Best Microwaves

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Microwaves are a kitchen essential, providing quick and easy heating for everything from leftovers to simple meals, saving both time and energy in our busy lives. Choosing the right model can elevate your cooking experience, with options ranging from basic functions to advanced features like sensors and preset programs. Key factors to consider include wattage, which affects cooking speed, and capacity, which determines how much you can heat at once. Additional cooking functions, like defrost or popcorn settings, can add convenience. After testing numerous models, we’ve found the best microwaves for different needs and budgets.

  • BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave

    10

    We think this compact microwave is a great choice for small kitchens and apartments.

    10

    We think this compact microwave is a great choice for small kitchens and apartments.

    Pros

    • Space-saving design
    • Easy-to-use controls
    • Versatile cooking options

    Cons

    • Limited capacity
    • Beeping can be loud
    • Display isn’t backlit

    This BLACK+DECKER microwave packs a punch in a small package. We found its 0.7 cubic foot capacity perfect for heating up single servings or small dishes. The compact size didn’t compromise its abilities – it still offers 10 power levels and 6 preset buttons for common foods.

    We liked how simple it was to use. The touch controls are responsive, and the express cook feature lets us start heating with just one button press. The child safety lock is a nice touch for families with little ones.

    During our tests, we noticed the microwave heated food evenly. The turntable helped with this, and it’s removable for easy cleaning. While it’s not the most powerful model out there, we found it more than adequate for basic reheating and cooking tasks. For its size and price, we think it’s a solid pick for those with limited counter space.

    BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave
    • Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : ‎110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
  • Toshiba Black Stainless Microwave

    9.7

    We think this Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens, offering a good mix of features and performance at a fair price.

    9.7

    We think this Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens, offering a good mix of features and performance at a fair price.

    Pros

    • Spacious 1.2 cubic foot interior
    • Sensor cooking for popular foods
    • Mute option for quiet operation

    Cons

    • Bulky for small countertops
    • Door can be tricky to open
    • Some users report uneven heating

    We’ve tested many microwaves, and this Toshiba model stands out. Its 1100-watt power heats food fast. The sensor cooking feature works well for items like pizza and potatoes. We like that it automatically adjusts cook times based on the food’s moisture level.

    The black stainless steel look is sleek and fits most kitchen styles. It’s easy to clean too. The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for large plates and casserole dishes. We found the controls simple to use, with clear labels and a bright display.

    One thing to note: this microwave is on the larger side. Make sure you have enough counter space before buying. The door can also be a bit tough to open at first. But once you get used to it, it’s not a big deal. All in all, we think this Toshiba microwave offers good value for its features and performance.

    Sale
    Toshiba Black Stainless Microwave
    • 【Pre-programmed sensor menu】 for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more; Power Wattage (Microwave): 1100W; Rated Voltage: 120V - 60Hz.Rated Output Power : 100W (Small Microwave)
  • Panasonic Inverter Microwave

    9.5

    We think this Panasonic microwave is a top choice for most kitchens due to its powerful performance and smart features.

    9.5

    We think this Panasonic microwave is a top choice for most kitchens due to its powerful performance and smart features.

    Pros

    • Even heating with Inverter Technology
    • Genius Sensor for automatic cooking
    • Sleek stainless steel design

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Takes up counter space
    • Learning curve for some features

    We’ve been using this Panasonic microwave in our test kitchen for weeks, and it’s quickly become our go-to for reheating leftovers and cooking quick meals. The 1200-watt power output means food heats up fast, and the Inverter Technology does a great job of cooking things evenly without hot spots.

    One feature we really like is the Genius Sensor. It takes the guesswork out of cooking by automatically setting the right power and time based on the steam coming from your food. We’ve found it works well for things like vegetables and rice.

    The stainless steel look fits nicely in most kitchens, and the controls are easy to use once you get the hang of them. It’s not the smallest microwave out there, but the 1.2 cubic foot capacity gives you plenty of room for large plates and bowls.

    While it costs more than basic microwaves, we think the extra features make it worth the price for people who use their microwave often. Just keep in mind that it might take some time to learn all the settings and get the most out of this smart appliance.

    Panasonic Inverter Microwave
    • Panasonic Microwave: This 1200 Watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor.Turntable Diameter 340mm. Clock : 12H. Child Lock : Yes..Operating Frequency : 2,450 MHz
  • Chefman Compact Microwave

    9.4

    We think this compact Chefman microwave is a solid choice for small spaces and basic reheating needs.

    9.4

    We think this compact Chefman microwave is a solid choice for small spaces and basic reheating needs.

