11 Best Microwaves of 2022: Reviews and Ratings
All microwaves will allow you to prepare and heat your tasty meals quickly. However, the best microwaves will be easy to use and clean and have helpful features to simplify life. These can range from automatic reheating programs to multi-functional models with different cooking functions such as grilling, baking, and air frying.
There is no one-size-fits-all method for selecting the ideal new microwave. You’ll need to evaluate your available space, where your microwave will reside in your kitchen, how you want it to appear, and your budget. And while many microwaves offer extra capabilities, it’s a good idea to determine whether or not you’ll use them before you open your wallet.
With several varieties on the market, determining which microwave is best for your household may be difficult. Several factors to consider in choosing are the power, design, and capacity, from a smart-enabled microwave to a compact design for tiny kitchens. We’ve chosen the finest microwaves for every home, lifestyle, and budget type.
You may also like: Air Fryer vs. Conventional Oven
The Different Types of Microwave Ovens
Regarding the many types of microwaves available, there is a surprisingly wide choice of alternatives. You can choose the kinds of ovens suitable for your home, office, or any place you wish to place your microwave.
Countertop Microwaves
These microwaves are designed to sit on your countertop; simply plug yours in and start cooking. While they don’t require special wiring or planning ahead of time on your part, they can consume valuable counter space that you could otherwise use for meal prep or storing other equipment.
The most significant disadvantage of countertop microwaves would be that they take up limited countertop space, which can be inconvenient in a small kitchen. Countertop microwaves are available in various sizes, with costs ranging from $20 for a low-cost model to $600 or more for a big, high-tech one.
Over-the-range microwaves
OTR or over-the-range microwaves are popular in many households because, as the name implies, they are meant to be put over your oven. An over-the-range microwave may take up no counter space, provide a seamless look in your kitchen, and act as a range hood or exhaust fan, removing aromas from your kitchen while you cook. Also, these microwaves may range in price from $150 to several hundred dollars.
Because you’ll require over-the-range models that fit snugly over your stove, your options for over-the-range microwaves may be restricted. Most consumers desire an appliance that fits their existing range. Unfortunately, the over-the-range microwave is more challenging to install, particularly if you have never had one. In these cases, you may need to employ an electrician, which may increase the entire cost of your new microwave.
Built-In microwave oven
If you enjoy the aesthetic of wall ovens, you might appreciate the look of built-in microwaves, which are meant to fit flush within a recessed wall cavity or cabinet. They save countertop space but are more challenging to install, notably if you have never had one before.
Built-in microwaves are significantly more expensive than alternative alternatives, costing approximately $300. Some countertop microwaves come with optional kits that enable them to be installed as built-ins, which saves money.
Drawer microwave oven
Drawer microwaves are intended to be positioned beneath the counter. Instead of a swinging door, these pull out like a regular drawer from the cabinetry. This design also saves crucial counter space, and many like that these versions lack a turntable, making them easy to clean.
These microwaves are frequently easier to access than OTR choices for people with mobility limitations. Most drawer-style models incorporate child locks, making them suitable for households with small children. In addition, Drawer microwaves are the most difficult to install and cost substantially more than other types. Low-end devices start at $800 or $900, and higher-end models can cost thousands.
Features to Considered Before Purchasing a Microwave
Microwaves are now intended to be more convenient and aesthetically beautiful.
When deciding on an excellent microwave for you and your family, there are various factors to consider.
Size
When buying a microwave, it’s critical to start here. Choose a model that is too huge and will simply not function, or you will be compelled to spend quality time rearranging things. When it relates to your cooking requirements, size is also essential. It only makes sense to acquire a microwave that can accept larger dishes if you have an enormous household. However, a smaller microwave may be preferable if you live alone or have a small family.
Wattage
The wattage of your microwave indicates its power. Overall, the higher the wattage of your microwave, the faster this will heat your food and the sooner you can continue with your cooking procedure. Most consumers choose a microwave with a power output of at least 1,000 watts.
Cooking Functions
If you only need a microwave to heat your meals, you generally don’t need anything else. Some individuals prefer various preset features and added bells and whistles, such as a dedicated microwave popcorn mode, humidity sensors, and stay-warm functions.
Smart Features
Some best microwaves now have touch controls and a door-release button instead of a handle on the door itself. Many also have more compact designs that can accommodate more significant turntables. A control lock for safety, quick-start buttons for convenience, and a self-clean function, though the latter is relatively unusual, are all valuable features to have.
