The KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S microwave oven is a top-of-the-line over-the-range model that has more features than any other microwave on the market. This attractive model has a stainless steel finish that is sure to be a talking point in any modern kitchen it graces. If the good looks were not enough, this microwave also has a convection feature and a large cooking capacity.

Salient Features

With a whopping two cubic feet of interior capacity, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to find another microwave out there that can outdo the KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S. This model’s convection feature is definitely another plus and goes hand-in-hand with its size. The convection feature essentially lets you turn this unit into a convection oven, microwave, and broiler all in one. You can cook anything from pizza and cornbread to filet mignon and even roasts with the convection feature.

Note: You can check out many more KitchenAid Microwave products at our KitchenAid Microwave Store.

The KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S also has the TruCapture Ventilation System, which is the most efficient ventilation system you will ever find in a microwave/hood combination oven. This is a huge plus for any over-the-range microwave and this feature does not disappoint. While we all like the smell of food cooking, we don’t want the smell to linger in the house and on our clothes for days. Because of this, good ventilation is a must and the KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S has the best one out there. Of course, with a model of this stratum you can expect the regular features found in most microwaves: a turntable, one-touch electronic controls, food-specific defrosting and programmable features. It is also very powerful, packing 1200 watts that are sure to cook your food faster and more evenly than anyother microwave.

Any Downsides?

The downside? Well, mostly the price. The KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S usually comes in at a hefty $1000, which is much more than most folks want to spend on a microwave. Though this model pulls double or even triple duty with its convection capability, $1000 is still a bit much for most folks. However, if you have exquisite taste and a fat wallet to go with it, this may not be a problem for you. AS most folks who are eyeing a stainless steel microwave probably have a similarly-decorated kitchen and can afford it, this may not be a problem.

Another problem that seems to have cropped up is a bit of malfunctioning, which is a problem with some Whirlpool appliances (Whirlpool owns KitchenAid, as well as Amana). As long as you have some sort of warranty (the manufacturer’s or the retailer’s) you should be fine, however. To be fair, there are more positive reviews for the KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S than negative ones.

The Bottom Line

In the end, if you are in the market for an attractive stainless steel over-the-range microwave, the KitchenAid Architect® II KHHC2090S may be the right microwave for you. Though it is definitely going to cost you, this microwave has all the features you could ever want and makes a great addition to any kitchen that prominently features a stainless steel motif.

The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X microwave oven is an over-the-range oven that has a distinct, attractive appearance and a wide array of options and features. In addition to the long list of regular options that you’ve come to know in most microwaves of the day, such as one-touch cooking and a turntable, the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X also has a cycle built in called AccuSimmer. This feature uses a built-in sensor system that can quickly bring liquids to boil, then reduces power so that the liquid is brought to a simmer.

As anyone that had ever heated up soup or coffee in a microwave can attest, a microwave without this feature is always in danger of overheating the liquid, often with catastrophic, sloppy results. AccuSimmer does away with all that mess and lets you enjoy your soup or coffee as it was intended, not scalding hot or splashed all over the microwave.

Note: You can check out many more Whirlpool Microwave products at our Whirlpool Microwave Store.

Looks Great

As far as looks goes, it doesn’t get much better than the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. This microwave has a stainless steel finish which is very sought after in many modern kitchens due to its attractive, stylish appearance and the ease by which it can be cleaned.

What are the Drawbacks?

Unfortunately, though, there are some drawbacks. The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X is a bit pricey, usually fetching about $400-$500—though this is pretty standard for most over-the-range microwaves, if not a little bit less. Then there are the negative reviews. Truthfully, the line comes down at about 50/50 on this unit, with half saying it’s great and the other half saying it’s the worst. There seem to be a lot of Whirlpool haters out there, so you may want to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt. Don’t let this model get lumped in with dishwashers or refrigerators, as these are very different products.

The Bottom Line

Whirlpool is one of those brands that has had its up and downs and has been hit-or-miss at times, depending on the product. The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X microwave oven is one of those products that has had mixed results, depending on who you talk to. On one hand, you have some folks saying that it is a solid model that soars above its competitors, yet others say that they would never buy from Whirlpool ever again after owning a Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. What it all essentially boils down to is that it is your choice on whose opinion you want to trust.