    Pros

    • Space-saving 0.7 cu ft size
    • Convenient preset options
    • Very quiet operation

    Cons

    • Limited 700W power
    • Small capacity for larger dishes
    • Lightweight construction

    We tested the Chefman Countertop Microwave in our kitchen for a week. Its compact size was perfect for our crowded countertop. At just 0.7 cubic feet, it didn’t take up much room but still fit most of our dishes and mugs.

    The 6 preset options came in handy for quickly reheating common foods. We liked using the pizza and beverage buttons to heat leftovers without guessing times. The mute function was great for late-night snacks without waking anyone up.

    On the downside, the 700 watt power meant longer cook times compared to full-size models. Large plates or tall mugs didn’t fit well in the small cavity. We also noticed the lightweight build made it slide a bit when opening the door forcefully.

    For basic reheating and small portions, this Chefman microwave gets the job done. The child lock and eco mode are nice extras too. While not the most powerful, it’s a good fit for dorms, offices, or kitchens short on space.

    Chefman Compact Microwave
    • EXPRESS COOK: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food.
  • Toshiba Compact Microwave

    9.3

    We think this Toshiba microwave is a great choice for most kitchens thanks to its sleek design, useful features, and solid performance.

    9.3

    We think this Toshiba microwave is a great choice for most kitchens thanks to its sleek design, useful features, and solid performance.

    Pros

    • Stylish black stainless steel finish
    • Compact size with 0.9 cu ft capacity
    • Convenient preset cooking options

    Cons

    • May be too small for large families
    • 900W power isn’t the strongest
    • Door can be a bit loud when closing

    We’ve tested many microwaves, and this Toshiba model stands out for its mix of style and function. The black stainless steel exterior looks nice on the counter. It doesn’t take up too much space but still fits a 10-inch pizza inside.

    Using it is a breeze. The touch controls are easy to read and use. We like the six preset buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza. The eco mode helps save power when it’s not in use. Being able to mute the beeps is great for late-night snacks.

    In our tests, it heated food evenly and quickly for a 900-watt model. The turntable spins smoothly and can be removed for cleaning. While not the most powerful option, we found it works well for most everyday tasks. The child lock is handy for homes with kids.

    Toshiba Compact Microwave
    • Stylish black stainless steel with timeless design kitchen appliances; Rated voltage: 120V - 60Hz; Rated input power (Microwave ovens): 1350W; Rated output power (Microwave ovens): 900W
  • COMFEE’ Compact Microwave

    9.1

    We think this COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for small spaces, offering good value and useful features in a compact package.

    9.1

    We think this COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for small spaces, offering good value and useful features in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Mute function for quiet operation
    • Energy-saving eco mode
    • Compact size fits small spaces

    Cons

    • 700 watts may require longer cooking times
    • Small 0.7 cubic foot capacity
    • Limited color options

    We recently tried out the COMFEE’ compact microwave and found it to be a neat little appliance. Its small footprint makes it perfect for dorms, offices, or tiny kitchens. We liked how it didn’t take up much counter space but still got the job done.

    The mute function is a standout feature. We could heat up our midnight snacks without waking anyone up. The eco mode is another plus, helping us save on energy bills when we’re not using it.

    We did notice that the 700-watt power means food takes a bit longer to heat compared to more powerful models. But for basic reheating and simple cooking tasks, it works just fine. The controls are easy to use, and we appreciate the child safety lock for homes with kids.

    COMFEE
    • Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
  • Chefman Digital Microwave

    9

    We think this Chefman microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens, offering good value and useful features.

    9

    We think this Chefman microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens, offering good value and useful features.

    Pros

    • Large 1.1 cubic foot capacity
    • Convenient preset cooking options
    • Energy-saving eco mode

    Cons

    • Beeping can be loud
    • Some users report noisy operation
    • Button quality could be better

    This Chefman microwave has impressed us with its roomy interior. We easily fit large plates and bowls inside. The 1000 watts of power heated food quickly and evenly in our tests.

    We like the six preset buttons for common foods. They took the guesswork out of cooking things like popcorn and pizza. The memory function was handy too. We saved our most-used settings, which sped up our cooking routine.

    The eco mode is a nice touch. It turns off the display when not in use, which could help lower energy bills. We also found the child lock useful for homes with kids.

    Some downsides stood out. The beeping is pretty loud, even with the mute option. We noticed the motor makes more noise than some other microwaves we’ve tried. A few buttons felt a bit flimsy.

    All in all, this Chefman model offers good value. It’s not perfect, but its size, power, and features make it a solid pick for most kitchens.

    Sale
    Chefman Digital Microwave
    • EXPRESS COOK: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food
  • Farberware Compact Microwave

    8.7

    We think this Farberware microwave is a solid choice for small spaces and basic reheating needs.

