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The Best Microwaves of 2024
Microwaves play a crucial role in our modern, fast-paced lifestyles. They offer the convenience of reheating, defrosting, and even cooking meals in a fraction of the time traditional methods take. Of course, not all microwaves are created equal, and finding the right one can be a daunting task. Luckily, we've done the legwork for you, examining and evaluating countless models based on key features such as power, capacity, cooking options, and energy efficiency. After extensive research, we've deemed the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave to be the top pick, excelling in both functionality and performance. So, strap in as we explore some of the best microwaves of 2024.
Our Top Picks For Microwaves
View all ContentsThe Best Microwaves
Best Overall
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave has pre-programmed settings for common items, such as frozen pizza and vegetables, allowing you to receive perfectly warmed food and steer clear of that unpleasant soggy flavor. The sophisticated sensor technology in the oven is another incredible feature. When it’s turned on, it can measure the relative humidity of your meal.
Everyday cooking and baking benefit greatly from the appliance’s auto-defrost and softening features. And we really love that it’s easy to clean inside and out. The non-stick covering on the interior walls, the glass plate, and the stainless steel finish on the exterior all make the task of wiping it down with a damp cloth significantly easier. This particular microwave is at the top of our list because of its pre-programmed settings, sophisticated sensor technology, auto-defrost and softening, and ease of cleaning.
Pros
- Pre-programmed settings
- Sensor technology measures humidity
- Includes an eco/power-saving mode
Cons
- Too loud for some
Most User-Friendly
This BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave will effortlessly elevate your kitchen experience. The microwave comes power-packed with 900 watts and 10 adjustable power settings, allowing you to fine-tune the cooking process according to your needs. It effortlessly heats or defrosts your food to perfection, preventing overcooking. Pre-programmed buttons illuminate your cooking path, offering a straightforward approach to cooking popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates.
The large LED digital display not only showcases a clock function but also doubles as a countdown timer and a reminder of the remaining cooking time. This microwave ensures easy access with a push-button door. We also love that it helps protect your little ones with a child safety lock. Plus, the removable 10.6-inch glass turntable simplifies cleaning, while the spacious interior accommodates a variety of dish sizes. And the stainless steel door frame beautifully contrasts with the black enclosure, adding a professional touch to your kitchen decor.
Pros
- Compact design
- Child lock safety feature
- Six preprogrammed buttons
Cons
- Some may experience uneven heat distribution
Best Compact Design
Commercial CHEF’s Microwave can transform your kitchen experience with its 700-watt power capability, effortlessly whipping up mouth-watering dishes like bacon and pasta. This small yet mighty microwave, measuring 17.88 x 12.63 x 10.13 inches, offers 10 dynamic power levels, ready to deliver at a single touch — be it for your pizza, popcorn, or even frozen dinners. The user-friendly digital display and LED lighting not only add a contemporary touch but also enable you to heat your food from 99 seconds to 99 minutes, ensuring your meals are timed to perfection.
Bringing action into your kitchen, this microwave comes packed with features. The 700-watt power, child lock and door lock, rotating turntable, and 0.7 cubic feet capacity demonstrate its exceptional functionality. And the quick heating feature allows you to grab and go, making it an indispensable tool for those hectic days. We also love that it comes in three colors that include white, black, and stainless steel.
Pros
- Three color options
- 10 power levels
- Several pre-programmed settings
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
Best Value
The COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave is a 700-watt machine that features a one-touch cooking process, an LED display, 11 power levels, a mute button, a clock and kitchen timer, and a small removable panel that’s compact enough to fit on your countertop. This microwave toaster oven lets you cook six of the most popular microwavable items with pre-programmed modes for pizza, noodles, frozen veggies, popcorn, soups, and dinner plates. Of course, it can defrost a variety of different meats as well.
The microwave also has a 10-inch glass turntable, an interior light, an easy-to-view control panel, a bright digital screen, and an ECO option that cuts standby power consumption in half. You even have the option to choose from black or white colors. This allows you to find one that complements your existing appliances and decor. Customers are also raving about this little cooking machine. Users appreciate its small size, high performance, value, and ease of use.
