While many appliances are regarded as necessities in modern life, none are more associated with speed and convenience than the humble countertop microwave. Once an expensive luxury item used only by restaurants and the well-to-do, modern microwaves are more affordable and effective than ever.
Today there is a wide variety of models to choose from, made by countless manufacturers and brands, and as a result, it could be difficult to decide what microwave would best fit your needs.
In this article, we will help you find the best microwave for you and your needs, and go over the best microwaves of 2019 and beyond.
Comparison Table
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What Is a Microwave Oven?
2. How Do Microwaves Cook Food?
3. What Is the Best Way to Use a Microwave?
4. Where Can I Buy the Best Microwave?
How We Reviewed
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We researched several microwave models available on the market and compiled a list of the best twelve. From there, we reviewed each model using the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty.
12 Best Microwave Options
Danby DMW7700BLDB
- 0.7 cu.ft. capacity microwave
- 700 watts of cooking power, Dimensions - 13 x 17.3 x 10.1 inches
- Simple one touch cooking for 6 popular uses
Features
One of Danby's smallest models, the Danby Model DMW7700BLDB Microwave is one of the best models on this list and is perfect for someone who lives alone or in a college dorm.
With a power rating of 700 watts and a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, it's perfect for someone who needs something small and compact. It also features all the common presets for cooking and reheating everything from popcorn to pizza. Overall, a lot of value for its price.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a free 10-year warranty on major components.
Pros
Cons
Nostalgia RMO400RED Retro
- 0.9 Cubic Foot Micrwave
- 12-pre programmed settings
- LED display
Features
If you're a fan of vintage or antique goods, this might be the best microwave for you. Featuring a stylish painted metal exterior, the Nostalgia Retro seems to be transplanted directly from the Fifties.
Despite its archaic appearance, the Retro has all the features of many modern microwave ovens: Multiple preset settings, defrost mode and a digital screen. It's definitely an eye-catching gift for someone special.
Warranty
There is a 30-day return policy and then a 90-day manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
Cons
GE JES1097SMSS
- Power Cord Length:39 inches
Features
If you use Amazon's Alexa, then this might be the best microwave that fits your needs. Featuring out-of-the-box compatibility with Alexa, it can help you streamline your process of cooking in the kitchen with the help of voice commands.
Connectivity aside, it is also features a stainless steel exterior, 1050 watts of cooking power and a 0.9 cubic-foot capacity.
Another feature is called Scan-to-Cook; by using a smartphone app, you can scan a product's barcode to help find out how long an item needs to cook for.
Warranty
GE offers a warranty for this product, but the manufacturer must be contacted for details.
Pros
Cons
Panasonic NN-SN766S
- Panasonic Microwave: This 1250 Watt high power, 1.6 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in...
- Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost: Patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and...
- Compact Design: This countertop microwave with 15 inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing...
Features
If you have a family, this might be the best microwave to suit your needs. Feature-complete, it boasts 1250 watts of cooking power and an internal capacity of 1.6 cubic feet.
The microwave features something Panasonic calls a Genius Sensor; it can adjust the power and duration on the fly, depending on the type and weight of the food inside.
Finally, It has features fourteen preset menu items, a quick-minute timer, delay-start feature, and a child-safety lock
Warranty
Panasonic offers a warranty —contact the manufacturer for details.
Pros
Cons
Samsung MG11H2020CT
- Ceramic Enamel Interior that is both scratch resistant and easy to clean. Cavity Interior - Ceramic Enamel
- 1.1 cu. ft. Capacity with 1000 W of Cooking Power and 10 power levels
- Auto Cook Options to handle any meal with the push of a button
Features
Pushing the limits of what defines a microwave, the Samsung MG11H2020CT countertop microwave combines 1000 watts of traditional microwave energy with a grilling element, allowing you to do more than what you'd normally be able to do with just a microwave.
It has a stainless steel exterior and ceramic enamel interior, making it a breeze to clean. And with 1000 watts of cooking power and a 1.1 cubic-foot capacity, this might be one of the best microwaves on this list.
Warranty
Samsung offers a warranty.
Pros
Cons
Panasonic NN-SD745S
- POWER + INNOVATION - 1250 Watts of High Power with Panasonic Inverter Technology for fast, even cooking and...
- MICROWAVE CONTROLS - 19 Preset Auto Cook Menu Items, 15" turntable; Delay Start and Timer; More/Less Control; Child...
- MINIMUM COUNTERTOP FOOTPRINT - Smart, compact design devotes less space to electronics and far more interior...
Features
This might be the best microwave oven on this list for small families. Featuring 1.6 cubic feet of interior space and 1250 watts of cooking power, this offering from Panasonic is small and powerful, although somewhat pricey.
However, you get a lot of bang for your buck; this is packed with features, ranging from Turbo Defrost and Keep Warm settings to automatic power adjustment. And with a brushed aluminum exterior, it'll look good wherever you put it.
Warranty
Panasonic offers a 1- to 5-year warranty for this product.
