Whirlpool MAX 25

Whirlpool MAX 25 unique design separates it from sea of similar models. It has 13 litres capacity but due to its design it has capacity equivalent to 20 litres conventional microwave oven. From more notable features this microwave has jet defrost which defrosts food 7 times faster than conventional microwave, 3D heat disatribution system and auto steam feature. This is one well rounded, eye catching microwave oven that doesn't have too much user complaints. One of rare complaints is that after set time heating turns off but turntable continues to rotate and the light remains on.

GE Profile SpaceMaker II PEM 31

GE Profile SpaceMaker II PEM 31 has respectable 1 cubic foot capacity and 800 watts of power, it has some useful features, such as two stage cooking. PEM 31 is recommended by Good Housekeeping and is considered as a best buy at ConsumerGuide.com. On other performance tests, PEM 31 gets mixed results, but users are generally satisfied with this model, although there are few complaints about complicated controls. Overall, PEM 32 is good quality, durable microwave with attractive design

Samsung SMH9187ST

Another microhood that gets good reviews is Samsung SMH9187ST, although it lacks convection feature  its affordable and has variety of features. It has 1.8 cubic feet capacity, cooking sensor, 14 inch turntable and electronic touch controls. It has powerful venting system which draws smoke and heat. Despite being nicely designed, affordable microhood there are some user complaints attached to it. Main complaints are about its durability and loud exhaust fan. SMH9187ST comes with one year warranty, and five year warranty for magnetron.

Whirlpool GH7208XR

Over the range microwaves(microhoods) such as Whirlpool GH7208XR are generally more expensive than ussual countertop models, but also a lot more versatile, and that for some people justifies high price. Beside 1200 watts of power, it has 1500 watt convection oven which can bake or crisp food. It also has multi stage cooking and steam function. In professional reviews its a well rounded product, but user reviews are bit more critical, main complaints are about its durability..

Kenmore 6633

Among medium sized microwave ovens Kenmore 6633 has the best customer reviews. It's 22 inches wide, and has 1200 watts of power, sensor cooking and touchpad controls.. In professional test this model has high marks  for defrosting and ease of use and users in general agree with that but there are few complaints regarding durability and display.  Kenmore 6633 has one year warranty.

Sharp R-530E

In the sea of different models Sharp R-530E is distinguished by large number of positive reviews. With volume of 2 cubic foot and 1200 watts of cooking power, touchpad control and 13 settings Sharp R-530E presents best value for the money for large capacity microwave ovens. There are few complaints for this model, most of them of its unreliable sensors.
Sharp R530E comes with 1 year warranty for parts and labour and 5 year warranty for magnetron tube.

HOW DOES MICROWAVE OVEN WORK

When baking in convectional oven, actual baking is done by conducting heat, thats why if you set the oven at  high temperature you will burn the cake without even warming up inside of the cake.

 Whole idea behind microwave ovens is that you cook food by exciting water and fat atoms instead of conducting heat.

While baking food in the microwave, crust can't be formed because air in the microwave is on the room temperature. Thats why microwave pastries come with sleeve made of foil, sleeve becomes very hot and that heat allows crust to be formed on surface of the pastriy.

ORIGIN OF MICROWAVE OVENS

Microwave oven was accidentally invented during the world war 2 radar research. Invention can be credited to Dr. Percy Lebaron. During one of his experiments he noticed that candy bar in his pocket has melted, and he realized that microwaves could cook food quickly, much faster than conventional ovens.
First microwave oven was produced in 1954, and first domestic model in 1967. In the first years sales was going slow due to large price tag but after 1971 when price tage decreased, microwave ovens found their spot in every home.