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Say good-bye to half - bolt down bagful of Zea mays everta during movie night .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
A microwave can be your best acquaintance in the kitchen when you involve to get something done fast . Whether you ’re reheating leftovers , defrosting a stock-still dish aerial , or melting cocoa for baking , microwaves get the job done rapidly with minimal attempt . Plus , microwave usually require less killing than cooking on your stovetop .
The best microwave oven should not only be wide-eyed to employ and clean , but they ’ll have the correct motley of feature to make heating ready and light . Some models come with helpful features like impudent sensors , automatic cook presets , or perhaps even aviation frying and baking capabilities . However , if you just want that robotlike Zea mays everta setting for movie dark , there are plenty of in effect models without all the bells and whistle , too .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
With so many unlike microwaves on the food market , it can be difficult to roll in the hay which is the best for your home . That ’s why our experts put 26 microwaves to the examination in our lab in Birmingham , Alabama . They spent an entire twenty-four hours using and value these microwaves based on their power , design , size , effectiveness , and more . We also verbalize withSteph Chen , founder of microwave - secure cookery line Anyday .
What We Tested
We judge 26 microwaves on theireffectiveness , features , anddesign . For more information on how we tested microwaves , check outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Toshiba Microwave
It has a built - in detector to help evenly make food .
It ’s not as good at evaporate food like chocolate french-fried potatoes or marshmallows .
The most various microwaves will work rapidly , fire up evenly , and be nonrational to employ , allow you to fudge or reheat item without needing to babysit the appliance . The Toshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor earned our expert ’ praise after proving itself to be the most well - assail gimmick we tested , whether cooking Zea mays everta , melting marshmallows , or heating veggies .
Credit: Amazon
During testing , the Toshiba microwave popped almost all of the popcorn in the bag ( it only left ⅛ of an snow leopard ! ) and it was all equally falsify without any blacken or burned bits . The microwave also had no trouble ready a container of frozen macaroni and cheese equally without any cold section . This is thanks to its work up - in sensing element that automatically detect the humidity floor of the intellectual nourishment as it make to ensure everything comes out warm and ready to deplete .
We like the size of it of this microwave , as it ’s crowing enough to hold large dishes without being so huge that it takes up valuable space on your countertop . Plus , its clearly marked dominance panel attain it very nonrational to practice . Other canonical features let in a touchpad that does n’t show fingerprints , a clock , timer , a veggie sensing element that can tell between fresh and frozen vegetable , and other presets .
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven did n’t execute as well when we tried to dethaw marshmallow and chocolate chips . Instead of creating a smooth , evenly melted consistence , both the marshmallow and french fries maintained their general cast , so you ’d need to keep it in the microwave oven longer to completely melt them .
The Toshiba Microwave Oven proved to be the most well-rounded appliance we tested, whether we reheated leftovers or made popcorn.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
mathematical product point : Type : Countertop |Power:1,100 watts |Dimensions:13.25 x 13 x 9 inch |Capacity:1.2 cubic human foot |Turntable Size:12.4 inches
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave
This microwave cover all the basic and reheats well .
The predetermined push button are n’t easy to locate .
If you ’re looking for a microwave oven that is reliable , effective , and less expensive than other options , we recommend this option from Hamilton Beach . While it does n’t offer as many features as some other models , it includes convenient one - clitoris preparation options for frequent undertaking like popcorn , pizza , and defrost .
The Hamilton Beach microwave impressed us during examination , reheating remnant , popping popcorn , and de-ice a pound of burger with ease . The menu of predetermined cooking procedure also admit white potato , icy vegetable , beverage , and dinner plate , making it easy to cursorily fix component and heat up meal .
While we like that the buttons are easy to read and touch - sore , they ’re located inside the microwave doorway , draw them difficult to find .
The capacity accommodate most microwave - favorable items , admit big plates and intermediate casserole dishes , while maintaining a lowly countertop footmark . We enjoy that the glass tray is dish washer - safe for well-fixed cleansing , and found the oven to be durable and stable , with a well - made room access and handle .
This well-to-do - to - manipulation microwave does n’t have all the bells and whistle that pricier options extend . However , we found that it delivers consistent issue and is well - designed to prepare quick meals and snack .
