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A microwave oven is one of those appliances that fit almost all lifestyles.

Do you love cooking? You need a microwave. Are you the fix-a-quick-dinner type? You’ll still need a microwave.

This machine is an absolute necessity in any kitchen. A lot of manufacturers know this, and that’s why we have a multitude of them producing microwaves.

Of course, this does not mean that all microwaves are great for use. Some are so haphazardly made that you won’t get your money’s worth out of them.in this article, we’ll be explaining the features of each microwave models so you can decide which one best fit your requirements.

We checked out everything from small, medium, and large countertop microwave ovens to over-the-range microwaves. We also looked at some built-in microwaves. Find out what we discovered below.

What Should You Consider Before Buying?

Your Budget: Some microwaves are more expensive than others. For example, countertop microwaves are the cheapest of the three microwave types.

Still, depending on how much you have to spare, you can buy a small countertop oven for as cheap as $50 or get a bigger sized one for between $100 and $200. Meanwhile, OTRs (Over-the-range) microwaves cost between $200 and $400.

Higher-end models like those designed to be built into walls and cabinets start at $400 and are over $1,000.

Available Space : Many times, the available space in your kitchen for a microwave oven can help you decide just the kind of microwave you need. Is there space on your countertop? Would a tall microwave fit in your kitchen? Make sure to factor in the height and weight of the microwave before buying.

Microwave Type

The most common microwave type is by far the countertop model. However, the over-the-range oven model (which is installed over the range) is also an option.

Finally, the built-in model is designed to be surrounded by cabinetry or stuck into walls. Some people also look for caravan microwave which is also called camping or motorhome microwave.  Decide which microwave model will work best for you.

Keep in mind that a big unit does not mean you’ll also have ample cooking space. In fact, most microwaves actually only have about 50% of the cooking space that the manufacturers claim they have. The higher the watts, the more the cooking power, though a watt difference of 100 doesn’t really matter.

Below is a breakdown of each microwave models.

Countertop Microwaves

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The most appealing thing about countertop microwaves is perhaps their price and ease of installation. All it takes to get a countertop oven working is merely placing it on a countertop and plugging it into an outlet dedicated to your microwave.

Just make sure to observe the external dimensions of the unit and compare it with your available space. Keep in mind that stainless finish looks high end and is most people’s favourite finish. You might like it too.

• Usable Capacity

The small microwaves have 0.4 – 0.5 cubic feet capacity

Medium has 0.5 – 0.8 cubic feet

Large has 0.7 – 1.5 cubic feet

• Watts

Small has 700 – 950 watts

Medium has 800 – 1,200

Large has 900 – 1,250

• Price

Small microwaves cost $60 to $150

Medium-sized cost $70 to $500

Large cost $120 to $550

 

Over-the-Range Microwaves

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OTRs, also known as over-the-range microwaves, are vented to the outside. As their name implies, these microwaves are put over a range and not on a countertop.

However, OTRs with OTR vents don’t also come with a range hood. Plus, you won’t get this unit working without the help of an electrician.

• Usable Capacity

0.6 – 1.5 cubic feet

• Watts

Between 850 – 1,100

• Price

Between $130 – $1,200

 

Built-In Microwaves

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Unlike the previously mentioned microwave ovens, the built-in microwave is very difficult to install. Usually, the built-in oven is installed between cabinets or within a wall. This is why you tend to find these microwaves beneath the countertop.

They are made to fit in with the cabinets making them less noticeable and easy to access. When you install this kind of microwave beneath a wall oven, you’ll get a very integrated and sleek look.

• Usable Capacity

Around 0.9 – 1.1 cubic feet

• Watts

Between 950 – 1,100

• Price

Between $380 – $1,440

Conclusion

Microwave ovens of the same model can often have different prices. This depends on the size, capacity, and whatever additional features come with them.

We advise that you go for microwaves with higher watts as they tend to deliver more. Also, choose a trustworthy brand, so you don’t have to worry about durability.

Are you hesitant to use a vacuum cleaner on the hardwood floor?

Well, many users feel the same because cleaning standards recommends that you should skip using vacuums over a wooden floor.

Are they right or things are changed according to the latest technologies? Let’s know the answer; Is it safe to use a vacuum cleaner over hardwood floors?

Myth and Reality About Vacuuming Wooden Floor

When vacuum cleaners came into existence, their only responsibility was to maintain the carpets. Anyway, we never had many ways to clean the carpets without a vacuum.

Life was going well, but then we started using the vacuums over hard wooden floors and none of them agreed with it. It’s primarily because the features a vacuum required to clean your house rugs might not be effective on hard floors.

On the contrary, it might damage such floors after regular usage.

So, what could the safest way to clean the wooden floors? Well, it might feel tiresome already. But, you should use a vacuum only over carpets and follow traditional methods for the hardwood floors.

Find a high-quality broom and take a dustpan from your kitchen to wipe as well as collect the dust.

If you already know the facts and using the same method for quite some time, then we can understand the pain in your “back”.

We also understand that cleaning hard surfaces using a broom takes a long time because it pushes and scatters the dust and dirt, instead of soaking them.

Cannot imagine taking off all the dirt by yourself?

Then, probably you should not use any of the vacuums that come in the way. Fortunately, multiple modern-day vacuums can take care of this far cry.

How to Choose a Vacuum For Hard Wooden Floors?

If you don’t want to feel any guilt of harming your wooden floors, then look for a vacuum (find recommended hardwood floor vacuum cleaners on CleanTheFloor) after checking the following suggestions.

Avoid brush roll: One of the most important factors that you “don’t” need while maintaining hardwood floors. Multiple plastic bristles scratching your shining wooden surface is the last thing you would like to watch. Brush roll heads work similarly because they are meant to clean carpets.

However, such a cleaning method is unnecessary on plane surfaces because there’s nothing that can hide the dust particles. So, look for a vacuum that does not use a brush roll cleaning head or comes with a switch to turn it off.

Strong suction: High suction power matters the most when you are cleaning hard floors because it’s the only factor you can depend upon. In the case of corded vacuums, the power is generally defined by watts and it should be at least 1000. Anything lower than that might not be successful to collect all the dirt and dust particles.

Crevice tools: A vacuum cleaner can be effective only with useful attachments. You cannot reach all the corners using a regular cleaning head, especially the space between furniture pieces and walls.

It’s the reason why you need to use a crevice tool, which is generally included with most of the vacuum cleaners that are meant to clean carpets as well as hard floors.

Takeaways: Good news for all the users who are dealing with a bad back and for individuals who are getting bored with brooms. You can use a vacuum to maintain the hardwood floors, but only if you are using it properly.

By chance you own a vacuum that’s only suitable for carpet cleaning, then you should not use it over the wooden grounds.