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9 Best Microwave Ovens In 2023
Likes:Views:79Last Updated: 21 March 2023Most of us have a unit to cook and heat food without dirtying a pan. But those of us with old busted ones have to deal with unevenly heated food, weird controls, and faulty operations. Sound familiar? Then we think it’s high time you update your kitchen and get the best microwave oven.
The problems you could encounter with an outdated microwave are endless. Sometimes, it just runs and stops on its own, a plate doesn’t spin, and the light doesn’t go on. Worst of all, it might not even be heating your food at all. It just becomes an expensive showroom for last night’s casserole.
A new, quality microwave should end those kitchen woes. But there are so many brands and models in the market - it’s hard to find one that checks all your boxes. In this guide, you’ll find the best microwave oven to sit proudly on your countertop. We’ve tested them out ourselves, and we can tell you which models truly stand out from the rest.
Contents
- 1 Comparison Chart of the Best Microwave Ovens 2023
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: Best Microwave Oven 2023
- 2.1 What is a microwave oven?
- 2.2 How to Choose the Best Microwave Oven
- 2.3 Best Microwave Oven Types
- 2.4 Standard microwave size
- 2.5 Average microwave wattage
- 2.6 What is microwave inverter technology?
- 2.7 What is a built-in microwave?
- 2.8 How to measure cubic feet of microwave
- 2.9 Average height of microwave above stove
- 3 Our Recommendation for 2023
Comparison Chart of the Best Microwave Ovens 2023
Best Overall: Panasonic NN-SD945S ReviewIf you’re looking for a powerful microwave that’s loaded with the latest innovations, you can’t go wrong with this one. This best microwave oven has inverter technology that thaws frozen food evenly and quickly. You control the unit with a sleek dial and pre-programmed buttons, which are very intuitive.
It can handle anything from basic stuff like popcorn to something more challenging, like a frozen casserole. There's a Keep Warm feature that maintains the temperature of your dishes right before you serve them. Best of all, if you want a built-in microwave, you can get a stainless-steel trim kit to go with it.
We love how this best microwave oven modernizes a kitchen with its high-end design.
Why We Like It
- Inverter technology with sensors
- Sleek and intuitive controls
- Spacious interior
- Keep Warm feature
- 19 Auto Cook Options
Runner up: Panasonic NN-SN736B ReviewBefore you accuse us of being biased, we’ve chosen this model as a runner up because it’s a bit smaller. You’ll get the same patented inverter technology that heats food precisely and in a short amount of time. The controls are a bit different too. We’d venture to say that the controls on the NN-SN736B are even sleeker because nothing is sticking out. To some people, a 2.2 cu. ft. space might be excessive. That’s why we’ve included this scaled-down version of our top pick.
Overall, this model is perfect for those who want a unit that sports impressive features in a compact design.
Why We Like It
- Inverter technology with sensors
- Elegant membrane keypad
- Keep Warm feature
- Turbo Defrost
- 14 Auto Cook Options
For Outstanding Durability: Sharp R-21LCFSM ReviewIf you tend to choose classic designs that are built to last, the Sharp R-21LCFSM is worth checking out. It’s effortless to operate, with its classic dial timer. Unsure about how long you should heat up some grub? You can always refer to its heating time guide right by the door. It will tell you the recommended heating times for the usual stuff like pizza, stews, and pasta.
If by any chance, you open the door before the timer runs out, the remaining time is automatically canceled. It saves energy and keeps the unit from getting damaged.
If you want the best microwave oven that is easy to use and comes with a heating time guide, the Sharp R-21LCFSM is the perfect fit for you.
Why We Like It
- Easy controls
- Industrial design (can handle commercial use)
- Auto-cancel timer
- Heating time guide
Sale
Compact Design: Hamilton Beach 0.9 cu.ft. Microwave OvenLooking for the best over the range microwave with a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity? Look no further because this is it. This model is on the small side, but it’s powerful enough to handle frozen meals and leftovers.
Hamilton Beach is known to manufacture great kitchen appliances that fit all kitchen sizes. So if you’re living in a small condo or apartment and have to maximize your kitchen space, this is your best bet. It comes in black, red, and white.
This device is perfect for those who want the convenience of a microwave in their kitchen, but can't afford much in terms of available space.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Six quick-set menu buttons
- Child safety function
Cons
- Small interior
- Takes a bit longer to heat up stuff
Sale
The Old Reliable: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS ReviewIf you’re looking for an over the stove microwave minus the bells and whistles, the EM131A5C-BS might be the one. It’s a solid choice for an appliance that is guaranteed to do its job well. There’s a preset sensor menu to choose from if you don’t know exactly how long you should heat your food. That’s the only thing that makes this unit fancy. Other than that, we know that this Toshiba microwave was built for utility because of its large digital display and high power capacity.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a durable unit that skips the unnecessary frills of newer models and delivers consistently reliable performance.
Pros
- Pre-programmed sensor menu
- Easy-to-read control panel
- Decent capacity at 1.2 cu. ft.
- Black stainless steel microwave exterior
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth it
- Unpredictable customer service
Sale
Most attractive design: Farberware Classic FMWO11AHTBKB ReviewYou might have heard of Farberware because they’ve been in the business of making quality appliances for over a century. Once again, they delivered with the FMWO11AHTBKB. Its muted and rounded design makes it a great centerpiece for any kitchen.
