Anantheswaran says appliances that have two ports from which microwaves are introduced into the oven generally heat more evenly than those using a single wave source. He says dual-wave ovens often are slightly more expensive. Anantheswaran says consumers should look for ovens with rounded corners and enamel surfaces, to make cleaning easier. Make sure you know where the heat and moisture is vented outside the oven. Anantheswaran says microwave ovens must be placed away from walls and other surfaces in order to have room for air circulation.
Excess moisture can cause wallpaper to fail or ruin nearby cabinets or valuable furniture.
Anantheswaran suggests purchasing an oven with a push-button lock. Steam produced within the food can raise pressure inside the oven and cause other types of locks to pop open, creating a hazard. It's important for the cook to see the product clearly as it is cooking. Anantheswaran says the lamp should permit you to see inside, and the door glass should not be tinted too darkly. Children should be taken into account when buying a microwave oven.