The 7 Best Microwaves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our winner was the Toshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
People / Will Dickey
Whether it’s reheating leftovers or making a bag of popcorn for movie night, microwaves are one of the most essential kitchen appliances. But with so many options with dozens of features on each one, it can be hard to find the best one for the best deal. To level the playing field, we tested 20 microwaves and picked out the seven top performers based on design, performance, features, and more.
Whether you’re a Top Chef aficionado or a regular home cook, one of these microwaves is for you. After evaluating their heating abilities with water, marshmallows, frozen macaroni and cheese, chocolate, and popcorn, we compiled a list of microwaves that not only get the job done but complement your kitchen while doing so.
Read on for the best microwaves that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
Pros
This microwave is big enough to fit large dishes.
It offers a kid-friendly design.
The exterior is sleek and would look good on a kitchen countertop.
Cons
This particular model lacks flashy features or settings.
If you’re looking for a microwave for your first home or to help feed a family, then this model from Toshiba could be just what you need. Outfitted with a gunmetal gray stainless steel exterior and a 12.4-inch turntable, this microwave is perfect for homes that require big dishes, a sleek look, and child-safe features at a modest price. This model proves that all you need are the essentials; it has two defrost settings, a humidity sensor, a power-saving mode, and even a mute button for when you need to avoid waking up anyone in the house.
We recommend this Toshiba based on its dependable features and performance. It has every necessity for a microwave, from different power settings to a sensor for assisted heating. This microwave is a great option for a family. In fact, it’s so easy to use that it can be safely operated by children, thanks to the simple button features and pull-open handle.
However, the lack of frills or specialty features such as air fryer or convection oven settings may be a drawback to some for this microwave. While it may not have the bells and whistles of a combination microwave, this was one of the two microwaves that tied for the highest score, fully earning its right as our best overall, due to its functionality and price.
Material: Stainless steel, glass | Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches | Turntable Diameter: 12.4 inches | Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet | Weight: 34.6 pounds | Wattage: 1,100 watts | Special Features: Defrost settings, humidity sensor, mute button
Best Overall, Runner-Up: SMETA Microwave 1000 Watt Countertop/1.1 cu ft Microwave
Pros
This microwave is compact enough for a countertop.
It fits large dishes inside.
Cons
It offers very basic functions, so it’s not ideal for an upscale cook.
There’s nothing better than a dependable kitchen appliance that gets the job done, and it’s that much better when it comes at a moderate price. With pre-programmed buttons for different types of food and various power levels, the option to cook by weight, and more, this microwave gets the job done while looking sleek at the same time. We liked that this model was a typical microwave size but doesn't take up too much space on your counter, yet it's big enough for casserole dishes or other large dishes in general.
While there’s nothing wrong with a standard microwave, some home chefs may want a few more features to come with their model than the Smeta can offer. With its no-frills functionality yet good performance, we think this microwave is best for a household or an office space. It’s priced fairly and offers many basic microwave features, but an advanced cook should pass on this particular model. Whether you’re just starting out in a new place or simply prefer to make no-fuss meals, this microwave is a fairly affordable option to invest in.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 21.2 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches | Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet | Weight: 37.8 pounds | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Special Features: Child lock, defrost by speed or weight, LED display, cook by weight
Best Budget: Farberware FMO11AHTBKB Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
Pros
Its compact size is perfect for dorms or small apartments.
It comes with several heating levels and cooking programs.
This microwave is at a reasonable price.
Cons
This model is slightly louder than some of the others we tested.
Smaller spaces like college dorms or apartments require smart utilization of your space, which is why this model from Farberware is a great appliance for compact kitchens. This is one of the smallest microwaves on our list, but that certainly does not mean that it's lacking in functionality. With child lock, multiple power levels and cooking programs, and more, this microwave packs all of the essential features into a small frame. We found that it only took up half of the counter that we tested it on, but the inside compartment was big enough for any food we placed inside.
We also noted how justifiable the price was after seeing how well it performed on the cooking tests. This is a dependable microwave that could get the job done without costing too much money. However, this microwave mostly bears the basic features of a standard microwave, like defrost settings, 30-second control, and more. If you are looking for a fancier oven with multi-purpose functions, then this may not be the one for you; however, those types of advanced microwaves will typically be larger models, and this is the perfect size for someone with limited space.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 20.2 x 16.5 x 12.03 inches | Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet | Weight: 25.75 pounds | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Special Features: 6 one-touch cooking programs, 10 power levels, defrost by weight or time, express cooking functions, 30-second control button, LED display, child lock
Best Investment: Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology
Pros
This is the most powerful microwave we tested.
