Buying guide for Best Hamilton Beach microwaves
These days, no kitchen is complete without a microwave. It’s the perfect way to cook or reheat meals when you’re in a hurry to feed your family. If you’re looking to upgrade your microwave, Hamilton Beach, a trusted kitchen appliance manufacturer, offers excellent options that would serve any kitchen well.
Hamilton Beach makes microwaves of various sizes and power levels. An array of helpful settings enable you to prepare common foods, like popcorn and baked potatoes, with the press of a button. These microwaves are easy to clean and use, and chances are there is one in the price range you’d prefer.
Ready to shop for a new Hamilton Beach microwave? First, you need to decide what size you need, how much power you want, and what other features would make your life in the kitchen easier. In this buying guide, we provide tips and information to help you select something fantastic.
Key considerations
Type
There are countertop, built-in, and over-the-range microwaves. Countertop microwaves are the most common type. These freestanding appliances sit on the counter and plug into an outlet. They don’t require any installation and are ready for use right out of the box. Built-in and over-the-range microwaves typically require professional installation in a wall or cabinet. These microwaves are pricier, and removal isn’t easy once you have it installed.
All Hamilton Beach microwaves are countertop models. They’re affordable and require no special installation. If you want a built-in or over-the-range model, you’ll need to look to another brand. If a countertop model would meet your needs, you’re looking in the right place.
Size/capacity
Since all Hamilton Beach microwaves are countertop models, you’ll need to make sure your counter has enough room for any microwave you’re considering. The dimensions should be listed in the product description. Break out the tape measure and figure out how much counter space you have before you go shopping.
Keep in mind that smaller Hamilton Beach microwaves won’t have as much interior capacity. The capacity of a microwave is measured in cubic feet. An appliance with less than 1 cubic foot of space is best for reheating smaller meals in a smaller kitchen. An appliance with 1 to 2 cubic feet of space is best for defrosting and cooking large pieces of meat in a larger kitchen.
Power/wattage
Microwave power is measured in wattage (W). The higher the wattage, the faster it can cook. Hamilton Beach microwaves typically have 700W to 1,200W of power. Models with less than 700W tend to cook slowly and may not produce even results. A microwave with 1,000W or more is ideal.
Features
Turntable
Many Hamilton Beach microwaves come with a turntable, which rotates your food as it cooks. With a turntable inside your microwave, you don’t have to stop the appliance to turn your food by hand. A turntable that is removable is the easiest to clean; simply take it out and wipe up any spills or splatters.
Presets
Presets on a microwave make cooking easier. When the press of a button, the microwave automatically “knows” the right cook time and power level for a particular food. All Hamilton Beach microwaves offer presets. However, some have more than others. Most have at least six; these cover basics like popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, beverages, reheating, and defrosting.
Power levels
Not all foods need to be microwaved at full power. A microwave with an adjustable power level helps you maximize your cooking results. All Hamilton Beach models offer multiple power levels; many have up to 10 options. Choose your power level based on the recipe you’re preparing. For example, you might want a lower level of power for simmering and a medium-high level for basic cooking.
Sensors
Some Hamilton Beach microwaves have sensors, which can detect the humidity level inside the appliance. Based on the humidity reading, the microwave can automatically lower the cooking time to prevent food from overcooking. Sensors come in handy when you’re reheating food and also when you’re defrosting it.
Controls and display
All Hamilton Beach microwaves have digital controls and an LCD display. The best displays are large and easy to read and operate at a glance.
Child lock
If you have small children, you’ll want a Hamilton Beach microwave with a child lock. A certain code or series of buttons must be pressed to turn the appliance on. This feature prevents kids from playing with the microwave and getting into trouble.
Ease of cleaning
Most Hamilton Beach microwaves are easy to clean because they have nonstick interiors made of stainless steel or porcelain enamel. These non-porous surfaces simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. As mentioned, a removable turntable also makes the appliance easier to clean.
Hamilton Beach microwave prices
Hamilton Beach microwaves vary in price based on size, wattage, and special features. Most models cost between $45 and $130.
Inexpensive
The most affordable Hamilton Beach microwaves are small models with less than 1 cubic foot of interior space. They typically have 700W and fewer presets, power levels, and special features. Expect to pay between $45 and $65 for these microwaves.
Mid-range
Hamilton Beach microwaves with 1 to 1.3 cubic feet of interior capacity usually offer about 1,000W of power and plenty of presets, power levels, and special features. Expect to pay $65 to $85 for one of these mid-range appliances.
Expensive
The priciest Hamilton Beach microwaves have 1.3 and 2 cubic feet of interior capacity and 1,100W to 1,200W of power. For the cost, which swings between $85 and $130, you can get plenty of presets, power levels, and special features.
Did you know?
Microwaves can sometimes cause interference with your TV or radio, so position the appliance as far from your TV as possible.
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Tips
- Never use metal pots, pans, or trays in your microwave. Microwaves can’t penetrate metal. That includes foil.
- To reduce the mess in your microwave, cover your plates or dishes before you start cooking. Even a simple sheet of paper towel can help minimize splatters.
- If your Hamilton Beach microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate your food regularly to ensure even cooking.
- When reheating leftovers, don’t pile all the food you want to microwave in the center of the plate or dish. Spread it in a circle across the plate with an opening in the center. This helps more of the surface area to absorb heat.
- Use your microwave to make quick desserts. You can use your microwave to make microwave mug cakes for a fast and delicious treat.
FAQ
Q. How will I know when I need a new microwave?
A. There are a few telltale signs that your current microwave is on its last legs. If it’s taking longer than usual to cook or making loud noises during operation, these are strong signs. If the controls aren’t working as they once did, this is another indicator that it’s time for a new microwave.
Q. What’s the best way to clean a Hamilton Beach microwave?
A. It can vary from model to model, so you should always consult the owner’s manual. In general, though, you should wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. A removable turntable can be washed in the sink with warm water and dish soap, but be sure that it’s fully cooled before you take it out and handle it. Another tip: wipe up spills and splatters as soon as they occur to avoid having the mess cook onto the microwave.
Q. Do Hamilton Beach microwaves come with warranty protection?
A. Hamilton Beach microwaves include limited warranty protection, which typically covers one year from the date of purchase. Understand that the warranty only covers damage that occurs because of defects in materials or workmanship. Accidents, misuse, and normal wear and tear aren’t covered.
