The modern kitchen holds a variety of powerful cooking appliances, helping you produce restaurant-quality dishes from the comfort of your own home. But large appliances, like a cooktop or wall oven, are not ideal for fast and efficient cooking. When exceptional speed and heat are your requirements, you should turn to a microwave.
A kitchen microwave is a staple in every home, but with so many unique designs available, it can be challenging to find the precise unit for your cooking space. To help in your search, we’ve compiled information on the most common types of microwaves on the market today.
Countertop Microwaves
For a traditional microwave with classic features, consider a countertop microwave.
These units are probably the most common types of microwaves available, designed to sit atop your kitchen counter and plug into a nearby electrical outlet for easy use. Countertop microwaves offer the basic heating cycles your kitchen needs, and are ideal for simple cooking spaces. The freestanding design of a countertop microwave offers the versatility required for many homes, allowing you to conveniently move your unit whenever needed. Best of all, these microwaves can typically be found at affordable prices, providing convenient heating and cooking at a great value.
Countertop units are a great choice for many homes, but tend to offer fewer cooking and heating options than their more advanced counterparts. If you’re looking for basic features at an affordable price, this is the ideal option.
Built-in Microwaves
If style and luxury are your primary concerns, you may want to invest in a built-in microwave.
Unlike freestanding countertop models, built-in microwaves are fully integrated into the design of your kitchen. These units can be installed within walls or kitchen cabinets, maximizing counter space for cooking. Built-in microwaves are generally larger than countertop units, providing more room for larger dishes. These designs are often installed alongside a wall oven, designating a centralized location for two of your most frequently used kitchen appliances.
Built-in microwaves are premium appliances, offering the added space, style, and features you’d naturally expect from such a product. But added luxury comes at a higher cost, and a built-in microwave may not be the best choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Over-the-Counter Microwaves
Looking for an affordable unit that will help save space in your kitchen? You should consider an over-the-counter microwave.
These appliances are installed above your kitchen counters, built-in to your cabinets for a seamless feel. The built-in design is ideal for more stylish kitchens, reducing clutter within your cooking space. Many of these units feature more advanced features than traditional countertop models, providing added cooking capabilities to your home. Best of all, many of these units can be found at a lower price than a premium built-in microwave. For a great combination of value and features, you’ll want to look into over-the-counter units.
Over-the-Range Microwaves
Today’s kitchens require a number of powerful appliances for peak operation, but finding the space for all those kitchen products can be a challenge. An over-the-range microwave is guaranteed to help you save space by combining the features of two required appliances in one unit.
This type of microwave is installed above your cooktop or cooking range, built-in to your kitchen cabinets much like an over-the-counter model. The greatest benefit of an over-the-range microwave is its added ventilation features. The bottom of the microwave features a fan and filter system much like a range hood, removing smoke, steam, and other airborne pollutants from your kitchen while in operation.
An over-the-range microwave provides all the advantages of an over-the-counter model with the additional benefits of a range hood, making it a great choice for the contemporary kitchen.
These units can come at a relatively high price, but with so many choices available on the market, you’ll be sure to find an appliance that meets your budget requirements.
Microwave Drawers
Most built-in microwaves are installed above your kitchen counters or within a wall, and if you’re looking for something a bit different, consider a microwave drawer.
Microwave drawers are built-in units installed under the countertop. This type of microwave is easier to use than an over-the-counter or over-the-range unit, as you won’t have to reach up to your cabinets in order to access the appliance. Most microwave drawers do not feature the rotating plate seen in a traditional unit, and instead feature a smooth surface where you place dishes for heating. As a result, these appliances can be cleaned very easily.
A microwave drawer is an ideal addition to a luxury kitchen, as it provides a truly unique design that brings a “wow” factor to your home. These units offer premium style and features that are sure to meet your needs while impressing friends, family, and other guests.
Powerful Microwaves For Every Type of Kitchen
No contemporary kitchen is complete without the fast and convenient cooking that a microwave provides. There may be many different appliances available today, but with some knowledge on the most common types of microwaves, you’ll be perfectly prepared to choose a great unit for your home.
Ready to discover the microwave of your dreams? Explore a wide selection of options with this online collection of microwaves. For additional assistance in your search, be sure to contact a home appliance professional.