Best Microwave of 2024: Expertly Tested and Reviewed

Discover the Best Microwave of 2024 with our detailed guide. Expertly tested and reviewed and price comparison to find the perfect microwave for your kitchen!

8/31/20247 min read

Best Microwave 2024

The huge variety of alternatives available on the market when choosing a microwave might be confusing. There is a microwave for every kitchen and requirement, ranging from feature-rich convection ovens to small versions ideal for dorm rooms. We'll examine the top microwaves of 2024 in this guide, including the benefits, drawbacks, and key features of each model. We show electricity, intelligent technology, and cost-effective options to meet your needs.

Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven

Best Overall

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven is a great option if you're looking for a microwave that offers the ideal ratio of power, size, and functionality. With 1,200 watts of electricity, this microwave cooks food evenly and rapidly. Its roomy inside belies its compact size, making it a suitable option for the majority of kitchens.

Key Features:

1,200 watts of power for quick and consistent cooking.
Sensor Cook, Reheat, Milk/Coffee, Turbo Defrost, Popcorn, and Frozen Foods are among the presets.
15.8" L x 20.7" W x 12.2" H are the dimensions.

Pros:

Five helpful defaults that make cooking easier.
Strong cooking power—more than most microwaves can provide.
Child safety lock for extra safety.

Cons:

There are often noticeable fingerprint smudges on the control panel.
It's hard to keep an eye on the food as it cooks because its interior light is so dim.
For accurate cooking durations, it might be necessary to manually modify the Frozen Foods setting.

The Panasonic NN-SN65KB showed exceptional cooking performance throughout testing. The marshmallows expanded evenly in our test, which exposes hot and cold spots in microwaves, and after two minutes, the center just slightly burned. Especially effective was the Sensor Reheat function, which changed the cooking duration according to the microwave's humidity level. This model is our top choice overall since it's a fantastic all-arounder.

Panasonic NN-SD975S Microwave

Best with Trim Kit

Because it is compatible with trim kits, the Panasonic NN-SD975S is a powerful microwave that can also be built into your kitchen design. With 1,250 watts of power, it’s one of the most powerful microwaves we tested, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs to cook large meals quickly.

Key Features:

Power: 1,250 watts.
Presets: Popcorn (three levels), Coffee/Milk, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Sensor Cook, Sensor Reheat.
Dimensions: 19.4" L x 23.9" W x 14" H.

Pros:

Extremely powerful, reducing cooking times.
Easy-to-use dial and interface.
Can be installed as a built-in microwave.

Cons:

There isn't enough lighting inside for easy meal monitoring.
Some users might find the 10-second increments on the dial to be too precise.

Our testing revealed that this microwave's strong performance and consistent heating made it stand out. With a 16.5-inch turntable that can accommodate two plates at once, it's ideal for family meals. The easy-to-use dial simplifies the cooking process, though the 10-second increments may be a minor inconvenience for those who need more precise control. While it’s a bit bulky, its ability to be built into your kitchen makes it a versatile choice for those looking to save counter space.

Toshiba Microwave Oven EC042A5C-SS

Best Convection

The Toshiba Microwave Oven EC042A5C-SS ought to be at the top of your list if adaptability is your goal. This model is a multipurpose powerhouse in the kitchen since it can do so much more than simply reheat leftovers. It can also bake, roast, and toast. With 1,000 watts of power, it’s strong enough to handle a variety of cooking tasks, and the convection feature adds an extra layer of functionality.

Key Features:

Power: 1,000 watts.
Presets: Popcorn, Sensor Cook, Sensor Reheat, Auto Defrost, Favorites, Time Defrost, Bake, Roast, Toast.
Dimensions: 21.5" L x 21.77" W x 12.99" H.

Pros:

Easy to use quick-touch preset cooking buttons in multiple areas.
The convection function makes baking and roasting possible.
Includes a child safety lock for extra safety.

Cons:

Your kitchen may heat up fast with the convection function.
Since it's large and heavy, extra counter space is needed.

The Toshiba Microwave Oven EC042A5C-SS showed good performance in testing, covering a variety of culinary operations. Even though the convection feature is very flexible, fine-tuning the settings can take a bit of time. For example, when I tested frozen french fries, they cooked twice as long as they would have in an air fryer but ended out crispy. In our test with marshmallows, the microwave performed excellently as well, heating up evenly without producing any hot or cold areas. However, its size and weight make it less suitable for smaller kitchens, so make sure you have the counter space before investing in this model.

