As a lifelong handyman, I've seen my fair share of kitchens, from elaborate culinary palaces that could house a small army, to compact little cubbies perfect for whipping up a quick meal. When it comes to the latter, gear is key! We’ll discuss some best microwaves suitable for small kitchens— because no one likes inadvertently practicing ‘kitchen yoga’ just to heat up last night’s spaghetti! Let’s dive in!
Space Considerations: Measuring Matters
Before you start deciding which popcorn button you like best, it’s important to measure your available counter space. Keep in mind you won't want the microwave taking up every bit of that precious real estate, because Uncle Joe's Christmas ham doesn't exactly carve itself! Leave some elbow room. Corners and nooks are perfectly suitable options with an appropriate sized microwave.
What Specs Should I Look For?
Aside from size, also consider wattage and convenience features. A higher wattage microwave, around 1000 watts, heats faster and more evenly. As for features, sensor cooking and preset buttons are handy. When you're in the middle of a repair... erm... recipe, the last thing you want is to play a guessing game with your microwave!
A Handyman's Top Microwave Picks for Small Kitchens
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, here are my top microwave picks for small kitchens, each unique, just like your kitchen.
1. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
This compact beast boasts 900 watts of power, a sleek black stainless steel design, and a simple, user-friendly interface. It can fit on most countertops and even tuck away in cabinets. Plus, it has a mute function to silence that end-cycle beep - perfect for late-night snack bandits like me!
2. COMFEE' Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
With this little guy, small doesn’t mean having to sacrifice style. It offers 700 watts of power wrapped up in a super cool retro design. The COMFEE' Retro Microwave adds a splash of color to your kitchen and is available in various shades ranging from vibrant red to soothing aqua. At only 0.7 cubic feet, it's a petite powerhouse!
3. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
This is an excellent option for those looking for a blend of power and size. With 700 watts of energy and 0.7 cubic feet of space, it's both compact and mighty. Plus, it features ten power levels, so whether you're softening butter for cookie dough or reheating a slice of pizza, your food will be heated to perfection!
Do Microwaves Have Any Secrets?
Sure, they do! And as a seasoned repairman, I’ll share a few with you. Microwaves often work best when they're not filled to capacity, so smaller can often be better. Also, placing your food on the edge of the revolving dish, not in the center, often heats it faster and more evenly.
Mountable Microwaves: A Game Changer
If counter space is a dream in your kitchen, then mountable microwaves should be your fairy godmother! They can be installed above the stove or integrated into your cabinets, freeing up that valuable counter space for chopping, kneading, and let's not forget - wine pouring!
Get to Zapping!
Small kitchen warriors, I hope you're feeling more empowered about choosing the ideal microwave. Remember, it's about picking what works best for your space and culinary style. Use these suggestions as a starting point, then expand your search to find your perfect match. Happy cooking, or should I say, zapping!