Did you know the microwave oven is in over 90% of American homes? It’s true! This handy appliance has become a kitchen staple, zapping our leftovers and heating our meals with ease. But, have you ever felt overwhelmed staring at a wall of microwaves in the store? Choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze.
Finding the right microwave can be a real pain. You might worry about size, power, and all the different features. Do you need a basic model or something fancy with all the bells and whistles? And what about price? It can be tricky to understand what you really need and how to get the best value for your money. This blog post will help you!
By the end of this guide, you’ll be a microwave expert. You’ll know how to choose a microwave that fits your needs and your budget. You’ll learn about different types, sizes, and features. We will also help you avoid common mistakes when buying a microwave. Get ready to make the perfect choice!
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS countertop microwave is ready to make your life easier. This black microwave has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity. It features a 12.4-inch removable turntable. It also has smart features to help you cook. This microwave has a stylish look and is simple to use. It is perfect for heating up leftovers or cooking a quick meal.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed sensor menus make cooking easy.
- The microwave has a large interior, fitting a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function is a nice feature for quiet operation.
- It has a simple control panel.
- The easy-clean interior is a plus.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before use.
- You must keep the packaging for warranty claims.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS microwave is a good choice for your kitchen. It is a useful appliance with many great features.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient kitchen appliance. This stainless steel microwave is packed with features. It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza. It offers 700 watts of power and a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity. The microwave is designed for easy use and safety.
What We Like:
- Pre-programmed cooking options make meal prep simple.
- The push-button door release is easy to use.
- A child safety lock helps prevent accidents.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel are user-friendly.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is convenient for quick tasks.
- It has a removable 10” glass turntable.
- The stainless steel design looks nice in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity may be small for some families.
- Some users might prefer more power settings.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great option for individuals or small families. It is a practical choice for quick cooking and reheating tasks.
3. 24″ Single Wall Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The 24″ Single Wall Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance. It’s a 2.5 cubic foot built-in electric oven. This oven has a built-in timer and convection fan. It also features 8 baking modes, 3D surround heating, and a touch control panel. The stainless steel finish and sleek black design will look great in any kitchen. The oven is powerful with 3000W and operates on 240V. It includes a safety lock for added security.
What We Like:
- Spacious 2.5 cubic foot capacity lets you cook a lot. It holds up to 6 racks!
- The 3000W heating system and convection fan cook food evenly and quickly.
- It offers many cooking modes like steaming, baking, and braising.
- 3D surround heating provides consistent results.
- The 24-inch size fits well in most kitchens. You can put it under a cooktop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The touch control panel may be difficult for some users.
- The initial setup might be a little tricky.
In conclusion, this wall oven is a good choice for most homes. It’s efficient and offers many cooking options.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient kitchen appliance. It offers quick cooking options with its presets and easy-to-use digital controls. This microwave is designed for simple use and is packed with features to make your life easier. It’s great for heating up leftovers or making a quick snack.
What We Like:
- Quick Cooking: You can choose from six cooking presets like popcorn and pizza. You can also quickly set the cook time with the number keys.
- Many Power Levels: The microwave has 10 power levels. This lets you melt butter or rapidly cook food.
- Easy Controls: Digital controls make it simple to use. You can customize the time and power.
- Memory Function: You can save your favorite settings for easy access.
- Safety Features: It has a child safety lock and a mute button.
- Sleek Design: The modern black design fits well in any kitchen.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior is easy to wipe clean. The turntable is dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Could be larger.
- The power of 700 watts could be higher for faster cooking.
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a good microwave for small spaces. It is a useful appliance for anyone who wants a simple and easy-to-use microwave.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.2/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient appliance for any kitchen. This black microwave offers a 0.7 Cu Ft capacity, making it ideal for smaller spaces and individual servings. It’s packed with features designed for ease of use and efficiency. You can cook your food quickly and quietly with its express cooking options and silent mode, saving you time and energy.
