Remember the days of guessing how long to microwave your leftovers? Or that sinking feeling when you accidentally turn your popcorn into charcoal? We’ve all been there! Microwaves have been a kitchen staple for years, but what if your microwave could do more than just heat things up? What if it could actually make cooking easier and more enjoyable?
Choosing a smart microwave can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many features to consider, and sometimes it’s hard to know which ones are actually useful. You want a microwave that simplifies your life, not complicates it. You might be wondering about things like voice control, special cooking modes, or even how they connect to your phone. It’s a lot to sort through!
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a microwave “smart” and explore the cool features that can actually make a difference in your kitchen. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to look for and feel confident in choosing the perfect smart microwave for your needs.
Our Top 5 Smart Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Smart Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven brings a new level of ease to your kitchen. This sleek stainless steel appliance is packed with smart features that make cooking faster and simpler. Its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, but don’t let its footprint fool you – it packs a powerful 900 watts of cooking power and a generous 0.9 cubic feet of interior space.
What We Like:
- Smart HQ Wi-Fi: Control your microwave with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can turn it on, off, add time, or change the power level without lifting a finger.
- Scan-to-Cook Technology: This is a game-changer for frozen foods. Just scan the barcode on your food package, and the microwave automatically sets the right cooking time and power level.
- Space-Saving Design: It offers plenty of cooking power and space inside without taking up too much room on your counter.
- Efficient Cooking: The glass turntable rotates food for even heating and perfect results every time.
- Easy to Use: Simple one-touch controls make it easy to operate. It also has helpful features like a kitchen timer, child lock, and cooking completion alerts.
- Flexible Defrosting: You can easily defrost food using pre-programmed settings or by manually setting the time and power.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Wi-Fi setup process might require a few steps for some users.
- While the capacity is good for a countertop model, larger families might need a bigger microwave.
This GE Smart Countertop Microwave Oven is a smart addition to any modern kitchen, offering convenience and advanced technology for everyday cooking.
2. TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave is a modern kitchen helper that makes reheating and cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design fits nicely on any countertop. This microwave is packed with smart features like voice control with Alexa, making it super convenient to use.
What We Like:
- Hands-Free Operation: You can control it with your voice using Alexa or a smartphone app, which is really handy.
- Smart Sensor Reheat: The built-in humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking power for perfectly heated food.
- Mute Function: No more loud beeping! You can turn off the cooking completion sound so you don’t wake anyone up.
- Preset Menus: It comes with easy-to-use presets for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- Child Lock: A two-step safety feature keeps little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- ECO Mode: Helps save energy when not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Alexa and Echo Device: You need to have an Echo device for the hands-free voice control to work.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great blend of smart technology and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This sleek black microwave offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. Its 1000W power cooks food quickly and evenly. Plus, a smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus take the guesswork out of heating your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking for fast results.
- Smart humidity sensor ensures perfectly heated food.
- 12 auto menus make cooking popular dishes simple.
- Large 1.2 cu ft interior fits big items like a 12-inch pizza.
- Mute function lets you silence the annoying beeps.
- ECO mode helps save energy.
- Easy-clean interior makes tidying up a breeze.
- Stylish black design looks great on any countertop.
- A removable 12.4-inch turntable makes cleaning easy.
- The large digital display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keypad has a protective film that needs to be removed before use.
- Warranty requires keeping packaging for returns or service.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It blends useful features with a modern look.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave boasts 700 watts of power and offers ten different power levels, giving you precise control over your cooking. It comes with six handy cooking presets for popular items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, with its sleek black design, it looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Six one-touch presets make cooking common items super fast. You can also easily set your own time by pressing the number keys.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: Ten power levels let you cook, melt, or reheat exactly how you want. The 700W is strong for its size.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: The digital display and simple buttons make it easy to use. The +30 seconds button is great for adding extra cooking time.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access. This saves time on repeat tasks.
- SAFETY FIRST: A child safety lock prevents accidental door opening. You can also lock the control panel.
- MUTE OPTION: Turn off the beeps with the Mute Button. This is helpful if you need quiet.
- MODERN DESIGN: The compact, black design fits well in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves energy and turns off the display.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts may not be enough for users who need very rapid cooking or require higher wattage.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great features for its compact size and affordable price.
5. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts mean it can handle big meals, like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza. This microwave is designed to make your life easier with smart features that help cook food perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Huge 2.2 cu. ft. size is great for families and large dishes.
- 1200W power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart humidity sensor ensures food is heated perfectly and stays moist.
- Six handy auto-menus (like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal) take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto-Defrost accurately thaws meat, poultry, and fish.
