In today’s fast-paced world, the microwave is a kitchen necessity. It’s there when you need a quick meal, a warm drink, or a last-minute dinner fix. But with so many options, finding the best one can be challenging.
We’ve done the research to bring you the top microwaves that combine functionality, style, and value. Whether you’re looking for something compact for a small space or a high-powered model for gourmet cooking, our list has something for everyone!
Best with Smart Features
| Product Dimensions | 14.5″D x 19″W x 11.5″H |
| Capacity | 0.9 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 900 watts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Installation Type | Countertop |
The GE smart countertop microwave oven combines modern technology with practical design. Its WiFi-enabled features, powered by Smart HQ, allow users to control cooking through Alexa or Google Assistant.
This voice-enabled functionality lets you turn the microwave on and off, add cooking time, or adjust the power level, making it one of the best microwaves for those who value convenience and innovation.
The microwave offers a compact exterior yet boasts a spacious interior with 0.9 cubic feet of cooking space. With 900 watts of power, it provides efficient cooking without occupying too much kitchen space.
The glass turntable ensures even cooking, enhancing the appliance’s overall efficiency. Setting up the microwave is straightforward. It is designed to fit easily on a countertop or open shelf, and it comes with a 39-inch power cord, facilitating easy placement.
The microwave’s convenience cooking controls include one-touch operations, a kitchen timer, child lock controls, and cooking complete alarms, all contributing to a user-friendly experience.
The GE smart countertop microwave oven also excels in defrosting capabilities. Users can choose between auto or manual defrost settings, allowing for precise control over defrosting times and power levels.
This flexibility ensures optimal results, making it a reliable choice among the best microwaves for those who frequently defrost food.
Overall, this microwave is designed for those who appreciate smart home integration and efficient, space-saving appliances. Its combination of advanced features and practical design elements caters to a variety of cooking needs, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven Reviews
- Smart features: Customers appreciate voice control and connectivity with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Compact size: Users like its small footprint, which fits well in limited spaces.
- Low power: Some users find 900 watts insufficient for certain tasks.
- Easy setup: Many users find it simple to set up and connect to WiFi.
- Hard-to-see buttons: The buttons are not illuminated, making them difficult to see in low light.
- Quick heating: Customers note it heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Noisy operation: Some customers mention that it operates louder than expected.
- Noisy operation: Some customers mention that it operates louder than expected.
- Child lock: The child lock feature is valued for safety in homes with children.
- Inconsistent cooking: A few users experience uneven cooking or overcooking.
Best Cooking Efficiency
| Product dimensions | 19.44″D x 23.88″W x 14″H |
| Capacity | 2.2 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 1250 watts |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Installation type | Countertop |
Sensor Cook and Reheat functions eliminate the need to set cooking times. These pre-set options streamline the cooking process, making it easier and more intuitive.
The Sensor Inverter Turbo Defrost feature ensures foods are thawed quickly and evenly, enhancing the overall cooking experience. The keep warm function maintains the temperature of your food until it’s ready to serve.
This microwave offers a spacious 2.2 cu.ft interior while maintaining a compact exterior to maximize counter space. It’s ideal for those with limited kitchen space but who still want the best microwaves for their cooking needs.
Additionally, it can be installed as a built-in microwave with compatible trim kits, providing flexibility in kitchen design.
In terms of versatility and efficiency, the Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter technology stands out among the best microwaves. Its advanced features cater to various cooking needs, from defrosting and reheating to maintaining warmth, all while ensuring evenly cooked meals every time.
This microwave is designed for those who seek smart cooking solutions and efficient kitchen appliances.
Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology Reviews
- Even cooking: Customers appreciate that it cooks food evenly without cold spots.
- Large turntable: Users love the spacious 16.5-inch turntable for large dishes.
- Noisy: Some customers think it is louder than previous models.
- User-friendly: Customers find the control panel well-designed and easy to use.
- Dim light: Reviewers mention the interior light is too dim.
- Spacious interior: Many reviewers like the 2.2 cu.ft interior while being compact outside.