At the very least, the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X is a great-looking appliance with a great feature in AccuSimmer. AccuSimmer is a feature not found in many microwaves out there and is very convenient for those who like to quickly heat their coffee up before they leave for work. If you’re in need of more counter space and can afford to buy an over-the-range microwave, you’re not likely to find a more affordable unit than the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. The best thing you can do is make up your own mind when making a purchase such as this, rather than listening to reviews that may not be accurate.

The Kenmore Elite 80829 microwave oven is truly a top-of-the-line model made for homemakers who are serious about getting the most out of their appliances. This model is an over-the-range model that also includes a convection feature for real heavy duty cooking. The convection feature lets you take microwave cooking to the next level, getting away from the “dorm-room cooking” most often associated with microwaves.

Users have claimed that they have cooked pizza, oven-fried chicken, and even made cornbread with the convection feature. Couple this feature with the ample space within this unit (1.7 cubic feet) and you can see that this sort of cooking is certainly possible. The only downside to the convection feature is that it has been reported as being hard to grasp without going over the instructions several times. But, on the other hand, that’s what the instructions are there for. Even if the convection feature isn’t the most user-friendly, it is easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Note: You can look over many more Kenmore Microwave products at our Kenmore Microwave Store.

Other features of the Kenmore Elite 80829 include a turntable which can be turned off, a variable speed fan, an exterior underlight, and all of the bells and whistles that you find on cheaper models. Users have also reported that his model is incredibly quiet compared to less expensive models. It is available in black, white, and stainless—which is very highly sought after by many for its attractive appearance and ease in cleaning.

What are the downsides?

So is there a downside to this great product? Well, the price is pretty high at $600, but you truly are getting what you are paying for here. In addition to a microwave, you are also getting a convection oven in this package. This pretty much makes the Kenmore Elite 80829 no longer a small appliance, but rather an appliance. The only other disadvantage here is that Kenmore is a brand that is sold exclusively by Sears and if you don’t have a Sears nearby you are going to have to order this model if you want one (and probably paying exorbitant shipping fees in the process). Also keep in mind that since this is an over-the-range model that it may need some installation. If you are not prepared to do this yourself, you may have to pay someone to do it for you.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the Kenmore Elite 80829 is a great microwave for any family. If you are a busy mom or dad that occasionally needs to take shortcuts in the kitchen, this microwave can be a real lifesaver. The Kenmore Elite 80829 has all the features that cheaper microwaves have these days, plus tons of other little things that you probably never even thought of. The convection feature in particular lets you do things that no other microwave could ever do, like toast bread or bake a pizza. This feature is also handy if you have children that you trust with using the microwave, but don’t trust with using a standard oven. If you can afford it, the Kenmore Elite 80829 comes highly recommended.

The Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF microwave oven is a solid appliance from solid manufacturer. Panasonic has been known as a top producer for all things electronic for years and they once again do not disappoint with the Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF. This model comes in either black or white and has many attractive features, such as a turntable, Turbo Defrost, Sensor Cook, inverter technology, and a whopping 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space.

Turbo Defrost is a great feature that lets you thaw foods quickly due to the food-specific and weight-specific buttons it has. Sensor Cook functions very similarly in that it has specialized buttons that you can use with one touch to cook anything from baked potatoes to popcorn. The inversion technology that the Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF uses is key, as it not only is a large part of the Turbo Defrost feature, but it also allows the microwave to more evenly heat food from the edge to the center because of the continuous cooking power it uses, rather than the on/off cycling found in other microwaves.

Note: You can look over many more Panasonic Microwave products at our Panasonic Microwave Store.

Product Details: The Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF also features a large cooking space; 1.6 cubic feet to be precise. This is definitely a huge step up from the typical “dorm-sized” microwave found in many homes where counter space is at a premium.

Downsides

In fact, it is this appliance’s size that might be its only drawback. If you really need all the counter space you can get, you don’t want this microwave taking up the majority of it. Its exterior dimensions are 21-7/8 inches in width, 11-15/16 inches in height and 19-7/16 inches in depth – all of which adds up to a lot of counter space.

If counter space is not an issue, however, you really cannot go wrong with the Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF. This model is very affordable, running usually about $100-$160. This is an incredible price considering all the extras you get with this model. The inverter technology alone is worth it to anyone who has ever bitten into something cooked in the microwave that seemed done on the outside, but was ice cold in the middle. Inverter technology directly combats this kind of disappointment and you won’t be able to live without it once you’ve tried it.