Pros
- 11 power settings
- Eco mode reduces power consumption
- Ideal size for small spaces
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger microwaves
Best Color Variety
Farberware’s Countertop Microwave has 1000 watts of power and 10 power settings — from 10% to 100% — allowing you to select the optimum cooking power for the foods you cook. There are also several presets available that will handle everything for you. All of your favorite dishes may be cooked to perfection with the help of one of the six one-touch features.
This countertop microwave has several advantages in addition to its ease of use. If you have children, you’ll like the locked keypad. The ability to save information can also be quite useful for frequent microwave users. Our review team’s favorite thing about this specific microwave is the beautiful design and color options. Its sleek look is perfect for the modern-day user. And the four color options — black stainless steel, stainless steel, metallic red, and white platinum — are all so good, it makes it hard to choose just one.
Pros
- 10 power settings
- Several preset buttons
- Has a memory feature
Cons
- On the noisier side
Buying Guide: Microwaves
The Best Microwave Buyer’s Guide
Looking for the perfect microwave can be a daunting task with the large number of options available today. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply need a convenient way to reheat leftovers, finding the right microwave involves considering factors such as size, power, features, and budget. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll navigate through the choices to help you find a microwave that fits both your cooking needs and lifestyle.
Design
If visual appeal is crucial to you, consider how your microwave will look in your kitchen. They come in various colors and styles, but if your other kitchen appliances are stainless steel, you’ll probably want one to match. If you’re looking to give your kitchen a little more personality, a splash of color is always a good idea.
Size
In addition to ensuring that it will fit aesthetically in your kitchen, you need also to consider what items it can accommodate. Think about the foods you normally prepare in the microwave. Is there enough capacity for the dishware you use most often? You’ll also want to keep in mind that smaller microwaves tend to have less wattage than larger ones, making them less powerful.
Wattage
Speaking of wattage, remember that the higher the number, the faster and more evenly your microwave will cook your food. A microwave oven with at least one thousand watts of power should be adequate for most cooking tasks. There are more affordable, lower-wattage microwaves available, but they can be less efficient and take longer to heat food.
Preprogrammed Settings
The value of preprogrammed settings depends largely on personal preference. Even though they’re preset, some people may never actually utilize them. When you start looking into more high-end microwaves, you’ll find a wide variety of preprogrammed cooking options, from popcorn to reheating your dinner plate.
If you’d rather not have to figure out how to get your microwave to do what you want it to do every time, it’s best to choose a model with several presets that cover the kinds of food you eat frequently.
Noise
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to this kind of noise, you might want to test your prospective purchase beforehand to see if it’s a problem for you. Since you can’t test a microwave before buying it online, it can be helpful to read consumer reviews. You may also be able to find the decibel levels (a measure of sound) for some models.
Safety
When purchasing a microwave, prioritizing safety features is crucial. Look for models equipped with child lock functions to prevent accidental use by curious little hands. Microwaves with sensor cooking capabilities are also great since they help prevent overheating and ensure food is heated evenly. Opting for a microwave with a sturdy door latch and a reliable interlock system provides added reassurance, minimizing the risk of microwave leakage. Lastly, verify that the microwave meets stringent safety standards set by regulatory bodies, ensuring peace of mind as you prepare meals for yourself and your loved ones.
People Also Asked
How do I clean and maintain my microwave?
To clean and maintain your microwave, wipe the interior and exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a microwave-safe cleaning product or a mixture of vinegar and water. Try to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools. To maintain it, ensure the vents are not blocked and regularly check and replace the light bulbs if needed.
What is the typical lifespan of a microwave?
The typical lifespan is around seven to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular cleaning and proper usage can extend the lifespan of your microwave.
What should I do if my microwave's turntable isn't rotating?
If your microwave's turntable isn't rotating, first check to make sure it is properly aligned and seated on the track. If it is, then the issue might be a faulty motor or roller guide, and you should consult with a professional repair service.
What should I do if my microwave isn't heating food properly?
If your microwave isn't heating food properly, try adjusting the power level. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it might be due to a faulty part. It's recommended to consult with a professional service provider for repair or replacement.
Can I put plastic containers in the microwave?
Microwaving food in plastic containers can be safe, but it's important to use microwave-safe containers labeled as such. These containers are designed to withstand high temperatures without leaching harmful chemicals into your food. Avoid using any kind of container that's not labeled as microwave-safe, as they may melt or release toxins when heated. It's also good practice to avoid using old or worn plastic containers, as they may degrade over time and become less safe for microwave use.
