If you have only used your microwave over for warming and defrosting, then it is time that you take a look at what is now available in microwave ovens.
Many early microwaves just were not suitable for cooking much. They were great for reheating a meal that had gotten cold or for defrosting meat that had been left in the freezer. They might even work to cook a hot dog or popcorn, but put a piece of meat in one and try to cook it. The result was usually disgusting. You ended up with gray beef that was tough and tasteless.
If you walk down the microwave aisle today, you will see that they offer much more. Microwave ovens are now designed to cook an entire dinner. You can have browned meats that are crispy on the outside, vegetables that are still moist and a flakey crust desert all cooked in a new microwave.
You will not find these features in the bottom end microwaves, but if you are willing to spend about one hundred dollars more, you can get a model with all the features. That extra money will actually save you more money in the end. If you use the microwave for more cooking and the oven in your range less, you should see substantial savings each month on your power bill. The savings should pay back the initial cost in just a few months.
You must decide if you want a microwave that is mounted over your kitchen range or one that sits on the counter. The countertop models are less expensive and have the largest selection of options if you have enough room.
Over the stove models work great in small kitchens. While there is a greater initial cost and some require professional installation, many of these models have the added feature of the range hood exhaust. If you do not have a duct to the outside, these hoods can be vented inside the house. While the exhaust fans are less effective than a traditional range hood, most people find that they do a very adequate job at removing cooking smells and smoke from the house.
One of the new features is the option of a convection oven with the microwave. Convection cooking is faster than a traditional oven and gives food a crispy crust. It is a great option for baked goods and for roasting meats. Other microwaves incorporate quartz or halogen lights to make browning of foods easier.
Sensor cooking is becoming popular in some microwaves. The feature shuts off the microwave when food is done. It works by sensing the infrared heat given off by food or by the amount of steam being given off.
If you think that microwaves are only for defrosting or reheating, you should take the time to walk down the microwave aisle. Look to see what is being offered in the newest of microwave ovens.
Reese Cook likes to write microwave oven review and articles about how to choose the best microwave oven. Her microwave website is very helpful.