Choosing the ideal microwaves for your home involves identifying the type you need—countertop, above-the-range, suspended, convection, or drawer-style models. Decide what size your family needs. Choose the appropriate wattage. Then make your final choice based on the features that are important to you. This is one appliance that has become a must in every household. This technology involves the distribution of microwave energy into the oven cavity where the food is cooked. It allows fast preparation of food with less mess and effort.
One can easily reheat, for example, frozen mac and cheese meals or leftovers in parchment paper, and within a few minutes, the food is ready. However, it’s important to remember that heating frozen food in microwaves can result in ingesting bacteria that may still be alive in the hot and cold spots of food. This occurs when the food is not heated evenly. To deal with this, manufacturers installed turntables. Thus, it is important to choose the right microwave.
Medium to large homes often has the space for an over-the-range microwave. Over the range models are generally a combination of a microwave and a stove hood vent. Make sure you measure the space available between the cabinets located on either side of the range. Also, try to look into the installation requirements for each over-the-range microwave you’re considering.
Given the variety of kitchen appliances available today, including microwaves, making the right choice for your home can be challenging. Well, that is where we come in. Our guide for choosing the best microwave unit gives you tips for making the right decision for your household. If you are deciding to replace your old one with a new model or trying to buy a second oven, read on to find out more!
The Best-Selling Microwaves
The ideal microwaves revolutionized cooking at home for families. It was invented in the 1940s but wasn’t popular until the 1980s. Today, nearly all homes in the United States have at least one microwave.
Compact homes with limited space, where a large over-the-range may not fit, are better suited for toaster ovens or small countertop microwaves. This category doesn’t get high marks for performance. These are typically underpowered. The upsides of this category include affordability, defrost ability, and available bonus features.
Homes, where someone wants to do more different kinds of cooking with their microwave, are well-suited for convection microwaves. Convection cooking gives you the ability to roast and bake full meals in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. It can heat and cook the food. Food cooks faster and more evenly.
Benefits:
- Most countertop Microwaves are best for quick heating/reheating, making them perfect for melting chocolate chips in recipes.
- Microwaves are preloaded with sensor cook food programs.
- Microwaves are easy to clean.
- Microwaves are best for food defrosting.
- Microwaves are safe for kids.
- Microwaves have the best variable settings.
- Microwaves are best in low energy consumption.
- Microwaves are best for cooking nutritious foods.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Microwave?
When considering what to look for in a microwave, prioritize key factors such as size, power, and the inclusion of air fryer capabilities.
Size
Choosing the best microwave involves considering both capacity and physical footprint. Select the right capacity based on the needs of your household and the best footprint for your kitchen space. Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.
The best capacity varies across different types of the product, with the largest ones often found in the built-in style.
When considering microwaves, don’t overlook heating speed. The size is indicated by the width, height, and depth of the exterior. Make sure you measure your available space before purchasing a microwave.
Wattage
The microwave’s wattage indicates how much power it cooks with. Higher wattage makes for fast cooking. Packaged foods typically indicate different cooking times for different wattage levels. Usually, wattage levels range from 600 to 1200.
Extra Features
Most countertop microwaves now have many more features than they used to. These extra features make cooking food more convenient, efficient, and result in better and faster outcomes.
- Presets – Some microwaves have preset buttons specifically designed for cooking frozen mac or other specific foods. The preset buttons are pre programmed settings that comprise the appliance’s features. Some microwaves only have an auto-cook button while others have automatic reheating operation.
- Sensors – Sensors inside the microwave monitor the humidity level throughout the cooking session. It adjusts cooking levels and times based on the level of moisture detected.
- Program options – Choose the time to cook. Choose the level of power for cooking. Program options let you customize your cooking session.
- Quick defrost – Use microwaves to thaw meat or defrost frozen vegetables, or place them in room temperature water.
- Smart technology – WiFi technology has made its way into a smart microwave. The best smart microwave is more versatile. It has monitor timers, uses Alexa voice control, and scan-to-cook all your family’s favorite foods.
The Best-Selling Microwaves / Best Microwave Ovens
Time to look at some available best microwaves. Remember to look for the important factors mentioned above. It helps with your decision-making process.
