Top Under-Cabinet Microwave Features
Under-cabinet microwaves are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient and space-saving solution for kitchens. But with so many models on the market, it can be difficult to know which features are essential and which are just bells and whistles. Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after features in under-cabinet microwaves.
Power Output
The power output of a microwave determines how quickly it can heat food. Microwaves with higher power outputs are generally faster and more efficient, but they can also be more expensive. Most under-cabinet microwaves have a power output between 700 and 1,000 watts. A power output of 700 watts is sufficient for most household needs, but if you often cook large meals or need to heat food quickly, a model with a higher power output may be a better choice.
Capacity
The capacity of a microwave refers to the amount of food it can hold. Under-cabinet microwaves typically have a capacity of 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet. If you have a large family or frequently cook for guests, a model with a larger capacity may be a better choice. However, if you only cook for yourself or a small family, a smaller model will be more than adequate.
Heating Modes
Under-cabinet microwaves offer a variety of heating modes, including:
- Microwave: The standard heating mode that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat food. It’s the most common mode and is ideal for quickly heating up leftovers, beverages, and other simple meals.
- Convection: Uses a fan to circulate hot air, which helps to cook food more evenly. This mode is ideal for baking, roasting, and other cooking methods that require even heat distribution.
- Grill: Uses a heating element to brown and crisp food. This mode is ideal for grilling sandwiches, burgers, and other foods that require a crispy exterior.
- Sensor Heating: Uses a sensor to detect the moisture level in food and automatically adjusts the cooking time. This mode is ideal for reheating food because it prevents overcooking.
The specific heating modes available will vary depending on the model, but the most common are microwave, convection, and sensor heating. Some models may also include additional features such as a grill or a combination of heating modes.
Auto-Defrost, Best under cabinet microwave 2018
Auto-defrost is a feature that automatically calculates the defrost time for different types of food. This can save you time and prevent over-defrosting. To use the auto-defrost function, you simply select the type of food you are defrosting and the weight. The microwave will then automatically calculate the defrost time.
Keep-Warm Function
The keep-warm function keeps food at a safe temperature for up to two hours. This is a great feature for keeping meals warm until everyone is ready to eat or for keeping leftovers warm until you’re ready to eat them.
Child Safety Locks
Child safety locks prevent children from accidentally using the microwave. These locks typically require a combination of buttons to be pressed to disable them. This is an important safety feature for families with young children.
Popular Under-Cabinet Microwave Brands: Best Under Cabinet Microwave 2018
Choosing the right under-cabinet microwave can be a daunting task, with so many brands and models vying for your attention. To help you navigate this crowded marketplace, we’ll delve into the world of popular brands known for their quality and performance in under-cabinet microwaves.
Sharp
Sharp is a renowned name in the electronics industry, and their under-cabinet microwaves are no exception. Sharp models are known for their sleek design, intuitive controls, and reliable performance. They offer a range of features, including sensor cooking, auto-defrost, and even a built-in turntable.
Sharp’s Strengths
- Design and Features: Sharp under-cabinet microwaves boast sleek designs that seamlessly blend into any kitchen décor. They often feature innovative features like sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels for optimal results.
- Reliability: Sharp has a solid reputation for producing reliable appliances, and their under-cabinet microwaves are no exception. They’re known for their durability and long lifespan.
- Price: Sharp under-cabinet microwaves offer a good balance of features and affordability, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Sharp’s Considerations
- Power: Some Sharp models may have lower wattage compared to other brands, which could result in slightly longer cooking times.
- Customer Support: While Sharp’s products are generally reliable, some users have reported challenges with customer support.
Panasonic
Panasonic is another trusted name in the appliance world, offering a variety of under-cabinet microwave options. Their models are known for their user-friendly controls, powerful performance, and advanced features.
Panasonic’s Strengths
- Performance: Panasonic under-cabinet microwaves are known for their powerful performance, delivering consistent results for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Features: They often come equipped with advanced features like inverter technology, which provides precise temperature control for even cooking.
- Customer Reviews: Panasonic under-cabinet microwaves consistently receive positive customer reviews, praising their performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Panasonic’s Considerations
- Price: Panasonic under-cabinet microwaves tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum compared to some other brands.
- Design: While Panasonic models are functional, some users might find their designs less stylish compared to other brands.
LG
LG is a global leader in electronics, and their under-cabinet microwaves are designed with both functionality and style in mind. They offer a range of models with features like smart connectivity, advanced cooking modes, and sleek designs.
LG’s Strengths
- Smart Features: LG under-cabinet microwaves often integrate with smart home systems, allowing you to control them remotely via your smartphone or voice assistant.
- Design: LG models are known for their stylish designs, which complement a variety of kitchen aesthetics.
- Customer Service: LG has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and support.
LG’s Considerations
- Price: LG under-cabinet microwaves can be relatively expensive, especially for models with advanced smart features.
- Reliability: While LG is generally known for its reliability, some users have reported occasional issues with their under-cabinet microwaves.
Samsung
Samsung is a leading name in electronics, known for its innovative technology and stylish designs. Their under-cabinet microwaves offer a blend of performance, features, and aesthetics.
Samsung’s Strengths
- Design and Features: Samsung under-cabinet microwaves are often praised for their sleek designs and advanced features, such as sensor cooking, auto-defrost, and even a built-in grill.
- Performance: Samsung models are known for their powerful performance, delivering consistent results for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Smart Connectivity: Some Samsung models offer smart connectivity, allowing you to control them remotely via your smartphone or voice assistant.
Samsung’s Considerations
- Price: Samsung under-cabinet microwaves can be on the higher end of the price spectrum, especially for models with advanced features.
- Customer Support: While Samsung generally offers good customer support, some users have reported issues with responsiveness.
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