By 5 Best Microwaves in 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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In the realm of kitchen essentials, the microwave takes the spotlight as a trusty companion that seamlessly weaves its way into our daily routines with the promise of quick fixes for after-school snacks and late-night cravings. It quietly saves the day by defrosting frozen foods or giving a boost to lukewarm drinks whenever we need them. But with so many options out there, picking the perfect microwave depends on things like how much space you have, what kind of cooking you like to do, and how much you’re willing to spend.
We worked hard to find the best microwave, testing and getting advice from experts. From compact designs ideal for cozy kitchens to high-tech models equipped with smart features, the market offers a diverse array of options to suit every culinary need. Among them, we picked out the top 5 microwaves to make your decision-making process easy.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast seeking precision or a busy professional craving seamless integration into your lifestyle, these top five microwave ovens promise to elevate your kitchen experience in the year ahead.
So, let’s dive into the sizzle.
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1. Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Credit: Panasonic
| Brand: | Panasonic |
| Product Dimension: | 15.8″D x 20.7″W x 12.2″H |
| Wattage: | 1200 Watts |
| Item Weight: | 28.7 Pounds |
Experience effortless microwave cooking with the Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven that features a powerful 1200W output and 11 adjustable power levels for versatile meal preparation. This sleek microwave is equipped with smart controls and a convenient 3-level popcorn button that simplifies your dinner and snack time.
Panasonic’s special Inverter Technology makes sure your food cooks and reheats evenly, giving you consistent results from the edges to the center every time. It works by providing a smooth flow of cooking power. Plus, the Genius Sensor feature is really cool. It takes away the guesswork from cooking by automatically changing the power and cooking time based on how much moisture is in your food. With 10 sensor cook settings and sensor reheat, it’s perfect for warming up leftovers evenly too.
Additional features like an Inverter Turbo Defrost for accelerated thawing, 15 Auto Cook Options, a Keep Warm function, and a 1.2 cu. ft. easy-clean interior with a 13.4” turntable ensures efficient and enjoyable cooking experiences while maintaining a space-saving design that maximizes countertop space.
However, the interior light of the microwave emits a dim glow, making it challenging to keep an eye on the food’s progress during cooking. Also, the control panel is prone to displaying fingerprints prominently, which can detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the appliance.
| WHY TO CONSIDER The microwave features an easy-to-clean interior. It has a 1200W output and 11 power levels. a child-safety lock button is included. |
| WHY TO RECONSIDER Some users may find the interior light of the microwave to be dim, making it challenging to monitor food while it’s cooking. Easily noticeable fingerprint marks. |
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2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
Credit: Toshiba
| Brand: | Toshiba |
| Product Dimension: | 17.1″D x 20.5″W x 12.8″H |
| Wattage: | 1100 Watts |
| Item Weight: | 34.6 Pounds |
Toshiba microwave offers convenient cooking with a pre-programmed sensor menu designed for optimal heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, and veggies, among others. It boasts a stylish black exterior that blends into any kitchen decor perfectly. With a power wattage of 1100W and a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, this stylish black microwave can accommodate up to a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for households of all sizes.
In addition to its practical control panel featuring a large digital display, the microwave includes convenient functions such as defrosting by time and weight, a clock, and a kitchen timer. For those seeking a quieter cooking experience, the microwave features a mute function activated by a simple long press on the “8” button, silencing the buzzer with a prolonged beep.
With a 1-year warranty and easy-to-follow instructions provided in the user manual, the Toshiba microwave offers a hassle-free cooking experience for every kitchen. However, the sensor reheat function of this microwave faced challenges during our test as it failed to adequately warm leftovers to the desired temperature consistently. Additionally, its bulky storage size occupies a significant amount of space on the countertop or in storage areas.
| WHY TO CONSIDER Exceptional defrosting capabilities User-friendly design Affordable pricing |
| WHY TO RECONSIDER The sensor reheat function may not perform optimally, resulting in inefficient warming of leftovers. Its bulky size may pose challenges for storage and countertop space. |
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3. Panasonic NN-SD975S Microwave
Credit: Panasonic
| Brand: | Panasonic |
| Product Dimension: | 19.44″D x 23.88″W x 14″H |
| Wattage: | 1250 Watts |
| Item Weight: | 36.8 Pounds |
Featuring a spacious 16.5-inch turntable, the Panasonic NN-SD975S Microwave Oven is tailor-made for family-sized meals. You can enjoy effortless cooking with innovative Cyclonic Inverter Technology that ensures even heat distribution for consistently delicious results. You can easily navigate through a variety of cooking options with intuitive controls, including 20 preset menu items, inverter turbo defrost, quick 30-second settings, and popcorn functions, accessible with just a touch or turn.
With the Sensor Cook and Reheat functions, you can say goodbye to guesswork. They’ve got hassle-free pre-set options for cooking and reheating, so you don’t need to worry about setting a specific time. And when you’re in a rush to defrost or want to keep your dishes warm until serving, the Sensor Inverter Turbo Defrost and Keep Warm features have your back and make sure everything’s ready to eat when you are.
During our test, this microwave cooked evenly that we did not find any hot or cold spots even in the middle. It’s super easy to use with just one dial for setting the cooking time even though it goes up in 10-second steps which is a bit annoying but not a big deal considering how smoothly it works overall. Plus, you can use the same dial to input the weight of the food you’re defrosting.
