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What is a smart microwave and what does it do?

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is becoming more connected than ever. A smart microwave can take the classic convenience of quick heating and add technology designed to help streamline your daily routine.

Whether you are looking for the potential convenience of automation, integration with your existing smart home ecosystem or features that may support energy efficiency, these modern appliances offer a level of control that traditional models often do not. From remote monitoring to voice-activated commands, a smart appliance is intended to assist with meal preparation and managing a busy schedule. Use this guide to learn more about smart microwaves and their benefits.

What is a smart microwave?

Smart microwaves are Wi-Fi based appliances that offer the convenience of a microwave with features that may allow you to start cooking (or monitor) your food remotely from your smartphone. These microwaves often come in built-in, over-the-range and countertop configurations and can be installed in a variety of locations.

Woman using a smartphone to scan a frozen food package barcode Woman using a smartphone to scan a frozen food package barcode

What does a smart microwave do?

A smart microwave is a kitchen appliance that connects to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone. You can often set cook times, power levels and even access recipes all from your phone, so you can start cooking dinner for your family even if you’re away from the kitchen.

Mobile app connectivity available on some models allows you to keep track of cooking progress when you’re busy in another area of the house, so you don’t have to pop into the kitchen every few minutes to monitor it.

Stainless steel Whirlpool® appliances in a modern kitchen Stainless steel Whirlpool® appliances in a modern kitchen

Smart microwave features

Smart microwaves offer a variety of innovative features in addition to the standard features found on traditional models. Read on below to learn more about smart microwave features to find out if this option is right for your kitchen.

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1. Touchscreen

Many smart microwaves have a touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate the various settings and options. Whirlpool® Smart Microwaves offer a touchscreen that adapts to your family’s microwave habits and suggests customized presets.

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2. Voice control

Some smart microwaves can be controlled using voice commands. This can be a convenient feature if your hands are full and you want to check the microwave timer or choose a setting to cook your food.

 

This Whirlpool® Smart Microwave offers Voice Control with a compatible voice-enabled device.1

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3. Scan to cook

Scan to cook is a feature offered on some models that allows you to scan a barcode on your food packaging and have the microwave automatically set the cooking time and power level. This can be helpful if you're not sure how to cook an item or if you want to ensure that your food is cooked to the package instructions.

 

Select Whirlpool® Smart Microwaves, like this model, offer Scan-to-Cook technology1 that allows you to scan the barcode of your family’s favorite frozen dishes to provide recommended cooking instructions.2

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4. Remote start

If your smart microwave also offers convection cooking, you may be able to use your smartphone to remotely turn on your microwave.3

Shop Whirlpool® Smart Microwaves

Whirlpool® Smart Microwaves, like this model, are designed to assist with your daily tasks, offering technology that can help take the guesswork out of meal prep. Enjoy the flexibility of controlling your appliance from anywhere so you can focus on your household priorities. With features on select models, such as Adjustable LED Cooktop Lighting, you can keep an eye on what’s cooking below the microwave or keep a nightlight on in the kitchen.

Whirlpool® Microwave with food cooking inside Whirlpool® Microwave with food cooking inside

Smart microwave FAQs

If you are considering a a smart microwave, understanding how these features work can help you decide whether a smart appliance is the right fit for your kitchen. The following frequently asked questions can help you understand how a smart microwave might integrate with your existing setup and help streamline your daily meal preparation.

How do you use a smart microwave?

To enjoy the benefits of a smart microwave, you generally need to connect the appliance to your home’s Wi-Fi and register the microwave in an app on your smartphone. Through an app, you can sometimes send cooking instructions to your microwave and control the appliance using voice commands through a compatible voice-enabled device.

Does a smart microwave work with Alexa and Google Assistant?

Yes, some smart microwaves are compatible with voice-activated devices like Alexa and Google Assistant. This can make it even easier to control your microwave hands-free and help you get dinner ready with less effort.

What is a smart convection microwave?

A smart convection microwave combines the benefits of a smart-capable microwave with the cooking power of a miniature convection oven. Smart convection microwaves generally have an electric heating element that can cook portions portions of your favorite recipes just like a convection oven, circulating hot air around food items. 

Learn more about how to choose the best microwave for your kitchen.

Can a smart microwave work without Wi-Fi?

Yes, a smart microwave is designed to function as a standard microwave without a Wi-Fi connection. You can use the manual keypad or touchscreen to heat food normally. However, you will likely not be able to use remote features, voice control or app-based updates until the unit is reconnected to a network.

Do smart microwaves save energy?

Smart microwaves may help manage energy consumption through precision cooking technologies such as integrated sensors. Sensors are designed to detect moisture or temperature levels to prevent overcooking, while specific power levels allow for more targeted heating.

By using these automated settings, these models can potentially help reduce unnecessary energy waste. Additionally, some smart apps may provide insights into energy usage patterns to help users monitor their household consumption.

Shop Whirlpool® Smart Appliances

With Whirlpool® Smart Appliances, you can stay informed of your household tasks even when you’re away from home. Browse the entire line of smart appliances from Whirlpool brand so you can aim to spend less time on manual household tasks and more time with your family.

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1. U.S. only.
2. Not all frozen foods included, WiFi & App required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy statement, visit whirlpool.com/connect.
3. Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect.