Have you ever wondered what the real differences are between a cheap $30 microwave and one priced over $100? Actually, there can be quite a noticeable difference. However, a consumer should not rely solely on price to determine the quality of a microwave. Instead, features must be considered. When shopping for a microwave oven, the possibilities for different functions range from the mundanely basic to state-of-the-art options.

It is well known that the main purpose of a microwave oven is to cook food more quickly and comfortably than with a conventional oven. When buying a microwave oven, one of the first things to consider is power. The power of a microwave can range from as low as 600 watts to more than 1,200 watts. However, it’s important to remember that most microwaveable recipes and foods require at least 800 watts to be effective, so spending the extra money for more power is usually a good idea. In addition, space is another key component to consider when choosing between a cheap or more expensive microwave. These days, microwaves come in all shapes and sizes, they can be small enough to fit in even the smallest corner or large enough to fit conveniently on top of a countertop or stove. Although smaller microwaves tend to be less expensive, will they be able to fit what you want to cook? Many small microwaves can accommodate a universal cooking plate, but anything larger, like a saucepan, would require a microwave at least 2 cubic feet in size.

In addition to the basics of power and size, another area to consider is additional features. Microwaves that are slightly more expensive tend to have more options than their cheaper counterparts. For example, the convection function is highly sought after by many consumers these days. Convection microwave ovens can broil and toast foods without getting soggy. A microwave with the convection feature can cook anything from pizza to cookies. Some other worthwhile features on more expensive models include the use of turntables, timers, and preset buttons to cook things like popcorn, potatoes, or auto defrost. Some microwave ovens even have special sensors built in that turn off the microwave when food appears to be cooked.

As a consumer, it is important to be aware of some of the different features available on microwave ovens so that you can make an educated and informed decision. A good microwave should offer the features you need at the lowest cost.