Product Details : Type : Countertop |Power:1,000 watts |Dimensions:16.50 x 20.60 x 11.80 column inch |Capacity:1.1 three-dimensional metrical foot |Turntable Size : N / a
Best Splurge
GE Over-the-Range Microwave
sensing element cooking and several bright functions take the guesswork out of prepping micro-cook item .
The turntable easily dislodged during examination .
This G.E. over - the - range microwave has a variety of useful feature of speech that make it a powerful appliance for quick heat and effective defrosting . The microwave features commodious sensor cookery controls that automatically adjust clock time and power output , taking the guesswork out of repast preparation .
Over - the - reach microwaves like this fashion save space on your countertop and are often placed above the kitchen stove . If that ’s the case in your kitchen , you ’ll apprize that this good example has a two - speed discharge scheme designed to help hit smoke and odor as items are prepared below it .
We put this model to the trial with gem , bread , popcorn , chicken , and rice , and found that the oven inflame evenly and expeditiously . We like the likeable conception and easy - to - purpose features , like the integrated melting way for cheese , butter , and soft ingredients to prevent combustion .
The weight and time defrost setting makes thawing easy by setting the recommend defrosting meter and big businessman level base on the point ’s weight . We also wish that the turntable is dish washer - good ; however it was easy dislodged during testing .
While the stainless steel is fingerprint resistant , the black part of the microwave retained print and smears ask frequent cleaning . However , this microwave oven delivered on efficient cooking and reheat , with time - saving features , so we did n’t think it was a dealbreaker .
Product detail : Type : Over - the - range |Power:1,000 watts |Dimensions:16 x 29 x 15 inches |Capacity:1.7 cubic foot |Turntable Size:12.8 inch
Best with Air Fryer
Galanz 4-in-1 ToastWave
It ’s a microwave , toaster , air fryer , and convection oven all in one .
It contract some clip to learn how to apply the unlike preferences .
One of the most versatile appliances you may get for your home is an air fryer — it ’s perfect for cooking tasty volaille wings , veggie , andeven sweet . Instead of buying a trade name - novel machine that takes up more place on your counter , we wish the Galanz GT Four - in - One Toastwave , which operates as a microwave , air travel fryer , toaster , and convection oven .
We screen this specifically for the microwave oven functions , but if you ’re in the securities industry for a countertop gismo that does it all , the Galanz is our pick . Our experts reported that this microwave oven has a specific feature for just about every kitchen job you could consider of — admit broil , toasting , even pizza devising .
There ’s a silicone polymer mat that you habituate for all of the functions , and our testers lie with how well-fixed it was to clean while keeping the turntable complimentary of drips and dribbles .
Our testers also liked the fashion this wake the mac ‘ n ’ cheese and protrude popcorn , with even heating throughout and very few unpopped centre left behind . For more specialized tasks like melt chocolate , this appliance was n’t able to equally melt the chips .
The toaster oven office can be heated to 425 ° F , and the gizmo has a dial for the timekeeper and a touchpad for everything else . There ’s sight of preset buttons to choose from including a bagel stage setting , pizza pie cooking , a broiling clit , and more . The turntable can be turned on and off too , which is a cool feature .
We imagine this microwave ( and more ) is an idealistic option for adventurous Captain Cook who are depend for a multifunction appliance , and it could even serve as the only appliance for someone with limited space . However , our tester establish that it was a little difficult to use since it has so many preferences , so we do n’t recommend this twist to someone who want a speedy and easy - to - use microwave oven .
Product detail : Type : Countertop |Power:1,000 Watt |Dimensions:14 x 15.25 x 8.5 in |Capacity:1.2 cubic feet |Turntable Size : N / A
Best Small
Panasonic 1.2 Inverter Microwave
It cooks icy intellectual nourishment and popcorn evenly .
This microwave oven lack some of the feature article that other models offer .
If you ca n’t put on your microwave oven in your kitchen , the last thing you probably want is a bulky appliance taking up tons of space on your countertop . This minuscule microwave is basic enough to befit the most common kitchen tasks , but it ’s also true enough for even cooking .
