Top 5 Kitchen Microwave Ovens (Reviewed)

In the kitchen, the greatest microwave may be a game changer. The days of these gadgets just reheating leftovers are long gone. You may now buy microwave ovens with unique functions like grilling and convection oven cooking. The best models may even make you feel like you live in a smart house, particularly if you have other smart-kitchen gadgets, such as the Instant Pot.

We’ve examined the top five performing microwaves to assist you in your quest for the finest microwaves. They all have advantages and disadvantages, so we’re certain you’ll find something you like on our list.

In addition, we’ve put up a microwave oven purchasing guide. It will assist you in determining which features are essential and which are just great extras.

 

1) Best Overall Microwave Oven: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave oven exceeds all expectations. It’s an all-around fantastic model, one of the finest countertop units, and it’s made to endure and function flawlessly every time.

This 1100-watt model has several extremely cool features. To begin, it features pre-programmed settings for common items like vegetables and frozen pizza. You’ll receive properly warmed dishes and avoid that nasty mushy flavor this way.

We also like the cooking setting with sophisticated sensor technology. It monitors the humidity levels in your food when engaged. The cook time and temperature are then adjusted so that your food cooks perfectly.

The auto-defrost and softening capabilities are very useful for everyday cooking and baking. There is no guesswork involved.

Finally, this item is simple to clean both inside and out. The inner nonstick coating, glass microwave plate, and exterior stainless steel finish all make the work much simpler.

 

2) Best Affordable Microwave: Amazon Basics Smart Model

If you’re on a low budget, the Amazon Basics microwave is ideal. Aside from being one of the most cheap microwaves available, it does not compromise quality for a lower price.

The ability to modify the power settings on the Amazon Basics microwave oven is a fantastic feature. Control the power settings of your microwave easily by choosing from low-wattage to high-wattage cooking and anything in between. This opens you more choices in the kitchen, from creating frozen pizza to thawing raw meat.

Because it is also a smaller type, it will easily fit on your counter without taking up too much space. Despite this, the 0.7-cubic-foot volume is more than enough for all of your requirements.

Surprisingly, the Amazon Basics is a smart device. If you have an Alexa system, you can link it with it. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to manage your microwave from afar using just your voice!

This is completely consistent with the fact that this appliance has pre-programmed parameters. Assume you need to reheat a cup of coffee. Or that you’d want to reheat tonight’s dinner. Your microwave will set several times at different temperatures to ensure that your drink and food are perfectly cooked.

 

3) Best Over-the-Range Microwave: GE JNM3163DJBB

We’ve just looked at countertop microwaves thus far. However, suppose you desire a contemporary over-the-range microwave integrated into your kitchen cupboards. You should look at this GE unit.

This microwave has a 1.6 cubic foot capacity. It is a large model that must be fitted in a cabinet at least thirty inches wide. Fortunately, the installation isn’t too difficult.

Most items can be heated fast thanks to the convenience controls. The GE microwave oven can handle anything from popcorn to potatoes and drinks. But if you’d prefer make manual adjustments, go ahead! The enlarged express cook buttons contribute to the simplicity of use of this appliance by allowing you to easily modify the cook time.

Many people use their microwaves to thaw meat rapidly. It’s a safer option than, say, putting raw chicken breasts out overnight. This microwave simplifies the thawing process even more by determining how long to run for. Of course, you may always take control and program it yourself.

Another fantastic feature of this high-end machine is its venting mechanism. Its two-speed 300-CFM (cubic feet per minute) fan quickly removes most culinary aromas, steam, and pollutants. It will increase kitchen ventilation if you install it over your cooktop instead of a hood.

 

4) Best Microwave and Grill Combo: Faberware FMO12AHTBSG

Remember how we mentioned microwaves have developed from the boxy things they used to be sixty years ago? The Faberware FMO12AHTBSG is living example of this. It functions similarly to any other microwave, but it also functions as a grill!

Let’s go right to the point: this Faberware microwave oven can grill meat within it. The gadget comes with a few metal attachments designed to cook and char sausages and other dishes in the same way as a grill would. It may seem difficult, but it is not! If you don’t have time to cook or live in a tiny flat, this is an excellent alternative to an infrared grill.

Aside from that, the microwave’s other (more mundane) pre-programmed features work well. You can obtain flawlessly popped popcorn, tender jacket potatoes, crispy reheated frozen pizza, and tender-but-crispy veggies by pressing only one or two buttons.

All of this is made possible by the built-in smart sensor technology. The microwave senses how near your food is at serving temperature and adjusts the temperature and cooking time remaining. Isn’t it convenient?

 

5) Best Microwave with Convection Oven: Toshiba EC042A5C-SS

The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS is another amazing model. It combines the greatest features of a convection oven, an air fryer, and a traditional microwave. The end product is a low-cost, space-saving three-in-one appliance.

The best part about this countertop oven is that you can use the convection oven option to bake muffins, biscuits, french fries, and even roast a full chicken. Inside the microwave, hot air flows swiftly to crisp up your food while evenly heating it. This is an excellent technique to save counter space for your chopping board if you live in a tiny apartment.

