March 9, 2010

Since Amana
touted its first Radarange as “The Greatest Discovery Since Fire” in
1967, the microwave oven has become a ubiquitous kitchen appliance.
While only 1 percent of American households had a microwave in 1970,
today the appliance is included in more than 95 percent of American kitchens.

A
Raytheon engineer accidentally discovered microwave-cooking technology
in 1945 when he noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket while
working on a magnetron for radar sets. The first microwaves produced in
the late 1940s weighed more than 600 pounds and measured more than 5
ft. tall, but by 1967 Raytheon introduced the countertop-size Amana
Radarange, which became the first popular home model. Designed to be
attractive to busy housewives—with an elegant look and knobs shaped to
fit a woman’s hand—the microwave made preparing meals easier and
faster. Plus, cooking was safer: Moms could teach their kids to cook
without the danger of using the stove.

_{An early model of Amana’s Radarange countertop microwave.}

Sales
of microwaves exploded in the 1970s and ‘80s, jumping from 40,000 units
sold in 1970 to 1 million by 1975 and 10 million in 1985. Today,
microwaves are as much a part of a kitchen’s design plan as a stove and
a refrigerator.

Offered at a variety of price points, sizes and
styles, and featuring a multitude of features and functions, today’s
microwaves are designed for everyone from the bachelor who heats up
frozen dinners to the mother of three who cooks a day’s worth of
healthy meals. Check out these new and popular models to find the
latest “greatest discovery since fire.”

[1] LG Electronics Over-The-Range Microwave with Warming Lamp

LG Electronics‘
new Over-The-Range Microwave Oven (model LMVM2085ST) with warming lamp
technology ensures optimal mealtime temperature without compromising
capacity or design. Cooking performance is enhanced by dual turntables,
which move from side to side and can accommodate a rectangular dish up
to 15 in. long. A round, rotating 12 11/16-in. turntable for smaller
dishes also moves from side to side. Humidity-sensing technology
determines when food is cooked and automatically turns the unit off.
The warming mode can be set at a desired temperature for up to 90
minutes, keeping food warm by using a radiant heat source—not microwave
technology. For more information, visit LGUSA.com.


[2] Kenmore 1.2-Cu.-Ft. TrueCookPlus Countertop Microwave

The
Kenmore TrueCookPlus Countertop Microwave cooks food easily, safely and
to perfection every time. Simply enter the TrueCookPlus code found on
most frozen and packaged foods, which indicates recommended cooking
times, into the microwave keypad, and the microwave handles all the
cooking details. Design highlights include easy-to-read, user-friendly
green LED controls, which add a contemporary, high-tech look. Its
rounded cavity fits larger items, adds versatility and is easy to
clean. Six auto-cook buttons allow for easy and convenient time and
power selections. Child lockout enhances security and peace of mind,
while 1,200W and 10 power levels provides versatility and high
performance. For more information, visit Kenmore.com.

[3] Whirlpool Velos SpeedCook Oven

The Whirlpool
Velos SpeedCook Oven is a large-capacity over-the-range appliance with
an interior cavity measuring 2 cu. ft. While it provides the
conveniences of a traditional microwave, a combination of quartz and
halogen light and g2 SpeedCook technology provides the ability to
grill, brown and even bake in a fraction of the time. Plus, a heating
coil provides the option of convection cooking. It also features a
TruCapture ventilation system, which draws away cooktop steam and odors
through multiple filters using a four-speed exhaust fan, helping the
home’s overall cooling while improving indoor air quality. A large
turntable and a bi-level cooking rack provide additional time-saving
benefits. For more information, visit InsideAdvantage.com or call 1 800 952 2537.


[4] Bosch 300 Series Over-The-Range Microwave

Bosch’s
300 Series Over-The-Range Microwave (model HMV3051U) offers a
1.6-cu.-ft. oven capacity and a large 13 1/2-in. glass turntable with
1,000W of microwave power and 10 power levels. Convenient features
include a potato program for perfectly baked potatoes, reheat and
defrost settings that automatically determine power level and cooking
time, and a popcorn program that ensures a fully popped bag of popcorn
by entering the bag size. Easy-to-read LCD controls also offer quick
settings for one-, two- or three-minute cooking times at 100 percent
power. The unit is also equipped with a two-speed 300-cfm vent with two
30W lights for bright cooktop illumination. Available in stainless
steel or black, the microwave is design-matched for use in combination
with Bosch ranges or cooktops. For more information, visit Bosch-home.com/us or call 1 800 921 9622 to request a catalog.

