Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you want a quick meal. A microwave oven is your best friend for fast cooking. But when it’s time to buy a new one, it can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features! Which one is the perfect fit for your kitchen and your needs?
Choosing a microwave oven can be tricky. You worry about size, power, and whether it will actually cook your food evenly. You don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t work well. It’s a common problem many people face when they need to upgrade their kitchen appliances.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll walk you through what to look for. You’ll learn about different types of microwaves and what makes them good. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the best microwave oven for your home. Get ready to make your kitchen life easier!
Our Top 5 Selling Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Selling Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact, powerful, and packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Whether you’re popping popcorn or warming up leftovers, this microwave handles it all with ease.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very quickly with six handy presets for common items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- You can select from 10 different power levels, giving you control over how your food cooks.
- The digital controls are simple to use, and the +30 seconds button lets you add extra cooking time easily.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch convenience.
- The child safety lock and mute button are great features for families and quiet kitchens.
- Its sleek black design looks good on any countertop, and the Eco Mode helps save energy.
- Cleaning is a snap; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or families.
- While powerful for its size, it might not be the best choice for those needing to cook very large quantities of food regularly.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance. It offers a good balance of features and performance for everyday use.
2. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, model ML2-EC10SA(BS) A, is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do much more than just heat up leftovers. This black stainless steel microwave boasts an impressive 8-in-1 functionality, allowing you to microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even features a low-temp setting and an odor removal mode. Its compact size makes it a great fit for most countertops, but don’t let its footprint fool you – it has a generous 1.0 cu.ft. capacity, capable of fitting a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
What We Like:
- Versatile 8-in-1 Functionality: It replaces multiple appliances, offering microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, and more.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious “fried” foods with less oil and fat.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of microwave output power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Spacious Interior: The 12.4-inch position memory turntable fits large items like a whole chicken or pizza.
- User-Friendly Features: One-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function add to its convenience.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental operation by little ones.
- Stylish Design: The classic black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, there might be a slight learning curve to master all its capabilities.
- Odor Removal Effectiveness: While it has an odor removal mode, its effectiveness might vary depending on what was cooked.
This TOSHIBA microwave is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space and cooking options. It’s a powerful and stylish appliance that makes preparing a variety of meals easier and healthier.
3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that’s perfect for small kitchens or apartments. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave offers a good balance of features for everyday cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- 6 Preset Menus: Easily cook popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes with just a touch.
- Mute Mode: Turn off the annoying beeping sounds by holding down the “8” button.
- Child Lock: A safety feature prevents little ones from accidentally turning the microwave on.
- 11 Power Levels: You can adjust the cooking power for different foods, from defrosting to boiling.
- One-Touch Start: Quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power without setting the time.
- Generous Turntable: The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable fits most standard plates and bowls.
- LED Lighting: See your food clearly as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Input Power: While it outputs 900 watts, the input power is 1400 watts, which might be higher than some users expect.
- Instructions for Child Lock: Users need to refer to a figure to activate the child lock, which could be clearer.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their apartment or small living space. Its handy features make daily cooking a breeze.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware Countertop Microwave offers a convenient way to whip up quick meals. With 700 watts of power, it gets the job done fast. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot size is ideal for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or apartments. The stainless steel finish looks nice and is easy to wipe clean.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use. Just press a button for common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
- You can pick from ten different power levels. This lets you cook things just right.
- The inside light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A child lock feature keeps little hands out of trouble.
- It has a clock and a kitchen timer, which are handy.
- The compact size fits almost anywhere.
- The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- 700 watts is a bit less powerful than some larger microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for cooking larger dishes or family-sized meals.
This Farberware microwave is a good option for simple reheating and cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a basic, space-saving microwave.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. This microwave heats food quickly with its 700-watt power and offers 10 different power settings. The stainless steel finish looks nice and is easy to wipe clean. Plus, a child safety lock gives you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen vegetables.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- A removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is simple to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave quick and easy.
- The child safety lock is a great feature for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a good microwave for everyday use, it might be a bit small for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- The 700-watt power is standard, but some might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic reheating and cooking needs. It’s user-friendly and has features that make daily kitchen tasks a breeze.
Your Guide to Buying a Great Microwave Oven
Buying a new microwave oven can feel like a big decision. You want one that cooks your food well, is easy to use, and lasts a long time. This guide will help you find the perfect microwave for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, keep these important features in mind.
Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Bigger ones are better for families or if you cook a lot.
- Compact (0.7 – 1.0 cu. ft.): Great for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Fits smaller plates.
- Mid-size (1.1 – 1.6 cu. ft.): Good for most families. Fits larger dishes.
- Large (1.7+ cu. ft.): Best for big families or if you often cook big meals.
Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. More wattage means faster cooking.
- 700-800 watts: Basic cooking. Takes a bit longer.
- 900-1000 watts: Good for most tasks. Cooks food evenly and quickly.
- 1100+ watts: Very powerful. Cooks the fastest.
Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. Some also have defrost settings. These make cooking easier.
- Popcorn button: Perfect popcorn every time.
- Defrost: Thaws frozen food without cooking it.
- Sensor cooking: Microwaves that guess how long to cook based on steam.
Turntable
A turntable is a glass plate that spins. It helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have one.
2. Important Materials
Microwaves are made of different parts that affect their look and how they work.
Exterior and Interior Casing
Most microwaves have a metal exterior. The inside is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These are easy to clean.
- Stainless steel: Looks sleek and modern. Can show fingerprints.
- Plastic: Lighter and often cheaper. May not be as durable.
- Enamel coating: Durable and easy to wipe clean.
Door and Window
The door has a glass window so you can see your food. It also has a metal mesh inside to block microwaves.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it worse.
Things That Improve Quality
- Even cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through.
- Easy controls: Buttons that are clear and simple to use.
- Quiet operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is nicer.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last longer.
Things That Reduce Quality
- Uneven cooking: Cold spots in your food.
- Flimsy build: Parts that feel cheap or break easily.
- Difficult controls: Confusing buttons or settings.
- Short lifespan: Microwaves that stop working after a short time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters. Think about your daily life.
For Quick Meals
If you just need to heat up leftovers or make a quick snack, a simple microwave with basic settings is perfect.
For Busy Families
Larger microwaves with sensor cooking and presets are great for families who need to cook a variety of foods quickly.
For Small Kitchens
Compact microwaves save space. They are good for dorm rooms, apartments, or as a secondary microwave.
For Baking and More
Some microwaves are “combi-ovens” which can also bake or broil. These are good if you want more cooking options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: The most important feature is usually the capacity, to make sure it fits your needs and kitchen space.
Q: Does wattage really matter?
A: Yes, higher wattage means faster and more even cooking.
Q: Are microwaves with lots of buttons better?
A: Not always. Choose presets that you will actually use. Simpler controls can be better if you don’t need fancy features.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: How long do microwaves usually last?
A: Most microwaves last between 7 to 10 years with good care.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What does “cu. ft.” mean?
A: “Cu. ft.” stands for cubic feet, which is a measure of the microwave’s internal size or capacity.
Q: Is a turntable necessary?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. While some microwaves don’t have them, most people prefer them.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Q: Should I buy a brand-name microwave or a generic one?
A: Brand-name microwaves often have better quality and customer service. However, some generic brands can be good too. Always check reviews.
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!