The best microwaves

Panasonic’s NN-SN65KB Microwave is our choice for the best all-around microwave for most kitchens.
It’s a simple design, a standard size, and it heats evenly enough to accommodate most dishes.

Since their inception in the 1940s, microwave ovens have come a long way from the absurdly expensive, six-foot-tall, 750-pound behemoths of WWII-era technology they once were.

When hunting for a microwave, consider what you’ll be using it for and where it will live, and then decide on how many functions you’ll need. While cheap microwaves sort of work, they usually have less wattage and don’t distribute heat in the same way that a high-wattage convection microwave oven does. We’ve got a guide on what to look for over here.

After hours of research, here are the best microwaves for different types of kitchen set ups and budgets.

Here are the best microwaves:

Best microwave overall: Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven NN-SN65KB
Best over-the-range microwave: Whirlpool 1.9-cubic-foot Over-the-Range Microwave
Best built-in microwave: Panasonic Countertop Microwave NN-SD975S
Best on a budget: Commercial Chef 0.6-cubic-foot Microwave
Best convection microwave on a budget: Toshiba Countertop Microwave EC042A5C-SS

Prices and links are current as of 8/13/20. We updated our best built-in pick to a Panasonic microwave similar to our original pick which has cyclonic inverter tech and allows for even better flavor and texture retention when reheating foods. We’re currently testing the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef for a future update.

The best overall

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave is powerful but simple, and it looks sleek enough to suit most kitchens.

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB is a high-powered, full-sized, inverter microwave with almost every capability one could ask for, including different power settings can draw butter, defrost foods, cook low and slow, and more. The inverter technology allows you to adjust the power level of the microwave and have your food cook at a consistent temperature the whole time it’s being zapped.

It performs the same functions more expensive microwaves do without the extra bells and whistles, save for internal heat sensors to ensure even cooking throughout. Settings are pretty minimal aside from a popcorn button, a frozen setting, and a coffee setting, so you won't have to experiment with too many features that may or may not actually cook your food the way you want. Simply set your cook time and walk away or add 30-second intervals with one touch.

I've had an earlier version of this microwave for the better part of a decade, at least, and have yet to come across a single issue. While I don't use the microwave all that often, others in the household rely almost exclusively upon it.

Pros: Powerful, well-priced

Cons: The warranty and associated customer service may be lacking

The best over-the-range microwave

Foto: Source: Walmart

Whirlpool's 1.9-cubic-foot Convection Over-the-Range Microwave is easy to install, has a sensor that adjusts cooking time and power based on the weight of your dish, and comes with a powerful blower to whisk steam and smoke from your kitchen.

Over-the-range microwaves are more permanent installations than countertop models, and they're also taking the place of a range hood so we think they're worth spending a little more money. The Whirlpool convection model is an 1100-watt (1600-watt convection) machine that borders on industrial quality. It includes a four-speed, 400-cubic-foot-per-minute (cfm) blower that should handle even the heaviest of steams and smokes.

Whirlpool's Over-the-Range Convection Microwave is equipped for "scan-to-cook" technology so that you can scan a food item's barcode with your phone and send its cooking instructions directly to your microwave. It also offers steam control and sensor cooking to prevent overcooking. The convection rack is a nice, unique touch that lets you heat multiple items at once, and the large 14-inch turntable should accommodate almost any dish you'd use in the microwave.

Because this is a convection oven, you can easily get away with cooking most dishes in the microwave, even if your aim is to brown or crisp your cuisine.

Whirlpool also has a "SteamClean" technology that steams and loosens particles so all you have to do is give a quick wipe with the sponge - a much easier cleaning job than with other microwaves. While you can do this simply enough by microwaving a bowl of water and wiping the microwave clean, it's more convenient to save yourself the step.

Pros: Optional convection rack, steam cleaning, sleek design with backlit controls that only turn on when in use

Cons: Automatic fan can be annoying, may have Wi-Fi connectivity issues

The best built-in microwave

Foto: Source: Amazon

Panasonic's NN-SD975S Microwave is powerful, featuring unique cyclonic inverter technology, but it's still compact enough that it should fit your cabinet or counter space.

With 1250 watts, this Panasonic is the most powerful microwave on our list, and it's among the more powerful microwaves on the market. Panasonic's patented Inverter technology allows you to steam, braise, and poach, but it also performs more traditional microwave functions. That is to say yes, of course, it will still pop your corn.

There are 20 preset options that let you easily cook everything from oatmeal to pasta, and many things in between with the simple touch of a button. Meanwhile, the special cyclonic inverter will circulate heat in waves, resulting in more texture, color, and nutrient retention. Delicate foods can also heat up without being overcooked.