- ECO Mode saves energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Mute option lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- Position Memory Turntable makes sure your food is centered for even cooking.
- Easy-to-use controls with helpful features like a clock and kitchen timer.
- Child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might be too big for some smaller kitchens.
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the features a bit much.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a fantastic appliance for anyone needing a powerful, spacious, and smart microwave. It simplifies meal preparation and delivers delicious results.
The Smart Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
What is a Smart Microwave?
A smart microwave connects to your Wi-Fi. It often has a touchscreen and can be controlled with your phone or voice. Think of it like a mini-computer for your kitchen!
Key Features to Look For
1. Connectivity Options
Does it connect to Wi-Fi? This lets you use special apps. You can also control it with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This is super handy when your hands are messy.
2. Cooking Presets and Smart Cooking
Many smart microwaves have presets for common foods like popcorn or pizza. Some even have sensors that detect how much moisture is in your food. They then adjust the cooking time and power automatically. This helps you get perfect results every time.
3. Touchscreen Display
A bright, clear touchscreen makes it easy to select settings. It’s like using a tablet. Some screens show recipes or even videos! This makes cooking more fun and less confusing.
4. App Integration
The app is where the magic happens. You can often browse recipes, send cooking instructions to the microwave, and even get notifications when your food is ready. Some apps let you scan barcodes on food packages for automatic cooking settings.
5. Design and Size
Smart microwaves come in different sizes and styles. Countertop models are common. Some are built-in, fitting sleekly into your cabinets. Think about how much space you have and what look you want.
Important Materials
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is popular because it looks good and is easy to clean. It’s also strong and doesn’t rust. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus!
2. Glass Turntable
The glass turntable helps your food cook evenly. It should be easy to remove and wash. A sturdy glass is important so it doesn’t break.
3. High-Quality Plastics
The inside and outside of the microwave will have plastic parts. Look for durable, heat-resistant plastics. They shouldn’t warp or smell bad when heated.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Smart Microwave Great?
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-navigate menus and responsive touchscreens make using the microwave a breeze.
- Reliable Connectivity: A strong Wi-Fi connection ensures the smart features work without interruption.
- Accurate Sensors: Smart sensors that correctly guess cooking times lead to better food.
- Durable Build: Well-made materials mean the microwave will last a long time.
What Can Make It Less Good?
- Confusing Apps: If the app is hard to use, the smart features aren’t helpful.
- Slow Performance: A slow touchscreen or laggy app can be frustrating.
- Limited Smart Features: Not all smart microwaves offer the same advanced options.
- Poor Cooking Results: Even a smart microwave needs to cook food well. If it doesn’t heat evenly, it’s not a good choice.
User Experience and Use Cases
Making Life Easier
Smart microwaves are designed to simplify cooking. Imagine preheating your microwave from the couch or starting dinner from your phone on the way home. This is great for busy families or people who like to multitask.
Experimenting with Food
The advanced features can encourage you to try new recipes. Guided cooking and automatic settings take some of the guesswork out of trying something new. It’s like having a digital sous chef!
Convenience for Everyone
Even if you’re not a tech whiz, the basic microwave functions are still easy to use. The smart features are there if you want them, but they don’t get in the way of simple reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need a smart microwave?
A: Not everyone needs one. If you just need to reheat leftovers, a regular microwave works fine. But if you like new tech and want more convenience, a smart microwave can be a great upgrade.
Q: Are smart microwaves hard to set up?
A: Most are pretty easy. You usually just connect them to your home Wi-Fi network, like you would a new phone or smart speaker.
Q: Can I use my smart microwave without Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, you can! Most smart microwaves work just like regular microwaves. You can still use the buttons and presets manually.
Q: Do smart microwaves use more electricity?
A: They might use a tiny bit more when connected to Wi-Fi and the screen is on, but it’s usually not a big difference.
Q: Are smart microwaves more expensive?
A: Yes, they usually cost more than regular microwaves because of the extra technology.
Q: How do I clean a smart microwave?
A: You clean them like regular microwaves. Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. Make sure to unplug it first for safety.
Q: Can I control multiple smart microwaves with one app?
A: Some apps allow this, but it depends on the brand. Check the product details before buying if this is important to you.
Q: What if the smart features stop working?
A: You can usually reset the microwave or your Wi-Fi. If problems continue, contact the manufacturer’s customer support.
Q: Are there different types of smart microwaves?
A: Yes, there are countertop models and over-the-range or built-in models that have smart features.
Q: Can I get recipe suggestions on a smart microwave?
A: Many smart microwaves offer recipe apps or display recipes on their screens, making cooking easier and more inspiring.
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!