DirectBuy Kitchen Remodeling Blog » Microwaves

Tips for Purchasing Microwave Ovens

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:51 +0000

While shopping for major appliances in the home, such as the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator are important, other smaller appliances are equally important. Choosing microwave ovens is something nearly every homeowner must do, and these tips can help you to purchase the right one for your home, style, space and budget:

Choosing the Right Finish

While microwave ovens are one of the smaller appliances in the kitchen, they should still match the overall look of the space. Make sure that your microwave’s finish matches that of the other appliances.

Dual Extractor Fan and Microwave

Many microwaves are able to serve double duty as an extractor fan, and are wall mounted above the range. If you lack space in the home, or want to save money, this can be a great idea. By using a microwave as an extractor, you won’t have to pay for an additional hood extractor.

Stick to a Budget

Microwaves come in a wide range of prices and style. Plan a budget before you go shopping, and do your best to stick to that budget during the purchase.

By choosing the right finish, adding in a microwave that has an extractor fan and sticking to your budget, you will have the perfect microwave for your kitchen.

When you need home appliances and kitchen remodeling accessories of all types, DirectBuy has a wonderful selection for you to choose from. You can purchase virtually everything you need for home improvement at prices that can save up to 50% off retail.

Possible Locations for Microwave Ovens

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:23:59 +0000

Microwave ovens are more than a modern convenience. You can cook entire meals in them, and many families find that they can’t live without this modern marvel. There are several options for adding a microwave to your kitchen appliances.

Counter

The most basic choice is to add a microwave to the counter. The microwave will be easy to reach when placed in an open spot. One benefit is that you will be able to choose almost any size microwave.

Shelf

A built-in shelf will serve as an impressive home for your microwave. Sleek and stylish, your microwave will blend in with the cabinets. The one downside is that the size of the microwave you choose will be limited.

Over-the-Stove

One of the most popular options is to purchase a microwave that will fit over the stove. Fitted with a vent in the lower section, it serves as a range hood and microwave. When redesigning your kitchen, consider raising the cabinets over the stove by a few inches. This will provide you with plenty of open working space on the stove while also keeping the microwave within easy reach.

Microwave ovens are a necessary part of modern kitchens. Easily placed on the counter, you can also place the microwave on a built-in shelf. The most popular choice for style and saving space is to choose an over-the-stove microwave oven.

For your kitchen remodeling needs, DirectBuy has a wide variety of top-quality products, such as countertops , flooring and furnishings and more to help you create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of – all at great savings for your budget!

Picking Out the Ideal Microwave Oven

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:15 +0000

In our modern world where work, family and chores take priority, sometimes the microwave oven in the kitchen gets used more than the actual oven!

Because of this, it is important to pick out an appliance that fits your space and meets your needs, all while fitting in your budget. Here are some tips for choosing microwave ovens for your own home:

Decide Where It Will Go

Many people pick out a microwave oven, and then consider where to place it. In reality, it should be done the other way around. Be creative with this – some microwaves are installed above the stove, and can act as a ventilation system instead of range hood. This way, you can decide whether you need an installed microwave oven or a stand alone one.

Pick Which Features You Need

If you only ever warm up meals, you don’t need to invest in several settings on the microwave ovens for individual items, potatoes or defrosting. Decide which features are important to you, but don’t pay more for things that you will not ever use.

By deciding where you will place your microwave oven, you can figure out which style to get. Then, simply decide which features are necessary, and you will have the perfect appliance for your kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling is easier when you shop at DirectBuy where you will find brand-name products –appliances, flooring, countertops, kitchen cabinets and more – all at savings of up to 50% off retail.

Choosing a New Microwave Oven for Your Remodeled Kitchen

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:59:44 +0000

For the last 30 years, microwave ovens have been a common fixture in most kitchens. When people remodel their kitchens, they often buy the latest model of microwave oven for their homes.

Choosing One to Fit the Family

The newest models feature lightweight designs and compact dimensions that let these appliances be placed anywhere in the kitchen. However, despite their smaller sizes, not every microwave oven is made the same.

Some are more capable of serving larger families, while some are better for single people or smaller families. Family-sized ovens have longer cook times and more functions than their smaller counterparts.

Where to Place the Oven

Some people struggle with the ideal placement for this appliance. It should be placed wherever it is convenient for the people who live in the house. If a person likes to warm up a breakfast burrito while waiting for the coffee to percolate, the oven can be placed near the coffee pot. If it is used to heat side dishes during dinner preparation, it can be placed near the stove.

A microwave oven is a convenient and necessary appliance for today’s kitchens. Today’s households consider them to be an essential part of modern life.

How to Choose the Perfect Microwave

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:24:32 +0000

Nearly every home includes a microwave oven, as it is an easy way to reheat leftovers, quickly defrost the evenings dinner, or just pop some popcorn for family movie night. Whether you want a top of the line model or a simple appliance, here are some hints to picking the perfect microwave for your new kitchen.