- Button issues: Some find the buttons hard to read and not backlit.
- Keep warm: The keep warm feature is found useful for maintaining food temperature.
Best Value for the Price
| Product dimensions | 14.6″D x 18.9″W x 10.7″H |
| Capacity | 0.9 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 900 watts |
| Material | Plastic |
| Installation type | Freestanding |
The COMMERCIAL CHEF microwave is a powerful kitchen appliance, offering 900 watts of cooking power. This makes it a suitable option for quickly preparing meals such as microwave bacon or pasta.
The compact dimensions of 18.9″ x 14.6″ x 10.7″ allow it to fit comfortably on most countertops, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
Featuring ten power levels, this microwave provides flexibility in cooking. The six pre-set menus and defrost settings by time and weight enhance its usability. These features ensure precise cooking and defrosting, catering to various culinary needs.
The microwave’s digital controls allow you to heat food for durations ranging from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.
Its design includes a convenient pull handle, which is both practical and user-friendly. The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and the turntable ensure even cooking. This makes it one of the best microwaves for those seeking efficiency and convenience.
Additionally, the safety door lock and accurate kitchen timer signal add to its appeal.
This microwave excels at providing quick and delicious food. Its impressive features and compact size make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
For those who need a reliable and efficient microwave, this microwave stands out as one of the best microwaves available.
COMMERCIAL CHEF Microwave Reviews
- Great value: Users said it’s an excellent value for the price, heating food quickly and evenly.
- User-friendly: Customers found it very easy to operate with straightforward controls.
- Limited power: Customers think it’s underpowered for larger or more complex cooking tasks.
- Compact size: Many appreciated its compact size, fitting well on small countertops.
- Poor visibility: Users said the display can be hard to read due to low lighting.
- Sleek design: Reviewers liked its sleek design, which matches modern kitchen appliances.
- Noisy beeping: A few users found the beeping sound too loud and annoying.
- Lack of quick start: Users noted the absence of a quick start button as a drawback.
Best User-Friendly
| Product dimensions | 17.1″D x 20.5″W x 12.8″H |
| Capacity | 1.2 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 1100 watts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Installation type | Countertop |
The TOSHIBA countertop microwave oven is designed to cater to various cooking needs with its pre-programmed sensor menu. This feature allows for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and veggies.
With a power wattage of 1100W and a rated voltage of 120V–60Hz, it offers efficient performance.
The microwave has a stylish black exterior and a large interior that can fit a 12-inch pizza. It boasts a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and includes a removable turntable with a 12.4-inch diameter, providing ample space for various dishes.
With 1100 watts and 10 power settings, this microwave offers versatility in cooking. It includes functions such as defrosting by time and weight, a clock, and a kitchen timer. The one-touch start feature for multiple food presets simplifies the cooking process, making it user-friendly.
The practical control panel features a large digital display and easy-to-read controls. The keypad is protected by a film during shipment, which should be removed before first use.
For those who prefer a quieter operation, the mute function can disable the buzzer by pressing the “8” button for 3-5 seconds. This microwave comes with a one-year warranty, and Toshiba recommends keeping the packaging for any service needs or product returns.
The user manual is available as a PDF in the product description section, providing comprehensive guidance on using the microwave effectively. As one of the best microwaves, it offers a combination of style, functionality, and convenience, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
This device is a reliable option among the best microwaves, particularly for those who value pre-programmed settings, ample interior space, and a sleek design.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens Reviews
- Powerful: Customers appreciate the 1100W power for fast, efficient cooking.
- Stylish: The black stainless steel exterior receives compliments for its modern look.
- Size: Some users think it’s too large for small kitchens.
- Convenient: Pre-programmed settings are praised for easy cooking of common foods.
- Beep sound: Some users feel the beep is too loud.
- Clear display: The digital display is considered easy to read.
- Build quality: Some customers report issues with durability.
- Defrosting: Defrosting by time and weight is noted as useful.
- Weight: Some users mention it’s heavy to move around.
- Quick start: One-touch start is liked for its convenience.
