If you have only used your microwave over for warming and defrosting, then it is time that you take a look at what is now available in microwave ovens.
Many early microwaves just were not suitable for cooking much. They were great for reheating a meal that had gotten cold or for defrosting meat that had been left in the freezer. They might even work to cook a hot dog or popcorn, but put a piece of meat in one and try to cook it. The result was usually disgusting. You ended up with gray beef that was tough and tasteless.
Today, if you walk down the aisle where microwaves are located, you will find that they have much more to offer. Today's microwave can cook an entire meal. The meats can be crispy and browned on the outside while moist and tender on the inside. Vegetables can be steamed to perfection and desert can have a nice crispy crust.
Microwaves featuring all these options will cost about one hundred dollars above the cost of the simpler models. If you pay this initial cost, you will regain it quickly in the savings it brings on your power bill. That range in the kitchen is a power hog. Microwaves use much less energy to do the same job in less time.
If you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, you will want to get a counter top model. They cost less and are more convenient than the models that are mounted above the range and attached to the cupboards. Additionally, countertop models offer several more options.
If your kitchen is small, then opt for the over the stove model. They may require professional installation and are somewhat more expensive initially, they do free up counter space. Additionally, many models also offer a vent hood over the range to keep the kitchen free of cooking odors and smoke.
One of the new features is the option of a convection oven with the microwave. Convection cooking is faster than a traditional oven and gives food a crispy crust. It is a great option for baked goods and for roasting meats. Other microwaves incorporate quartz or halogen lights to make browning of foods easier.
Some new microwaves offer sensor cooking. The feature tests for infrared heat or steam from the food being cooked. When the food is done, the microwave automatically shuts off. No more guessing at the number of minutes to cook an item of food.
So, if you think that all a microwave is good for is defrosting and reheating, take some time to walk down the microwave aisle and see what is offered in the newest microwave ovens. - 30289
Many early microwaves just were not suitable for cooking much. They were great for reheating a meal that had gotten cold or for defrosting meat that had been left in the freezer. They might even work to cook a hot dog or popcorn, but put a piece of meat in one and try to cook it. The result was usually disgusting. You ended up with gray beef that was tough and tasteless.
Today, if you walk down the aisle where microwaves are located, you will find that they have much more to offer. Today's microwave can cook an entire meal. The meats can be crispy and browned on the outside while moist and tender on the inside. Vegetables can be steamed to perfection and desert can have a nice crispy crust.
Microwaves featuring all these options will cost about one hundred dollars above the cost of the simpler models. If you pay this initial cost, you will regain it quickly in the savings it brings on your power bill. That range in the kitchen is a power hog. Microwaves use much less energy to do the same job in less time.
If you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, you will want to get a counter top model. They cost less and are more convenient than the models that are mounted above the range and attached to the cupboards. Additionally, countertop models offer several more options.
If your kitchen is small, then opt for the over the stove model. They may require professional installation and are somewhat more expensive initially, they do free up counter space. Additionally, many models also offer a vent hood over the range to keep the kitchen free of cooking odors and smoke.
One of the new features is the option of a convection oven with the microwave. Convection cooking is faster than a traditional oven and gives food a crispy crust. It is a great option for baked goods and for roasting meats. Other microwaves incorporate quartz or halogen lights to make browning of foods easier.
Some new microwaves offer sensor cooking. The feature tests for infrared heat or steam from the food being cooked. When the food is done, the microwave automatically shuts off. No more guessing at the number of minutes to cook an item of food.
So, if you think that all a microwave is good for is defrosting and reheating, take some time to walk down the microwave aisle and see what is offered in the newest microwave ovens. - 30289
About the Author:
Reese Cook likes to write microwave oven review and articles about how to choose the best microwave oven. Her microwave website is very helpful.