The Bottom Line

The Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF is pretty much a good all-around microwave for just about anyone. It’s not so tiny that it will look like a leftover from your college days, but not the big monster microwave that you find in the kitchen of a busy housewife. This microwave is right in the middle and is just about the same size of most microwaves found in the kitchens of most middle-class families across the nation.

If you want a countertop microwave that has all the features and then some, the Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF is the perfect microwave to consider. Panasonic is a name that has been associated with quality for many years and they do not disappoint with this microwave. Give it a try—it will live up to the hype.

Who can live without a microwave these days? Whether you’re heating up leftovers, defrosting meat, popping popcorn or preparing an entire meal, chances are you’re going to be using a microwave at some point during your day. Microwaves have become so popular that they have become a staple in any lunchroom, no matter where you work. When it comes to picking out the right microwave, you can’t go wrong with the Sharp R-230.

The Sharp R-230 is a countertop microwave that features a turntable carousel, CompuDefrost, Minute Plus and Short Cuts. The turntable obviously spins as you cook and is absolutely essential in a microwave if you don’t want to have to stop the microwave to turn your food every two minutes. CompuDefrost is a nice feature that works a bit better than the defrost options you find on most microwaves these days. Instead of merely designating what kind of food you are defrosting (beef, chicken, pork, etc.), you also designate the amount of food being defrosted, and the microwave will beep at you when it’s time to turn the meat over.

Note: You can look over many more Sharp Microwave products at our Sharp Microwave Store.

Minute Plus is another nice feature that will quickly become indispensible once you start using it. This feature lets you hit one button to immediately start cooking at full power for one minute. If you want more time, just keep hitting the button. Each push gets you another minute. Short Cuts is another great feature that lets you more easily melt, soften, or warm food without burning it.

Product Details
Aesthetically speaking, the Sharp R-230 is very pleasing. It isn’t anything fancy by any stretch, but it is available in both black and white, making it easy to place in just about any kitchen. Its exterior depth is 14.62 inches, its exterior height is 11.37 inches, and its exterior width is 18.12 inches.

Downsides

On the inside, the Sharp R-230 has a capacity of .8 cubic feet, which is a bit on the small side by most standards. In a similar vein, this microwave only has wattage of 800. Though this is not an issue for most, it is a downside if you need to defrost large slabs of meat for your family. On the other hand, this microwave is very affordable, with most only costing about $60-$100.

The Bottom Line

So if you’re single, a couple, or a couple with a single child, the Sharp R-230 is perfect for you. While larger families will probably need a larger microwave, this model is perfect for those who don’t need a whole lot of room in their microwave and need all the countertop space they can get. The Sharp R-230 doesn’t pack the punch of some of the more extravagant models out there, but it does have a lot of extra bells and whistles that you find on much more expensive models.

If you’re in the market for a new microwave, this model comes highly recommended by many who swear that that have been using their Sharp R-230 for years and it’s still going strong.

If you’re looking for a reliable, serviceable, attractive and affordable microwave oven, the Sharp R-305KS will fulfill most microwave cooking needs. For those who have limited counter space, but still would like to have good bit of microwave power and features, this one cubic foot, 1100 watt unit is reasonably compact (Measuring 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches).

The long and short of it is that the Sharp R-305KS is cheap and easy to use. While it doesn’t have all of the features of more expensive machines, it has enough for it’s intended environment, the smaller kitchen or space where a lot of power for the price is desirable. But it’s not lacking in sufficient functions, namely, warm, soften, reheat and defrost options. And, as you would expect, it has a popcorn button. Moreover, the Sharp brand has an excellent reputation, and it’s attention to aesthetics is evident in the classy look and easy to clean stainless steel exterior.

Note: You can look over many more Sharp Microwave products at our Sharp Microwave Store.

One drawback, that is common with less expensive microwaves, is that in selecting the power level, you have to hit the power level button a few times. In order to reach a power level of 30%, you’ll have to punch the button eight times. But, this is a minor inconvenience considering the modest price.

Product Details

• 1100-watt mid-sized microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot capacity
• 12-5/8-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating; 23 automatic settings
• 4 defrost, 6 cook, and 6 reheat options; Short Cuts for melting, softening, and warming
• Minute Plus; popcorn key; auto-touch controls; 4-digit 2-color lighted display; interior light
• Measures 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Bottom Line: The Sharp R-305KS will serve as a compact, nicely powered workhorse for many years.