How to Choose the Best Microwave Oven
Table of Contents
Microwaves have become in recent times an indispensable kitchen appliance for everyone. Many people consider it as the “magic oven” for heating and cooking food in record time.
In this guide, each criterion and feature for choosing the best microwave is analyzed in detail; the type to choose, the size of the microwave, the power of the microwave, the microwave functions, and the type of microwave: built-in, oven, etc.
1. Our Top Pick – Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave
2. Best Convenient Microwave – Breville BMO650SIL Microwave
3. Best Digital Microwave – BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Microwave
4. Best Big Microwave –Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave
5. Best Compact Microwave – Galanz GLCMKA07RDR-07 Microwave
6. Best Countertop Microwave – Farberware FMO11AHTPLB Microwave
7. Best Energy-saving Microwave – Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave
8. Best Budget-Friendly Microwave – COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
9. Best Inverter Technology Microwave – Panasonic Compact Microwave
This Toshiba smart countertop microwave is Alexa-enabled, providing convenience by allowing me to control it hands-free via voice command or through my smartphone. The preset menus include pizza, popcorn, vegetables, and other popular foods, making them even more convenient to use.
The humidity sensor automatically adjusts the cooking power to achieve the best possible heating. You can turn off the pesky beep by using the sound on/off button. As a result, don’t be concerned about waking up your family or roommate. LED cavity light and energy-saving ECO mode help reduce energy consumption.
With a compact size and easily operated shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close is a very convenient microwave to use and is made to precisely defrost and reheat, and cook. This countertop microwave has a soft-close door that is percent quieter than other microwaves I’ve used. This microwave also has a small footprint but a large capacity of 25L, which gives me plenty of space to cook, reheat, and defrost my meals.
The defrost function in this Breville microwave gently defrosts food without drying out the edges or overheating the food. The reheating function gently reheats food without overcooking it or drying it out.
This Black + Decker microwave is a solid microwave. This microwave has ten power levels, a large interior, and a removable glass turntable. Using this microwave gave me great results without overcooking my meals, with an advanced technology that provides even heating and defrosting. I have also been able to reheat or cook six of the most popular food items.
By simply selecting the number, this microwave can be turned on for one to six minutes at full power. You can also stop it at any time by clicking the stop button. From popcorn to pizza, popular foods can be easily prepared with this microwave. The sensor technology also guarantees perfect results every time.
This Toshiba microwave is perfect for my small apartment kitchen. The sensor reheating allows me to cook six of the most popular foods to perfection with just the touch of a button. There are also ten power levels to choose from, ranging from 100 to 1100 watts. I was able to set up three favorite time and power combinations which is a convenient feature. The large, easy-to-grip door handle makes it simple to open and close the microwave.
With the custom defrost function, you can defrost your food quickly and easily. Select the custom to defrost menu and enter the weight of the food, and the microwave will do the rest. Alternatively, you can easily defrost a 1-pound item in the microwave, and the microwave will automatically adjust the time and power. This microwave is also convenient for melting foods like chocolate, cheese, and butter. The easy-to-clean coating is made of a durable material that is scratch and stain-resistant. Cleaning the interior has never been easier or more convenient than with a few wipes of a damp cloth.
The Galanz microwave oven has six cooking power levels. In my experience, it’s been easy to defrost. Defrost all frozen foods by time or weight to enjoy more flavorful foods. The remaining cooking time is clearly displayed on the easy-to-read LED display. When the cooking process is complete, three beeps will be heard.
This microwave has 360° heating, and the rotation of the glass turntable helps cook my food more evenly and improves my cooking efficiency. I enjoy fresh and delicious food in a short period of time. The bright interior lighting allows me to check the status without having to open the doors. The safety lock stops my kids from operating the microwave unsupervised.
This Farberware microwave provides style, power, and convenience in a sleek design that perfectly complements my kitchen. This product also has ten power levels with a memory function that keeps and recall my favorite cooking settings. This microwave also features a simple digital interface with one-to-six-minute cooking buttons for quick meals. The Farberware microwave also has weight/time defrost control, and six cooking functions that are pre-programmed for my favorite meals.
