Microwave ovens can be super time-savers. Consumer Reports ran tests to find out how much you need to spend to get a great one.
"How hard could it be to buy a microwave?" said Consumer Reports Kimberly Janeway. "That's what we thought until we tested three GE over-the-range microwaves."
All three looked similar, had about 1,000 watts, had a stainless finish and similar roominess. They were priced $250, $400 and $550.
The differences included special cooking features, sensors and a wire rack in the pricier models.
To test them, Consumer Reports made popcorn, thawed meat and reheated lasagna.
In the end, the $550 GE Profile only outperformed the $250 one, which was named a CR Best Buy.
"If you're just planning on using it as a basic microwave, heating, venting, defrosting, this will do," Janeway said.