Many people face the same dilemma:  They need appliances in their kitchen, but there simply just isn’t enough room for all of them.  When space is short, you need to get creative, and one of the best ways of doing that is by combining appliances.  By itself, a microwave is definitely a bulky appliance that usually takes up a good portion of your counter space.  Getting a combination microwave oven is a great solution to this problem.  There are a number of different types of combination microwaves, so let’s take a quick look at them so that you can get an idea of how you save some space in your kitchen.

The Combination Microwave Convection Oven

One of the most popular 2 in 1 appliances are the combination microwave convection ovens.  Besides being fully functional microwaves, you can use one of these units for almost everything that you would use a regular oven for – baking cookies, browning casseroles, and anything else you want to cook up.  These appliances are great if you don’t already have a big range oven.  You can easily put one either on the counter itself or on a kitchen cart.
The best part about these microwave combination ovens is that they don’t actually cost any more than normal microwaves.  You can get the Sanyo EM-C6786V microwave convection oven for $159, which is pretty comparable to prices for standard microwaves, and Sanyo is a reputable company.
Some of them cost a bit more and add some extra features.  A fine example of this is the Panasonic combination microwave.  The Panasonic NN-C994S Genius Prestige has some features that you probably didn’t even know existed.  One of them is called the “genius sensor”, which automatically adjusts the power level and cooking time while it is on.  I’m not exactly sure how this works, but the folks at Panasonic are certainly geniuses for figuring it out.  If you need both a range and a microwave, a convection microwave oven is a good choice.

The Combination Microwave Hood

Another great appliance design breakthrough is the combination microwave hood.  You just mount this appliance onto the wall above your range, and it acts a fully functional microwave as well as a ventilator.  In addition, nearly all units come with lights that shine right on what you are cooking below, which is great as well.  Like the convection combos, these microwaves cost pretty much the same as normal ones, but they do two tasks.  The Sharp R-1406 is a typical unit.  As has three venting options, straight out, upwards, or recirculation.  The other part of this Sharp combination microwave features 10 different power levels, pre-programmed cooking buttons, and a popcorn button that automatically pops popcorn until it is done, regardless of the brand or size of the bag.

If you are looking for the best combination microwave available, you are in luck.  There are units that feature stylish stainless steel outsides that integrate with other appliances.  In addition, the more expensive models usually feature ventilation fans that aren’t as loud as some of the other ones.

Other Types of Combination Microwave Ovens

There are a few other types of appliance combinations that are available.  One of them is the Daewoo combination microwave toaster that has a toaster attached to the side of the microwave.  This is one of the only units that actually has a real toaster. Another version of this is the LG stainless steel combination microwave toaster, which has a sleek chrome exterior that will integrate well with the rest of your kitchen.  The toaster part is on the side of the unit, and holds two slices of bread or a bagel.

If you are looking for a high end solution for your fully integrated kitchen, you can choose a built in combination microwave oven.  These beautiful appliances have a microwave on top and a range oven underneath it, with a built-in stainless steel exterior that will perfectly integrate with your kitchen.

Tags: Appliances, Microwaves by Jeffrey
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So you want to get a red microwave oven?  Although a little hard to find, they do exist.  A few appliance manufacturers make them because they know a certain number of customers out there just have to have red microwave ovens.  Although it isn’t all that hard to change the colors of a microwave, few companies do it.  They all seem to make dozens of models in colors like black, white, or silver, but don’t stray very far.  Fortunately, a couple do make them.  Let’s take a look at both of them so that you can make an informed choice.

The Emerson red microwave oven is one of your choices.  First of all, you should know that only the front of it is red.  The rest of the microwave is actually black.  This shouldn’t matter much if your microwave can slide into a compartment in your cabinets, but if it is just going to be on the counter, you will see the black sides and top.  As far as features go, it is an average size and uses 900 watts.  It comes with the standard microwave features and not a whole lot more.  It is inexpensive however, which is a big bonus for many consumers.  You will only have to shell out $64 for this red microwave oven.