Sensory programs that can automatically determine the time depending on weight and meal type have also been launched. Smart microwaves are a recent addition to the market. When linked, you can operate them mainly using your smartphone or by speaking to Alexa or Google Assistant. Some intelligent microwaves can even read barcodes to find the ideal settings!
Level of Noise
Noise is less of a concern than in the past. Certain electronics emit a hum that indicates that your appliance is ready to use. If it’s not something you can live with, you should opt for a microwave that is expressly intended to be quiet.
Placement of the Microwave Oven
Knowing where you intend to install your microwave ahead of time can help you restrict the field. Are you searching for something to display on your countertop or a contemporary drawer microwave? Before making a final selection, consider what would work best in your kitchen area and your particular tastes.
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Here Are the Best Microwaves of 2022
There are a lot of microwave brands out there. While you can’t get one under $50 as a gift, we listed down all the best products below for you to be able to pick the right one for you. You can also check all of it on Amazon. If you are curious about famous brands, here are some of them:
- GE: This well-known brand sells a selection of OTR and countertop microwaves, with the most popular versions costing $300 to $400.
- Whirlpool: Their multi-feature countertop and OTR versions have some of the highest customer ratings among microwaves. Most models cost around $200 and $500, yet many people feel they are reliable and excellent investments.
- Panasonic: This famous electronics brand has microwaves in countertop, built-in, and over-the-range varieties. Prices range from $100 to around $1,000. The amount depends on whether you want a simple model or one with all the bells and whistles.
- Toshiba: This is a trusted appliance industry brand with various countertop models priced in the mid-range. There are basic models as well as those with convection capability.
Best Microwave Overall
Panasonic Ovens NN-SN966S
- Size: 14 x 23.9 x 19.4 inches
- Turntable: 16.5 inches
- Capacity: 2.2 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1250W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
The powerful Panasonic Microwave Countertop or Built-In with Inverter Technology with Genius Sensor is a fashionable and handy addition to any house, apartment, or condo kitchen, with its sleek stainless-steel door and bottom and stainless silver body. This fantastic oven evenly warms and cooks.
You can use it for breakfast items, after-school snacks, dinners, appetizers, and more, making it great for singles, busy professionals, and on-the-go families. Other benefits include a quick timer that allows you to set cooking and reheating durations in one-minute increments, a delay start option, and a child safety lock.
The unique Inverter Technology is used in this excellent oven. Unlike ordinary microwaves, which use pulse-on, pulse-off power at lower temperatures, it produces a consistent stream of cooking power at all temperatures, resulting in more uniformly cooked dishes from the edges to the centers every time.
Pros:
- Sensors automatically regulate the cooking time and power
- You can defrost evenly
- Fourteen modes are preset
- It runs quietly
Cons:
- Very large
Best Smart Microwave
Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) Microwave Works with Alexa
- Size: 16.6 x 20.4 x 12.4 inches
- Turntable: 12.4 inches
- Capacity: 1.3 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1500W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
This Toshiba microwave has a classic design that can complement a variety of kitchen types. It is integrated with Alexa and employs an echo device, which provides ease by enabling hands-free operation by voice command or app control. Also, this oven has a bright LED light, a position memory turntable, an energy-saving mode, and a mute button.
It also has a healthy air fry function with 10 preset menus. Also, oven features include a broil and bake function, a low-temperature operation with 4 preset menus, combination cooking, 11 microwave preset menus, a one-touch yummy popcorn button, a pro defrost by time and 7 preset menus, microwave cooking with 10 power levels, a keep-warm function, and an odor removal function.
Pros:
- Intelligent features such as Alexa
- Hands-free operation by app control or voice command
- Plenty of preset menus
- Odor removal
Cons:
- Large size
Best Microwaves for Small Spaces
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
- Size: 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches
- Turntable: 10 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
- Power: 700 W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
This Black+Decker countertop model is available in four different sizes, along with a 0.7-cubic-foot microwave ideal for small spaces. This microwave is one of the smallest available, measuring around 17 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep and 10 inches tall.
This 700-watt microwave contains pre-programmed controls for heating popcorn, melting butter, boiling potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and dinner plates. This oven also boasts a vast LED digital display, a simple control panel, a child safety lock, an interior light, and a detachable 10″ glass turntable.
Pros:
- Affordable oven
- Powerful for its small size
- Custom memory function
Cons:
- Full-size food plates cannot fit
- It isn’t easy to open the door
Best Large Capacity Microwave
GE JES2251SJ Countertop Microwave
- Type: Countertop Microwave
- Size: 24.1 x 13.75 x 19.4 inches
- Turntable: 16 inches
- Capacity: 2.2 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1200 W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
This microwave has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet and 1200 watts. The turntable is extra-large at 16 inches, making it suitable for casserole dishes. It is an excellent alternative for families. This large capacity microwave is a workhorse, lasting more than a decade. When it came time to replace it, several others bought the identical model.
