Glossary Microwave
ovens
Additional Features
These may include the option to change the language of the display from
English to Spanish or French, recipes that are programmed into the
microwave's memory, special filters to remove charcoal and grease,
or a Braille overlay that fits over the control pad.
Auto Defrost
Now almost universal on microwaves, this feature automatically sets
the time and power level depending on the type of food you want
to defrost and how much it weighs.
Available Colors
Most microwave ovens are white, but some models are available in
colors such as almond and stainless steel.
Brand
The "nameplate" of the model.
Brand name
The "nameplate" of the model.
Capacity Measurement
The claimed internal capacity of the microwave oven, measured in
cubic feet. Usable capacity is often less because the rotating
turntable doesn't allow food to fill the corners of the oven.
Capacity Proxy
An industry classification of interior size, based on claimed capacity
in cubic feet. (Note that Consumer Reports uses its own classifications
for models it reports on. Note also that the usable capacity we
measure in our lab is usually smaller than the claimed capacity.)
Child Safety Lock
Prevents a child from starting the oven. You lock the controls either
by entering a code using the keypad or by entering an electronic
command.
Claimed Capacity
An industry classification of interior size, based on claimed capacity
in cubic feet. (Note that Consumer Reports uses its own classifications
for models it reports on. Note also that the usable capacity we
measure in our lab is usually smaller than the claimed capacity.)
Compact ovens claim a capacity of less than 1.0 cu. ft. Midsize
ovens claim a capacity of 1.0 to 1.2 cu. ft. Large ovens claim
a capacity greater than 1.2 cu. ft.
Control type
Almost all microwave ovens have electronic controls; such controls
may feature buttons you press, a dial you turn, or both.
Convection mode
A few microwaves include a convection oven feature, which has a heating
element and a fan that distributes heat. This gives you the quick
convenience of microwave cooking with the ability to brown, bake,
and broil like a traditional oven.
Cook Settings
Some basic ovens have only Time Cook capability, where you set the
timer for the appropriate cook time and power setting. Other ovens
add Auto Cook capability, which allows you to cook various foods
using pre-programmed settings.
Cooking Power
The amount of cooking power an oven has is measured in watts. In
most cases the more watts of cooking power, the faster your food
will be cooked. Larger microwaves tend to have more cooking power.
Delay Start
A few ovens allow you to program the microwave to cook food at a
later time. Not especially helpful, in our view, since food could
easily spoil if left in the oven for a long time.
Detailed prompts
Display offers instructions to guide you through the cooking process.
Door Clearance
The amount of space needed to fully extend the microwave door to
90 degrees.
Door open method
The doors on most ovens open with a button press, but some have a
handle. Neither method is better; it's a matter of personal preference.
Door Opening Direction
Currently, all ovens open to the left.
Exterior Depth
Measured in inches, including all protrusions.
Exterior Height
Measured in inches, including all protrusions.
Exterior Width
Measured in inches, including all protrusions.
Filters Included
Many over-the-range microwaves have filters that clear grease, charcoal,
or both from the air.
Help Screen
A display that provides assistance in operating the microwave oven
or using its controls.
Included Turntable
Many microwaves include a rotating turntable that can help heat food
more evenly.
Instant Cook Pad Functions
A list of the types of food for which the oven offers a specialized
cooking button, to simplify preparation of such foods as baked
potatoes, pizza, and popcorn. On some ovens, these settings make
use of a cooking sensor that gauges when food is cooked; other
models simply cook at a certain power level for a certain time.
Interior Depth
Measured in inches.
Interior Height
Measured in inches.
Interior Width
Measured in inches.
Keep Warm/Reheat Settings
A "keep warm" setting holds food at serving temperature
until you're ready to eat. A "reheat" setting allows you
to easily warm up foods that have been refrigerated.
Maximum Minutes
Almost all ovens allow cooking times of up to 99 minutes; a handful
of models have a shorter maximum time.
Microwave Type
There are three basic types of microwave oven:
Countertop: The most common type, available in virtually any size.
Built-In: Usually has a capacity of 1cubic foot or less and can
be built-in or mounted on the underside of a cabinet or a counter.
Over-the-range: Installed over a kitchen range, with ventilation
and lighting on their underside. Popular as space-savers.
More Cook Settings
Allows you to easily extend the cooking time--typically by a minute
or more--for food that isn't hot enough after its initial cooking
period.
MSRP
The manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Number of Instant Cook Pads
How many quick-cook settings the keypad offers; these provide one-button
cooking of such foods as pizza, popcorn, and baked potatoes.
Power level display/recall
Some ovens automatically display the power level you've chosen. Most
others will show that level momentarily, on command.
Power Levels
Almost all microwaves have 10 power levels, to allow flexibility
in cooking a wide variety of foods.
Price
An approximate retail price.
Racks Included
Some ovens include an oven rack, which elevates food and allows you
to cook several foods at the same time.
Sensor
Controls the cooking and reheating time automatically. It shuts off
an oven when it determines (usually by sensing steam) that food
is hot enough.
Shop online
Clicking "Shop Online" will allow you to obtain product
pricing and availability information from a number of online retailers.
If you wish, you can also purchase the item from one of those vendors.
Speed-cook mode
A few ovens have supplemental halogen or quartz bulbs for browning
or crisping foods, so as to "speed cook" foods normally
cooked in an oven or skillet.
Stainless/SS-look option
Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option:
a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look
but resists smudging.
Tones On/Off
Don't like to be beeped when your food is ready? Some ovens allow
you to turn off those signals.
Touchpad/Dial
On most ovens, cooking times are entered on a numeric keypad. On
some models cooking times and/or programs are selected by turning
a dial. Neither method is better; it's a matter of personal preference.
Type
Countertop models are listed in size categories according to the
manufacturer's claimed interior volume. Compact models are 0.5
to 0.9 cubic feet, mid-sized models are 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet,
and large models are 1.3 to 2.2 cubic feet. Over-the-range models
mount directly over a standard 30-inch range and act both as a
microwave and as an exhaust fan.
Volume Control
Allows you to adjust the loudness of the signal that chimes when
the microwave has finished cooking food. (Some other ovens allow
you to turn the signal off entirely.)
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