Smart Features in Today's Microwaves

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers

If you’re designing a new kitchen or updating an older one, make sure to invest in one of today’s latest microwaves! Far from the simple appliances they were in the past, modern models come packed with all sorts of practical functions and offer greater aesthetic value, too. Here are some of the smart features to keep an eye out for when shopping for a new microwave!

Thoughtful Appliance Design

It's not all about the cooking power you find inside! Consider the basic structure of the microwave—is there anything you want or could do without? Between exterior design and the inner workings, you might be surprised at how different current microwaves are compared to their predecessors.

Today’s homeowners look beyond regular, handled models of the past in favor of microwaves that install flush to cabinetry, whether they be built-in under a countertop, into a wall, or over a range. The low-profile look is neat and perfectly aligned with today’s streamlined aesthetics. You’ll find flush microwaves with traditional, transitional, and contemporary styling to match any kitchen, so don’t worry about anything seeming out of balance. As for what you’ll find inside, many microwave models have completely eliminated the turntable in favor of a motor that circulates heat. You’ll enjoy even cooking results and much easier cleanup, especially given that today’s microwaves typically have non-stick interiors that let you wipe away messes. If this sounds good to you, you’ll love that so many models offer these design perks!

Advanced Cooking Capabilities

The microwave isn’t just for reheating leftovers and cooking ready-made frozen meals anymore. While you’ll still find everything you’re used to—like popcorn, potato, and beverage settings—the microwave can now also tackle challenges formerly left to the oven and even the stovetop thanks to innovative sensors and specially programmed heating modes.

There are so many intelligent cooking functions in microwaves that you could miss them if you don’t explore the full feature list of each model. Some, like softening and melting, allow you to tackle certain tasks quickly and easily, so you can move on to the next part of your recipe. Others, like convection baking and air frying, let you use your microwave to produce dishes that other appliances had to handle before. The technology inside microwaves has even gone so far as integrated thermometers and sensor-driven heating that adjusts as necessary to yield the best results, whether you’re defrosting or actively cooking. So, ask yourself—do you want to do more with your microwave? Once you’re fully acquainted with the possibilities, draw up your wish list and don’t be surprised if you end up with a microwave that still goes beyond your wants and needs.

Smart Connectivity

Finally, if you’re a fan of smart home technology, you can add your microwave to your connected devices. Many brands have their own apps, which allow you to preheat, adjust settings, and monitor time remotely from your phone or tablet. They may even offer recipes with explicit instructions optimized to the microwave that take the guesswork out of making a great meal! You can also link Wi-Fi enabled appliances to your smart home assistant, so you can give voice instructions and receive verbal feedback—ideal for when you’ve stepped out of the kitchen or you have your hands busy with something else. In today’s ever-connected home environment, many wouldn’t go without this convenience!

Whatever sort of microwave you’re in the market for, you’ll find great options available from Whirlpool®, KitchenAid®, and JennAir® to suit your needs! These brands continue to innovate and offer appliances that go well beyond what you may still expect, so make sure to compare the possibilities to find the perfect fit. You’ll never think of the humble microwave the same way again!