SPECIAL SECTION // FOR YOUR HOME
COURTESY OF GALANZ
(Micro) wave of the future
Sorting through the basics to pick the best microwave for your needs
by MICHELE WOJCIECHOWSKI
Microwaves are no longer the huge monsters of yesteryear, but are now space-saving appliances that have expanded in use.
"Microwaves have gotten small [externally], while the internal cavity has gotten bigger," says Costco member Richard Demert, senior director, product development and quality, at Galanz Americas, a Costco microwave supplier.
Types and size
Costco member Michelle Esgar, director of marketing and experience at Panasonic Consumer Electronics, a Costco supplier, explains that there are three choices in microwave ovens: countertop, built-in or over-the-range. Your choice will depend on the layout of your kitchen.
"If you have plenty of [counter] space available, think about [overall] capacity," Esgar says. "A large, 2.2-cubic-foot family-size microwave can actually fit an entire 9-by-13-inch casserole or lasagna dish, which means you can cook, defrost or reheat dinner for your whole family in minutes."
If you're buying a microwave for a dorm, Demert says, it's important to know the space available and the individual school's regulations, since many have a wattage limit students need to stay within.
"Microwave ovens come as small as 0.7 cubic feet to as large as 2.2 cubic feet. The smallest sizes are typically basic, with just microwave technology," he says.
Functionality
Multifunction microwaves can air-fry, broil and bake, as well as reheat. Panasonic's microwave ovens with Inverter technology "help cut down the clutter on your countertop, while also enabling you to use combination cooking," says Esgar. This technology also provides a constant even level of lower heat for melting butter, keeping soup warm and defrosting meat.
"The Galanz SpeedWave [with air fryer and baking] functions can come in very handy during big meal prep, allowing you to cook a side while your main oven is occupied," Demert notes.