Save Money with Above the Range

Many microwave ovens can do double duty both to heat food, and also to act as an extractor fan above the range cooktop. When you turn on the extractor fan function, it sucks up steam and smoke from any food cooking. This is great because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan or range hood, and it reduces humidity and heat in the house when you don’t want it.

The Right Wattage

If you only use your microwave to reheat meals, you will do fine with a low wattage microwave, from 600 watts and up. If you cook entire recipes in the microwave, or defrost heavy pieces of meat, choose a microwave with 1,000 watts or more.

Choosing the right microwave can be simple if you follow these guidelines and select the perfect appliance for your kitchen.

Choosing a Microwave for a Newly Remodeled Kitchen

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:50:38 +0000

When remodeling your kitchen, you must think about the placement of your appliances. Whether they are old or new, deciding on the perfect location for your appliances can make the difference in a well-planned kitchen design. The smallest of the big appliances, the microwave can be stored in many different locations around the kitchen. Placing it above the stove saves counter space whereas making its home on the counter will allow for a decorative stove hood.

Microwave Style

Now that you’ve found the perfect spot for your microwave, it is important to choose one that fits your style and the overall look of your kitchen. You can choose to match the microwave with the rest of the appliances or perhaps pick one that stands out among the crowd. Find the wattage and color finish combination that will leave you satisfied with your choice.

Microwaves and Their Place in the Kitchen

Deciding on a microwave to finish out your remodeled kitchen is a two-step process that takes some thought before running out to purchase any microwave. Although a small appliance, it requires some planning as to where to leave appropriate space for placement.

Kitchen remodeling is easier when you shop at DirectBuy where you will find brand-name products at prices up to 50% off retail.

Microwaves are a Great Alternative

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:00:07 +0000

There are many advantages to owning a microwave today. The past twenty years have witnessed remarkable changes in how they have become integrated into society. Two particular changes are optional sizes to fit just about anywhere and progression in becoming legitimate alternative cooking sources.

Size Matters

Microwaves come in sizes as small as 1.1 cubic feet. Placing microwaves in little nooks in the kitchen make them easily accessible and convenient cooking sources.

Too Hot? Try the Microwave

In the summertime, cooking on the skillet or in the oven often adds heat to an already warm house. Instead of going out for lunch, a microwave can heat that TV dinner, pizza, or nachos without the heat spreading to the rest of the house. Even bacon can be cooked in the microwave. The secret is to put the bacon on several paper towels or a microwaveable plate with elevated sides to soak up the excess grease, and then place several towels over the bacon for added absorbency. A normal cooking time is four minutes for five bacon strips.

It’s easy to see why the microwave is replacing the stove as viable alternative. Their small size and ability to cook anything make them great kitchen accessories.

Microwave and Wall Oven Combo for Your New Kitchen

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:38:19 +0000

Microwaves can take up a lot of our valuable kitchen countertop space yet; most of us don’t want to live without the convenience of having one. When planning for kitchen remodeling, include a spot for a microwave wall oven combo.

You will be able to have a microwave, but not have it occupying space on the countertop and you will have the appearance of a built-in wall oven.

The Speed of a Microwave and the Performance of an Oven

With a combination microwave and oven, you get the best of both worlds. You have the speed and convenience of a microwave and the performance of an oven. Some models are produced with convection capabilities for exceptional performance and even cooking.

For the ultimate in convenience, space savings, and performance, include a combination microwave and wall oven in your kitchen remodeling plans.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of kitchen appliances, kitchen furniture, kitchen cabinets, and many other brand-name kitchen remodeling products from leading manufacturers at wholesale prices that can help you save up to 50% off retail.

The Top 5 Kitchen Appliances You Should Consider Upgrading

Karen, Kitchen Remodeling Pro — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:40 +0000

When remodeling your kitchen, there is a lot to consider such as cabinets, flooring, and countertops but one of the main areas of kitchen remodeling is appliances. Here are the top five kitchen appliances you need to include in your remodeling plans.

Refrigerators – if your current fridge is outdated, consider updating to a sleek side-by-side model or one with the freezer at the bottom allowing for more storage space at the top
Stove Top – modern stove tops don’t have to be on top of an oven, they can be installed on an island or countertop in your kitchen. Whether it’s a stove top with traditional burners or glass-top, the choice is completely up to you
Ovens – select a gas or electric oven as a standalone or combined with a stovetop for an efficient cooking appliance.
Dishwashers – save your hands and money (when you get an energy efficient model) with a dishwasher to clean your dishware, cookware, and utensils
Microwaves – a kitchen would not be complete without a microwave for cooking or reheating meals in a flash

DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name kitchen remodeling products appliances, cabinets, countertops and more – all at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers.