The Best Microwaves

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Microwaves and hope the blog can help you.

These are the best built-in and countertop microwaves for every kind of kitchen and every budget to zap, reheat, and cook food in minutes.

Regardless of size,most American kitchens have a few core, small appliances, such as a toaster, a blender, and a microwave. For many people, the microwave is the go-to for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen meals, and even cooking raw veggies in a flash. These handy appliances come in a range of sizes, from built-in designs with a minimal footprint to countertop models that can sit anywhere.

As with any new kitchen appliance, it’s important to ensure you’re buying a well-made device that can withstand regular use and last for years, and microwaves are no different. It’s also essential to find the right model for your kitchen space and specific needs. That’s why we’ve done the research to find the best microwave for every kind of cook and kitchen.

1. BEST OVERALL: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave Oven
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Farberware Classic ‎0.7 cu. ft. Microwave
3. BEST SMART: GE JES1097SMSS 0.9 cu. ft. Smart Countertop Microwave
4. BEST SMALL: Black+Decker EM720CB7 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave Oven
5. BEST LARGE: Panasonic SN966S 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave With Inverter
6. BEST VERSATILITY: Toshiba ML2-EC09SAIT 0.9 cu. ft. Multi-Microwave
7. BEST DRAWER-STYLE: Sharp SMD2470AS 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave Drawer Oven
8. BEST OVER-THE-RANGE: Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave

How We Chose the Best Microwaves

To find the best microwaves, we surveyed dozens of brands and models. We narrowed things down to the best-performing products from trusted brands. From there, we looked at customer reviews and ratings to identify the best features and uses for each top pick. We were sure to include a range of prices, sizes, and styles to accommodate every kind of kitchen and buyer.

On this list, you’ll find top-performing built-in microwaves as well as countertop models. We considered features such as power and added capabilities such as air-frying. We also made sure to choose microwaves with easy-to-use interfaces that didn’t require a difficult installation process and were readily available to purchase.

Our Top Picks

We analyzed 20 of the best-selling microwaves and reviewed their features to whittle our list to these top eight products. Based on our extensive research, these products are our top choices for the best microwave ovens.

Best Overall

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave Oven

This microwave is a well-rounded choice that’s ideal for many kitchens. It has a compact footprint but offers plenty of internal space. In fact, it’s possible to fit a full 12-inch frozen pizza inside. The countertop microwave has a 12-inch rotating turntable that ensures even cooking. It also includes a range of 10 power settings, so you can do anything from slowly defrosting frozen food to quickly melting butter.

The microwave comes in two finishes: black stainless steel and silver. You can toggle the button sounds on and off, so loud beeping doesn’t wake up late risers or rile up pets. Plus, the digital interface is seamless to use. The oven also has several built-in cooking programs for one-touch ease, including frozen pizza, rice, and vegetables.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,100 watts
• Product dimensions: 12.8 inches tall by 20.5 inches wide by 17.2 inches deep

Pros

• High power wattage cooks foods faster
• Spacious interior fits larger foods and dishes, such as a 12-inch pizza
• 10 power settings so users can adjust temperature to suit a greater variety of foods

Cons

• Some users have reported trouble with the display light malfunctioning

Get the Toshiba 1.2-cubic-foot microwave at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Farberware Classic ‎0.7 cu. ft. Microwave

Not only is it highly affordable, but this practical, small microwave is also highly rated by users. While it doesn’t have the sleek look of a stainless steel finish, it is available in a white or black finish to suit a variety of kitchen decors. Plus, what it lacks in flashiness it makes up for in features. The microwave comes with six preset one-touch programs, including popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, and dinner plates. In addition, it’s customizable, so you can set your own power level and time for a one-touch program that heats your favorite dish perfectly every time. This cheap microwave has a compact footprint, so it won’t dominate your counter space, and it has 10 power levels for precise and even heating.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 700 watts
• Product dimensions: 10.1 inches tall by 17.75 inches wide by 12.91 inches deep

Pros

• Small footprint that won’t dominate a countertop
• 6 one-touch programs for cooking without the guesswork
• Programmable so users can set cooking times and power levels for favorite items

Cons

• Lower power wattage, so it may take longer for food to heat

Get the Farberware microwave at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best Smart Microwave

GE JES1097SMSS 0.9 cu. ft. Smart Countertop Microwave

Upgrade your standard countertop or built-in microwave for a smart one with this GE find. The oven is Wi-Fi compatible and connects to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so users can control the cooking time and power with voice commands. Bluetooth also means that users can turn the microwave on, off, and adjust settings from any room in the house.

This smart microwave also boasts a scan-to-cook option, which is great for those who love the convenience of frozen foods. With the GE app, users can scan the barcode of a product and this microwave defaults to the right cooking time and temp, heating frozen favorites to just the right temperature. This smart microwave really takes the guesswork out of heating up dinner.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 900 watts
• Product dimensions: 11.5 inches tall by 19 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep

Pros

• 7 preset programs for one-touch cooking without the guesswork
• Wi-Fi connection allows users to control the device with their smartphones
• Features scan-to-cook option for frozen foods to set ideal cooking time and temperature

Cons

• Smaller turntable only holds smaller food containers

Get the GE microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Best Buy.

