Panasonic 0.8-Cubic-Foot Microwave

by Reese on August 16, 2010

A cute little microwave for basic microwaving, the Panasonic 0.8-Cubic-Foot Microwave is just right for college students or a bachelor staying alone.

Panasonic 0.8-Cubic-Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel

Everything is simple and easy with this microwave oven. It can fit a full size plate comfortably, perfect for reheating leftovers, and cooks food with a cook button too.

There are no fancy functions with this microwave, except for a popcorn key. And when the food is done, it beeps five times to tell you that. Extra functions meant that you have to pay for them, so if you don’t need them, this is the microwave oven to get.

Panasonic 0.8-Cubic-Foot Microwave uses a pop out dial for the timer instead of keypad, which can be a good and a bad. Generally dials last longer than keypads, but you’ll have to look at the display to check how much time you’ve turned on the dial. If the LCD screen fails one day, it’ll all be guesswork.

This is what an Amazon reviewer has to say about the dial:

“the dial on this machine feels like the volume control on a fine stereo system. It’s heavy and smooth, with satisfying, almost subliminal haptic ticks. No cheap plastic egg-timer hand feel” - Christina Allen

Speaking of the LCD display, quite a few users said that it is difficult to read the display at most angles except looking straight at it, making it a pain to use if it is sitting on the countertop because you’ll have to bend down. Some of them recommend placing this microwave at eye level, but there is also one user who claims that she didn’t have any problem reading the display at any angle.

Panasonic 0.8-Cubic-Foot Microwave is a sweet and affordable microwave oven. Click the link to see the best price.

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KitchenAid Architect Series II KHMS2050SSS 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

by Reese on August 14, 2010

The KitchenAid brand rarely disappoints, and it seems to do well in microwave ovens with this model – KitchenAid Architect Series II KHMS2050SSS.

KitchenAid Architect Series II KHMS2050SSS 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven - Stainless St

At the first impression, this microwave is large. The front part is not flat like other microwaves, but bulges a bit. It still looks elegant and professional in the kitchen. But make sure you have a big kitchen so that it doesn’t fill up all the available space.

The best thing about the KitchenAid Architect Series II KHMS2050SSS is that it is very versatile. It can be substituted for a regular oven because you can cook, grill and bake with this microwave, besides microwaving, of course.

Whole Lot of Functions
There are many preset cook cycles to choose from, and the 1200 watt power is good enough for it’s size. There is sensor cooking so you don’t even have to know how much power to preset, but you can do it manually as well.

It does a good job at defrosting, and it also has the keep warm and soften setting. The reheat is really good, no more burnt food which are cold in the middle.

I must say that it doesn’t really do a good job with baking – it’s slower, but if you don’t bake that often and don’t have a convection toaster oven, this will satisfy you.

All the controls are on a touch screen and the display is large enough. I really don’t like those microwaves that have a tiny display, because you really need the display to tell you what program you’ve entered and how much time is set!

A reviewer advised that anyone buying the KitchenAid Architect Series II KHMS2050SSS 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven should purchase an extended warranty to the one year warranty it has, because this microwave oven is so computerized.

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Sharp R-410LW Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven

by Reese on August 13, 2010

The Sharp R-410LW Carousel is a medium family size microwave oven. This microwave seems to cook slightly faster than the older Sharp models that are also 1100W.

Sharp R-410LW Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven, White

It is very attractive, in white color, which might yellow over time (who knows) but is at least better than getting smudgy fingerprints all over with stainless steel. A couple of reviewers said that they received a black model despite ordering for a white one, but was satisfied with it so didn’t send it back.

Lots of functions
The preset function buttons are reliable enough. For those who can’t avoid burning a few kernels of popcorn every time, the automatic popcorn function is very useful to get a perfect bag of popcorn, every kernel popped, none burnt. There’s an ice cream softener too, for the hard rock ice cream.

The Sharp R-410LW Carousel does not have sensor cook though, a feature that would’ve been very useful for foolproof cooking.

Sharp seems to be making moderately reliable microwaves if compared to overall. No microwave in the market right now has been acclaimed for its durability or reliability yet, and even the top picks in leading consumer review sites have very terrible reviews to their names.