As if that weren’t enough, this gadget will also eliminate the guesswork involved in reheating, baking, and grilling items. The clever sensor technology automatically detects the temperature and time required to heat your meal.

Don’t worry if you create a mess when preparing your favorite foods. This microwave oven has a stainless steel inside. This makes cleaning with a moist towel more easy once the glass turntable is removed. Simple!

 

Which Type of Microwave Oven Should I Get?

You’ll quickly notice that there are two sorts of microwave ovens in terms of location: countertop and over-the-range variants.

 

Countertop Microwaves

The most frequent kinds are countertop microwaves. They’re the ones you put on your counter, plug in, and they’ll heat your meal.

But don’t be duped. They aren’t the awful white bulky boxes of yesteryear. Countertop microwaves are now available in stylish designs. Because of their fashionable minimalistic appearance, stainless steel and chrome finishes are quite popular.

Over the years, the finest countertop microwaves have also become considerably more advanced. They have all of the functions of your traditional microwave oven and then more.

The biggest advantage of purchasing a countertop model is the cost. These appliances are less expensive than high-end models yet nonetheless operate well. Furthermore, no installation is required, so it is ready to use right away.

Their disadvantage is that they take up a lot of counter space. Depending on the size of the microwave and the size of your kitchen, this might be a deal breaker.

 

Over-the-Range Microwaves

A microwave oven works somewhat differently. These are the models that may be found in contemporary kitchen cabinets. These machines, in addition to functioning as a standard countertop oven, use ventilation systems to reduce smoke, steam, and smells. That is why they are often put above the stove in lieu of a hood.

The primary advantage of purchasing an over-the-range microwave is its modern look. They appear elegant and sleek in any kitchen, immediately updating it. Another advantage is that it takes up no counter space, which is very useful in tiny kitchens.

As you may expect, over-the-range microwaves are more costly than countertop microwaves. You’ll also have to deal with the installation, which isn’t always straightforward.

 

What’s the Best Microwave?: Buying Guide

Now comes the fun part: deciding which features are most essential to you. Remember that there isn’t a single greatest microwave oven; it’s all about making any device you buy work for you.

 

Size

First, you should consider the size of your microwave.

Examine the inside of the microwave to check that it can readily handle the containers you wish to heat.

Then, think about whether the microwave oven you want will fit in your countertop or over-the-range position. For example, if your kitchen currently lacks counter space, you may want to go with a smaller model. However, if space is not a concern, you may skip this section.

 

Wattage

The greater the wattage, the faster the food will be heated. Set the timer for one minute if you wish to reheat up a cup of soup in a 1200 watt microwave. However, if you put it in a 600-watt microwave, you must set the timer for two minutes.

The wattage of the finest microwaves is rather high. Their motors are more powerful and can rapidly and continuously heat your meals for many years.

However, bear in mind that higher-wattage microwaves are more costly than lower-wattage models. However, since they are more efficient, they may be worth expanding the budget for.

 

Installation

You won’t have to bother about installation if you choose a countertop microwave oven. All you have to do is set the device on your counter and connect it in. Isn’t it simple and convenient?

Over-the-range microwave ovens, on the other hand, are more difficult to use. You must install them on your cabinets according to the instructions booklet that comes with the device. This might be challenging if you are not skilled in home renovation tasks, particularly if you do not have someone to assist you.

 

Variety of Settings

The finest microwaves have several power levels. Defrosting meat and veggies is ideal for low-wattage cooking. This ensures that they defrost slowly without overheating. A high-wattage setting, on the other hand, is great for fast warming leftovers. The ability to choose which power level to employ is quite beneficial!

Furthermore, most new microwave ovens have unique features and settings. Quick-reheat, keep-warm, auto-cook, auto-defrost, and sensor cooking are among them. Look for these qualities in a more technologically advanced and complex microwave. Despite not being necessities, they are quite useful.

 

Ease of Use

Yes, having a nice microwave is fantastic, but it must also be simple to operate. Otherwise, you’ll spend minutes fiddling with knobs and dials before finding out how to reheat your leftovers. It’s not enjoyable, particularly when you’re starving.

The most user-friendly microwave ovens contain a 30-second button that you may press to start the timer fast and easily. Even though these machines offer advanced functionality, you will have your meal ready in no time.

 

Easy to Clean

It goes without saying that you should clean your microwave on a regular basis. When our meal is heating up, it splatters and may produce a huge mess inside. This makes our microwave ovens among of the most bacteria-infested places in our homes, particularly if we thaw meat in them!

A model that is simple to clean with a moist towel goes a long way. It is already half-way to assuring that you will not get ill as a result of cross-contamination.

 

Best Microwave Design

We saved this until last since design is a really personal thing. Some like the conventional white microwave design, while others prefer the modern stainless-steel-coated appearance.

Keep in mind that your microwave will be on show and should complement the décor of your kitchen.