GE Smart Microwave Oven

Best Smart Microwave

A great alternative for people who like to bring smart technology into their homes is the GE Smart Microwave Oven. Because this model works with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can use voice commands or your smartphone to operate your microwave.

Key Features:

Power: 900 watts.
Presets: Dinner Plate, Pizza, Defrost (by weight and time), Reheat, Potato, Popcorn, Beverage, Vegetables, Add 30 Seconds.
Dimensions: 14.5" L x 19" W x 11.5" H.

Pros:

Smart technology at a reasonable price.
Heats food quickly.
Compact yet spacious enough for a small kitchen.

Cons:

Doesn’t cook food as evenly as other microwaves we tested.
Voice commands can be finicky and may not always respond as expected.

The GE Smart Microwave Oven brings a modern touch to your kitchen with its smart connectivity features. When I was multitasking, it was helpful to be able to use voice commands with my Google Home Mini to start, pause, and check the progress of my dinner. But there were times when the voice commands weren't accurate, and there were problems with even cooking—particularly during our marshmallow test, when hot areas were noticeable. The clever features and small size of this microwave make it a fantastic addition to any tech-savvy kitchen, even with these small shortcomings.

Commercial Chef 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

Best Compact

A great option for people on a smaller budget or with a small kitchen is the Commercial Chef 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave. With a powerful 900 watts of cooking power, this microwave is surprisingly strong for its small size. Additionally, it's among the quietest versions we tested, which is advantageous if you share a home with others.

Key Features:

Power: 900 watts.
Presets: Potato, Popcorn, Dinner Plate, Beverage, Pizza, Frozen Vegetable, Time Defrost, Weight Defrost.
Dimensions: 14.6" L x 18.9" W x 10.7" H.

Pros:

Simple to use with intuitive controls.
Inexpensive, making it a great budget option.
Compact design, perfect for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.

Cons:

Slightly underpowered compared to other models, so cooking times may be longer.
Small interior space limits the size of dishes that can be used.

Priced just under $100, this microwave offers excellent value for money. It’s small enough to fit in a tight space but still has enough room to accommodate a 10-inch dinner plate. The controls are straightforward, with several express cook buttons and the ability to set a custom cook time. However, because it’s only 900 watts, you might need to add an extra 30 seconds to a minute to the recommended cooking times for frozen meals. Despite its lower power, it heats evenly, making it a reliable option for anyone looking for a compact, budget-friendly microwave.

What to Look for in the Best Microwaves

There are a number of things to take into mind while looking for a microwave to make sure you're getting the greatest one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Power: A microwave's power has a direct impact on how fast and evenly it cooks food. If reheating is the main usage for your microwave, an 800 watt unit should be plenty. Nonetheless, choose a microwave with at least 1,000 watts of power if you want to prepare food.

2. Presets and Extra Features: Having preset buttons for short meals, such as Defrost, Popcorn, and Reheat, may be quite helpful. Your microwave may be used as a flexible culinary tool by using its convection settings, which enable you to bake, roast, and toast food.

3. Cost: A decent microwave normally costs between $100 and $150. You can obtain more wattage and more features by spending a little bit more, but be wary of those under $100 since they might not be as dependable or long-lasting.

4. Safety Features: To avoid unintentional burns or accidents, a microwave with a child-safety lock is a must if you have kids. With this function, the control panel is inactive until a certain button combination is pushed.

5. Size and Capacity: Take into consideration the size of the dishes you'll be utilizing and the amount of space you have on your countertop. For most families, a microwave with a turntable that is at least 12 inches in diameter is preferable, but if space is at a premium, a smaller model would be more appropriate.

6. Smart Technology: With features like voice control and app connectivity, smart microwaves are growing in popularity. Even while these features are practical, not everyone may need them. A smart microwave could be useful if you like convenience and are tech savvy.

You will be well-equipped to select the ideal microwave for your kitchen if you take these things into mind. There's a microwave out there that’s ideal for you, regardless of your priorities: power, size, smart features, or affordability.