It's especially great at reheating food.
It offers advanced settings and bonus functions.
Cons
It's large in size, so ample kitchen space is necessary.
Not only is the Panasonic Microwave Oven the largest model on this list, but the most powerful, too. Manufactured with “cyclonic wave inverter technology,” the heat waves produced by this model move in a circular motion around the food or drink inside the microwave to heat the contents from all sides. The “sensor inverter turbo defrost” is another feature that thaws food rapidly and evenly, so that you don’t get cold spots when you cut into your leftovers. Throughout our tests, we noticed that this model heated everything the most evenly and outperformed all the other machines, making us believe that the sensor is essential for effectively heating frozen foods.
With great power comes great size, which means that you’ll need to have enough space for this large model. Due to the bigger dimensions of this microwave, we felt that it was better suited for a more experienced cook who may have a larger kitchen to install it into. However, this size may be perfect for larger families. In fact, we noted mid-test that you could probably place a turkey inside if you really wanted to.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 23.9 x 19.4 x 14 inches | Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet | Weight: 36.80 pounds | Wattage: 1,250 watts | Special Features: 20 preset menu items, inverter turbo defrost, quick 30-second button, child lock
Best Air Fryer Combo: Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave
Pros
This is a four-in-one kitchen appliance.
It's fairly priced for its functionality.
It offers several cooking settings.
Cons
It has the ability to overcook food due to its high heat power.
If you haven’t already hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, then this microwave and air fryer combo from Galanz is the perfect appliance to grab. After significant testing, we’ve deduced that this model has basically every feature under the sun, serving as a microwave, air fryer, convection, and toaster oven all in one. This is especially beneficial to someone in a smaller space like an apartment, as it would seriously cut down on the appliances cluttering your counter. Despite its relatively higher price tag, we think this microwave is well worth the investment, seeing as it’s the most fairly priced model among the ones that have multiple functions over and above microwaving.
However, our tests revealed that this multifunctional microwave is best suited for reheating food or cooking frozen meals, as more delicate foods can be easily overcooked in this high-power machine. We’d recommend this microwave to an attentive chef, as this model is prone to some excessive browning and is best suited for the adventurous cook who is interested in a multi-function appliance.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 21.3 x 22.3 x 12.6 inches | Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet | Weight: 40.2 pounds | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Special Features: Sensor cook, sensor reheat, inverter heating technology, air fryer, convection oven, toaster oven, defrost
Best Convection Oven: Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave
Pros
It offers tons of cooking settings.
It includes a removable grill rack.
The sleek look makes it perfect for most kitchens.
Cons
It takes up a bit of countertop space.
In the spirit of multifunctional microwaves, our next pick was this stainless steel convection oven combo from Cuisinart. Along with the typical microwave settings like defrost, cook by weight, and several cooking programs, this model is accompanied by not only a convection baking and roasting setting but a grill rack as well. This model did well during our different tests, most notably leaving the popcorn unscorched and popped (except for a few straggling kernels). We were impressed by the many abilities of this microwave, which leads us to believe that this model is best suited for the multi-tasking home cook or experiential cook who wants a do-it-all appliance.
It does have a bit of difficulty fitting into smaller spaces due to the back of the microwave jutting out, but its condensed stature allows it to still fit nicely onto the countertop. But despite the design of the exterior, we feel that the internal capacity is the perfect size for all of your cooking needs.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 19 x 12.2 x 21.2 inches | Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet | Weight: 38 pounds | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Special Features: Convection, convection roast, convection fast bake, reversible grill rack, defrost by weight or time
Best Standard: Panasonic 1.2 Inverter Microwave
Pros
This microwave is extremely ease to use.
It offers a variety of advanced functions.
It has a quicker heating time than most microwaves we tried.
Cons
It's not as budget-friendly as some of our other picks.
