Even Pro Chefs Rely On Microwaves. Here Are The Best Countertop Options

Like so many things we use today, the origins of the microwave lie in military technology. In 1945, a Raytheon engineer was working with a magnetron and found that a chocolate bar in his pocket melted. This incredible, if initially gross, discovery led to the technology that lets you heat up the tea you forgot you left on the counter. Raytheon’s early attempts at marketing the microwave were not terribly successful, though. It was first called the Radarange, and it was taller than the average man and weighed more than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Thankfully, the technology has improved (and gotten smaller) since then, and the cost has gone way down. Where early microwaves cost thousands, today you can get a much more powerful and compact one for less than a hundred. There are still differences between countertop microwaves, though. Higher watt options will heat your food quickly and more evenly than lower watt options, and newer models are increasingly being outfitted with smart technology.

While microwaves are easily written off as being for those who can’t cook, they’re handy for tons of things outside of making frozen meals. Microwaves are frequently used by professional chefs in fine dining establishments for certain tasks, and you can use a microwave for everything from peeling garlic to steaming fish (just don’t try that at work). So, embrace the convenience by trying one of the options below. They include powerful, high wattage options, as well as a voice-controlled microwave.