Comparisons of Over-the-Stove Microwaves

Whirlpool

• The Whirlpool GH7208XR is an expensive microhood that cost around $875; however, it offers several features many other microhoods don’t, including a 1,500-watt convection oven that bakes and browns. Its big, 2-cubic-foot capacity can accommodate large dishes like casseroles and it has a steam function and the ability to switch automatically between power settings for multistage cooking. The GH7208XR heats and defrosts evenly and is easy to use. It’s listed as a “Best Buy” at ConsumerGuide.com.

General Electric

• The GE Profile JVM1790 has a 1.7 cubic-foot capacity with a 1,5550-watt convection oven, a fast bake cycle, cooking sensors and a keep-warm setting. Like the Whirlpool model, it’s listed as a “Best Buy” microhood at ConsumerGuide.com, although the reviewer only gave it average marks for even heating. It is, however, easy to use. At the time of publication, this microhood cost about $520. One complaint by reviewers at HomeDepot.com was that the dial control was awkward to use.

Samsung

• Including a convection oven in a microhood adds to the cost of the microwave. The Samsung SMH9187ST doesn’t have a convection oven but it does have sensor cooking and electronic touchpad controls. It’s easy to use, defrosts nicely and has a 1.8-cubic-feet capacity, along with a 14.2-inch rotating turntable. Some reviewers at Amadison.com complained that the exhaust fan was very loud. This microwave cost about $265.

Considerations

• When shopping for a microhood consider which features are important to you. If you want your food to cook as fast as possible, go with a higher watt microwave. Most models offer 1,000 to 1,200 watts of cooking power. If you like to use the microwave to soften butter, look for a microhood with a soften or melt function. Microwave racks expand your cooking space by allowing you to cook on multilevels. If you like automated cooking, look for a model with cooking sensors that adjust cooking time based on the humidity in the food. Budget models don’t always have this feature. Shortcut keys can make cooking easier and save you time.