This 1000 watt microwave it’s the best-looking one on this list. It comes in copper, metallic red, and white platinum variations. Aside from its looks, it has ten power settings so you can choose the heating power for specific foods. There’s also a +30 second control button if you feel like your dinner needs a bit more time in there.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more good-looking microwave oven that will look fantastic in any kitchen countertop, all while delivering excellent performance.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Six preset programs
- Bright LED display with clock
- Defrosts by weight
Cons
- Louder than average
Best Addition for a Smart Home: AmazonBasics Microwave ReviewWe love bossing Alexa around, so why not take it a bit further? With your Echo device, you can make Alexa your cooking partner and ask her to cook your popcorn for you using voice presets. Alexa is not done evolving either, so you can expect many more presets in the future.
On the outside, it looks like a basic microwave oven. But it’s far from that. It’s a new component that adds to a smart home. Plus, for what it can do, it’s pretty affordable too. It has ten power levels, a child safety function, and a timer as a bonus. Being able to tell your appliances what to do is pretty darn cool.
This AmazonBasics microwave is the perfect addition for anyone who wants a useful addition to their smart home-compatible appliances.
Pros
- Voice-controlled
- 10 power levels
- Child safety function
- Bright, standard keypad
Cons
- Have to buy Echo device separately
- Needs an internet connection
The Perfect Sized Unit: Farberware Classic FM011AHTBKD ReviewSo you loved our top design pick but wished it came in microwave 1.1 cu.ft.? Say no more. This Farberware microwave can sit pretty on your countertop even if you're short on space. It comes with the same preset programs and power levels as its bigger sibling. You also still have the option to go for that chic copper or metallic red covering. Farberware only sells topnotch appliances, and they always back it up with a decent warranty too.
If you don’t mind a little bit of noise, this Faberware microwave oven offers plenty of helpful features that are more than enough to make up for its less-than-quiet design.
Pros
- 10 power levels
- Six preset programs
- Bright LED display with clock
- Defrosts by weight
Cons
- Louder than average
Sale
For the Vintage Look Lovers: Nostalgia RMO7AQ Retro ReviewAre you looking for a retro-looking white microwave? That’s pretty specific, but we’ve got you covered. This cute little 700-watt microwave packs a punch despite its modest size.
Its design almost makes it look like a toy, and it’ll fit right into that retro aesthetic that you’re going for. It also comes 3 other colors. The controls are pretty basic, but that’s hardly a downside in our opinion. It has 12 auto cook programs, which is really all that you would need.
For those who want to add a little bit of nostalgia to their kitchen, this Daewoo model not only has a beautiful retro design, it also does well in terms of performance.
Pros
- Convenient power control levels
- Cute retro design
- Digital clock
Cons
- Can’t fit 12'' plates
Buyer’s Guide: Best Microwave Oven 2023
What is a microwave oven?
It’s an oven that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat moisture in your food. This type of oven heats food much quicker and more efficiently than on a stovetop.
How to Choose the Best Microwave Oven
The best microwave brand typically has all these features:
High wattage
High wattage generally means faster cooking times.
Strategically-placed vents
These ensure that your unit releases heat properly. Otherwise, it will degrade much quicker and have a shorter lifespan.
Preset cooking times
This way, you don’t have to guess how long your food needs to be heated through.
Convection
Convection allows for more-even cooking throughout your food or dish.
Sensors
Some models have built-in sensors that detect food steam and automatically change the cooking time to optimum levels.
Racks
These can come in handy if you want to put in more food all at once.
Inverter technology
This technology allows for even energy distribution which helps retain food-quality.
Easy clean interior
Good models are easy to clean and are stain-resistant.
Best Microwave Oven Types
Countertop
These models are most suited for your kitchen countertops, hence the name. They are the most commonly used and don’t give much hassle in terms of installation, unlike the other types below.
Over-the-rang
These models are installed above your cooktop or range, acting as both a food heater and a ventilation unit. These might be more expensive, but they utilize your kitchen space much better compared to countertop models.
Drawer
Drawer models are specifically designed to blend in smoothly with your kitchen drawer. You essentially replace a regular drawer and install a food heater that you can slide out and in (much like a normal drawer).
Standard microwave size
Standard models usually have a range capacity of 1 to 1.9 cu. ft.
Average microwave wattage
The standard wattage among all units is anywhere between 600 to 1200 watts.
What is microwave inverter technology?
A unit that has inverter technology uses inverters instead of magnetic coils as the main power source. They operate much more efficiently, therefore heating your food more evenly.
What is a built-in microwave?
A built-in unit is one that is installed into your kitchen cabinetry, most typically above a range. This is a space-saving technique that makes a kitchen look more put together.
How to measure cubic feet of microwave
You’ll need the internal measurements of your unit. Simply multiply the length, width, and height, and then divide the total by 1728.
Average height of microwave above stove
The bottom of your unit should be at least 18 inches above your kitchen range.
Our Recommendation for 2023
After thorough research and testing, we, at MyKitchenAdvisor, have come to the conclusion that the best microwave oven 2023 is Panasonic NN-SD945S. It takes a deserve goat due to its great features like a spacious interior, inverter technology with sensors, sleek and intuitive controls, 19 Auto Cook Options. The manufacturers follow high standards, and you’ll surely appreciate the quality of this best microwave oven!
Do you agree with our choice? Share your opinion with us!
What microwave works for you best? What features do you need the most?
- Topics:
- microwave
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