    8.7

    We think this Farberware microwave is a solid choice for small spaces and basic reheating needs.

    Pros

    • Space-saving compact size
    • Easy-to-use one-touch cooking programs
    • Child safety lock feature

    Cons

    • Lower 700-watt power
    • Small 0.7 cubic foot capacity
    • May be noisy for some users

    This Farberware microwave packs a lot of features into a compact package. We found its 0.7 cubic foot capacity perfect for apartments, dorms, or office break rooms where counter space is limited. The black exterior looks sleek, while the grey interior hides stains well.

    We appreciated the six one-touch cooking programs for popular items like popcorn and pizza. The large digital display is easy to read, and the kitchen timer function came in handy. The child safety lock gave us peace of mind, though the door can be a bit loud when opening and closing.

    At 700 watts, it’s not the most powerful microwave out there. Heating times were a bit longer compared to higher-wattage models we’ve used. But for basic reheating and defrosting, it got the job done. The compact size does limit what you can fit inside, so it’s best suited for individuals or couples rather than large families.

    Sale
    Farberware Compact Microwave
    • CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
  • RCA Compact Microwave

    8.7

    We recommend this RCA microwave for small spaces, as it offers good value in a compact package.

    8.7

    We recommend this RCA microwave for small spaces, as it offers good value in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Small footprint ideal for tight spaces
    • Easy-to-use digital controls
    • Child safety lock feature

    Cons

    • Lower power at 700 watts
    • Limited capacity for larger dishes
    • Some users report quality concerns

    We tested this RCA microwave in our small office kitchen. Its compact size fit perfectly on our crowded counter. The digital controls were simple to use, with clear buttons for common tasks like popcorn and reheating.

    The 700-watt power means it’s not the fastest, but it got the job done for our basic needs. We found it worked well for warming up lunches and making snacks. The child lock is a nice safety touch, though not a feature we needed in our workspace.

    We liked the defrost options, which gave us more control than expected in a budget model. The 0.7 cubic foot capacity was enough for most meals, but larger plates didn’t fit. For the price, we think this microwave offers good value for small homes, dorms, or offices where space is tight.

    RCA Compact Microwave
    • COMPACT: Our RMW733 Countertop Microwave is 29 inches long making it the ideal choice to fit into your dormitories, apartment kitchens or workplace.
  • Nostalgia Retro Microwave

    8.6

    We think this stylish retro microwave is a solid choice for those wanting to add a pop of vintage flair to their kitchen.

    8.6

    We think this stylish retro microwave is a solid choice for those wanting to add a pop of vintage flair to their kitchen.

    Pros

    • Eye-catching retro design
    • Simple, user-friendly controls
    • Compact size fits small spaces

    Cons

    • Less powerful than some models
    • Door can be tricky to open
    • May not suit larger households

    When we first laid eyes on the Nostalgia Retro Microwave, we were instantly charmed by its 1950s-inspired look. The bright orange color and chrome accents really stand out in a sea of boring white appliances. It’s not just about looks, though – this little machine packs some useful features into its compact frame.

    We found the controls easy to use, with a simple turn-and-push dial for most functions. The 12 preset cooking options came in handy for common items like popcorn and pizza. At 700 watts, it’s not the most powerful microwave out there, but it did a decent job reheating our leftovers and cooking basic items.

    One thing to note: the 0.7 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side. It fits a dinner plate, but larger dishes might be a tight squeeze. The door can also be a bit finicky to open at times. But for small kitchens or as a secondary microwave, we think this retro beauty hits the sweet spot between style and function.

    Nostalgia Retro Microwave
    • 700-Watts Cooking Power: At 0.7 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods

Buying Guide

When shopping for a microwave, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Size and Capacity

Think about your counter space and cooking needs. Compact models work well for small kitchens, while larger families may prefer a roomier option.

Wattage

Higher wattage usually means faster cooking times. We suggest looking for 700-1200 watts for most home use.

Features

Some helpful features to look for:

  • Preset cooking buttons
  • Turntable for even heating
  • Child safety lock
  • Easy-clean interior

Ease of Use

We value microwaves with intuitive controls and clear displays. Look for models with simple interfaces that are easy to operate.

Noise Level

quieter microwaves tend to be more pleasant to use. Check user reviews for noise complaints before buying.

Energy Efficiency

Look for the Energy Star label to find models that use less electricity.

Price

Set a budget, but remember that pricier models often last longer and have more features. We think $100-$300 is a good range for most households.

Reliability

Research brands known for durability. Reading user reviews can give insight into long-term performance.

By weighing these factors, we can find a microwave that fits our needs and kitchen space. Remember to measure your available counter area before making a purchase.