However, though it boasts considerable power and a range of useful features, this microwave is undeniably large making it best suited for spacious kitchens or households that can fully utilize its generous capacity.
| WHY TO CONSIDER It packs a punch with 1,250 watts of power. User-friendly dial and interface make operation a breeze. Versatile installation options, including built-in capability. |
| WHY TO RECONSIDER Limited visibility of food while cooking. Dial adjusts in 10-second increments only. |
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4. GE Smart Microwave with Scan-to-Cook
Credit: GE
| Brand: | GE |
| Product Dimension: | 14.5″D x 19″W x 11.5″H |
| Wattage: | 900 Watts |
| Item Weight: | 27.8 Pounds |
The GE smart microwave offers an enhanced cooking experience with Wi-Fi connectivity powered by Smart HQ, providing convenient voice-enabled control through Alexa or Google Assistant. This feature allows users to effortlessly manage the microwave, including turning it on and off, adjusting cooking times, or changing power levels, all with simple voice commands.
In addition, Scan-To-Cook Technology enhances the cooking process by simplifying the preparation of frozen foods, saving your valuable time and optimizing cooking results. Despite its compact exterior design, the microwave boasts a generously spacious interior with 900 watts of power and a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet. This ensures that users can achieve effective and efficient cooking performance without sacrificing valuable kitchen space.
Setting up the microwave is easy thanks to its freestanding design as it effortlessly fits on countertops or open shelves with its 39-inch power cord. Plus, with convenient one-touch operation and a variety of cooking controls like a kitchen timer, child lock, and cooking complete alarms – making tasty meals has never been easier. No matter, if you like auto or manual defrosting, setting defrosting times and power levels for just-right results, is super simple, making your cooking routine even easier.
However, this microwave doesn’t cook food as evenly as the other models and the voice commands can be a bit unreliable.
| WHY TO CONSIDER Smart technology and scan-to-cook features are offered at an affordable price point. Rapid heating capabilities for fast meal preparation. Ample interior space while maintaining a compact footprint, suitable for smaller kitchens. |
| WHY TO RECONSIDER Inconsistent cooking results compared to alternative microwave models we evaluated. Voice command functionality can be unreliable. |
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5. Farberware Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Credit: Farberware
| Brand: | Farberware |
| Product Dimension: | 16.54″D x 20.2″W x 12.03″H |
| Wattage: | 1000 Watts |
| Item Weight: | 34.6 Pounds |
Farberware Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven is perfect for whipping up quick and effortless meals in no time. With a powerful 1000 watts of output power and a variety of settings, including ten power levels and multi-stage cooking, you can customize your cooking experience to suit your needs.
Make the most of the six convenient one-touch options for popcorn, potato, pizza, and beyond, and easily defrost by weight or time settings for efficient meal preparation. With a spacious 1.1 cubic feet capacity, this microwave delivers full-sized cooking capabilities in a compact design, perfect for small spaces in both home and office settings. Its easy-to-clean interior and exterior guarantee hassle-free maintenance, while the clear LED display featuring a kitchen timer and clock helps you stay organized and on schedule.
Furthermore, the interior lighting ensures visibility, while the child safety lock offers peace of mind. With Farberware, you can rely on having everything you need to craft memorable meals and unite loved ones, including convenient features like 1 through 6-minute Express Cooking quick start controls and Add 30-Seconds control right at your fingertips.
However, the construction of the microwave gives an impression of being of low quality, with materials that feel cheaply made. Additionally, it emits noticeably more noise during operation compared to other models, which can be quite significant.
| WHY TO CONSIDER Affordable price point. Offers six cooking presets and two defrost modes for added convenience. Easy-to-clean interior and exterior surfaces for hassle-free maintenance. |
| WHY TO RECONSIDER Construction materials feel cheap and flimsy. Produces significant noise during operation, louder than other models. Lacks temperature or humidity sensors for automated cooking. |
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What to Look For While Purchasing Microwave Oven?
When purchasing a microwave oven, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you find the best option for your needs:
- Size and Capacity: Determine the space available in your kitchen and choose a microwave that fits. Check the internal capacity in liters or cubic feet to ensure it accommodates your typical dishes.
- Power and Wattage: Look for a microwave with sufficient power and wattage to meet your cooking requirements. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking times.
- Cooking Features: Consider the cooking features and presets offered by the microwave, such as sensor cooking, defrost settings, and pre-programmed options for popular dishes. These features can enhance convenience and ensure better results.
- Control Panel and Interface: Opt for a microwave with an intuitive control panel and easy-to-use interface. Touchpad controls and clear displays simplify setting cooking times and selecting functions.
- Build Quality and Durability: Assess the build quality and materials used in the microwave’s construction. Look for sturdy construction and durable materials that can withstand regular use and last for years.
- Additional Features: Consider any extra features that may be important to you, such as interior lighting, child lock safety features, turntable options, and programmable settings. Choose features based on your preferences and needs.
- Budget: Set a budget for your microwave purchase and search for options that offer the best value within your price range. Consider both the initial cost and long-term value in terms of performance and durability.
Summary from Proud Homemaker!
To sum it up, when considering the best microwave oven to purchase in 2014, several factors come into play. While affordability and convenience are key considerations, it’s crucial to balance these with performance and durability. Models like the Farberware Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven offer a range of features at an accessible price point, making them suitable choices for many households. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering factors such as cooking presets, defrosting capabilities, construction quality, and noise levels. Ultimately, the best microwave oven for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
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