But this microwave does have a few drawbacks. The door closes very noisily, “like a ball bat against a garbage can”, as one reviewer puts it graphically. If you hold down the button when closing it, the noise will be reduced.

The control buttons are arranged well, not too confusing, but could be slightly larger. The microwave feels hotter too.

The Sharp R-410LW Carousel 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave Oven is not expensive, but the best deal you can get is at Amazon. Click over to read the user reviews there.

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Best Budget Over-the-Range Microwave – Sharp 950-Watt 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Over-the-Range Microwave

by Reese on August 12, 2010

It’s hard to find any other satisfying over the range microwave at this price. Sharp 950-Watt 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Over-the-Range Microwave is a great bargain!

Sharp 950-Watt 1.4-Cubic-Foot Over-the-Range Microwaves

This microwave is pretty basic, it has all the basic functions a normal middle range counter top microwave has, which are – defrosting, reheating and cooking. It’s designed for those people who want to save precious counter top space by mounting up the microwave but don’t want to spend the price of a standard over the range microwave oven.

Sharp 950-Watt 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Over-the-Range Microwave is not any lighter than other over the range microwaves, needs two people to install (unless you’re very strong), and looks quite nice with the streamlined design. Only the door seems a bit light, so be gentle when closing it.

If you’re concerned that 950 watt just doesn’t seem enough, remember that those microwave ovens that have 1100 watt or 1200 watt are bigger (usually 2 cubic ft) while this one is only 1.4 cubic ft. So it cooks just as fast, only less at one time.

For such a budget price, it came with the range light bulbs installed, a powerful vent, and easy controls. It works great with popcorn too. Can’t really complain that there is only one setting for the exhaust fan, and that it can be rather loud for quiet homes. They could’ve thrown in the filter as well though, but that can be bought for a few dollars.

For an over the range microwave that costs less than $300, it’s better to get the Sharp 950-Watt 1-2/5-Cubic-Foot Over-the-Range Microwaves than any other cheap brands. And if you’re lucky enough to chance upon a coupon or free shipping with Amazon, this is a steal!

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Best Over the Range Microwave – LG Over The Range Microwaves

by Reese on August 11, 2010

The LG Over The Range Microwaves, 1.6 cubic ft. and 2.0 cubic ft., are the best over the range microwaves I’ve seen yet. I prefer the 2.0 cubic ft., it has more room for cooking and a few more features.

LG Over The Range Microwaves

This model is really big. You’ll need two strong guys to install it. But it is very easy to install and looks attractive over the stove.

LG Over The Range Microwave has all the advanced features you’ll ever need, designed to suit those who not only cook and reheat in the microwave, but also use the microwave for many other purposes.

There are sensor cooking and sensor reheat features with this microwave, which will shut off automatically when the food is done, and you can preset the keep warm function to follow the cooking or reheat function too, in case you don’t get back in time.

The defrost function has three settings to it, for chicken, vegetables or beef. There’s also a soften button for softening butter, cheese, ice cream and so on. Now you can start baking on the spur of the moment without having to let the butter soften on the counter.

The 2.0 cubic ft. model has a shelf for you to cook more items at the same time. Perfect when used together with sensor cooking or sensor reheating, and cut meal preparation time into half.

If there’s anything to grumble over this microwave oven, it’s the noise. It isn’t very loud but it is louder than most microwaves. The door shuts noisily but if you are gentler, it is quieter.

You don’t get many reviews out there for over the range microwave ovens, but the LG Over The Range Microwaves has got quite a lot compared to others. Although it is not best rated by consumer sites, more users have given this a high rating at Amazon.

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Panasonic NN-SD997S Prestige 2.2 Cu-Foot 1250 Watt Microwave

by Reese on August 10, 2010

The Panasonic NN-SD997S Prestige is a well-built microwave oven with good, solid parts.

Panasonic NN-SD997S Prestige 2.2 Cu-Foot 1250 Watt Microwave, Stainless Steel

Large and powerful
Panasonic NN-SD997S Prestige is large. It has roomy interior for cooking a lot at once. It can even fit a cookie sheet, so the baking mums will find this great as a dough rising chamber.

And because it is large, it must have the power to cook large items. Enough heat goes into big cuts of meat or casserole dish. The 1250W power also means that it cooks really fast!

