Honestly, I've had a number of microwaves in my life and I have read the manuals and attempted to use various other types of operation (such as sensor cooking). The reasons why I don't typically use those additional modes of operation are perfectly rational and not due to UI bias as such:
1. I know exactly how to cook something, based on time (and power level), because that's a mental model that's universal across microwaves.
2. I don't know how to cook something and need to follow package directions, which are always expressed as time (and power level).
3. I am iterating towards a desired end state, and want to do so in small step increments. The only possible way to do so is by short bursts of time (at a specified power level).
These are the reasons I've never used any of the extra modes. Technology Connections did an entire hour long video about the popcorn button, and it sounds like at least /some/ microwaves actually implement a very good method, but most don't, and so these types of modes are also generally untrustworthy. Having additional modes has never been a deciding factor in buying a microwave for me, most of the time I bought am microwave based on materials, appearance, and mounting options.
Now, a toaster oven, on the other hand, I want all the modes, and I use them.
1. I know exactly how to cook something, based on time (and power level), because that's a mental model that's universal across microwaves.
2. I don't know how to cook something and need to follow package directions, which are always expressed as time (and power level).
3. I am iterating towards a desired end state, and want to do so in small step increments. The only possible way to do so is by short bursts of time (at a specified power level).
These are the reasons I've never used any of the extra modes. Technology Connections did an entire hour long video about the popcorn button, and it sounds like at least /some/ microwaves actually implement a very good method, but most don't, and so these types of modes are also generally untrustworthy. Having additional modes has never been a deciding factor in buying a microwave for me, most of the time I bought am microwave based on materials, appearance, and mounting options.
Now, a toaster oven, on the other hand, I want all the modes, and I use them.