What We Like:
- Mute function lets you silence the beeping.
- Easy-to-use auto-cook buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating.
- One-touch express cooking from 1 to 6 minutes and a plus 30 seconds button.
- Two defrost settings: by weight or by time.
- Energy-saving ECO mode reduces standby power.
- Bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel.
- Includes a kitchen timer and child safety lock.
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 Cu Ft capacity may be too small for some families.
- The power output might not be enough for some cooking tasks.
This COMFEE microwave is a good choice for those needing a simple and effective microwave. It is a great option for dorm rooms, apartments, or anyone looking for an easy-to-use microwave oven.
Microwave Oven Buying Guide: Your Kitchen Hero
Choosing a new microwave can be tricky! This guide helps you pick the best one for you. We will cover important things to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, look at these features:
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Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means food cooks faster. Most microwaves are between 600 and 1200 watts. If you cook a lot, get one with higher wattage.
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Size: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much space you have in your kitchen. Measure the area where you want to put it. Also, think about how much food you cook. Small microwaves are good for singles. Large microwaves are better for families.
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Presets: Many microwaves have pre-set buttons. These buttons are for things like popcorn, potatoes, or frozen dinners. They make cooking easy.
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Turntable: A turntable spins the food. This helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have them.
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Control Panel: Look at the control panel. Is it easy to read and use? Do you prefer buttons or a touch screen?
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Other Features: Some microwaves have a grill or convection oven function. These features add more cooking options.
Important Materials
The materials used affect the microwave’s quality and how safe it is.
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Exterior: The outside can be made of stainless steel, plastic, or painted metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Plastic is cheaper, but can scratch. Painted metal is a good option.
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Interior: The inside is usually stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also easy to clean.
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Door: The door should be strong. It should close tightly to keep heat in.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better or worse.
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Brand: Some brands are known for making good quality appliances. Do some research and read reviews.
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Price: Generally, more expensive microwaves have more features and better quality. But, you don’t need to spend a lot to get a good one.
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Build Quality: Check how well the microwave is made. Are the doors and buttons sturdy? Does it feel solid?
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Warranty: A longer warranty means the manufacturer trusts their product. Look for a good warranty.
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Reviews: Read reviews from other customers. See what they like and dislike.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the microwave.
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Who will use it? A single person has different needs than a family.
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What will you cook? Do you mostly reheat leftovers? Or, do you cook full meals?
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How often will you use it? If you use it a lot, get a durable microwave.
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Ease of Use: Is the microwave easy to use? Can you quickly heat up food?
Use Cases:
- Reheating leftovers: Microwaves are great for this!
- Cooking frozen meals: Many frozen meals are made for microwaves.
- Making popcorn: Use the popcorn button!
- Defrosting food: Microwaves can quickly defrost food.
- Heating drinks: Warm up your coffee or tea.
Microwave Oven FAQs
Here are some common questions about microwave ovens.
Q: What size microwave do I need?
A: It depends on your needs. Measure your space. Think about how much food you cook.
Q: What wattage is best?
A: Higher wattage (900-1200) cooks faster. But, lower wattage (600-800) can work for reheating.
Q: What are the different types of microwaves?
A: There are countertop, over-the-range, and built-in microwaves. Countertop microwaves are the most common.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Use a damp cloth or sponge. You can also put a bowl of water in it and run it for a few minutes to loosen food splatters.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No. Metal can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Always use microwave-safe dishes.
Q: What is the best material for the microwave interior?
A: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also a good choice.
Q: What does “convection” mean in a microwave?
A: Convection microwaves cook food like a regular oven. They circulate hot air.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a microwave oven?
A: They are the same thing! Microwave oven is the full name.
Q: How long should I run my microwave?
A: Follow the instructions on the food packaging. Start with a short time and add more if needed.
Q: Where can I buy a microwave?
A: You can buy them at appliance stores, department stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!