By Blythe Copeland | Tue Jul 14, 2009 15:28
-
Buy Green: Microwave Ovens
Did you know microwaves have always offered a low-energy alternative to traditional stoves? Unfortunately, their primary use as popcorn-poppers and leftover-reheaters hasn't given them a place of honor in the kitchen. But with new models that attempt to perfect microwave baking, broiling, and roasting; family-sized ovens that let busy parents cook casseroles in half the time; and compact versions for the traditional chef who just wants low maintenance food without using 1300 watts, you'll find yourself using these microwaves for so much more than leftovers.
-
iWavecube From iCubed
Why We Like It: The pint-sized iWavecube from iCubed bills itself as "the world's smallest microwave"—just right for singles, students, and chefs who don't need a full-sized version—and it comes in a rainbow of colors.
Eco-Factor: The iWavecube needs less than a foot of space on your counter and weighs just 12 pounds, which means it requires fewer materials and resources during production than larger cookers. Plus, since it works best on small quantities of food, it heats at an energy-efficient 600 watts.
Chef Style: Anyone with limited space (think dorm rooms and first apartments)
Where: iCubed
How Much: $100
Image courtesy of iCubed
-
Insight Convection Microwave From Sharp
Why We Like It: Made to hang over the range, the Insight Convection Microwave from Sharp keeps your counter spacious, while the 13-inch turntable is big enough for dinner plates—but also offers an on/off switch to stop it from rotating when you're heating larger pans.
Eco-Factor: Convection microwaves combine the classic microwave heating with the fan from traditional convection ovens, so you can finesse your meals—by browning, roasting, baking, or broiling—more easily than with conventional microwaves, while still using less energy (and time) than you would with a standard oven.
Chef Style: Experimental cooking for families short on time
Where: Cookware.com
How Much: $750
Image courtesy of Sharp Electronics
-
Profile 2.0 Cubic Foot Microwave From General Electric
Why We Like It: If you want to use your microwave on a daily basis—and for large quantities of food—then you need an oven big enough to hold it all. The General Electric Profile microwave fits the bill, with a 16.5-inch turntable that promises to hold everything from Sunday's roasted chicken to the popcorn for movie night.
Eco-Factor: Sensor controls automatically adjust the cooking time and power while you're heating or defrosting, so butter won't liquefy and you won't jack up your energy use by using a higher-than-necessary heat level to warm up those leftovers.
Chef Style: You like to go big: big counters, big families, big dinner parties
Where: Home Everything
How Much: $265
Image courtesy of GE Consumer and Industrial
-
Compact Microwave From LG
Why We Like It: Need a little more space than the iWavecube offers—but not as much as the other models here? Try a no-fuss LG Compact microwave, with 1.3 cubic feet of cooking space and an over-the-range mounting system.
Eco-Factor: This lower-energy oven—it offers 950 watts of cooking power—is a classic, no-frills microwave: the auto-defrost and "popcorn" buttons are the most advanced features, which means fewer parts to break.
Chef Style: Low-tech and low-stress
Where: PC Richard & Son
How Much: $350
Image courtesy of LG Electronics
-
TrueCookPlus Countertop Microwave From Kenmore
Why We Like It: The 1.2 cubic foot Kenmore microwave with TrueCookPlus is the right size for a couple or small family, and the classic black styling works with any kitchen decor.
Eco-Factor: With the TrueCookPLus software, type in a code listed on microwavable meals, snacks, and desserts and the oven adjusts the cooking time based on elevation, oven size, power levels, and ideal temperature—so you don't have to worry about excess energy consumption or overcooking or undercooking your TV dinners.
Chef Style: Hands-off, with no room for failure
Where: Kenmore
How Much: $140
Image courtesy of Sears
On Now
- 07:30pm Grizzly Man Diaries
- 08:00pm Off the Grid
- 09:00pm Whale Wars
On Tonight
- 08:00pm Off the Grid
- 09:00pm Whale Wars
Earthquake in Chile - How You Can Help
Find charities and social media tools to help with relief efforts.
10 Ways to Help the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
Send text messages, donate online or just get informed on easy ways you can contribute.
How to Make the Recovery Last
Once the Red Cross pulls out, Haiti will still need help getting on a path to real development.
More Ways to Help
Get our complete coverage of the relief efforts in Haiti and ways you can take action to help.
| CREDITS | DCL | |
| DISCOVERY SITES | Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Science Channel | Planet Green | Discovery Fit & Health | Hub | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | Discovery Home | HD Theater | Turbo | HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | Viewer Relations | Free Newsletters | RSS | TV FAQs |
| CORPORATE | Discovery Communications, Inc. | Advertising | Careers @ Discovery | Privacy Policy | Visitor Agreement |