Credit: Walmart
Our testers reported that this microwave oven was consistent in heating during all of the tests including cooking frozen meal and defrosting nutrient . Small but mighty , it had telling great power that allowed the microwave oven to evenly cook everything without any insensate spots . Plus , it perfectly popped a dish of Zea mays everta without many remnant kernels and perfectly unthaw hot chocolate chip , which was challenge for other models on our listing .
While the Panasonic Inverter microwave oven does n’t have a gross ton of additional lineament like other appliances on this listing , it does have a few helpful cooking presets let in a Zea mays everta clit , sensor heating and reheating , a heating button , and more . It also has a silklike touchpad and a removable spyglass turntable to make microwave killing slow .
At 12.24 inch tall , 20.69 in wide , and 15.81 inches deep , the Panasonic Inverter microwave oven is n’t overly tumid , but the interior mental ability leave enough space for standard dinner plates and most food depot container . However , it lacks some of the food - specific buttons that other microwaves on our list have , so we do n’t recommend it to anyone who wants perfectly cooked dishes in a undivided press of a push button .
We were impressed with how easily the Hamilton Beach microwave popped a bag of popcorn during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product Details : Type : Countertop |Power:1,200 watts |Dimensions:13.75 x 14 x 9.5 column inch |Capacity:1.2 three-dimensional feet |Turntable size of it : N / A
Best Over-the-Range
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave
This microwave oven has a impertinent , stable design and reheats evenly while maintaining ideal grain .
It ’s pricier than some similar framework .
This spacious Whirlpool oven is one of our favorite microwaves for its effective cooking and quiet process . With a capacity of 1.7 cubic feet , it offers plentiful distance for repast preparation , making it easy to heat straightaway snacks and take on bigger job like defrosting and reheating tumid fixings or leftovers .
During testing , we found that pizza reheated equally without compromising its crispy grain . The one - button preset options also include potato , popcorn , soften / melt , reheat , and defrost , stimulate it convenient to prepare frequently prepared items .
We care the attractive aim of the microwave oven , with an easy - to - utilization control condition panel and built - in adjustable light for the cooktop below . We also prize the dishwashing machine - safe turntable plate for easy cleaning .
While the price is slightly higher than like alternative , this Whirlpool microwave is well - design with geomorphologic stability and thoughtful features that make it a good option for everyday use .
Product detail : character : Over - the - grasp |Power:1,000 watts |Dimensions:17 x 29 x 16 inchesCapacity:1.7 three-dimensional feet |Turntable Size:12 inches
Best Large
Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology
you’re able to fit large containers like 9x13 - inch pans inside this microwave oven .
It ’s not as expert at melting marshmallows or drinking chocolate chips .
This large microwave oven has a great deal of features to have a go at it , making it the perfect addition to a big kitchen . Our testers eff its chocolate and milk button to reheat your deglutition , an intuitive display , a 30 - sec keep - warm button , three - degree cookery , and more .
This Panasonic microwave oven perform better than any of the other microwaves we tested when it came to evenly heating mac n ’ high mallow , and our tester found that this microwave oven ’s sensor helps it evenly warm frozen intellectual nourishment . Due to its size , it ’s excellent at reheating large batches of intellectual nourishment let in 9x13 - column inch Pan .
It struggled to equally melt chocolate chips and marshmallow , so we commend keeping an eye on the microwave and stirring frequently if you need to meld solid food for broil . Unless you have gobs of rejoinder distance , we recommend mounting this microwave somewhere in your kitchen .
This microwave do very well in evenly cookery foods , making it great for families with a large kitchen who demand to reheat bulk dishes in a flash .
Product inside information : Type : Countertop |Power:1,250 watts |Dimensions:19.44 x 23.88 x 14 inches |Capacity:2.2 cubic feet |Turntable sizing : N / A
The Bottom Line
After test 26 microwaves , we chose theToshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensoras our favorite overall weft . It ’s easy to apply , heat up particular evenly , and can handle defrosting dinner party without any matter . If you ’re look for an appliance with a wide range of features , we also love theGalanz GT 4 - in-1 Toast Wave , which works as a microwave , toaster , air pullet , and convection oven .
