Our lives are dependent on microwaves so much that it is difficult to imagine a day in the kitchen without one. From heating/reheating food and beverages to defrosting frozen food, microwaves do make our lives easier, especially when we are in a rush. There’s a wide variety of microwaves to choose from, and the different choices and the different types of microwaves might pose a problem when you set out to buy a new microwave since you don’t know which to opt for.

Kitchen appliances in Home Depot feature microwaves of all types and ranges. More and more people use microwaves these days as it is the easiest and the most stylish way of cooking food faster than a convection oven.

Choosing the best microwaves
Home Depot has the best range of microwaves that fits your lifestyle. Here is a guide for choosing the best microwave.

There are three types of microwaves that dominate the appliances section in Home Depot. These are – Over the range, countertop, and built-in microwaves. There are as many as 230 models of microwaves to choose from the kitchen appliances in Home Depot.

• Over-the-range microwaves are installed over the cooktop or cooking range. Not only do they cook, steam, and defrost, they even act as a chimney as they have an inbuilt ventilation system.
• Countertop microwaves are those, which are placed on your kitchen countertop.

The capacity of all types of microwaves ranges from 0.8 to 2.0 cubic feet.

Which microwave is best suited for your kitchen?
The best microwave for your kitchen depends on the size and space of your kitchen. Check and compare the microwave for styles and brands. Rented apartments tend to have smaller kitchens, so either the apartment provides an over-the-range to free up some space or there is a countertop microwave. In independent homes, buyers look out for in-built microwaves that have a designated slot. In older homes, the over-the-range microwave is most preferred.

Features
Each type of microwave has its own features and characteristics. The features differ from each other by little variations. These are as follows:

• Over the range
  Since these are placed over a cooking range, it acts as a ventilator to eliminate smoke, unwanted smells, and odors. Over the range appliances in Home Depot, have built-in bright light to help with the cooking surface. Most of these are over 800 watts. This microwave comes with different venting options such as external venting and recirculating venting. External venting uses the outside exhaust vent to emit the smoke whereas in recirculating venting, the microwave, with the help of a charcoal filter vents the air back into the house.
• Countertop
  Countertop microwaves are generally on the kitchen counter. The advantage of this type of microwave is that since it is freestanding, it is portable and can be placed wherever convenient. Its capacity and power range from 0.5 to 2.0 cubic feet. This is the most sold kitchen appliance in Home Depot for its versatility, cost factor, and convenience.
• Built-in
  Built-in microwaves are fitted in the designated slots allotted for it. These can be installed in fitted cabinets or directly in the wall. Professional installation is recommended for installing built-in microwaves. As it is built-in, counter space area is saved. The power ranges usually over 800 watts. This means that the food is cooked faster and evenly.

Microwave power ranges from 600 to 1300 watts. Higher the wattage, faster is the cooking. Some of the best brands of microwave kitchen appliances in Home Depot are Samsung, Magic Chef, Amana, Whirlpool, and LG among others. The prices for microwaves in general irrespective of style and brand starts from USD 150 and can go to USD 800 for high-end models.