“This microwave cooks evenly and REALLY, REALLY fast! …Most recommended times assume an 1,100 watt microwave, so you’d think this would cook about 10% faster…no, it cooks anywhere from 25 – 40% faster.” – W.R. Russell Jr.

Even cooking
The sensor cooking and inverter technology take a lot of guesswork out of microwave cooking. Sensor cooking and sensor reheat means that you don’t have to know what power to set it to. Put the leftovers in, press sensor reheat, and you’ll get perfect steaming hot food every time, even when the dish is made up of different kinds of food!

Inverter cooks the food evenly without leaving parts of the food burnt while cold in the middle.

Knob dial instead of keypad
This microwave features a knob dial for the timer instead of a keypad like most of the newer models out there. Depending on how you think of it, this might be good or bad.

Most microwaves failed because the keypad is not durable, so a knob is more unlikely to give up the ghost. The dial is fast, but if you’re cooking for a longer time, it might still be slower than punching a few keys.

Besides the knob dial, it does have a Quick Minute button to add a minute at a time. Having said that, you can’t add time by turning the knob after you’ve started the microwave. You can only add by pressing the QM button.

The Panasonic NN-SD997S Prestige 2.2 Cu-Foot 1250 Watt Microwave is a great microwave if size is important to you. It is not cheap, but Amazon has the best deal. Click the link to find out.

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Microwave Safety Guide

by Reese on August 9, 2010

Microwaves are very common in households now, but do you know it can be a dangerous appliance if you don’t know the risks? It could be an accident waiting to happen unless you realize what to avoid and tell your family about it.

Food Explosions

  • Don’t use the microwave to boil clear water in a clean cup. There is a risk of the water exploding and causing serious burns when it comes into contact with skin. Although this may only occur if you’re standing over the cup when you take it out of the microwave, it is nevertheless still a risk and this risk can be greatly minimized by adding a foreign element to the water such as a tea bag, granules of sugar or coffee powder.
  • Don’t heat an egg in the microwave in its shell, even if it is a boiled egg. BBC news reported a child damaging her eye because the microwaved boiled egg exploded and the shell hit her face while she was taking it to the dining room.
  • Remember to cut open or prick many holes in food with tight skin like potatoes, sausages, eggplants, and even egg yolks.
  • It is best to leave the food in the microwave for a couple of minutes before taking it out, to minimize the risk of boil overs and explosions while completing the cooking. This is called standing time.

Heat and fire

  • Food and container will still be very hot after standing time. Use oven mitts or pads to remove them from the microwave.
  • Most things are covered when microwaving, especially food that will pop and jump. But make sure you vent the lid or cover before putting it in, so that the steam won’t burn you when you open it later.
  • Don’t use plastic wraps in the microwave unless they’re labeled microwave safe. Metal containers and aluminum foil are not advisable as well. Plastic will melt and put toxins into your food, while metal causes microwaves to bounce in the microwave oven, which can lead to a fire.
  • If fire occurs, it’s natural to want to pour water over the microwave oven. DON’T DO THAT. Stay calm, as quickly as you can, switch off the microwave and pull the plug, then put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. If you don’t have one, at least take all the flammable stuff away and let the oven burn out.

Bacteria

  • Always check the internal temperature of the food after the standing time. Thick or big cuts of meat should be cooked at low power for a longer time instead of high power, so that the heat can reach the middle of the meat.
  • Only defrost food when you need them directly afterwards. Using microwave to defrost food may cause part of the food to become cooked. Partially cooked food cannot be left around to be used later.
  • Whole, stuffed poultry is not recommended to be cooked in a microwave because the stuffing may not get enough heat to kill all the bacteria.
  • Make sure your children know and understand the dangers of a microwave oven, instead of just telling them what not to do. The microwave is a convenient appliance if you know how to use it safely.

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Panasonic NN-H965BF Luxury Full-Size 2.2-Cubic-Foot 1,250-Watt Microwave Oven

by Reese on August 6, 2010

Panasonic NN-H965BF Luxury Full-Size 2.2-Cubic-Foot 1,250-Watt Microwave Oven

Panasonic NN-H965BF Luxury Full-Size 2.2-Cubic-Foot 1,250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black

Good
Big cooking space
For those who like to cook everything using the microwave, this is perfect. The space in the microwave is big enough to take a large pizza or a whole chicken. It is even tall enough to fit in most bottles standing up.