Our Testing Process
To put the dependable microwaves on the market to the test , we had a team of kitchen experts put each appliance through their pace in our laboratory in Birmingham , Alabama .
First , our testers used the microwave oven to heat a cup of elbow room temperature water , then measure the change in temperature to see the appliance ’s effectiveness . They also microwaved a pie dish full of mini marshmallow and defrosted frozen mac ‘ n ’ cheeseflower , using a thermometer to check the heat in different place around the knockout to insure even cooking .
Our expert also made sure the microwave oven were up to snuff for evaporate chocolate , which was placed in a glass bowl , microwaved , stirred , nuke again . We find out for lout in the consistence and sear or seizing chocolate , since these can import cataclysm for your formula if falsely heat up . Finally , quizzer used each microwave oven to pop a bag of Zea mays everta . We look at how equally the corn popped afterwards , noting scorched pieces or unpopped kernels .
We also evaluated the microwave base on their size , feature , effectuality , and overall value before creating a terminal lean of top microwave .
What to Know About Microwaves Before Shopping
Type
When shopping for any widget , you desire to cautiously look at the space you have available on your countertop , since even the best microwaves have a pretty expectant footprint . There are plenty ofover - the - range microwavesand countertop models to choose from , so you’re able to choose between the two based on how much distance you ’re willing to sacrifice .
Many microwave sit around directly on your countertop , do apparatus and installation passing easy . You ’ll need to measure both the space it ’ll take up on the countertop before you purchase to see to it you still have a enceinte enough workspace for kitchen prep . Plus , keep in mind how much vertical space your microwave may take under your cabinets .
Over - the - scope microwave are installed above your kitchen ’s range or cooktop , and it ’s a neat way to cut down on countertop clutter . These types often have a vent social function as well , which help to keep the strain in your kitchen circulating . However , these example take a bit more work to install than a simple countertop microwave . You ’ll also need to be more deliberate when measuring for over - the - range microwaves , since your overhead space may be stiffen by cabinets , shelf , and more .
Size
The size of it inside the appliance is another broker to consider when denounce for a microwave oven . If you normally wake up solid food in a big baking dish like a 9x13 - column inch cooking pan , you ’ll want to find a model that can fit such a large container inside . Be sure to look for a microwave oven with a turntable that ’s not too close to the walls of the microwave , since large dishes can get cohere as they spin out .
Features
When shop for a microwave , you may find functional , pared - down example or others that are loaded with high - technical school feature film . Unless you expend a ton of time in the kitchen or you need a gadget that can swear out multiple purposes , you may not need a microwave with all the bells and whistles .
“ Not all microwaves are make adequate , ” explains Chen . “ Microwave wattage translate to how powerful the microwave is — if the wattage is too humbled ( 700 to 800 watts ) , your intellectual nourishment will cook and reheat easy and more unevenly . You have more consistency forcooking with microwavesthat have electrical power between 1,000 watts [ and ] 1,200 watts . ”
Not only do you demand force , but ideally you could also choose from many power levels for preciseness , Chen says .
“ It ’s also important to choose a microwave with 10 power degree ( some only have three or five level ) , which will admit you to fake with more precision , ” she tell us . “ Just like cooking with modest flame on the stovetop , certain foods ( like Elmer Leopold Rice or eggs ) can require cooking at a low power level and having more power levels gives you cookery tractability . ”
Other Microwaves We Tested
Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven
TheCommercial Chef Countertop Microwave Ovenfell poor on all of our test , and we were in particular disappointed that it did n’t prepare the glacial mac ‘ n ’ cheese well . It did n’t seem to heat evenly , and would likely require longer misrepresent times than package directions . Since de-ice frozen items is a vernacular necessity for most shopper , we chose not to include this twist on our list of the best microwave oven .
Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven
TheBlack+Decker Digital Microwave Ovenis a very small microwave for the Leontyne Price , and we found the warming very inconsistent across defrosting , popcorn popping , and melt down tests . While it has the most features of the smaller microwave we test , it could n’t fill in the more canonical tasks we require from it . Plus , the interior space is also very small , so you would n’t be able to match larger ravisher inside .
