size
Chances are, you will start a microwave hunt by thinking about the size that suits you. A 2.2 cubic foot, 1,250 watt microwave isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone.
strength
If you are in a tight space or are limited to wattage (my college dormitory blocked us at 900 watts), then you’d better look for a compact model (less than 1,000 watts). You also need to consider whether you want to check out an over-the-top microwave, countertop microwave or inverter microwave.
Settings and functions
Once you have settled in size and power, consider which features mean the most to you. If you’ve never had popcorn and instead have a lot of leftover pizza, make sure the model you choose has a veneer option. Microwave comes with dozens of features, power settings, and preset cooking programs, but you may not find yourself using as many of them except for some (such as defrost or warmth).
Galanz makes an affordable microwave with a hint of retro charm.
Color and design
Shrink it to the correct size, power level and feature set, and all that’s left is to choose the color. Some models we’ve tested have multiple finishes, so if your microwave is part of the kitchen landscape, you should be able to find the right shade.
Last tip: Don’t throw the manual as soon as possible after opening the box. Your microwave oven owner’s manual is Great Use exactly the resources of each cooking mode. What each manufacturer seems to do is a little different, and there are time guides and helpful explanations in every manual encountered during the testing process.
