Waukesha County Home

MILWAUKEE — It is rare to find a kitchen without a microwave. Along with sleeker designs and placement options, the microwave has so many more features that make it easy and efficient to prepare meals. "There are those who still only use the microwave for popping popcorn, heating a cup of water or warming up leftovers, but there is so much more that microwaves can do, with features its inventors probably never considered," Steve Erb of Appliance Gallery said. "Besides conventional cooking, microwaves come with convection options, steam cooking, 'keep warm' controls, and more." ■ Convection: They offer the same quick- cooking features, but with oven quality results including browning and crisping the outside of food because convection technolo- gy cooks the food from the inside out. Different models offer features such as temperature management systems, which determine the precise cooking time and power level for each dish, and speed-cooking options for efficiency. Unlike conventional microwaves, convection microwaves can be preheated to ensure food is cooked optimally. "People no longer have to turn on the oven, wait for it to preheat, and then wait for the food to cook. Since hot air is blowing direct- ly onto food instead of just surrounding it, food cooks about 25 percent faster. And since it cooks faster and generally at a lower tem- perature, it is more energy-efficient than a regular oven," Erb said. ■ Steam: "Microwaves that cook using the steam method are fast becoming a best seller as more people become health-con- scious in the kitchen," he said. "Because the food is cooked with steam and absorbing only the moisture it requires, oil or fats are not necessary in the cooking process. Also, vitamin and mineral content of food is pre- served compared to dry heat cooking." ■ Inverter technology: These ovens dis- tribute energy consistently and foods are cooked more evenly. Erb explained that inverter technology means that when you select 50 percent power, it cooks at 50 percent power consistently. That contrasts with a microwave that uses transformers, where if you elect 50 percent power, it will use 100 per- cent power, but just cycle on and off to aver- age out to 50 percent. Inverter technology also allows you to defrost foods without cook- ing the edges. ■ Sensor technology: Advanced sensors intuitively detect humidity released by food as it cooks and determines precise cooking time and power level for each dish. One- touch sensors can sense the surface tempera- ture of food to eliminate over- or undercook- ing. ■ Warming options: The warming options available in several models help keep already cooked warm food and ready to eat. ■ Style: The most current trend for plac- ing the microwave is in an undercounter drawer. The advantage is undercounter microwaves free up wall space, fit seamless- ly with the rest of the kitchen and work bet- ter ergonomically. For families with chil- dren, they are installed for easy access and also equipped with safety locks for homes with toddlers. www.appliancegallerywi.com HOMES PLUS OCTOBER 2015 2 Call Lynne & Jim Knurr Business Journal's choice for Top Area Real Estate Team! International President's Elite 262-780-9317 www.lynneandjim.com • www.knurrteam.com Offered at: $ 699,000 Exclusive Listing Team Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage LYNNE AND JIM KNURR G.M. THE COACH & THE TEAM 262-780-9317 246264003 S51W29178 Ridgefield Road, Genesee, WI Welcome To Ridgefield…From The Architectural Design, The Private Nature Trail To The Pier On The Millpond Nothing Is Standard. This 4,700 Sq Ft, 12 Room, 5 Bedroom Retreat Is Filled With Light Space And Design Set On 4.4 +/- Acres. Step Into Gleaming Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, Walls Of Windows, A Library/Office, Formal Dining Room, A Sunlit Chef's Kitchen Filled With Cabinetry, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel And More. The Master Suite Is Conveniently On The Main And The Windowed Greatroom Opens Up To The Deck. The Upper Level Is Filled With Beds & Baths Of Every Style & Design. When It's Time To Party The Lower Level Is The Place To Be. Come Enjoy Life On The Mill Pond And Create Memories To Last You A Lifetime. Distributed by: ©2011 by Conley Media LLC Waukesha County Homes Plus is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Homes Plus Volume 4 ■ Number 9 ■ October 2015 New microwaves improve meal prep Creative Outlet Under-cabinet design is among the features popular in today's microwave ovens.

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