With multi-stage cooking, You can adjust the level of power when cooking to achieve perfect results. The LED display includes a clock as well as a kitchen timer which is a nice touch. The Farberware classic also has a spacious 1. 1 cubic foot capacity, a rotating turntable and 1000 watts of power. This microwave is the perfect multi-tasker for a kitchen.
With its black stainless-steel finish and timeless design, this Toshiba microwave oven looks great on my kitchen counter. This microwave has time/weight defrosting six auto food menus. I can also cook with this microwave with ten power levels available at my disposal.
The user experience is more enhanced by the bright LED digital display for easy usability with an easy-to-read control panel and a door handle that I can grip nicely. The small footprint of this microwave is ideal for my kitchen, and it fits perfectly.
This COMFEE’ microwave has a convenient one-touch cooking function. This microwave also has 11 power levels to choose from, a mute button to silence any annoying noise, and a removable turntable, all in a small enough size to fit on a counter or in a cabinet. The LED digital display has a clock as well as the ability to display a kitchen timer as well as the remaining cooking time. This product also features a power-saving mode that allows you to turn off the LED display. Its compact size makes it ideal for apartment kitchens, vacation homes, dorms, and offices.
This product has a plethora of user-friendly features. By pressing the sound button, you can turn off all of the microwave beeps. The child safety lock keeps curious hands away from the microwave. Use the lock function to prevent children or others from using the microwave.
This Panasonic countertop microwave with inverter technology and smart sensors is a convenient and stylish addition to any home. This microwave also has a stylish exterior design and stainless-steel door. This exceptional microwave with a 13. 4-inch turntable cooks and heats breakfast meals, dinners, after-school snacks, appetizers, and more. This microwave is ideal for busy individuals and singles.
This cutting-edge microwave oven features an inverter technology that delivers a continuous stream of cooking power at all temperatures for more evenly cooked meals. The genius sensor can be activated with the touch of a button. The sensor detects the volume of steam generated when cooking and sends a signal to the microprocessor, which computes the time left before the meal is ready at the suitable power level. You can choose from a menu of 16 auto cook options to quickly prepare your favorite dishes.
These definitely will help you find your perfect cost-effective microwave. Without further ado, we’ll roll them out one after the other.
Something that you must keep in mind when buying these devices is to know in depth the existing variety. The type of microwave to choose will vary according to your needs. Remember that people go far beyond just heating some food dishes.
The basic microwave allows you to defrost or reheat a dish; and this, at a very low temperature. These devices are very simple in design and are as well efficient and economical. It covers the needs of many homes in full. Unlike other models, these microwave ovens use low power.
To use it, simply introduce the dish inside the microwave and set the timer. When the time is up, the food is ready. Note that this type of microwave is also suitable for steaming fruit, vegetables, fish, etc.
These devices are one of the best sellers in the market. The grill is nothing more than an included resistance that heats up to roast and grill the food while browning it.
They come in more sophisticated and elegant models and include more programs than basic microwaves. You can even get models with a touch screen and LED.
As with conventional ovens, the convection technology has also got to microwave oven manufacture. It is the cooking of food through currents of hot air. Something particular is that it includes the possibility of cooking for a long time. It also allows grill cooking, convection, and basic options automatically and intermittently. With this type, you can find conventional and high-end microwaves.
Note that, on the market, these types come in different forms. There is a 2 in 1 model which can brown and roast. We can also find 3 in 1 that can cook, roast, or even steam. As an advantage, the convection microwave oven is practical because it combines all the functions of an oven and a microwave in one device.
On the market, microwaves are sold in different power wattage. Indeed, the more powerful they are, the faster the speed of defrosting or cooking is. To choose this device, it is, therefore, essential to check this point. Here are the three power levels found in general on the market:
A microwave oven between 600 to 900 watts is a low-power device. It is ideal for occasional use. However, it can be used to reheat, defrost or cook food. Hence, this device is useful for performing the basic functions of a microwave. Note that if you want to choose a microwave oven with less than 700 watts, it is better to choose the one with a small cavity as they are more efficient.