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS
This is a 1.6 cubic feet countertop microwave oven with a 1200-watt power output. It comes with preset buttons for cooking pizza, vegetables, and potatoes. You’ll have the option to turn the sound on or off. Eco-friendly mode helps save energy which results in money savings, as well. The smart sensor keeps track of the humidity level inside the oven to give you the most efficient cooking experience possible. The two color choices are black stainless and traditional stainless.
The Pros:
- Budget-friendly option
- Nice aesthetic
- Cooks evenly with sensors
- Position memory turntable resets to original safer position
- Pre-sets make cooking easier
The Cons:
- Hard rubber feet slide easily across countertops
- Stainless steel is only on face of microwave
- Buttons are dark; hard to see
Maximizing Counter Space With Convenient Countertop Microwave
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS With Smar Sensor
Introducing another quality countertop appliance, the Toshiba microwave EM131A5C-SS. Renowned as one of the best microwaves on the market. It’s smaller than the previously mentioned model at 1.2 cubic feet. Satisfied customers get a choice of black stainless or traditional stainless steel. The panel is easy to use. The interior is easy to clean, also. You can turn the sound off if you’d like. It has 10 power settings pushed by 1100 watts of power.
The Pros:
- 6 auto pre-set buttons with sensor cooking
- Inexpensive option
- Interior features easy-to-clean coating
- Save power and money with Eco Mode
- Small footprint
- Heats evenly
The Cons:
- Custom defrost starts cooking food
- Manual is unclear
- Can be noisy
Panasonic Compact Oven with 1200 Watts Of Cooking Power
Consider an inverter model for a compact countertop microwave, especially suitable for apartments, condos, or homes with limited countertop space. It won’t need much room in your kitchen. It has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power to work with. Choose from black, stainless steel, and white. The control panel is easy to use and includes an LED display at the top. Control it manually or through smart controls. This appliance is designed with inverter technology with a capacity for even heating that allows the food to cook more evenly.
The Pros:
- Includes 15 sensor cooking settings
- Compact, space-saving design
- 3 color choices to match your kitchen
- Inverter technology cooks food all the way through for efficiently
- Includes 11 power levels
The Cons:
- Pricey for size
- No one-button starts
- Interior light is dim and narrow
SHARP Stainless Steel Carousel 1.8 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
The largest countertop microwave on our list provides ample space with 1.8 cubic feet in its interior, thereby minimizing exposure to electromagnetic radiation during food preparation. It comes in stainless steel and black. It has a 15-inch glass carousel turntable with plenty of room for most food items. The display is bright and easy to see with an LED-lit screen. Choose from 10 power levels pushed by 1100 watts of power.
The Pros:
- Large capacity well-suited for families
- Precise Cook Sensor Technology
- Accurate defrost selections
- One-button start options
- Low-profile countertop microwaves
The Cons:
- 30 second button doesn’t work to add onto another time
- Noisy operation
Amazon Basics Model
The Amazon Basics Convection Microwave, a small 700 W appliance measuring 0.7 cubic feet, is well-suited for various cooking needs, including the ability to melt chocolate chips. It has a compact size and is suited for small counter space. It can also be suitable for students staying in a dorm room. Though its 0.7 cubic feet measurement is a smaller model, it has been thoroughly tested microwaves, ensuring reliability and efficiency. This compact model works well with an Alexa device. Defrosting vegetables, reheating leftovers, and cooking potatoes will be a lot easier with this technology. This also includes a popcorn setting, plus 10 power levels, a turntable, a child lock, and a kitchen timer.
Pros:
- Has Alexa voice controls
- Many automated options
- Not pricey. The cost is almost the same as non-smart microwaves
- Heats evenly
Cons:
- Not appropriate for large dishes; too small for a family
- Requires an Echo device for voice command for it does not microphone.
Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Oven
For those seeking an affordable microwave, this is one of the compact options available on the market. The setting for convection cooking allows the process to be faster than a traditional oven. The interior of this appliance is 0.9 cubic feet, quite small, but could still accommodate a full-sized dinner plate. Its control panel offers a few cooking options in one touch. This technology also comes with defrost settings by time and weight as well as buttons for power levels.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to set-up
- Technology has a sleek design
- Has express cook buttons
- Diverse cook functions
Cons:
- Smaller than average ( 0.9 cubic feet )
- One touch cooking limitations
Magic Chef Black 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000 W Countertop
Magic Chef offers a push button door in black. You can easily and quickly prepare a variety of foods in this 1.1 cubic ft. capacity appliance. It has led display in its 1000-watt Electronic controls. The Magic Chef countertop microwave oven features digital touch and 10 power levels. The one downside is its interior light which does not stay on when the door opens and closes.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Essential food specific presets
- Nice stainless steel look
Cons:
- The interior light does not stay on when you open or close the door.
GE Profile 2.2 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor
This GE Profile kitchen appliance has a capacity of 2.2 cubic ft. It also has sensor cooking controls and an extendable slide-out vent. With the GE Profile bigger capacity and a 16-inch turntable, you’ll be able to prepare a large amount of food. It has a 400 CFM range hood that quickly removes smoke, steam, and odors. This technology also has a steam microwave clean mode for easy cleaning. Just don’t forget to use a microwave safe bowl during the cleaning process.
Pros:
- Easy and stress-free to install
- Cooks evenly
- Has moisture sensor
Cons:
- Overly safe design
- Not appropriate for small spaces
- One of the most expensive models
Measuring For An Over-the-Range Microwave
Making sure you have the correct measurements for an over-the-range microwave is critical. Here are steps to help you get measurements just right.
- Take a picture of a current over-the-range microwave, if applicable.
- Measure the distance between the two cabinets where it will be installed. Have someone take a picture of the measurement.
- Measure the height of the space for a great fit. Again, get a picture of the measurement.
- If there’s an existing microwave that sticks out from the cabinetry, measure how much and snap a picture of that too.
- Finally, measure up from the cooktop to the bottom of the appliance.
Make note of other details, like if the backsplash goes all the way up behind the microwave or help prevent at the bottom. Also, the venting setup could be useful.
Use all the information gathered to choose the right size over-the-range microwave for your kitchen. It’s important to get precise measurements when looking at the most reliable one. If something is off, you may have to return it.
Final Words
When choosing a microwave, it’s essential to consider your kitchen size. Smaller households with one or two people living together don’t need huge microwaves; instead, they can opt for smaller models compared to other microwaves designed for a family of seven. Choose the right type for your needs—countertop, over the range microwaves, convection oven, suspended, or built-in microwave. Find the right capacity. Make sure you measure correctly and look for the features your family will make the most use of. Select the one that makes cooking fast, efficient, and easy for any type of kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which Is The Best Brand Of Microwave?
GE, Panasonic, and Whirlpool are all highly rated microwaves by Consumer Reports.
What Are The Best Countertop Microwaves On The Market?
Amazon Basics Works with Alexa S9N29R is cheap and outperforms other compact microwave models.
Which Microwave Is Best For 2024?
The best overall is the Panasonic Microwave on Amazon.
How Long Should A Microwave Last?
The lifespan of most units is expected to be anywhere from 5 to 10 years. On average, most models last about 9 years. Those who use their microwaves more frequently may not get as much life out of a midsize microwave.
Is A 1200-Watt Microwave Good?
1200 watts is ideal for cooking. More watts mean more cooking power and faster cooking times.
Are There Any Microwaves Not Made In China?
Yes, there are. High-end models of microwaves from many of the heavy hitters in the industry are not made in China. Also, luxury brand Miele, is not made in China.
Is 900-Watt Microwave Enough?
900 watts is enough to get food cooked fast and evenly. It’s a mid-range power microwave.
What Is The Easiest Microwave To Use?
One of the easiest to use is the Farberware – Classic Countertop Microwave Oven.
What Brand Lasts The Longest?
Brands like Breville, LG, Signature Kitchen Suite, and Maytag are top of the list for most longevity.
Is 800W High For Microwaves?
Yes. 800W are considered a high power level setting. This is suitable to heat food with high water content. It is best suited for cooking ground meat, poultry, fish, fruit, and vegetables.
Is Inverter Microwave Better?
Which Microwave Uses Less Electricity?
How Do I Know If My Microwave Is Bad?
What Is The Healthiest Material For Microwave?
How Many Litres Microwave Should I Buy?
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Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Inma Barquero
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