Amana Microwave Oven (Model # AMC4080AA) Review

When we remodeled our kitchen, I had the hardest time finding a microwave that would fit under our kitchen cabinets.  It seemed that the ones that were available were either too large, too heavy, or just too expensive.  All of our appliances are chrome and black, so we needed something that had either a chrome or black finish (or both) that would match.  We have very little counterspace, so I needed something that would mount under the cabinetry and help us free up a little extra space.

After months of looking, we FINALLY found the Amana AMC 4080AA microwave oven.  It had everything I had been looking for, and it was made to either sit on the counter OR slide under the cabinet!  My husband was able to easily mount it and hook it up in less than 15 minutes.  The finish is black, and it's small enough that it looks compact and tidy, without being so small that we can't fit things in it.

We were able to find this microwave online for around $ 100.00.  I thought that the price was more than reasonable, as this microwave had EVERYTHING we were looking for.  The size was what really appealed to us.  The product dimensions for the Amana AMC4080AA are: Height:10 4/5" Width:19 1/4" Depth:15 3/10".  It came with all the items my husband needed to mount it under the cabinet, giving us additional counter space.

I've never had a microwave oven with programmed buttons before, but it's great!  I just select one of six buttons and "hit" it.  The microwave automatically knows how long to cook things!  There is a button for popcorn (this microwave cooks it perfectly every time!), pizza (does a good job at reheating pizza), vegetables, beverages, and frozen dinners.  I have found that all the buttons work well except for the frozen dinners button.  I have not had success with that one, and just punch in the desired time manually.

The basic features of the Amana AMC4080AA microwave oven include:

• Interior turntable
• Bright digital clock and readout
• Automatic defrost button
• Ten power levels
• The six programmed buttons I mentioned earlier
• Interior light that comes on automatically when you open the door
• One touch open button
• "Beep" reminder when food is done cooking (wish there was a way to turn this off!)
• 12 hour clock (no a.m. and p.m. to confuse the time) 
• Undercabinet mounting optional
• Small and compact design
• Easy to clean

The only thing I would change about the Amana AMC4080AA microwave oven, is the "beeping" it does to remind you if you've left something in the microwave.  If you're busy, like me, and multi-task all day long, sometimes you place something in the microwave and have a plan to get it when you're done with another task.  However, this thing beeps, beeps, and BEEPS over and over again to remind you that you still have something in the microwave.  If there were only some way to turn that function off, I think this would be the perfect microwave oven.

Let me stress that although I am referring to the Amana AMC4080AA microwave oven as "compact", it is not too small to use.  You can fit a casserole dish inside easily, and the turntable will still spin freely.  You may be able to fit two frozen dinners in at a time, but depending on the size, the turntable may not spin entirely.  We are a family of four, who does not do our cooking in the microwave, but uses the microwave every single day.  We typically use it for cooking soup, reheating leftovers, and so on, and it is plenty big for us.  Although it is mounted under the cabinet, both my children can easily reach the microwave to place things inside, and get things out of it with no problem.

Because the color of this microwave is black, it will go with virtually any kitchen decor.  It is very easy to keep clean on both the inside and the outside.  The outside surface wipes clean with a little Windex, and the inside really needs no more than a little hot water.  TIP - To keep your microwave looking brand new for years, invest in an inexpensive microwave cover for food.  Find them in any department store for $ 3.00 and under, and always place them over your food before you cook.  Any splatter will go on the microwave cover instead of the inside of your microwave.

Bottom Line- If you use your microwave oven strictly to heat up food, or cook frozen items like t.v. dinners, and such, the Amana AMC4080AA is PERFECT for you!  I would not recommend this particular model if you do your actual cooking in the microwave, as it may not be large enough.  However, it is the perfect size to reheat leftovers, or cook at Healthy Choice Meal, or whip up a quick batch of hot chocolate.  It's also great because of the under counter mounting.  You'll be surprised at how much counterspace you can free up for yourself by getting your microwave up off the counter.  I also feel that a microwave is easier to keep clean when it is off the counter, because people don't touch the outside of it when they pass by, and young children cannot touch the buttons or open the door.  A good thing as far as safety is concerned!