microwave

World's smallest microwave also has world's worst name

In what appears to be another case of "good idea, poor execution," Heinz has partnered with Frazer Designers to invent the world's smallest USB-powered microwave. The little device aims to satisfy the appetites of office workers who have so much work on their plate they can't find the time to step outside for a bite to eat. Stranger still, the microwave is called...the Beanzawave (what?!).

The small turquoise device is officially the smallest microwave ever invented, measuring a tiny 7.4 inches tall, 6.2 inches wide, and 5.9 inches deep. Much like today'… Read more

This microwave oven will also brown, bake, broil, crisp, and steam

Microwave ovens are overrated. Oh, sure, they can do some things really well, but for other tasks, they fall quite short. Personally, I like an appliance that is capable of doing more than softening butter and popping popcorn. (OK, I know that's an understatement, but bear with me.) Considering how manufacturers love to integrate several appliances into one (usually with toasters, it would seem), it should come as no surprise that the ubiquitous microwave oven is finally starting to diversify.

The Kalorik Steam Microwave Oven w/Real Convection certainly isn't the first combination appliance based upon quick-and-easy cooking, … Read more

MicroCool microwave/fridge combo is space saver

We're fans of many double-duty appliances here at the Appliances and Kitchen Gadgets blog. Haier has another take on that idea--it's a NuCool enhanced fridge and a microwave oven in a stacked combination unit with a power strip. A durable, easy-to-clean spacer anchors the microwave to the fridge.

The configuration is nothing new--college students have stacked microwaves on minifridges forever--but this one is designed for stacking, won't topple, and won't overheat.

NuCool runs quietly and is energy efficient--this is important when you have limited outlets and a lot of cool appliances to run. Speaking of limited … Read more

Chill and nuke from the comfort of your garage

Sometimes the kitchen can be really far away. Say you're hanging out in the garage playing poker, working on the car, or some other garage-related activity. Suddenly the need hits for a microwaveable treat and a cold brew. The warmth of the microwave and the chill of the refrigerator may not be too far away, but it sure is convenient to have them closer. No need to journey to the kitchen when you can stock up on the essentials in the comfort of your own garage. (Also applies to attics and basements).

Check out the Summit MRF2L, a 1.… Read more

March Madness: Three products you can use while you watch the Final Four

It's March Madness time again, and you know what that means: I'm spending a lot of time fighting for the right to watch a little "24" instead of basketball. But for those of you who actually care about the NCAA college basketball tournament, Whirlpool wants to make sure the only surprises are on the court--not in the kitchen.

You've seen the Amana Jot refrigerator, with its dry-erase finish on the door panel. Use the fridge to manage brackets, track game times, or display correct picks.

And even though the magic of DVRs lets you pause … Read more

Microwave drawer is Sharp

I think drawer appliances are just plain cool, except for this one. This one is hot, which is good, because it's a microwave. It's the next-generation Insight Pro microwave drawer oven from Sharp, which comes in two widths, 24 inches and 30 inches.

The new ovens feature larger interior space within the same exterior footprint as their predecessors. You'll find a new beverage center and some new automatic settings.

Didn't have time to drink that grande latte? You can fit a 20-ounce coffee cup inside this machine. Do you need to heat a casserole? You can … Read more

Old-timey popcorn popper keeps the kernels popping

Kitchen gadgets have been around for a long time. Toasters first appeared in the early 1900s, and it seemed gadget hounds have been filling their kitchens with them ever since. Luckily, they have progressed somewhat from their earlier, more dangerous days. But there are some items that deserve a second look as possibly being the best solution to a given task.

The Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper is a classically styled, vintage-inspired design that uses good old-fashioned arm strength to accomplish the task. Popcorn is popped directly on the stovetop. Simply place kernels and oil in the pot and start cranking. … Read more

Sharp gets steamy in the kitchen

After a long day at the office, you'd like nothing better than to follow simple instructions and get a great, home-cooked meal--without a lot of effort. The second-generation SuperSteam oven from Sharp (model AX-1200) can help.

The oven offers six different preprogrammed meals for two, so that an entr?e and two side dishes--such as chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and asparagus, beef kabobs and corn-on-the-cob, salmon served over brown rice and peas, fajitas, or even a brunch medley--can be cooked simultaneously in the oven for time savings and convenience.

It's a whole new level of plug and … Read more

Steam or microwave: Your choice

As the number of must-have appliances for your kitchen increase, it's always useful to look at the options that bring multiple cooking techniques together in one unit. The SuperSteam Oven, from Sharp, offers an ideal level of versatility. The designers brought together four cooking methods in the oven, making it easy for you to use whatever option provides you with a fast and healthy meal. The SuperSteam Oven offers steam, convection, microwave, and SuperSteam convection, all in one box. That means that not only can you use it for traditional steaming or even microwaving, you can also use the … Read more