(State Point) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, microwaves are one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen, so it's no surprise that at least 90% of American homes have one. That's why choosing the right microwave is so important.
“Most Americans own a microwave, but few consider how its features and design elements can change the overall look and functionality of their kitchen,” says Peter Wiedfald, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Sharp Home Electronics Company of America.
One trend that Weed-Fald says is here to stay is the drawer microwave. “Sharp, the inventor of the drawer microwave, revolutionized kitchen design by marrying functionality with aesthetics,” Weed-Fald explains. “While drawer microwaves require professional installation and wiring, for many homeowners the many functional benefits make them worth the effort,” Weed-Fald says.
Here are six ways a pull-out microwave can make your life in the kitchen easier.
- The space-saving design frees up valuable countertop space, giving you more room to chop, mix and stir.
- Easy access from the top makes it convenient for mixing and adding ingredients to your cookware.
- Since there is no turntable, you cannot place large or oddly shaped plates on it.
- These designs are easy to use for both right- and left-handed users and, depending on the equipment placement and the disability, are also accessible to people with disabilities.
- Top access means you can easily reach in and clean up any accidental spills or splashes.
- Enhance your space with a sleek, seamless look.
When choosing a drawer microwave, consider these five main factors:
- Hands-free technology: When you're busy in the kitchen, hands-free technology can save you a lot of hassle. Choose a drawer microwave like the Sharp SMD2489ES, SMD2479JS, or SMD2499FS models that open smoothly with just a shake up and down near the motion sensor.
- Finish: A pull-out microwave can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen cabinets or installed in a standard dishwasher cutout pedestal. Look for a model that matches your existing appliances. Popular finishes include stainless steel, black stainless steel, or a combination of stainless steel and black glass.
- Angled, hidden control panel: For a clean design and to reduce the chance of unwanted operation, choose a control panel that can be hidden when not in use. Sharp offers microwave drawer ovens with a hidden control panel that opens at a 45-degree angle for easy reading and operation.
- Convection Cooking: Convection cooking transforms your microwave into a cooking powerhouse, allowing you to bake, roast and crisp your foods perfectly, all in one appliance. Enhance your cooking experience and streamline your kitchen with a model packed with versatile features.
- Smart Connectivity: Enjoy smart cooking with Alexa voice commands on the Amazon Alexa app or Echo device (Amazon Echo device not included). Sharp's SMD2489ES, SMD2479JS, and SMD2499FS models all feature smart connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your microwave from your smartphone or voice assistant.
“Ultimately, when choosing a microwave, consider your layout, cooking needs, and budget to ensure you find the perfect fit for your dream kitchen,” says Weidfald.
