Not sure which microwave is right for you? We'll help you navigate the world of food-nukers.

The Wattage
You need the power of at least 700 watts to cook food evenly. Buying an oven with less wattage would be like trying to roast a marshmallow with a match. Luckily, a 700-watt microwave doesn’t cost more than a lower-wattage one and isn't necessarily bigger, either.

The Power
Look for a microwave with at least three power levels. All ovens cook at 100 percent power. But to defrost, you only need a 30 percent power level and to simmer foods, you’ll use about 50 percent.

The Placement
Countertop microwave models are the most popular because you can plug them in anywhere and start zapping. On the other hand, built-in microwaves are usually more powerful and save valuable counter space. While these models seem convenient; however, make sure they’re not installed so high up that adding ingredients or stirring involves standing on a chair.

The Spin Cycle
Sure, your food looks mesmerizing when it’s slowly spinning around. But a turntable actually limits the size of dishes you can use in your microwave.

The Rack
Some ovens come with a rack. But will you really use it? Nope. Depending on their moisture content, a microwave heats some foods faster than others. So cooking foods separately is actually easier.

The Controls
A touch panel is not only easier to operate and to read than a dial, it’s also more exact. Remember, the easier a microwave is to operate, the handier you'll find it.

The Bells and Whistles
You’ll be amazed at the fancy features today’s microwaves have. Sensor cooking measures the humidity in the oven from a food’s moisture. Preprogrammed cooking allows you to pop in a dish, tell the oven what you’re cooking, and walk away until it’s done. Combination microwave/convection ovens even let you brown and crisp food.

-- Mararget Winslow

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