The best microwaves will be powerful to reheat leftover foods or rustling up meals in no time. But with so many different types on the market, it can often be challenging to know the best one for you. Before investing in a best microwave, you’ll need to consider the overall size, where you plan to install it, and the settings you will require.
These days, microwaves can do so much more than just convenient foods. You can find models with handy features such as popcorn or pizza settings, while others feature built-in grills and convection functions. More importantly, you’ll want a microwave that is easy to use, works well, and is a good deal for the price. We have selected some of the best microwaves to suit every home, cooking need and budget right now.
Best Microwaves Comparison Table
| Model | Toshiba EM131A5C-BS | Panasonic Oven | Farberware FMO11AHTBKB | Cuisinart CMW-200 | Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable | Expensive | Affordable | Expensive | Expensive |
| Size | Medium | Medium | Small | Large | Large |
| Power | 1100 watts | 1250 watts | 1000 watts | 1000 watts | 1400 watts |
| Features | 10 power levels, express cooking, digital control panel | Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, 14 auto cook options | 1-6 minute express cooking, 6 auto cooking programs | Convection cooking, 9 preset options, 1000W grill | Convection, microwave, and grilling functions, 12 cooking programs |
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet | 1.2 cubic feet | 1.1 cubic feet | 1.2 cubic feet | 1.1 cubic feet |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 3-year limited | 1-year limited |
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
| Product | Toshiba EM131A5C-BS |
|---|---|
| Brand | Toshiba |
| Model Number | EM131A5C-BS |
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet |
| Power | 1100 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches |
Microwaves are like secondary actors: you want them to do their job without you having to think about how hard they’re working. The simple Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a strong choice to join your kitchen appliances. It heats evenly and works well, just like more expensive models.
The Toshiba doesn’t look too boxy or flashy because it has a smooth, rounded shape. The curved handle feels strong and has a finish that matches the front of the microwave, which can be stainless steel or black stainless steel. At 1.2 cubic feet and 1,100W, it was about the same size and power as the other models we tried. You can also turn off the indicator when you’re not using the microwave or turn off the beeps when you’re cooking. Overall, it is one of the best microwaves that you can buy.
Pros
- Large 1.2 cubic foot capacity
- Easy-to-use control panel with pre-programmed settings
- Power-saving eco mode
- 10 power settings
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the door latch
- Some users reported that the microwave stopped working after a few months of use
Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology
| Product | Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model Number | NN-SD775S |
| Capacity | 1.6 cubic feet |
| Power | 1250 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 21.88 x 19.44 x 11.94 inches |
If this Panasonic microwave hadn’t been so expensive, it would have been our best overall pick. It cooked so evenly and had so much space that a turkey could probably fit in it. It’s especially good at reheating leftovers and warming up frozen foods, so if that’s how you use your microwave most of the time, this may be your best option. For now, it is one of the best microwaves that you can buy.
At 1,250 watts, it’s definitely strong. It took just two minutes for water at room temperature to heat up to 210 degrees. This type has “Cyclonic Inverter Technology,” which, according to Panasonic, means that it moves heat around in 3D waves for quick, even cooking. We agree based on what we saw, and it passed the frozen macaroni test for being even.
Pros
- Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology ensures even cooking and defrosting
- 1.2 cubic foot capacity
- 14 pre-programmed settings
- Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power level
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the door latch
- Some users reported that the microwave stopped working after a few months of use
Farberware FMO11AHTBKB Stainless Steel
| Product | Farberware FMO11AHTBKB Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Brand | Farberware |
| Model Number | FMO11AHTBKB |
| Capacity | 1.1 cubic feet |
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 16.54 x 20.2 x 12.03 inches |
This basic microwave from Farberware is another cheaper choice. It’s big enough to fit just about anything, but it doesn’t take up much counter space. There is a kid lock, multistage cooking, express cooking, a popcorn button, and a programmable feature, but it is simple and easy to use.
This microwave worked best with popcorn (1/8 ounce of unpopped kernels) and cold food. It took two minutes to heat water at room temperature to 203 degrees, and it also worked well with frozen pasta. Overall, it is one of the best microwaves that you can buy.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- 1.1 cubic foot capacity
- Easy-to-use control panel with pre-programmed settings
- 10 power levels
Cons
- Some users reported issues with the door latch
- Some users reported that the microwave stopped working after a few months of use
Cuisinart CMW-200
| Product | Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Model Number | CMW-200 |
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet |
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 20.4 x 18.9 x 12.4 inches |
Cuisinart Convection The microwave can microwave, convection, convection fast bake, convection roast, grill combo, defrost, and keep warm. It is a very versatile tool that can do the job of many others. It’s a bit big, but we love that it can cook in stages and that we can program our best settings. For the bake feature, the numbers on the touchpad are marked with degrees. This makes it easier to learn how to use. Thus, it is one of the best microwaves that you can buy.
Compared to other microwaves, it did a great job of heating frozen pasta evenly and popping popcorn, leaving only a few kernels unpopped. If all you want is a simple microwave, this one is too much (and too expensive), since it heats and reheats about as well as the average one. But if you want a microwave that can take the place of more than one cooking appliance, this is a great choice. It’s a bit big, but it has a good amount of space inside.
Pros
- Convection cooking feature for baking and roasting
- 1.2 cubic foot capacity
- Easy-to-use control panel with pre-programmed settings
- 9 preset options
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other microwaves on this list
- Some users reported that the microwave stopped working after a few months of use
Breville Combi Wave Microwave 3-in-1
| Product | Breville Combi Wave Microwave 3-in-1 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model Number | BMO870BSS1BUC1 |
| Capacity | 1.1 cubic feet |
| Power | 1400 watts |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 20.4 x 17.5 x 12.5 inches |
This microwave is very high-tech and modern. It has all the bells and whistles you could want. It is also very quiet, and the beeping sounds that let you know your food is ready can be changed. The door even shuts quietly and smoothly. Better yet, this model has an air fryer function, so you don’t need a separate air fryer, a convection bake function, and a Fast Combi function, which combines convection baking, grilling, and microwaving to cook your food faster. Just a few of the 19 (!) settings are shown here.
We noticed that the microwave wasn’t always the same temperature, but this machine can do the work of several tools at once, which could make the high price worth it for some. Currently, it is one of the best microwaves that you can buy.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality (microwave, convection oven, and air fryer)
- 1.1 cubic foot capacity
- LCD display with easy-to-use control panel
- 12 pre-programmed settings
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other microwaves on this list
- Some users reported issues with the door latch
FAQs
Electromagnetic radiation is used to heat food in a microwave oven, which is an electric cooking appliance. The microwaves make the water molecules in the food move around, which heats the food. The food cooks or warms up because of this heat.
There are three main kinds of microwave ovens: tabletop, over-the-range, and built-in. Most people have tabletop microwaves, which are made to sit on a counter. Over-the-range microwaves are put on top of a stove or range. Microwaves that are built in are put into a cabinet or wall.
Think about the size, speed, features, and price when shopping for a microwave. The size of your microwave should be right for how much room you have in your kitchen. How fast a microwave can cook or reheat food will depend on how powerful it is. Cooking can be easier with features like defrost, sensor cooking, and plans that are already set. Price is another important thing to think about.
