Saturday, January 28th
2023 Microwave Oven Reviews
KitchenAid
- About 15 microwave models to choose from (over-the-range, built-in, countertop, drawer)
- Prices range from $709 to $2,649
- 1-year warranty on parts and labor, 10-year warranty on inner cavity/door on some models
KitchenAid may be best known for its ubiquitous stand mixers, complete with attachments that can grind meat, whip cream, or make pasta. The company is one of several owned by Whirlpool, so no matter how you look at it, the KitchenAid name is easily associated with cooking.
Can you find them in stock?
KitchenAid has a little over a dozen microwave ovens in their current offerings. Depending on where you shop, though, you may have a challenge finding them in stock. For example, on the KitchenAid site itself, our most recent visit showed only nine available, and even two of those were marked as "low inventory" - and most of the products shown were microwave parts and accessories, not microwave ovens themselves.
All 4 styles of microwave ovens available
One plus for KitchenAid is that they have all four styles of microwave: countertop, over-the-range, built-in and drawer (again, when they're available). Their highest-end model is the 27" built-in with convection cooking. What will you get for their MSRP of $2,649? It's got a 900 watt microwave combined with a 1200 watt convection element for faster cooking, a stainless steel interior, a somewhat smaller-than-average 1.4 cu.ft. capacity, broil element, crisper pan for grilling and frying, and tons of little features like settings for softening/melting butter and even baking a pizza. Keep in mind that, according to our research, that price point is about $400-$600 higher than other brands' microwave ovens with similar features.
Several options around $1,000 or less
But, if you're not planning on spending over $2,500 on a microwave, there are options around $1,000 or less. KitchenAid's 30" Microwave Hood Combination with Convection Cooking was priced at $1,049 recently. It offers 1000 watts of cooking power, efficient ventilation to capture smoke/grease and odors, and an interior/exterior in stainless steel. It's also larger than most microwaves at 1.9 cu.ft. of capacity. Over nearly 2500 buyer ratings, this microwave scored an impressive average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Mixed feedback depending on the model
Not all KitchenAid microwave ovens have that level of customer satisfaction, though. Their lowest-priced model, the 21 ¾" Countertop with PrintShield Finish (MSRP $709) only came in at 2.8 stars out of 5: owners said that the keypad stopped working between the 1- and 2-year mark, and apparently the company doesn't make replacement parts for countertop models. We found similar complaints with a few other KitchenAid microwaves as well.
Good company, not always good microwave ovens
That means that KitchenAid is something of a mixed bag when determining their reputation for microwave ovens. Overall, the company shares Whirlpool's "A+" rating, but KitchenAid appliances themselves may or may not perform at that level. We were happy to see suitable responses from KitchenAid's support team when complaints were left on their products, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a satisfactory repair or replacement was offered either.
You may get more from a different brand
At the end of the day, KitchenAid microwaves are "just okay" . Some models have a fantastic track record with customers while others are decidedly lackluster - and there just aren't a ton of them to choose from, especially with so many listed as out of stock. Be sure to read the reviews on any KitchenAid microwave you're considering, but also look at other brands that may give you more to choose from.
More Microwave Oven Reviews
The 10 Best Microwave Ovens
Which Brand of Microwave Oven is the Best?
For most of us, it's hard to imagine a kitchen without a microwave. Who heats up water for cocoa on the stove or reheats an entire meal in the oven anymore? A novelty in most homes in the 1980s, these appliances have become so common that it takes you aback when you don't see one in the kitchen - or even at the office.
Microwave oven styles have come a long way from the bulky countertop appliances of the past. Yes, you can still get models like that - after all, a dorm room isn't going to have a place to install a microwave - but the majority of kitchens now include a ready-made space under the cabinets or over the range just for a microwave. Today's more modern homes may incorporate microwave ovens as built-ins that match the oven and the refrigerator with pull-down doors, or even as a pull-out drawer in a kitchen island.
Microwave Oven FAQ
Continued from above...
While some people have held onto concerns that microwave ovens might be unsafe because of the way they cook food, those fears are unfounded. Manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure that the biggest risk of using a microwave oven is when people eat their food before it cools off a bit (we've all done that breathy-mouth-thing when we just couldn't wait for that delicious snack to be ready - and regretted it for days afterwards).
Not only have microwave designs expanded, but their capabilities have grown too. Convection for faster cooking, air fryer functions, and voice controls are just a few features that may "wow" you, especially if you're replacing a trusty old model that finally gave up the ghost after a decade or more of faithful food-cooking service in your home.
With so many options, where do you start? Walk yourself through this checklist as you figure out which microwave oven and brand are right for you:
- Microwave Style and Size. The easiest way to narrow down the options is by style and size. Do you need a countertop design or something that you install over your range, under the cabinets, or built into the wall or island? And how much room do you have? Take careful measurements, but rest assured that most spaces will be cut to a standard dimension.
- Finish. Are you coordinating with other appliances? Most microwaves come in stainless steel, but you'll still need to decide if you want it in black, brushed stainless, and so on.
- Features. Are there any must-haves on your list? Maybe you've been thinking about buying an air fryer, and a fully-featured microwave oven could help you kill two birds with one stone. Do you want a handle to pull or a button to push when opening the door?
- Reputation. Based on owners' comments, how long will your new microwave last? How does the brand measure up when something breaks under warranty? Will you get help from customer service quickly or will your problem be ignored? Take a look at the company's Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews to help you pick a brand that stands behind its appliances.
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of microwave ovens on the market today. We hope this information helps you choose the right model for your kitchen!
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