This type of microwave can be used to brown a dish, particularly if it has a grill. With this power, the appliance is still capable of defrosting or heating food even if the cavity is larger.
it is a very powerful device. Unlike the first type, it can be used daily for grilling and cooking dishes. This type of microwave is ideal for large families or professional uses.
Be aware that you can choose between built-in microwave ovens or standard removable microwaves.
This is the classic model. It is placed directly on a support in the kitchen. You can put it on a shelf, a worktop or a table. It does not depend on other household appliances. As an advantage, this type of microwave can be moved wherever you want it. Besides, some manufacturers offer very aesthetic models. The only downside is that it can clutter up a whole space, especially if the kitchen is a bit limited. When using this type of device, you should measure the space where it will be placed to be sure that it will fit in well. You must not forget to leave a small free space behind the microwaves so that ventilation can take place in the right conditions.
As ts name suggests, this type of microwave is built into the wall. The microwave body is, therefore, invisible. Only its facade is visible once put in place. The primary advantage of this installation method is aesthetics. It contributes to the decoration of the furniture, particularly in open kitchens. Also, it offers a gain of space with the microwave being devoid of the frame. Most built-in microwaves are microwave ovens.
The volume of the microwave oven is also an essential point to take into account before buying it. The size to choose will vary depending on the number of people in the household and also the volume of the dish to be prepared. On the market, microwaves vary between 20 liters to 34 liters.
Manufacturers of microwave ovens offer the two most common types of door technology: those with a hinged door and those with a side door. This criterion can be important while choosing your microwave, depending on the space you have in your kitchen.
This microwave oven model opens from right to left. It is ideal if the device is at a height. To choose this type, you have to see if the location of the installation is compatible with this opening mode.
It should be noted that the opening direction of this door cannot be changed. With this opening mode, you can have better visibility inside the microwave.
This type of microwave oven is ideal if it is placed at waist level or when it is built-in under the worktop. This opening method is very advantageous. First, it facilitates access to the microwave cavity.
It also offers better visibility. In this case, we speak of a “flat-plate” swing door. To choose a microwave oven with a hinged door, it is necessary to provide a clearance space in front of the appliance. Thus, the latter can be easily opened and closed.
In the market, one can find a stainless steel microwave. As an advantage, this material is easy to clean. It is also very solid and has a high resistance level over time. There are also ceramic-enamel microwaves. This material diffuses heat perfectly. This makes it possible to cook food gently and thoroughly while retaining its nutritional qualities.
It is advisable to opt for a microwave which has a long service life. It should be noted that a microwave should last for about 9 to 10 years. So, ensure the warranty covers around ⅓ of the product’s lifetime.
The more functions a microwave has, the more practical and ergonomic it will be. Although more functions may build up to the price, here are some features to watch out for in your microwave before adding it to the cart:
For convenience’s sake, it is better to opt for an easy-to-clean microwave. To clean them, a wipe or sponge should be enough. For the most stubborn stains, you can put a container filled with water inside and let it work to create steam.
Some microwaves can be equipped with a steam system that facilitates the removal of fat. It should be noted that, for the microwave to fulfill its role, it is important to clean it regularly.
The importance of a microwave in your kitchen can not be overlooked. A microwave can instantly improve the look and functionality of your kitchen. We’ve highlighted ten of the best microwaves you can get. When selecting the right microwave for your kitchen, it is important to look at the size that would fit your space, the features, and the value for money.
This is one of the reasons the Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) Smart Countertop Microwave is our top pick. Meanwhile, if you want to go for other options, you could take a look at the Panasonic Compact Microwave if you’re searching for another all-rounder, or you could opt for the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave. This is perfect if you want a microwave with more space.
First, know what you want in a microwave before deciding on the type. Choose microwaves with turntables as they heat food evenly. Some can be opened by a button or knob.
Also, there is no fast rule on the volume and power of a microwave. Your family size or frequency of use determines this. So choose the most practical for your family. If there are children in the home, the button ones and those with safety options are advisable to select.
This post was last modified on February 26, 2023 3:50 pm