Fast and even cooking
This powerful microwave oven cooks faster than most. It might take a few experiments to get used to the timing, but once you do, you’ll be pleased that your cooking time is halved. The inverter keeps the heat even so that you don’t have to add different kinds of food bit by bit.

Easy to use
The programming is very easy, just press the time you want and press start. The timer is in seconds but there’s a Quick Minute button in case you want to enter minutes.

Flexible
It can be programmed for a more complex sequence too, like cook 30 seconds, pause 1 minute, cook another 1 minute, to give you a chance to stir. There are also functions like sensor heat, sensor cook, and turbo defrost.

Lightweight
Panasonic NN-H965BF is easy to push around if you really need the space.

Bad
Interferes with wireless devices
Users have complained that this microwave interferes with their wireless networks or wireless phones. I’m pretty sure it’ll disrupt other wireless devices with the same frequency as well, such as wireless or wall mounted speakers or baby monitors.

Not as durable as many people would like it
A tip if you’re buying this microwave: don’t put it on the same circuit as anything else, definitely not your refrigerator. It is highly suspected that the fuse will easily burn within a few months or a year due to the huge load of the fridge start up.

Beeper not loud enough
The beep is rather dim, so you might want to stay around and listen for it.

Small display
The problem with the display is the prompt action. If you only use this for simple reheating and defrosting, no problem, but if you program a series of complex cooking, the microwave will prompt you through the steps by scrolling through the prompts on the tiny display.

All in all, Panasonic NN-H965BF Luxury is not a bad microwave oven, but if wireless interference is a huge problem for you, check out other models.

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How to Maintain Your Microwave Oven

by Reese on January 22, 2010

You’ve bought your microwave oven. Now, the next step is to make this great convenience last for the maximum of its life span. To be honest, it’s quite simple. All you have to do is maintain a clean kitchen and clean your microwave oven! The main thing is to clean it regularly in order to prevent potentially future pricey repairs.

Why Do You Need a Consistently Clean Kitchen?

• Avoid insects & bugs which love to reside inside your microwave ovens.
• Remember, an ideal home for an insect is a warm power board.
• So, the cleaner your kitchen is, the cleaner your microwave will be.

How to Clean Your Microwave Oven?

What You Need:
• Bowl
• Water
• Dish Soap
• Kitchen Cleaner/Detergent
• Damp Cloth
• Paper Towels

Cleaning the Interior
1) Wipe excess crumbs from the microwave’s interior after each & every use.
2) Wipe clean with a damp cloth and some detergent.

Removing Food Deposits that have Built Up
If these food deposits have been caked on to the inside of your microwave, loosen it through the following steps:

1) Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1-2 cups of water.
- Tip?
- Add lemon juice or a tablespoon of vinegar into the water before heating
- Purpose? Fresher smell.

2) Next, set the microwave on ‘high’ to boil the water inside the microwave for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Why? The steam from the water should loosen all the food particles.
- Hint? Time varies between microwave ovens. Some need 5-10 minutes.

3) Carefully remove the bowl of hot water.
- Preferably, use a cloth to protect your hands to avoid scalding.

4) Then remove the tray from the microwave and set it aside.

5) With a damp cloth, wipe the interior of the microwave.
- Task is easier now that the food particles are loosen

6) Wash the tray in the sink with dish soap. Dry and return it to the microwave.
- Ensure that it is thoroughly dry to avoid molding.

Cleaning Food Spills
Why? Minimize risk of arching & sparking inside your microwave.

If your microwave has burn SPOTS in the internal cavity:
• Sand them smooth
• Paint over them with microwave touch up paint

If your microwave has any burn HOLES in the cavity:
• Call an appliance repair technician
• REFRAIN from USING the unit.

If there are burn SPOTS on your WAVE GUIDE:
• Replace it
• Conduct a thorough cleaning

If you think food has slipped through the perimeter of the wave guide cover into the roof or walls of the oven cabinet:
• Remove the waveguide cover
• Conduct a thorough cleaning in the area BEHIND it AS WELL.

CAUTION: Even if your microwave oven is unplugged, it is capable of giving you a SERIOUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK. So, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an appliance repair technician when repairing any microwave oven.

