Microwave ovens

A few microwaves include a convection oven feature, which has a heating element and a fan that distributes heat. In convection mode, you can set the oven temperature as you would in a traditional oven to bake or roast items.

Controls the cooking and reheating time automatically. It shuts off an oven when it determines (usually by sensing steam) that food is hot enough.

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.

Uses microwave energy in addition to other heating (convection, or supplemental halogen or quartz bulbs) so as to 'speed cook' foods normally cooked in an oven or skillet.

Allows the oven to grill foods such as toasted cheese sandwiches (cook without microwaves), or to top-brown dishes while cooking with microwaves.

Allows more than one item to be cooked or reheated at the same time by stacking them vertically. This may also be used to improve convection cooking by allowing heat beneath the cooking dish.

This is the manufacturer's figure of the microwave power output. In general, the more watts an oven offers, the greater its cooking power-and the faster your food will be cooked. That said, differences in claimed wattage of 100 watts or less are unlikely to result in significant differences in performance.

Display offers instructions to guide you through the cooking process.

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.

On most ovens, program selections and cooking times are entered by pressing electronic touchpads, or using a touchscreen. On some models cooking times and/or programs are selected by turning a dial. And, models may combine these methods: touchpads for some settings, and a dial for others. Any of these methods can work well, so the choice is a matter of personal preference.

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.

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.

The measured diameter of the oven's turntable, rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch. Rectangular tables -- which typically move from side to side and can generally accommodate larger dishes -- are also measured to the nearest tenth of an inch. Their dimensions are given as length by width. Note that similar and non-tested model specifications are provided by the manufacturer when available, and are not confirmed by Consumer Reports.

Some ovens automatically display the power level you've chosen. Most others will show that level momentarily, on command.

The measured diameter of the oven's turntable, rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch. Rectangular tables -- which typically move from side to side and can generally accommodate larger dishes -- are also measured to the nearest tenth of an inch. Their dimensions are given as length by width. Note that similar and non-tested model specifications are provided by the manufacturer when available, and are not confirmed by Consumer Reports.