What is a smart microwave? 4 key benefits
Smart microwaves bring a new level of ease and convenience to everyday cooking, allowing you to control and monitor aspects of meal prep from your phone. Use this guide to explore possible smart features and discover the above-and-beyond capabilities found in select KitchenAid® smart microwaves.
Smart microwaves vs. regular microwaves: What's the difference?
Smart microwaves work much like their traditional counterparts, offering familiar features and extras, but with the modern twist of Wi-Fi connectivity. With a smartphone app, some models make it possible to adjust cook times, power levels or even temperatures on smart convection microwaves.
Smart microwaves come in a variety of configurations—from built-in and over-the-range to countertop models—and finishes that blend seamlessly with your kitchen’s aesthetic.
4 benefits of smart microwaves
Smart microwaves can turn everyday cooking into a convenient experience that integrates with daily routines. Features like voice control, remote operation and scan-to-cook on some models let you orchestrate cooking with ease so you can focus on the flavors, aromas and joy of creating. Smart features may include:
1. Touchscreen
Smart microwaves can feature an integrated touchscreen, making it easy to glide between settings and functions. The result is a sleek, modern design that promotes a polished look in the kitchen and offers an intuitive, elevated cooking experience.
Backlit Touch Controls on select KitchenAid® microwaves like this one, for instance, illuminate when in use and fade unobtrusively into the sleek black glass of the oven door when the oven is off. A full-color LCD display makes it easy to see and select cooking modes, temperatures and cook times.
2. Voice control
Creativity can be messy, leaving your hands dusted in flour or coated in sauce. Some smart microwaves let you use voice commands to adjust settings, so you can keep things moving without pausing the creative flow to rinse off or stepping away from your masterpiece in the making.
On KitchenAid® microwaves like this model, you can get control over every stage of cooking using simple voice commands through your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device, leaving your hands free to create.1
1. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details & privacy info at kitchenaid.com/connect (USA) or kitchenaid.ca/connect (Canada). Appliance must be set to Remote Enable. Google® is a trademark of Google LLC. Alexa is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
3. Scan to cook
Some smart microwaves feature scan-to-cook technology, allowing you to scan the barcode on packaged foods so the microwave can automatically set the ideal cook time and power. This feature can help take the mundane steps of cooking and baking off your plate, helping streamline meal prep and move dishes from freezer to table with ease.
4. Remote functions
Life beyond the kitchen doesn’t pause while you’re creating, but some smart microwaves may make it easier to keep pace with remote functions. Some models let you check in on what’s reheating from afar, helping dishes stay on track even when the rest of the day pulls you elsewhere.
For instance, some smart KitchenAid® microwaves let you remotely preheat, monitor and control the microwave oven with the KitchenAid™ App.1
1. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details & privacy info at kitchenaid.com/connect (USA) or kitchenaid.ca/connect (Canada). Appliance must be set to Remote Enable. Google® is a trademark of Google LLC. Alexa is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Smart microwave types & features
Smart microwaves can come in a range of configurations, from over-the-range models like these KitchenAid® microwaves to built-in and countertop designs. They bring convenience to the kitchen with features like remote start and voice control, but some go further, opening the door to a variety of cooking techniques.
Select KitchenAid® microwaves, for example, offer features that make experimenting in the kitchen as seamless as it is satisfying, including:
Multifunction Oven Modes: Includes air fry, bake, roast, broil and toast and uses heating elements and a fan to heat up to temperatures of 450°F.
Turntable-Free Design: Maximizes cooking space for large dishes or multiple items at the same time.
Smart Appliance: Gives you control over every stage of cooking. Remotely preheat, monitor and control the microwave oven with the KitchenAid™ App or with simple voice commands through your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device, leaving your hands free to create.1
Microwave Cooking Modes: Provides convenient presets for popular cooking tasks, including cook, reheat, soften, melt and defrost.
Steam Clean Mode: Uses the power of steam and added water to help release spills so they are easily wiped away.
Keep Warm Mode: Maintains low heat for up to 60 minutes to keep cooked foods at serving temperature, allowing you to focus on other steps in your creative process or finish one dish while another rests.
Dehydrate Mode: Replaces a countertop dehydrator, removing moisture from food to concentrate flavor.
Bread Proof Mode: Takes proofing dough to new heights. A heating element and fan circulate consistent low heat to help activate the yeast and promote rise.
1. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details & privacy info at kitchenaid.com/connect (USA) or kitchenaid.ca/connect (Canada). Appliance must be set to Remote Enable. Google® is a trademark of Google LLC. Alexa is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
OVER-THE-RANGE OVEN
Versatility and seamless design
Experience the versatility of an air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, microwave and ventilation hood, all in one seamless, over-the-range appliance
Are smart microwaves worth it?
Whether a smart microwave belongs in your kitchen depends on how—and how often—you cook. The advantages of these modern appliances often lies in remote control and the ability to monitor settings, cooking cycles and more straight from your phone.
If you’re often juggling meals with errands, homework or other tasks—or simply want the freedom to keep a closer eye on dishes as they sizzle, steam or reheat—a smart microwave can bring both convenience and a touch of ease to your kitchen routine.