Cleaning the Exterior
Clean it as regularly as you clean the interior and it should be cleaned in the same manner as the interior using a damp cloth and detergent.

1) Spray it with kitchen cleaner and wipe with paper towels.
- If you use a spray bottle, don’t use it near:

• Door latches
• Ventilation holes
• Anywhere else where liquid can seep into the cavity.

- Similarly, don’t use a dripping wet cloth for cleaning

2) Use extra caution when cleaning on & around the touchpad as well as the area surrounding the touchpad.
- If any liquid finds its way underneath the touchpad, it will result in:

• Unresponsive keys
• Stuck buttons
• Erratic operations

3) Refrain from utilizing STRONG solvents.
- If you need to remove sticky residue, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol will suffice.

4) You’re done! That should take roughly 15 minutes for normal cleaning.

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Best Microwave – Top 4 Picks

by Reese on January 16, 2010

The conventional microwave ovens are to re-heat leftovers and popping popcorn. These days, with the convection technology, microwave ovens have improved on the one main traditional weak spot for microwaves – surface browning.

Having said that, this feature adds significantly to the price so if you just want to reheat and defrost food, a standard countertop microwave oven would be both cost effective and an appropriate pick. This is because top-rated countertop microwave ovens usually cost roughly $100 less than comparable sized microwave ovens with convection.

I have divided the best microwave ovens into four categories:
Best full-size microwave = Panasonic Genius NN-H765 BF
Most stylish stainless-steel microwave = Sharp R-426HS
Best mid-sized microwave oven = Sharp R-305KS
Best convection microwave oven = Sharp R-820JS

Panasonic Genius NN-H765 BF – Best Microwave Oven

Panasonic Genius NN-H765 BF Microwave Oven – Best Microwave Oven

Panasonic Genius NN-H765 BF Microwave Oven – Best Microwave Oven

Pros
• Quick
• Easy
• Defrosts & Cooks Evenly
• Flexible
• Accurate
• Durable
• Generous Width, Modest Height
• Sense of Humor

Cons
• Takes Up Counter Space
• Short Height
• Misrepresentation
• Inconsistent Reliability

Remarks: Coming in black and white, this model’s is better known as the ‘family size’. Estimated at $140, it gets near perfect ratings from owners but professional reviews are still in the loop.

Sharp R-426HS – Most Stylish Microwave Oven

Sharp R-426HS – Most Stylish Microwave Oven

Sharp R-426HS – Most Stylish Microwave Oven

Pros
• Elegant
• Well-endowed
• Easy to Use
• Durable
• Effective
• Powerful
• Safety Feature
• Versatile

Cons
• Breakable Turntable Motor
• Cumbersome Learning Process

Remarks: As a countertop oven, a few more dollars will get you a larger array of features rather than more cooking power. Having a unique design in black equipped with a stainless-steel door, the control panel is concealed behind the door. Consistently getting good reviews, it is tough finding flaws with this model approximately priced at $145.

Sharp R-305KS – Best Mid Sized Oven

Sharp R-305KS – Best Mid-Sized Microwave Oven

Sharp R-305KS – Best Mid-Sized Microwave Oven

Pros
• Heats Perfectly
• Safety Lock Ability
• Performer
• Classy Looking
• Fast
• Compact
• Easy to Clean

Cons
• Broken
• Not Every Part is Stainless Steel
• Inferior Quality
• Confusing Instruction Booklet
• Cheap Turntable Mechanism

Remarks: This mid-sized microwave oven receives solid reviews. It is one of the cheapest around priced at an estimated $100.

Sharp R-820JS – Best Convection Oven

Sharp R-820JS Microwave Oven – Best Convection Microwave Oven

Sharp R-820JS Microwave Oven – Best Convection Microwave Oven

Pros
• Extremely Versatile
• Compact
• Fast
• Easy Clean-Up
• Efficient
• Consistent Heat
• Saves the Use of Air-Conditioner
• Safe

Cons
• Manufacturing Defect
• Weak Design
• Wobbly Turntable
• Difficulty Reading LCD Display
• Lengthy Pre-heat Time
• Popcorn Problem
• Restart Programming
• Huge Vent Fen

Remarks: There is a balance between both advantages and disadvantages in this model. A fine substitute to a full-size oven, it is priced at an estimate of $260.

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