The appliance’s efficiency and longevity are reflected in this client’s devotion. Inverter defrosts technology, and a warming oven provides and maintains consistent heat, while sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power. The straightforward design complements a wide range of kitchen designs and readily matches other equipment.
Pros:
- Large capacity space
- Long life expectancy
- Consistent, efficient heat
- Elegant style
Cons:
- Bulky
Best Countertop Microwave
Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 Microwave
- Size: 13.8 x 17.9 x 10.3 inches
- Turntable: 9.6 inches
- Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
- Power: 700 W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
Cooking and warming food or beverages is straightforward, quick, and convenient with the Galanz 0.7 Cu. Ft Countertop Microwave. This microwave provides a range of options for completing your culinary activities, including adjustable power settings, a defrost program, and weight.
The delightful Retro design offers a look and feels of the fantastic old days to your modern kitchen, adding elegance while keeping functioning. It’s a fashionable and amusing addition to any kitchen, leisure area, home office, or dorm room.
Pros:
- Retro design
- Adjustable power levels
- Child safety lock
Cons:
- Small turntable
Best Convection Oven
Toshiba Convection Oven EC042A5C-SS
- Size: 21.77 x 21.5 x 12.99 inches
- Turntable: 13.6 inches
- Capacity: 1.5 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1500 W
- Finishes: Stainless
Product Description:
With its stainless finish and classic design, this Toshiba convection oven can complement various kitchen designs. It has a convection function with four auto bake menus and four auto roast menus, a sensor function with thirteen auto menus, a one-touch popcorn button, weight/time defrosting, microwave cooking with ten power levels, and a warm hold function.
Also, the best convection feature is its express cook buttons for 1-6 minutes and a memory function. It has a brilliant LED cavity light, a glass turntable, an energy-saving ECO mode, a mute button, a clock, and a kitchen timer. The experience is further enhanced by the bright LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, and easy-to-grip door handle. The stainless cavity resists scratches and corrosion and is simple to clean.
Pros:
- Extremely adaptable
- Simple to use
Cons:
- The convection oven warms up slowly.
- Bulky
Most Quiet Microwave
Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave
- Size: 19.1 x 17.3 x 11.5 inches
- Turntable: 10.6 inches
- Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
- Power: 900 W
- Finishes: Stainless
Product Description:
The Breville Compact Wave Soft Close is big on convenience and is designed to precisely reheat, defrost, and cook. A countertop microwave engineered with an 80 percent quieter door. Clever touches like child lock, mute button, and 30-second instant start mean fewer beeps, bumps, clangs, and more pops, bites, and crunches.
The Defrost mode softly defrosts food without overheating or drying off the edges; the Reheat feature gently reheats food without drying or overcooking. The Youngster Lock button makes it possible to use your microwave while keeping your child secure.
Pros:
- 80% quieter soft closed door
- One-touch automatic buttons
- Fewer beeps, bumps, and clangs
Cons:
- Smaller turntable
Best Over-The-Range Microwave
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS Microwave
- Size: 15.75 x 29.87 x 15.62 inches
- Turntable: 12.5 inches
- Capacity: 1.8 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1000 W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
The over-the-range microwave also functions as a hood, providing ventilation with two fan settings. The Extra-Large microwave has a cooking space that allows for bigger kitchenware, including a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. LED light provides a clear, bright view of your cooktop, making meal preparation and cooking easier.
While your item cooks, the LED interior microwave light remains on. Microwaves include one-touch buttons that allow you to cook baked potatoes, popcorn, or even add 30 seconds with the push of a button. The oven door will open to a 90° angle without touching the surrounding walls.
Pros:
- Allows big kitchenware
- LED interior microwave light stays
- Two Speed Ventilation
Cons:
- Consumes large space
Best Compact Microwave
Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave
- Size: 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches
- Turntable: 10 inches
- Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet
- Power: 600 W
- Finishes: Stainless
Product Description:
This oven’s six power levels make it perfect for a wide range of culinary operations. Use the intermediate power levels to reheat meals or thaw vegetables and the high power levels for more heavy-duty cooking activities like making a frozen supper.
This factor also means that when the machine is not in use, it is not consuming energy, and there is no glow from an electronic display to interrupt sleep if used in a studio or dorm room. Aside from its small size, the device is simple to clean and requires little maintenance. The detachable glass turntable is dishwasher safe, and there are no electrical controls to fail.