Your other choice for this color is the Magic Chef red microwave oven.  Unlike the Emerson, this model is all red.  The top, sides and front are all red, so if you don’t want any black on your appliance, this one is for you.  It is the same size and has the same wattage as the Emerson, but it throws in a few extra features as well.  5 auto cook buttons and 3 auto defrost buttons, as well as 3 pre-programmed one touch cooking buttons round out this red baby.

Tags: Appliances, Microwaves by Jeffrey
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If you are looking for a new microwave, Sharp is one of the biggest names in the industry.  They are a leading manufacturer of appliances such as the sharp carousel microwave oven.  You have a few models to choose from, which vary in size and electricity use.  There are smaller models that are great for kitchens without much room to spare, and there are huge, full-sized units that are perfect for large families.  Here are a few of them:

If you are looking for something on the small side, the .8 cubic foot Sharp carousel microwave ovens are a good choice.  They have all of the features you would expect from a microwave like one touch controls and a popcorn button, plus they have a sleek and snazzy stainless steel exterior.  If you are looking for something that will go with your integrated fridge or other appliance, this is a great choice.

The Sharp Carousel ii Microwave Oven

If you need a full sized model, the Sharp ii microwave oven is a good bet.  They have a large capacity at 1 2/5 cubic feet, and are packed with features.  It has four defrost options, one-touch buttons that set the microwave on high to heat food in a hurry, and a popcorn button.  It also has a two color lighted display that includes a kitchen timer.

There is one model that combines two great appliances into one.  It is the Sharp carousel convection microwave oven.  Although quite a bit more expensive than normal microwaves, this model has heating elements that will heat the food from the bottom and the top.  While a normal microwave just heats it up, this one will brown it as well.  If you are a fan of cooking meals in the microwave, you should really consider a convection microwave oven like this one.  Sharp even wrote a cookbook to go with it!

Tags: Appliances, Microwaves by Jeffrey
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If you are going to purchase a microwave oven, you should consider an over the counter microwave.  There are many reasons for doing this.  Maybe your kitchen is very small.  When there just isn’t enough room in the kitchen for another large appliance, an over the counter microwave oven might be just the thing you are looking for.

Although theoretically you could mount one of these ovens anywhere you want to, they are designed specifically to place in the spot directly over the range oven.  Most models are made to fit in this empty spot, since kitchen cabinets placed directly over the range pose a fire risk.  Placing a metal microwave in this location does not pose much of a risk.
Here are my over the counter microwave reviews:

Manufacturers of Over the Counter Microwave Ovens

The main producer of these appliances is Sharp.  The Sharp over the counter microwave is a full-featured oven that has all the capabilities of its countertop cousins.
Here are some of the features of the sharp 1100 watt over the counter microwave:

• 11 different power levels to choose from and 8 instant action buttons for quick turn-on
• One and a half foot capacity, which makes it a full size oven
• 14 1/8 inch turntable, big enough for most microwave uses
• Features an autodefrost and a keep-warm function
• Comes with a one year warranty

General Electric also makes a model that fits over the oven.  Here are features of the GE over the counter microwave:

• Weighing in at 157 pounds, this microwave is definitely heavy.  Make sure that you attach it securely to the wall!
• It has a 1.5 cubic foot capacity, which is also full sized
• Auto Defrost
• There is a button that turns the rotating turntable off, which is good for microwaving odd-sized dishes

LG Over the Counter Microwave

The LG over the counter model has a few unique features that most microwaves don’t have.

• One of them is the bi-level cooking rack, which lets you put two dishes in the oven at once
• It also has a melt/soften setting, for when you don’t want to actually cook something
• Charcoal filter:  I’m not sure what this does, but it probably has something to do with the air that enters the microwave.

In my opinion, the best over the counter microwave is the LG.  Although Sharp and GE have been around for decades, LG has proven to be a formidable adversary in the appliance sector.  Their machines are quality made and are very durable as well.

How to Install Over the Counter Microwave

Over the counter microwave installation is definitely harder than just putting a microwave on the counter.  Installation will vary depending on the model you choose, but all of them need to be securely fastened with metal brackets.  Read the instruction manual that came with the microwave you purchased, and follow their guidelines.  If you install it incorrectly, you risk the chance that the heavy appliance falls off the wall.

Tags: Appliances, Microwaves by Jeffrey
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