The Haier Stainless Steel 1.0 cu. ft. Microwave MWM10100SS is elegantly designed and programmed for easy, convenient operation. This mid-large unit features a winning combination of convenient preprogrammed functions and an easy-to-use control panel. There are 10 standard power levels, plus eight one-touch menu buttons: popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, soup, dinner plate, fresh vegetable and frozen vegetable. There are also six Express Cook buttons (numbers 1-6 on the keypad) that start up the unit immediately for their corresponding number of minutes.

We loved the simple touchpad control panel, with its clearly marked menu options and assortment of convenient features. Startup is as simple as pressing one of the Express Cook buttons, or simply pressing the Start/+30 sec. button to get a quick half-minute of operation at 100 percent power. The buttons can also be pressed multiple times in succession to obtain the desired number of minutes (up to a maximum of 99 minutes and 59 seconds).

We tried many of the one-touch functions and found them to be fast and efficient with their respective programs. Each button offers multiple selections, which are accessed by pressing the button one or more times. Or, if you prefer to enter a time manually, you can do so by first pressing the power level button (the default setting is 100 percent) and then entering the desired cooking time.

The housing on this unit is silver with a matching brushed stainless steel front panel. We liked the inclusion of an actual door handle, as opposed to the door-release buttons, which are so prevalent on microwave ovens today. Although there is no sensor button, the assortment of options and convenience features makes this a very desirable unit at an affordable price.

There are two defrost options on this model: Weight Defrost and Time Defrost. Both settings use a low power setting that is effective at thawing foods without cooking them. We were able to thaw a pound of ground beef in about six minutes.

Other specialty functions include a memory function, which lets you enter your favorite programs; a multistage cooking option, which lets you start cooking at one power and finish at another; a count-down kitchen timer and a child safety lock.


Pros: Touchpad controls, six Express Cook buttons, eight one-touch menu buttons, Start/+30 sec. button, multi-stage cooking, easy to use
Cons: No sensor

Warranty
1 year, limited, parts and labor; 10 years, magnetron