Small Microwaves
Small Microwaves
By Anne Ahira
Microwaves have revolutionized the way we eat, since their creation they have gone from huge monstrosities to tiny apartment size and everything in between.
Today you can still purchase large microwaves capable of cooking family size meals but on the rise is a demand for small microwaves better suited to dorm rooms, campers or boats.
The small microwaves are perfect for preparing popcorn, small microwave meals and or the occasional cup of instant coffee. They take up very little room and are College student’s lifeline.
In order to choose between small microwaves it can be helpful to check out expert and customer reviews. Take for instance the Kenmore 66109 compact microwave oven.
Features
- 7 cubic foot
- 18 inches wide, 11 inches deep, 11 inches tall
- 9 quick touch buttons
- Electronic touch pad controls
- Timed defrost options
Pros
This model is perfect for the person who has little counter space but still needs a convenient way to cook. You might think small microwaves have fewer options but as you can see with this one, it has many of the same features as larger models. It has the same quick touch buttons for things like popcorn, pizza, and frozen entrees as you will find on many bigger microwaves.
One notable difference in the small microwaves is a departure from the push button door opener. This could be seen as a pro or a con, on the one hand is one less thing to malfunction but on the other this small microwave news around considerably when you pull on the handle.
Anytime you are comparing products the price has to be a factor. Small microwaves like this one from Kenmore can run anywhere from $89 to several hundred. You will want to compare closely all the features offered by competing products and then purchase the cheapest model that suits all your needs.
Cons
Though this unit has a defrost option it is somewhat limited. The Kenmore has three presets, meat fish or poultry. Generally, this is not a huge problem however if you are defrosting something other than meat you will be left guessing at the appropriate setting.
When it comes to using the quick touch buttons, you will find a few of the options limited. For instance the popcorn button only has options for two sizes 3.0 and 3.5 ounces, should you want to pop and mini bag you will have to keep a close eye on the process otherwise you may have some burnt popcorn.
Overall
There are all kinds of places where small microwaves come in handy. Dorm rooms, campers, offices and apartments are all places they can be used. One final tip for choosing small microwaves is to look at the inside capacity as well as the outside dimensions.
Compare products:
You may want to check out my other guide on: Panasonic plasma and DVD player recorder
Here's Small Microwaves Selections:
Sharp R-420LW Family Size Countertop Microwave... |
Customer Review: Initially I was dubious as to the quality and performance of this unit given it was relatively inexpensive but I was completely wrong! I am extremely pleased with every feature and its performance exceeds my expectations. I am so pleased that I cho... Read More |
(3)
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Panasonic NN-H965BF Luxury Full-Size 2.2-Cubic-Foo... |
Customer Review: I replaced a Kenmore over twenty five years old with this microwave. The Kenmore was working fine but could not get a replace bulb for it. Started doing on line research and of the ones with the capibility this one has picked this one. It is very p... Read More |
(64)
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Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless-Steel Mic... |
Customer Review: UPDATE: no joy of clean :( - Updating review to 1 starThe bad, no the real REAL bad- You CANNOT sanitize this puppy completely.here is why: anyone who has used a microwave has experienced a splatter here and there. I am no exception either. Up until ... Read More |
(40)
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Emerson .9 cu. ft. 900-Watt Microwave - Black... |
Customer Review: This microwave works great. The only problem is the popcorn button, you have to press it multiple times according to the weight of the bag. The problem I have is if I press it twice, many unpopped kernels remain in the bag. If I press the button th... Read More |
$59.99
(8)
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Emerson MW8991SB 0.9Cu.Ft. 900 Watt Touch-Control ... |
Customer Review: The other reviewer is incorrect about the microwave's (in)ability for specific cooking time input. All you have to do is hit the Power Level button first, then the numbers will allow you to input any time you want, 8 seconds or 45 seconds or whateve... Read More |
$79.99 
(6)
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