The mechanical dial controls are straightforward, making them ideal for older persons, those with vision problems, or anybody searching for a simpler alternative to the electronic controls found on many of today’s small appliances.
Pros:
- Removable turntable
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Only six power levels
Most Budget-friendly Microwave
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven
- Size: 19.02 x 11.06 x 15.6 inches
- Turntable: 10.5 inches
- Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
- Power: 900W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
This affordable microwave has a sharp appearance that matches your modern kitchen and offers many menu options to complement your culinary tastes and style. It features a 900-watt output and ten power settings. The LED display is effortless to see, and the touchpad makes operation straightforward.
This 900-watt oven has a child-safe lockout mechanism, a timer, and a clock. You may cook potatoes, popcorn, reheat freezer entrees, pizza, or drinks with a single touch. It is intended to provide uniform heating for reliable outcomes that you can be proud of feeding to your family.
Pros:
- Cooking time and power are automatically adjusted by sensors
- Defrosting without cooking
- 14 predefined modes
- Runs quietly
Cons:
- A little large
Best Smart Inverter Microwave
Panasonic Smart Microwave NN-SN686S
- Size: 16 x 15 x 13 inches
- Turntable: 13.4 inches
- Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet
- Power: 1480W
- Finishes: Stainless steel
Product Description:
Patented Inverter Technology delivers consistent, evenly cooked food without overcooking; sophisticated Inverter Turbo Defrost decreases defrosting time. Inverter Technology distributes microwave energy so that delicate foods may simmer without overcooking.
Furthermore, meals maintain more color, texture, and nutrients for quick, simple, and tasty outcomes. With a 13.4-inch turntable, this countertop oven is thinner, lighter, and more efficient, enabling you to devote less room to electronics and more to internal capacity. This oven includes a genius sensor that adjusts power and timing based on the food.
It has 14 preset menu choices, a short-minute timer, a delayed start, and a child safety lock. Soups, gravies, and desserts stay warm and fresh in this inverter microwave until ready to serve. This oven is also one of the most reasonably priced microwaves.
Pros:
- Cooking time and power are automatically adjusted by sensors
- Defrosting without cooking
- 14 predefined modes
- Runs quietly
Cons:
- A little large
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Conclusion
When it comes to the best microwaves, there are a lot of options on the market and there’ll be plenty more with different features and gadgets coming soon. The real question you’re asking now is, which one is perfect for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a microwave with a “keep warm” setting or a multi-functional model with different cooking functions, we’ve got you covered. However, we’ve done the research and narrowed it down.
The Panasonic Countertop/Built-In Microwave is our top choice. It features a variety of settings and automatic sensors, and it may be fitted as a built-in or countertop alternative. This unique oven also has proprietary Inverter Technology. However, the many options may be confusing to get to learn at first.
Looking for another option? We suggest the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave as a more basic alternative because it is easier to operate, coming in a smaller size with fewer power levels.
Whichever you choose, any of these great microwaves are bound to do their job and make your life a little easier. Trust us, and you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best wattage for an oven?
The wattage indicates its power, and higher wattage implies your meal will cook quicker but more evenly. Microwaves commonly range in capacity from 500 to 1,200 watts. Microwaves with less than 700 watts are typically underpowered; therefore add time to the cooking process.
These versions suit those on a tight budget, trying to preserve space, or prepared to wait a few minutes longer. Look for devices with 1,000 watts or more if you want a fully working oven to cook meat and veggies.
Why should you choose a convection microwave?
Convection microwaves circulate hot air to cook food more evenly and quickly than standard microwaves. This convection cooking capability may also be used to brown or crisp meals in ways that a standard microwave cannot.
Is there a smart microwave oven?
The best smart microwave uses advanced sensor technology and may be controlled with a smartphone app or voice command. These include barcode scanning, which is used to obtain cooking instructions, moisture sensors, and other features. You may even set up your microwave using the virtual assistant of your mobile phone in your smart home.
Is there a microwave that works with Google home?
Microwaves that interact with both Alexa and Google Assistant are available. You can look through the list above. It’s a good idea to maintain a dedicated speaker next to your microwave for convenience, so you don’t have to yell across the house all the time.
What is the distinction between an inverter and a basic microwave?
Microwaves without inverter technology must cycle between 100% and 0% power when you select 50% power. Still, a microwave with inverter technology utilizes 50% power the whole time, resulting in more uniformly defrosted and cooked food.
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