Regardless of the size you require, the Panasonic NN-SD975S has more space on the inside than most microwaves, thanks to the inverter, which kicks out more power than a machine of this size usually would. Its 16.5-inch turntable tray will accommodate large plates, too.

This microwave works as both a countertop unit and as a built-in. And, if you want to deck out your microwave in fancy trim to complete the look of your built-in microwave, Panasonic offers kits on Amazon.

Pros: Exceptionally even cooking, decent price, cyclonic inverter tech, many presets

Cons: Louder than some other microwaves

The best on a budget

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Commercial Chef 0.6-cubic-foot Microwave is small enough to store away, and analog so you don't have to worry about cheap electronics.

The Commercial Chef 0.6-cubic-foot Microwave is a no-frills option for those who are either on a budget or just don't want to be bothered with an excessively complex set of electronic buttons they may well never use.

The Commercial Chef (formerly known as Westinghouse) unit has little more than two simple dials, so there are fewer potential parts to break. Ultimately, 900 watts and 0.6 cubic feet don't make this the most powerful or the biggest microwave you can buy, but it is powerful enough for everyday cooking tasks, and 0.6 cubic feet is just enough space to cook medium-sized dishes. This is the ideal microwave for someone with precious little kitchen space to spare or someone traveling in a camper or RV.

On the other hand, if you must have an electronic interface, Toshiba's EM925A5A-SS is another tremendously popular budget option. Or, if you prefer your affordable microwave to have a vintage look, the ultra-micro Daewoo Retro is a bona fide throwback to the golden age of electromagnetic radiation (especially in turquoise).

Pros: Affordable, fool-proof, small, dials instead of electronic buttons

Cons: Maybe too small for some and not enough presets for others

The best convection microwave on a budget

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS is a convection oven without the hefty price tag of other microwaves.

If you're not going to invest in a microwave with an inverter, but you still want something that's suitable for more than just cooking Cup of Noodles or reheating coffee, then consider a convection oven, which will also even out the heat and keep the edges and center of your dish from burning.

The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS isn't exactly cheap, by any means, but we don't think it's completely out of the question if you're looking for a good microwave that can handle heating most foods. Like with most things, the less you spend on a microwave upfront, the sooner you'll end up having to replace it anyhow.

More to that point, there are more than enough online reviews about microwaves shorting out and bursting into flames than even we have time to read, and that's enough to scare us into spending a little more for some peace of mind in the kitchen.

With all of its enthusiastic customer reviews and the great price tag, which is about half the going rate for comparable Panasonic and GE microwaves, we're convinced Toshiba is the way to go for a convection microwave.

Pros: Affordable, positive reviews citing positive customer service experiences

Cons: Might not get quite as hot as other convection microwave ovens

What to look for in a microwave

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Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop.

Wattage and size: Most microwaves pack anywhere from 600 to 1200 watts in power. Larger, more expensive machines cook faster, while smaller, less expensive options will still get hot enough to heat most things. However, they probably won't cook as evenly. Size and wattage usually go hand in hand, but size is its own consideration based on where your microwave will fit.
Location: Countertop microwaves to take up precious space, but when that's all you have to give up, it's your best and only option. Over-the-range models fit over your stove and take the place of a range hood. If you have space, they're great, but they're also usually more expensive. Built-in microwaves can be tucked into a cabinet, but they're probably best for large kitchens where drawer and cabinet space is not at a premium.
Convection and inverter: Convection microwave ovens blow air into the microwave so that heat is distributed more evenly, making them the most consistent and reliable option. However, they're usually more expensive. Microwaves with inverters can run at partial power while maintaining an even temperature, while other microwaves just pulse on and off, allowing the temperature to vary. Like convection ovens, inverter microwaves are a little more expensive but worth the extra money if you tend to cook in your microwave a lot or draw butter or chocolate regularly enough.
Presets and controls: Many microwaves come with presets, but those can be faulty and add confusion to the interface. I've often opened the microwave after using a preset and found either half-frozen mush or worse still, utter devastation. It's often in your best interest to choose your own time and power settings. We recommend going with short intervals so you don't overheat your food.

What we're currently testing

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Here's what we're currently testing for a future update to this guide:

Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef: This is billed as a 4-in-1 unit and works as a microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven. It's sleek but larger than a standard microwave, so you'll need some extra counter space or a trim kit to build this into your kitchen cabinets. So far, we've been impressed with its capabilities as a convection oven, but not as a microwave - the wattage was not powerful enough to microwave popcorn according to the bag's time. We'll continue testing this model over the next few months for a more comprehensive update to the guide.

Check out our other small appliance buying guides

Foto: Source: Breville

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The best microwaves