Ever stare at your kitchen counter, wondering which microwave oven will truly heat your popcorn perfectly, or defrost your chicken without cooking the edges? It’s a familiar dilemma for many of us. The world of kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming, and when it comes to microwaves, the choices seem endless. You want one that’s reliable, efficient, and fits your needs, but navigating all the features and brands can leave you feeling lost.
That’s where we come in. Choosing the right microwave oven shouldn’t be a chore. It’s about finding a kitchen workhorse that makes your life easier, from quick snacks to preparing family meals. This post is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a microwave oven truly “rated” – what those ratings mean and why they matter for your everyday cooking.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to pick a microwave oven that you’ll love. We’ll break down the key features to look for, discuss common pitfalls to avoid, and help you find a model that’s a perfect fit for your kitchen and your lifestyle. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make a smart choice!
Our Top 5 Rated Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a powerful and smart microwave that makes cooking easier. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave boasts a 1000W power output, perfect for quickly heating up your favorite meals. Its sleek black design fits nicely on any countertop, and the large interior can even fit a 12-inch pizza. Plus, with a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus, it takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results.
- It has 12 auto menus for popular foods like pizza and potatoes, making meal prep simple.
- The large 1.2 cubic foot capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit big dishes.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It has a stylish black exterior that looks good in any kitchen.
- The large digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel has a protective film that needs to be removed before the first use.
- The product manual is provided as a PDF, which might not be as convenient as a physical copy for some users.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart features for everyday cooking needs.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen appliance. It’s perfect for quick meals and reheating leftovers. This microwave has a sleek stainless steel finish that looks good in any kitchen. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cook button is super convenient for fast heating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The push-button door is easy to open.
- The removable glass turntable cleans up easily.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it’s a bit small for cooking larger dishes or multiple items at once.
- While 700 watts is standard, some might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic microwave needs. It offers user-friendly features at a good value.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a microwave that fits perfectly in your small kitchen? The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact powerhouse, ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where every inch counts. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a punch with 900 watts of cooking power. Plus, it’s loaded with features to make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Compact Size: At 0.9 cubic feet, it doesn’t take up much counter space, making it perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Convenient Auto Menus: Six preset options for foods like popcorn and potatoes simplify cooking. Just select your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function is a lifesaver! You can silence the end-of-cooking beeps, so you won’t disturb others.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock is a great safety feature, preventing little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Versatile Power: With 11 power levels, you can adjust the cooking power for different tasks, from defrosting to heating leftovers.
- Easy to Use: The one-touch start for quick cooking and easy defrost options by weight or time make this microwave super user-friendly.
- Bright Interior: The LED lighting makes it easy to see your food inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- Input Power: While it outputs 900 watts, the input power is 1400 watts, which is something to consider for energy usage.
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich microwave in a small package. It offers great convenience and safety for everyday use.
4. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.4/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black finish and updated features make it a great choice for busy households. With a 1.1 cubic foot capacity, it’s big enough for most meals but still fits comfortably on your countertop. It heats food quickly and evenly, thanks to its 1000 watts of power and a large 12.4-inch turntable.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power heats food fast.
- The 1.1 cubic feet capacity is good for a family.
- The 12.4-inch turntable makes sure food cooks evenly.
- The “+30 seconds” button is super handy for quick reheating.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook options make cooking simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost helps thaw food perfectly.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting look modern and are easy to clean.
- The white LED display is bright and easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only comes in black and white, so color options are limited.
- The cooking platform, while new, might be a specific preference for some users.
This SHARP microwave offers a great blend of power, convenience, and modern design. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable countertop microwave.
5. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. It’s a 700-watt microwave that makes cooking and reheating quick and easy. With its sleek black design, it looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for just the right cooking.
- The digital controls are very easy to use.
- It has a memory function to save your favorite cooking settings.
- Safety is a priority with a child safety lock and a mute button for quiet operation.
- The Eco Mode helps save power and you can turn off the display.
- Cleaning is simple, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While powerful, 700 watts might not be enough for some very specific or demanding cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies daily cooking tasks with its smart features and safety options.
Choosing Your Perfect Microwave Oven: A Simple Guide
Microwave ovens are kitchen helpers. They heat food fast. They also cook some foods. Picking the right one makes cooking easier. This guide helps you find a great microwave.
Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves have power. This is measured in watts. More watts mean faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is usually good.
Capacity (Size)
Microwaves have different sizes. This is measured in cubic feet. Small ones are about 0.7 cubic feet. Big ones can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Think about how much food you heat. A family might need a bigger one. A single person might be fine with a smaller one.
Presets and Cooking Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons cook certain foods. You can find buttons for popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Some have defrost settings. These are helpful. They make cooking specific items simple.
Turntable
Most microwaves have a spinning plate. This is called a turntable. It helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
Control Panel
The control panel has buttons and a screen. Some are easy to use. Others can be tricky. Look for buttons that are clear. A digital display is helpful.
Important Materials
Interior Coating
The inside of the microwave matters. Many have a ceramic enamel coating. This is easy to wipe clean. It is also durable. Stainless steel is another option. It looks nice. It can be harder to keep clean.
Exterior Finish
The outside of the microwave can be stainless steel, black, or white. Stainless steel looks modern. It can show fingerprints. Black and white finishes are common. They are usually easy to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave lasts longer. Check how sturdy the door feels. Does it close tightly? Are the buttons firm?
Noise Level
Some microwaves are loud. Others are quieter. If you are sensitive to noise, look for reviews about sound. A quieter microwave is better for open living spaces.
Ease of Cleaning
Food splatters happen. A microwave that is easy to clean is a big plus. Removable turntables help. Smooth interior surfaces are good.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Heating
Microwaves are great for reheating leftovers. They warm up drinks fast. This is their most common use.
Quick Cooking
You can cook some foods in a microwave. Think about frozen meals or vegetables. Some recipes are made for microwaves.
Defrosting
When you forget to thaw meat, the defrost button saves the day. It gently thaws food. This is faster than leaving it on the counter.
Snack Prep
Making popcorn or heating up a baked potato is easy. Microwaves are perfect for quick snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A: For most homes, 900-1000 watts is a good choice. It heats food quickly and evenly.
Q: How big should my microwave be?
A: Consider how much food you heat. Families might need 1.5 cubic feet or more. Single people can use smaller ones around 0.7-1.0 cubic feet.
Q: Are preset buttons really useful?
A: Yes, preset buttons can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking specific items like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: What is the best interior material?
A: Ceramic enamel is a great interior material. It is easy to clean and durable.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: A turntable is important because it helps your food cook more evenly.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for a sturdy door and firm buttons. Reading reviews can also help you understand the build quality.
Q: Are microwaves noisy?
A: Some microwaves can be noisy. If you prefer quiet, check reviews for noise level information.
Q: What are the main uses for a microwave?
A: The main uses include reheating food, cooking quick meals, defrosting, and preparing snacks.
Q: Can I cook a whole meal in a microwave?
A: You can cook some meals, like frozen dinners or steamed vegetables. However, they are best for reheating or cooking smaller portions.
Q: How do I clean my microwave?
A: Most microwaves are easy to clean. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Removable turntables can be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
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!