Best Small

Black+Decker EM720CB7 0.7 cu. ft. Microwave Oven

This compact microwave is a great pick for smaller kitchens. It packs 700 watts of power, which is a good amount for the 0.7-cubic-foot capacity. The digital interface also offers a quick 30-second express-cook button as well as seven one-touch programs for common items like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, and even dinner plates. Inside, the microwave has a 10-inch glass turntable that’s removable for easy cleaning. You can also use the defrost setting by time or the weight of the item for more accurate cooking.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 700 watts
• Product dimensions: 10.5 inches tallby 17.3 inches wide by 13 inches deep

Pros

• Removable legs allow users to select the height of the microwave to fit space
• Available in 2 sizes, 0.7 cubic feet or 1.1 cubic feet, for various kitchen sizes
• Safety lock prevents kids from accidentally operating the microwave

Cons

• Lower power, so it may take longer to cook food
• Light weight means that the microwave may move when buttons are pushed

Get the Black+Decker microwave at Amazon.

Best Large

Panasonic SN966S 2.2 cu. ft. Microwave With Inverter

Those who have a spacious kitchen or a big household to feed will find this 2.2-cubic-foot microwave is a great option for big-batch cooking and reheating. In addition to having plenty of space and a large 16.5-inch glass turntable, this appliance is also built with inverter technology. This feature helps ensure that food cooks evenly and doesn’t overcook by providing constant, consistent power. It also shortens the defrost time.

The microwave also has a “keep warm” feature that’s especially handy if you’re preparing a meal with multiple components, so you can get a few things done in advance without having to completely reheat everything before eating. For those who prefer the built-in look of wall installation, Panasonic also offers trim kits for this model.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,250 watts
• Product dimensions: 16.75 inches tall by 26.5 inches wide by 21.25 inches deep

Pros

• High power wattage for faster cooking
• Features 16.5-inch turntable to hold large containers for feeding large groups
• 14 sensor-cooking settings for one-touch decisions

Cons

• Larger size requires more counter space

Get the Panasonic microwave at Amazon.

Best Versatility

Toshiba ML2-EC09SAIT 0.9 cu. ft. Multi-Microwave

This fully outfitted appliance oven does the job of a standard microwave and an air fryer, thanks to combi-mode cooking. The air-fryer mode results in crispier food using less fat, so users can even return leftover french fries and chicken fingers to their fresh-from-the-fryer state.

This appliance has a setting for convection cooking, which reaches 425 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a grilling setting that uses direct heat from below. Combi-mode cooks the food first with the microwave setting, then finishes with convection or grilling to get it nice and crispy. The oven also comes with a handy recipe booklet to help users make the most of this multifunctionalmicrowave.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 900 watts
• Product dimensions: 11.5 inches tall by 19.5 inches wide by 17.6 inches deep

Pros

• Inverter technology distributes heat more evenly and cooks more efficiently
• Includes baking tray and racks for air-frying and microwaving
• Convection and grill settings to crisp food quickly
• 2 color options, black stainless steel or stainless steel, to match kitchen aesthetic

Cons

• Must be cleaned between uses to avoid “baking” on oil from air-frying

Get the Toshiba 0.9-cubic-foot microwave at Amazon.

Best Drawer-Style

Sharp SMD2470AS 1.2 cu. ft. Microwave Drawer Oven

This sleek microwave blends right into almost any kitchen design. It fits under the counter and slides open like a drawer. The digital control panel pops out at a 45-degree angle so it’s easy to read from above, and there’s no need to bend over to put food inside or set the cooking time.

This spacious, 24-inch-wide microwave can hold a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, and there’s enough internal height to hold a 20-ounce cup. (For even more room, a 30-inch model is also available.) This drawer-style microwave fits under countertops or beneath a wall oven for easy access, all while leaving more space on countertops.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 950 watts
• Product dimensions: 15.88 inches tall by 23.88 inches wide by 23.02 inches deep

Pros

• Concealed control panel for a sleek look
• Under-the-counter design conserves valuable countertop space
• Available in 2 sizes, 24 inches and 30 inches, to serve a variety of kitchen needs

Cons

• Lower power for its size means it may take longer to heat food

Get the Sharp microwave at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best over-the-Range

Samsung 1.9 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave

With its 1.9-cubic-foot capacity, this Samsung microwave is a great over-the-range option. It does double duty as a microwave and an exhaust fan when a range is fired up. Designed with Sensor Cook technology, the Samsung monitors food as it cooks and automatically adjusts the cooking time for optimal results.

It also has ample microwave energy for cooking, thanks to its 1,000 watts of power, and 12 preset cooking options take the guesswork out of heating food. Other features include a ceramic enamel interior for easy cleaning and four color options, including stainless steel, black stainless steel, Tuscan stainless steel, and white glass. All of the stainless steel color options feature a fingerprint-resistant finish to help keep the need for wipe-downs to a minimum.

Product Specs 

• Capacity: 1.9 cubic feet
• Power capacity: 1,000 watts
• Product dimensions: 17.06 inches tall by 9.88 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep

Pros

• Sensor Cook technology reduces overcooking by automatically monitoring and adjusting cook times
• 12 cooking presets help take the guesswork out of cooking commonly microwaved foods
• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and ceramic enamel interior make it easier to clean

Cons

• Some customers complain that the control panel is difficult to read

Get the Samsung microwave at Lowe’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot, or Samsung.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Microwave

Before you add any new appliance to your kitchen or home, it’s important to check out a few features and specs to ensure it’s the right product for you. When shopping for a microwave in particular, it’s important to know that the new appliance will fit into your space, that it has the appropriate amount of power for your needs, and that it has the functions that you’ll use most often. In addition, there are also some nice-to-have features that you may decide are worth paying for.

Type

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