Pros
Cons
Sharp R-21LCF
Features
This microwave is about as no-frills as a microwave can get, which makes it a good addition to the list of best microwaves.
While its 1 cubic-foot capacity and 1000 watts of cooking power mean it's not as powerful as other models, it doesn't need to be; as it's a commercial microwave, it's simple to clean and operate, with its stainless steel exterior and interior and knob controls.
We definitely recommend it if ease-of-use and reliability appeal to you.
Warranty
Sharp offers a warranty for this product—contact them for details.
Pros
Cons
Panasonic NN-SD775S
- CYCLONIC WAVE MICROWAVE - At every temperature level, Cyclonic Wave circulates heat in precise ultra-efficient 3D...
- MICROWAVE CONTROLS - 20 Preset Sensor Cook Menu Items, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Delay Start and Timer, More/Less...
- MINIMUM COUNTERTOP FOOTPRINT - Smart, compact design devotes less space to electronics and far more interior...
Features
This might be the best microwave for you if you are looking to minimize energy usage. It is from Panasonic features Cyclonic Wave technology, which allows the microwave to emit power into the microwave's cooking chamber in a 3D pattern rather than a straight line.
This allows to use just enough power to cook the food inside, making it more efficient overall. When coupled with all the typical features of microwaves, this makes it the best microwave on this list in terms of power efficiency.
Warranty
Panasonic offers a warranty -- contact them for the details.
Pros
Cons
Breville Quick Touch, BMO734XL
- SMART MENU SAVES TIME The Quick Touch’s intuitive and intelligent auto menus - from Smart Cook & Grill to Smart...
- SHORTCUTS PANEL The shortcuts panel on the inside door makes the microwave very easy to use. The one-touch auto...
- SMART DEFROST Gently defrost without overheating or drying out the edges. This setting will automatically adjust...
Features
The Breville Quick Touch is perhaps one of the nicer-looking microwaves on this list. At a glance, the control panel looks nicely organized and crisp, with its large digital display clear.
The microwave's specs are solid overall: A stainless steel exterior, 1.2 cubic feet of capacity and 1100 watts of cooking power make it a nice fit in just about any home.
It has a host of features, such as a dynamic power adjustment allowing you to change the power on the fly, and Sensor IQ Reheat and Cook functions that automatically adjust settings depending on the weight and volume of the food being cooked.
Warranty
Breville offers a limited warranty .
Pros
Cons
LG LCRT2010ST
- 1,000 Cooking Watts
- 400 CFM Venting System
- Sensor Cooking
Features
If you have a family and need something that is both large and powerful then this might be the best microwave for you. The Model LCRT2010ST from LG fits the bill, with its 2 cubic feet of cooking space and 1200 watts of cooking power.
One of its touted features is True Cook Plus technology, which can make microwaving certain foods both fast and easy. And with many other features, this can do just about everything a microwave can. If you want a microwave packed with features, this is the best microwave for you.
Warranty
LG offers a warranty — contact them for details.
Pros
Cons
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS
- Stylish Stainless Steel with easy-to-clean interior, with external dimension(w*d*h): 20. 5*17. 1*12. 8 inches, with...
- Pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more
- One touch popcorn button and two defrost settings – custom defrost and 1 lb. Auto defrost
Features
This is from Toshiba has plenty going for it. 1.2 cubic feet of internal capacity, 1100 watts of cooking power, and an impressive list of features.
Along with all the usual presets and cooking modes, the microwave incorporates a steam sensor into its design; by measuring how much steam food is producing during cooking, the microwave can adjust its power settings automatically to compensate.
This feature makes this microwave a good choice for someone who likes to cook vegetables in their microwave. It also features a stainless steel exterior and even comes in two color options.
Warranty
Toshiba offers a warranty for this microwave—contact them for details.
Pros
Cons
Frigidaire FFCM0724LW
- Countertop microwave oven with 0.7 cu. ft. capacity and 9.6 in. glass turntable
- Ready-Select control panel with safety lock
- 700 watts of power with 10 cooking power levels
Features
Seeing as how this list started with a compact microwave, it seems only fitting to end on the same note. This small microwave from Frigidaire is small and compact, with just 0.7 cubic feet of internal capacity and 700 watts of cooking power.
However, it has an array of presets and cooking modes to make up for its small size: Auto cook, auto reheat, defrost, 2-stage cooking and Easy-Set start are all features present on this small machine. Lightweight and affordable, this microwave is a good choice if you live alone.
Warranty
Frigidaire offers a warranty for this microwave—contact them for details.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
Whether you are looking to replace your current microwave or looking for your first one, there are a lot of options to choose from. And no matter who you are, you can find a microwave that fits your needs.
If you are looking for a microwave on the cheap, the Danby DMW7700BLDB might fit your needs. But if you have a family, the LG LCRT2010ST might be exactly what you need. If neither of these models spoke to you, we are confident you'll be happy with any of the models from our top 12 list.
We hope our list helps you come to an informed decision on buying the best microwave for either yourself or your family.
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