This chic, dark microwave makes for a stylish addition to your kitchen and an even better help when preparing your meals. The Panasonic 1.2 Inverter Microwave features “inverter precision cook technology,” which is said to cook food up to 40 percent faster than the traditional microwave thanks to the sensors inside that measure humidity and temperature as your meal heats up. You can even reheat drinks in this model without worrying about splatters, thanks to the refined technology. We were most impressed by the reheating abilities of this microwave (out of all that were tested) due to its evenly cooked results.
Though this microwave lacks the glittering features of some of the other models, it more than makes up for its absence in effectiveness and efficiency. After seeing how well this performed throughout all of our tests, we are more than willing to invest our own money into this machine for our homes thanks to its plentiful features, reasonable price, and space-saving design. To those searching for an elevated everyday microwave, this may just be the one for you.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 22.5 x 17.7 inches x 14.4 inches | Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet | Weight: 27.84 pounds | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Special Features: Inverter technology, inverter turbo defrost, one-touch sensor cook, 12 speeds
How We Tested Microwaves
To test these microwaves, we microwaved a cup of room-temperature water, marshmallows, frozen macaroni and cheese, chocolate wafers, and popcorn for two minutes (or as the directions instructed) in each one. They were then judged on how well they heated up, melted, or cooked in the time they should have, according to their packaging.
Each microwave was then scored from one to five based on size, features, heating, and effectiveness. After these were tallied up, each tester was asked to give their final feedback and share if they would recommend the product to family and friends or buy it themselves — which we dished on above.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Microwave
Wattage
While Steph Chen, the founder of Anyday cookware, shares that most microwaves can get the basics done, they are not all created equally. “Microwave wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is — if the wattage is too low (700-800 watts), your food will cook and reheat slowly and more unevenly,” Chen explains. To get the best results, she recommends that shoppers look for microwaves with a wattage between 1000 and 1200 watts.
Capacity
A factor that many people may not take into consideration when looking for a microwave is its capacity. Most microwaves have a capacity of around 1.1 cubic feet, but if you are someone who is constantly reheating casserole dishes or popping large meals into the oven, then you may need a model with larger dimensions. On the other hand, people who need to be conscious of countertop space, like renters in small apartments, should go for smaller models like the Farberware Compact Microwave to maximize their space. Keep an eye out for the size that is best suited to your cooking style, and be sure to look at its dimensions before purchasing.
Features
As we’ve seen, many microwaves come with the standard features of defrost, reheat, and the finicky popcorn setting, but some models come with extra bells and whistles to act as a multifunctional appliance. Inverter technology is a significant selling point for Chen, making microwaves like our splurge-worthy Panasonic pick an instant “yes” in her book. “These microwaves are more powerful and will heat food evenly at all power levels, whereas normal microwaves will only oscillate on and off to achieve lower power,” says Chen. Technological functionality aside, some microwaves can double as air fryers, convection ovens, and even grills, which allows you to cut down on counter clutter and condense your appliances into one product.
Purpose
Your level of cooking expertise and the types of meals you usually make will dictate what kind of microwave you should invest in. If you tend to put time and care into preparing your meals, then you may want a fancier model with extra functions (like the Galanz GT 4-in-1 ToastWave) rather than the standard microwave. But for someone who lives a busy lifestyle and needs a quick microwave meal, a traditional model like our best overall pick, the Toshiba, may be all you need (and is often easier on the wallet).
People / Will Dickey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a microwave have?
A good, powerful microwave will have between 1000 and 1200 watts, like the Panasonic 1.2 Inverter Microwave or the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven.
What's the difference between a solo and a convection microwave?
The main difference between a solo microwave and a convection microwave is the mechanism for heating the food. Solo appliances use microwaves to reheat, defrost, and cook food. Convection options like the Galanz GT do the same thing but can also use hot air to bake and roast food.
Which is better: a convection or grill microwave?
A grill microwave is a better option if you simply want a solo microwave that also can grill and crisp foods. A convection microwave, however, does serve several more functions than a grill version — take the Cuisinart CMW-200 with its seemingly endless cooking settings and removable grill, for example.
Why Trust People?
Alyssa Brascia is a PEOPLE commerce writer who covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in other Dotdash Meredith publications, including InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. To pick the best microwaves, she compared wattage, capacity, features, purpose, and tester insights. She also consulted Steph Chen, the founder of Anyday cookware, on what to consider before buying a microwave.
Meet Our Expert
Steph Chen is the founder of Anyday cookware.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