[5] Sharp Insight Pro Microwave Drawer Oven

Sharp’s
Insight Pro Microwave Drawer Oven now offers an increased interior
capacity while the exterior footprint remains the same as previous
models. Its new 1.2-cu.-ft. interior is tall enough to hold a 20-ounce
takeout cup of coffee and wide enough to fit a 9-in. x 13-in. oblong
dish comfortably. New convenience options to the 1,000W oven include
expanded Short Cut options such as a “Warm” function for heating syrup
for pancakes and dessert sauce for ice cream, and a “Beverage Center”
that instantly warms and heats liquids, such as coffee or water for tea
or soup. The unit offers a “Keep Warm” function that maintains the
serving temperature for up to 30 minutes, and “Soften” and “Melt”
features to assist with frequently performed cooking tasks. Sensor Cook
settings and defrost options have been expanded to include brown rice
and sweet potatoes, while defrost options are now available for
boneless and bone-in poultry. Available in black, white or
stainless-steel finishes, it also features an Easy Open handle or
one-finger Open and Close buttons. For more information, visit SharpUSA.com or call 1 866 RANGE99.

[6] Electrolux Built-In Oven with Drop Down Door

The
Electrolux Built-In Oven with Drop Down Door (model EW30MO55H) features
Wave-Touch Controls, Multi-Stage cooking options and Sensor-Cook
options. With Wave-Touch Controls, one simple touch activates the
control panel, showing all the cooking options. After you make your
choices, all but the options selected will fade away. Multi-Stage
cooking options include four settings to ensure any dish requiring
multiple cooking stages is optimally prepared. Twelve Sensor-Cook
options automatically adjust the amount of time needed to complete the
cooking. For more information, visit Electroluxappliances.com.

[7] Frigidaire Professional 1.8-Cu.-Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave

Frigidaire’s
Professional Over-The-Range Microwave features Effortless Reheat at the
touch of a button and more than 40 settings specifically designed for
warming chicken nuggets, baking potatoes, softening ice cream, melting
butter and more. A Keep Warm setting keeps food warm until everything
is ready, while Sensor Cooking allows the microwave to automatically
adjust power levels and cooking times to perfectly cook a variety of
items. The microwave’s SpaceWise Rack creates more room to facilitate
cooking multiple dishes at once, while its stainless-steel surface has
a protective coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges. For more
information, visit Frigidaire.com.


[8] Miele M 8260 Microwave Oven (Chef Series)

This built-in 900W microwave oven from Miele
features 11 automatic programs and memory setting for programs
consisting of up to three stages. Its self-explanatory electronic
controls offer a user-friendly selector switch for times and power
outputs and light-touch push buttons for additional functions. An
automatic “Keep Warm” function keeps food warm when left in the
microwave. A Clean Touch Steel exterior provides a layer of glass on
top of the stainless to help resist fingerprints and scratches, and
eliminates the need for special cleaners. For more information, visit Miele.com.


[9] Gaggenau BM 281 Fusion Oven

Gaggenau’s
BM 281 Fusion Oven is an innovative convection microwave oven that
combines the even heat distribution of convection cooking with the
speed of a microwave, bringing professional cooking capabilities to the
home chef. Utilizing the company’s Innowave technology—real microwave
settings with variable energy outputs—the BM 281 Fusion Oven is able to
save energy while penetrating food to its core: dishes will never be
cooked on the outside while still frozen within. For more information,
visit Gaggenau.com/US_en/home.do.


[10] GE Spacemaker Grilling Oven

GE
has combined 1,200W of grilling power with an over-the-range microwave
oven to create the Spacemaker Grilling Oven. Auto Grill offers
preprogrammed settings for chicken breasts, pork chops, hamburgers and
more, while Manual Grill gives the chef control over the settings.
Combo Grill alternates between the grilling element and the microwave
element for fast results. Whichever setting is selected, the oven
features a special grill pan that absorbs heat to help cook food
quickly and thoroughly. The unit also offers microwave options to speed
up meal preparation. A wide selection of convenient settings simplifies
cooking, with controls to protect delicate foods, gently melt chocolate
or caramel and handle foods like cream cheese or frozen ice cream
without scorching. Three defrost options for frozen foods assure quick,
even results. A scrolling, two-line display provides cooking tips and
oven instructions. Available in stainless steel and color models, the
Spacemaker features a large hearth window and a brick-red interior. For
more information, visit GEconsumerandindustrial.com.


[11] Amana Stainless-Steel 1.7-Cu.-Ft. Over-The-Range Microwave

With
10 power levels and 1,000W of cooking power, this Amana Over-The Range
Microwave (model AMV2174VAS) features sensor cooking that monitors
humidity and automatically adjusts the cooking time accordingly for
better results. Auto Cook options heat frozen entrees, beverages, bacon
and instant rice with the touch of a button. Popcorn, Baked Potato,
Pizza Slice and Vegetables programmed pads offer one-touch
sensor-monitored cooking convenience. A roomy interior holds large
serving dishes or a pair of plates with the help of a wire rack. For
more information, visit Amana.com.