LG NeoChef Countertop Microwave
TheLG NeoChef Countertop Microwavefeatures sensor cooking , which worked well when we reheated leftovers and melted cheese during testing . The oven has a stable design , is gentle to clean , and offer a large capacitance that is idealistic for kinfolk use . However , during testing we found that presets were inconsistent for functions like cookery potatoes and defrosting meat . Overall , we wish this microwave ’s functionality but did n’t find it to be as easy to use as others we tested .
Samsung 2.1 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
While theSamsung 2.1 Cu . Ft . Over - the - ambit Microwave’seasy - to - read touchpad , streamlined invention , and smartphone integration impressed us during examination , we found a few area for improvement with this poser . For starter , installation was tricky for this over - the - range microwave , due to extra blank needed for the door to lock in effect . The touchpad also had some operable wrongdoing during cleaning . This microwave oven performed similar to others we tested for functions like reheating leftovers and pop Zea mays everta , however we recommend it for house with lite microwave use only .
Your Questions, Answered
How long do microwaves usually last?
“ A normal microwave oven will typically wreak for a long time ( seven or more age ) , but it may still be worth switching out to a fresh microwave oven , even if it ’s been less time than that , if your current microwave is n’t very knock-down ( such as microwave that are lower than 1,000 watts ) , ” Chen explains . “ microwave oven technology has improved over the class , so older microwaves will also hot up food less equally . ”
“ If you notice anything foreign with your microwave oven , like the door not closing in good order or randomly activate , it ’s definitely clip to replace , ” she added .
What is the best way to clean a microwave oven?
There are many ways to clean a microwave oven , but Chen recommends using a lemon juice or acetum intermixture .
“ Microwave stains and splatters are the spoiled . To cleanse the interior of a microwave , put a cup of piddle with a few tablespoons of lemon succus or livid vinegar in a microwave oven - dependable bowl and microwave for five minutes , or until the piss is smartly boil for at least a minute , ” she says . “ Keep the door closed for another two minutes so the steam penetrates everywhere . Use a kitchen towel ( and mild dish goop , if need ) to wipe all the stain off the home surfaces . ”
You ’ll also require to take out the turntable and pass over it down before put it back inside your gizmo .
What is the best wattage for a microwave?
When patronize for a microwave oven , you ’ll need to depend for something with a comely amount of mightiness . The more watt a microwave has , the more quickly it ’ll be capable to wangle your nutrient , but youcanhave too much powerfulness , Chen tell us .
“ microwave oven electrical power translate to power , which translates to speed of cookery — the higher the wattage , the quicker your food for thought will cook , ” she explains . “ It ’s ideal to get a microwave oven with around 1,000 to 1,200 Isaac Watts of power . If the wattage is too lowly , your food for thought will cook and reheat slowly and also more unevenly . But it ’s also possible for the wattage to be too high — yes , food will cook tight , but there ’s also less security deposit for error , so it ’s easy to overcook intellectual nourishment with just a few second of difference . ”
Who We Are
Jordan Liberty Phillipsis a writer for Better Homes & Gardens whoseexpertise include recipes and cooking , home interior decoration , and shopping . For this article , she used microwave testing insight from our BHG research team who evaluated rival on their effectualness , features , and design , taking into consideration eccentric , size , and feature to curate this list of the good microwaves . She also consultedSteph Chen , founder of microwave oven - secure preparation blood Anyday for extra perceptivity .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the merchandise on this listing , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of blessing . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to check that they ’re worth a patch in your home . We bribe most of the product we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we apply to essay the purchased production .
Credit: The Home Depot
The microwave efficiently and evenly heated everything we tested, including muffins, bread, chicken, and rice.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The all-in-one Galanz has tons of presets like a bagel setting, broil button, and pizza cooking.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Best Buy
The Panasonic microwave perfectly melted a bowl of chocolate chips—a task that other models struggled with during testing.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Best Buy
During testing, the Whirlpool microwave heated pizza evenly without making it soggy.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
We loved the intuitive display on the Panasonic Oven, which features a dial to easily set the time.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
