach items in the microwave oven which may result in spilling hot substances on themselves causing burns and other injuries. Taller people will find the lover edge will obscure the cooking surface at the back. It may also make using large stock pots on the back burners impossible. Fan units have a maximum of 300 CFM which limits the ventilation to the lower end of the ventilation spectrum. Not all OTR’s are approved for over gas ranges so be sure to check with your salesperson.
Countertop Microwave Ovens
Counter top microwaves come in many sizes and wattage outputs. Many microwaves have a trim kit available to allow for one to mount the unit into the wall and give it the built in look. The advantage of building the microwave into the wall is it frees up counter workspace. The disadvantage of building the microwave into the wall is that it may not be possible to find a replacement that will fit in the exact opening should the microwave oven need to be replaced. Watch out for the depth of the units as that is the biggest mistake made by consumers many deep units are not able to be place on an microwave shelf.
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