Archive for September, 2008

Review: Panasonic Genius NN-H765BF Microwave Oven - Countertop Quality

Monday, September 29th, 2008

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.

Review: Sharp R-230 Microwave Oven - Ultimate Countertop Versatility

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

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.

Review: Sharp R-305KS Countertop Microwave Oven

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

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.

 

Microwave Cooking Tips - Meats, Vegetables, Desserts

Friday, September 5th, 2008

You’ll hear a lot of advice about cooking in the microwave, and some of it’s even contradictory. If you’re confused about microwave cooking, don’t worry. Many people don’t know a lot about this easy, fast way of preparing food. Here are a few tips to help you cook in the microwave with success.

Use the Right Plastics

Be sure to use the right plastics. While plastic containers work well in the microwave, not all of them are created equal. Some will deform or melt when microwaved. Others can leach toxins and harmful substances into the food inside them. That’s why it’s important only to use plastics that are meant for microwave use. Don’t reuse packaging like butter tubs in the microwave, and only heat packaged foods that have instructions for use in the microwave. If a food doesn’t have these instructions, take it out of the packaging before heating.

Cook Smaller Pieces

It’s best to cook smaller pieces in a microwave oven. Cut larger items into uniformly sized and shaped pieces, and spread them evenly in the dish you’re cooking in. You may need to rotate or move these food pieces around while cooking. Thick areas should be near the outside walls of the container, since the outer part of foods cook faster in the microwave.

Some Foods Should be Pierced

Anything that has a shell, skin, or impermeable outside coating should be pierced before you cook it. This includes eggs and many vegetables. Otherwise, steam may build up inside and cause an explosive reaction. It’s also important to use a slightly larger container than you would in an ordinary oven - this helps your food heat more evenly. A round or oval shaped container is better for microwave cooking than a rectangle or square. That’s because corners can cause heat build up.

Cooking Times

If you’re using a microwave recipe, cook food for the shorter time in the range stated. You can always cook food longer, but overcooked food is ruined. If you don’t have a turntable in your microwave, stop the machine periodically to rotate food. Dishes inside your oven will be extremely hot - use an oven mitt or pad.

Lids and Covers

Lids should be used for anything you’d cook covered in the oven. This helps food cook more evenly, and allows it to retain moisture. Leave all lids slightly open so that pressure won’t build up inside the container. When you remove food from the microwave, lift lids carefully. Open containers facing away from you to prevent burns. Salting microwave food should be done after it’s cooked. That’s because salt can cause microwaved foods to dry out.

Some Ideas

When baking, you can soften solid sticks of butter by heating them for about half a minute on fifty percent power. When warming heavy cream or sour cream, use a low setting to prevent curdling. If your brown sugar has gotten hard, slice an apple or put a piece of bread into a loosely covered container with the sugar. Bread crumbs are made by microwaving cubed bread until stale, then crushing it inside a plastic bag.

Frozen Meats

If you’re using frozen meat, individual pieces can be separated by defrosting for thirty seconds to a minute. Then, if you wish to cook it further, arrange it evenly in the dish. You can also drain hamburger fat by microwaving the meat in a plastic colander on top of a bowl or other dish. The fat runs into the dish and out of the meat.

So, there you have it. Enjoy cooking with your microwave oven safely and effectively.

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