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How to find the best microwave ovens (according to experts)

Sally Bennett
  Mar 28, 2024 3:47 PM

What a wonderful weekend is: lying down on the couch, turning on your TV, and waiting for some popcorn in the microwave oven in some minutes, right?      

Or it must be really convenient when you’re in a hurry, but you still have warm last night’s leftovers instead of skipping your breakfast.

That’s what all the best microwave ovens can do for you. 


Overview

You’re thinking about purchasing a microwave oven, but you’re stuck in a bunch of products on the market. You don’t know how to choose the best microwave oven for you.

That’s not your case. That’s our case. That’s also why we’re here to walk you through how to get a good deal and bring the best microwave oven to your house. 


Buying Guide

These days, since there are so many different types of microwave ovens available on the market, it can often be challenging for you to decide which is the best microwave oven.

But wait, you don’t have to worry. Here are our tips. 

There are some specific criteria that you can consider when buying a microwave oven. Checking them will help you make a quicker and more reasonable decision. 

1. Size

A microwave oven is often measured in cubic feet. It would be best to consider how much counter space you want your microwave oven to take up in your kitchen. 

Of course, it doesn’t matter when you have a large countertop. You can quickly go for a big microwave oven if you like.

But remember that if your kitchen is small and the counter space is limited. It will not be a good choice when you choose to bring a big microwave oven to your kitchen. 

In such a case, we highly recommend that you consider this microwave oven: Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave.

Breville BMO650SIL the Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver

View on Amazon 

This Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is relatively small with its detailed dimensions: 17.3 x 19.1 x 11.5 inches. Thus, you can place it at any spot for your convenience. 

However, with this compact design, it means that the capacity it offers is not really big. 

 

2. Capacity

To select the best microwave oven for your house, another important aspect that you should not ignore is the capacity. This mostly depends on you and your family’s needs.

Be sure to evaluate the amount of food that you and your family frequently consume. Your choice for a microwave oven will be different when your requirements change. 

The standard measurement for microwave oven capacity is also cubic feet. However, that number doesn’t show you the realistic useable space of your microwave oven because microwave ovens often have turntables. 

So remember to check the turntables so that later on, you won’t regret that you have to throw away your favorite dish because of a small capacity oven. 

Suppose you’re thinking about buying a big microwave oven to feed your whole family. In that case, we believe you should not miss Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology.

Panasonic Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, 1250W, 2.2 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave with Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking – NN-SD975S (Stainless Steel/Silver), Stainless

View on Amazon 

 

3. Programs

Thanks to modern technology, microwave ovens are gradually upgraded, and they are equipped with more helpful features and programs.

Now many versatile microwave ovens enable you to reheat your leftover or your takeaways and make numerous types of food such as popcorn, pizza, or potato. 

Also another noticeable thing is that the best microwaves will come with one handy feature, automatic programs to set the time. If you have a child, a child lock option protecting your child from being injured is worth considering. 

Now you may be asking yourself which microwave oven is that versatile, right. Let me tell you. Toshiba EM925A5A is what you’re looking for. It boasts all the above valuable features.  

Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off ECO Mode and LED Lighting, 0.9 Cu Ft/900W, Black Stainless Steel

View on Amazon 

 

4. Design

Although a microwave oven is mainly used for cooking purposes, it can still be considered a decoration piece for your kitchen. It does somehow contribute to beautifying your kitchen.

Especially for those who are rather artistic, one of the most decisive factors when it comes to choosing a microwave oven is its design. How a microwave oven looks considerably affects the appearance of your kitchen.

If you’re looking for a modern but still convenient and helpful microwave oven, Farberware FMO11AHTPLB 1.1 Cu. Ft is an excellent choice. 

Farberware FMO11AHTPLB 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven with LED Lighting Cubic Feet, White/Platinum

View on Amazon 

This model is equipped with LED lighting allowing you to have a clear view. It’s a fantastic experience when you can take a look at your dish while the microwave oven is in use. 

Also, the white color of this model adds a modern and elegant look to your kitchen. This item is the best microwave oven for you if you are a big fan of decorating the kitchen. 

 

5. Budget

As there are various models of microwave ovens on the market, their price certainly varies a lot. Thus, it is necessary that you should take into account your own budget.

The price of microwave ovens ranges from $75 to $1,000. Thus, it is not difficult to find the best microwave oven within your budget. 

If you haven’t got any idea which microwave oven is friendly to your wallet, we would like to share this model: AmazonBasics Microwave. This microwave oven is really affordable, so you don’t have to worry about financial problems.

Amazon Basics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W, Works with Alexa

View on Amazon 

The best part? Although this model does not have various settings like others, it provides you with all the essential features necessary for your daily use. 

If the price is your top concern and you don’t have many requirements, we suppose this model is the best microwave oven. 


Our Suggestion

It is clear that microwave ovens are a great gadget, and they deserve to be a part of your kitchen. A microwave oven can make your life simpler.

To help you make the best choice, we’d like to sum up with 2 of the best microwave ovens we think you should pay attention to.

Toshiba EM925A5A is the first candidate that should be on your list. This machine boasts a lot of good points that you may need. 

This Toshiba microwave oven is very versatile, with a pre-programmed menu for six common food types. Thus, you can make use of it to cook delicious meals for your family. 

In addition, there is a bonus. This microwave oven is energy efficient and comes with a child safety lock. 

Plus, this microwave oven is really affordable. You can own a handy gadget to improve your quality of life without paying too much.

However, there is another excellent item for you - AmazonBasics Microwave, which is really suitable for someone who has to live within their budget now but needs a microwave oven to do some basic cooking tasks.  

Below is our list of models that we think can satisfy your needs. 

We hope that this article can help you make a reasonable decision and get the best microwave oven for you and your family. Don’t forget to check our website for more useful articles. 


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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Type

Firstly, you need to know how many types of microwave ovens are on the market. In fact, there are two main types: countertop and over the range. 

Now let’s dig into each type.

  • Countertop: This type of microwave oven is placed right on your countertop. You can use it without any special installation just by plugging it into a nearby electrical outlet. 
  • Over-the-range: It is also known as a built-in microwave oven. This microwave oven is installed above a range providing kitchen venting, air circulation, and overhead lighting. Professional installation is necessary as it will be attached to a wall or a cabinet. 

FAQs

1. What can you cook in a microwave oven?

Apart from some basic modes such as heating and defrosting, microwave ovens often boast a variety of auto-cook programs. You can cook many different dishes from fish to pizza. You can even make some French toast and cakes.

Our suggestion for you is Toshiba EM925A5A, a very versatile microwave oven.

 

2. What does more wattage mean?

The wattage of a microwave indicates how much power it has. More wattage means your food will cook faster.

Generally, the wattage of microwaves ranges from 500 watts to 1,200 watts. Remember that with microwaves under 700 watts, the cooking time is often longer because they are underpowered. Consider your needs and budget to purchase the right one for you. 

 

3. Is microwave ovens safe for children?

It’s hard to say. It depends on many factors such as where you put your microwave ovens or the quality of your electrical outlets, 

However, you can be relieved as many microwave ovens are now equipped with a child lock protecting children from being injured. If you have children, be sure to check this type of microwave oven. 

 

4. When should I replace my microwave oven?

There are some situations in which we think you should replace your microwave instead of being reluctant to use it for long. Firstly, it’s when your microwave oven stops working entirely. Secondly, it’s when you feel it’s really inconvenient when you have to wait so long for your food. The last situation we want to mention is when your microwave oven smells awful. 


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