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Show Microwave Parade October, November, and December De-cember are commonly thought of as "autumn." These days, they can also be thought of as ' "The Microwave Mic-rowave Months." After all, October was International Interna-tional Microwave Month and more microwave ovens are purchased in November and December than any other time of the year. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, and sons and daughters all over the country choose the Christmas gift that truly keeps giving the microwave oven. Microwave ovens have earned a place in an estimated 70 to 80 percent per-cent of American homes, and it's not uncommon to find more than one oven at work in a busy kitchen. Nevertheless, with the microwave months upon us, experienced and novice microwave oven users alike should remember some basic tips about selecting the right microwave micro-wave oven. Home economists recommend that microwave oven buyers carefully care-fully consider the following questions: ques-tions: Who will use the microwave oven? Recent research from the Good Housekeeping Institute indicates indi-cates that in more than 90 percent of homes with a microwave oven, the appliance is used by household members other than the female household head. How will it be used? Planned usage can easily underestimate actual usage, as the convenience and speed of microwave cooking become apparent. Average usage is four times a day, but about one in four microwave oven users rely on the appliance six or more times each day. What features are needed or wanted? Only those who will use the oven can answer this, so if you're giving someone a microwave micro-wave oven, involve them in the selection process. Also, many second-time buyers have more ex- ; tensive "wish lists" for their '.' second microwave, having learned from experience what they want their oven to do. A last hint for a successful microwave mic-rowave oven purchase is for the user (or users) to try a friend's or relative's oven before buying there's nothing like hands-on experience ex-perience to educate a cook as to the marvels of microwave cooking. This will lead to the right microwave micro-wave oven purchase, and that will make "The Microwave Months" all the merrier. |
