Getting the Most Out of Your Whirlpool WML55011HS: Installation, Cooking, and Care Tips

What are the common install options for this model?

The Whirlpool WML55011HS is a low-profile over-the-range microwave, which is a bit different from the traditional over-the-range units. The common installation option for this model is mounting it under a cabinet above your stove. It’s designed specifically to fit into tighter spaces where a standard microwave might not. The “low-profile” part means it’s not as tall as a typical over-the-range microwave, but it still has a decent capacity inside (1.1 cu ft). It also comes with ventilation features, which can either vent outside through ductwork or recirculate air back into the kitchen through a charcoal filter. That choice depends on your kitchen setup—if you don’t have existing ductwork, you’ll probably be using the recirculating option.

Based on customer feedback, do customers like this microwave?

Customers generally like the Whirlpool WML55011HS, but it depends on their expectations. People love it for its sleek, space-saving design, especially if they’re working with a smaller kitchen or want to maintain a clean, modern look. It gets a lot of praise for fitting into places where other microwaves won’t. The cooking performance is usually considered good for a 1,000-watt microwave, though some users mention that because it’s smaller, it can feel a bit cramped if you’re trying to fit large dishes or reheat big plates of food. The touch controls are also a bit polarizing—some people love the smooth, seamless look, while others find them a little hard to see or use, especially in dim lighting.

What’s the best way to prepare the food for microwaving?

The best approach to preparing food for microwaving is to focus on even cooking. Microwaves heat by exciting water molecules, which is why food with more moisture generally cooks faster. To get the best results:

• Cut your food into uniform pieces so that everything cooks evenly.
• If you’re reheating leftovers, spread them out in a circle on the plate, leaving the center a bit open. Microwaves sometimes heat unevenly, and the center is often the cold spot.
• Covering food with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap helps trap steam, which speeds up cooking and prevents drying out.
• Stir or rotate your food halfway through cooking if possible. Since this microwave doesn’t have a turntable, you might need to manually give things a little spin to prevent hot spots.

Any tips on defrosting?

Defrosting in a microwave can be tricky because you don’t want to end up with some parts cooked and others still frozen. With the WML55011HS, the defrost feature works based on either time or weight. If you’re defrosting meat, using the weight option is usually more precise. You enter the type of meat and its weight, and the microwave calculates the best defrosting time.

The key is to pause and check the food periodically. If you’re defrosting ground beef, for example, it’s good to break it up into chunks halfway through so it thaws more evenly. For chicken or other meats, flipping them helps prevent the edges from cooking while the inside stays frozen. If you’re defrosting bread, use shorter bursts of time because bread can go from frozen to tough and chewy really fast.

Can I steam my food using this microwave?

You can definitely steam food in this microwave, but it doesn’t have a dedicated steam function. You’ll need to create your own steam environment. The easiest way is using a microwave-safe dish with a little water in the bottom. Place your vegetables or whatever you’re steaming inside, and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. The water turns to steam, and the cover traps it, cooking your food gently.

There are also microwave steamers you can buy, which are basically containers designed specifically for this purpose—they work great and are super convenient if you steam often.

Is there a baking element or convection mode for this microwave?

No, the WML55011HS doesn’t have a baking element or convection mode. It’s a standard microwave, so it only cooks using microwave energy. Some microwaves come with convection features that allow you to bake or roast, but this model keeps it simple. If you need to bake or crisp things up, you’ll still need your oven or a separate appliance like a toaster oven or air fryer.

Any tips to clean this microwave?

Cleaning this microwave is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tricks to make it easier. The best method is using steam to loosen up any dried-on food. You can do this by placing a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a few slices of lemon (or a couple of tablespoons of vinegar) inside. Microwave it on high for about 3-5 minutes until it steams up. Let it sit with the door closed for a few more minutes. The steam softens any gunk, and you can just wipe everything down with a damp cloth.

The touch controls and exterior are sleek but can show fingerprints easily, so wiping them regularly with a microfiber cloth helps keep it looking good. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads since they can scratch the surface, especially on the stainless steel. For the vent filters, if you’re using recirculating mode, the charcoal filter will need replacing periodically (every 6 months or so), while the grease filters underneath can be removed and washed with warm, soapy water.