Best Retro Design
| Product dimensions | 17.6″D x 12.9″W x 9.6″H |
| Capacity | 0.9 Cubic Feet |
| Wattage | 900 watts |
| Material | N/A |
| Installation type | Countertop |
The Nostalgia countertop microwave oven offers a 900-watt cooking power, suitable for quick cooking and reheating tasks. With a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, it fits well in smaller kitchen spaces, making it a practical choice for compact kitchens.
Its retro design, combined with a user-friendly control panel, enhances its aesthetic appeal in any modern kitchen.
This microwave includes automatic cooking programs for popular items like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen dinners, beverages, and reheating. These programs simplify the cooking process, making it convenient for users who seek quick and easy meal preparation.
The microwave also features two defrost modes based on weight and time, providing versatility in thawing different types of food.
For safety and functionality, the microwave has a child safety lock, preventing accidental use by children. It offers ten power levels, allowing for precise control over cooking temperatures.
An additional “add 30 seconds” button provides a quick way to extend cooking time without resetting the entire program.
The rotating glass carousel ensures even cooking by distributing heat more uniformly, which is a desirable feature in the best microwaves. The easy-to-read control panel makes it simple to navigate between various cooking functions, enhancing the overall user experience.
For those seeking a blend of style and practicality, this microwave oven is a strong contender among the best microwaves available.
Nostalgia Modern Retro Countertop Microwave Oven Reviews
- Aesthetic appeal: Customers love its retro look and vibrant colors, often receiving compliments.
- Compact size: Fits well in small spaces like offices and dorm rooms.
- Power issues: Some users find it underpowered for cooking larger meals.
- Easy to use: Users find the controls intuitive and simple to navigate.
- Limited settings: Some users find the microwave’s features and settings limited.
- Effective heating: Many report it heats food and beverages efficiently despite its smaller size.
- Flimsy build: Some users feel it is made from cheap materials and is not very sturdy.
- Quiet operation: Some customers appreciate its quiet performance compared to other microwaves.
Microwaves’ Reviews
Microwaves have received various feedback from users, showcasing their benefits in daily life. Many users highlight the convenience and time-saving aspect of microwaves. They appreciate how quickly microwaves can reheat meals or cook food compared to traditional ovens.
A common benefit mentioned in microwave reviews is their versatility. Users love that microwaves can handle various tasks like defrosting, cooking, and reheating, making them a staple in the kitchen. This versatility significantly impacts daily routines, simplifying meal prep.
User experiences often reflect high satisfaction with the ease of use. Many find microwaves straightforward, with intuitive controls that make cooking hassle-free. This simplicity is especially appreciated by busy individuals and families.
Overall, user sentiment towards microwaves is positive. Reviews frequently highlight their reliability and efficiency, which enhance the cooking experience. Patterns in reviews suggest that many consider microwaves the best kitchen appliance for quick and easy meal preparation.
What You Should Consider Before Purchase
When buying a microwave, consider the following key factors to ensure you choose the best model for your needs:
Capacity: Microwaves range from 0.5 to over 2 cubic feet. Choose based on your household size and cooking habits. Larger capacities are ideal for families and bulk cooking.
Wattage: A higher wattage (1,000+ watts) means faster cooking times and more efficient heating. Low- wattage models are cheaper but cook slower.
Control Panel and User Interface: Look for intuitive controls, clear displays, and options like touchpads, voice control, or smartphone app integration for ease of use.
Size and Placement: Measure your kitchen space to ensure the microwave fits. Consider both exterior dimensions and the necessary clearance for ventilation.
Safety and Maintenance: Features like child locks and automatic shut-off enhance safety. Easy-to-clean interiors, non-stick coatings, and deodorizing features can make maintenance simpler.
Brand Reputation and Warranty: Opt for trusted brands known for quality and durability. Ensure the microwave comes with a reliable warranty for peace of mind.
Considering these factors will help you choose a microwave that fits your needs, budget, and kitchen space, ensuring a useful and long-lasting appliance.
