The 11 Best Microwaves [And Why You Should Probably Upgrade]

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When you want a quick snack or warming up leftovers, the microwave oven is the way to go. Ever since they first came on the market in the 1950s, microwaves have been a symbol of convenience. With the push of a few buttons, you can have a hot meal ready in a few minutes.

However, not all microwaves are created equal. Customers have a lot of options regarding price, size, wattage and power levels. Some microwaves have some great features unique to their brand, while others may have a certain ascetic that you may find appealing. Some consumers may need a large microwave for the whole family, while others may need something small for a dorm room. From over-the-range microwaves to countertop microwave ovens, everybody has different microwaving needs.

What follows are the 11 best microwaves on the market.‍

AmazonBasics Works With Alexa S9N29R Microwave Oven

The AmazonBasics microwave is a small and low-cost item, so it will not take up too much counter space or make a huge dent in your wallet. This quiet microwave is great for defrosting, but as with most small microwaves, it does not have a lot of power, so even reheating can be an issue.

One of the big selling points for this model is that it works with Alexa. Using an Amazon Echo device, you can use voice commands to turn the microwave on and set the time. For those that want to upgrade their kitchen to a smart home, this is a great feature.

Avanti MO7191TW Microwave Oven

Avanti also has a small microwave that is perfect for someone who lives in a dorm or small apartment. This microwave is also quiet and low cost. The small model will not allow for use with big meals, but it is perfect for small dishes or leftovers. It is easy to use and reliable, which is essential for many college students who don’t have the extra money to replace unreliable items, but need something to heat up their ramen.

GE Profile JES2251SJ Microwave Oven

The GE Profile is a larger microwave which is perfect for those with large families. The microwave boasts a 16-inch turntable which ensures that food cooks evenly. You can cook a whole casserole with plenty of room to spare and know that it won’t be cold in the middle. The stainless steel design also allows for easy cleaning on the outside.

Farberware 1.6-cu ft 1100 Countertop Microwave (Stainless Steel/Platinum)

This model from Farberware is large enough to fit most of your cooking needs. The microwave is easy to use and has several power settings for different food types. Sadly, it does not have a dedicated beverage mode. One great feature of this model is the cook sensor technology. The sensor can tell when something is done so that you do not have to worry about overcooking your food by accident. This feature by itself makes this microwave a great value.

Breville Quick Touch Intuitive Microwave w/ Smart Settings – BMO734XL

The Breville Quick Touch has several smart buttons to help in whatever you need to heat up. It has a smart defrost to gently thaw frozen items. With the smart settings, you can perform tasks like softening butter and melting chocolate easily. The settings can also be adjusted with the “A Little-Bit More button” if you don’t quite need an additional 30-seconds for your cooking needs.

Magic Chef Retro Countertop Microwave

Some consumers may like the ascetic of a retro microwave from the 1950s. Sadly, with many items like that, the ascetic comes at the cost of functionality. Magic Chef Retro gives the 1950s style with 2020 power. With 700 watts of power, it performs as well as some of its more powerful competition for a smaller microwave. One drawback of the model is the dials instead of digital displays, as it can make shorter cooking time tricky.

General GEW1000E Microwave Oven‍

The GE General Microwave is a great mid-size microwave. It heats food quickly, evenly and quietly. The controls are easy to use and understand. The only drawback of this model is that it does not have a defrost button. If defrosting in the microwave is a must for you, this may turn you off of this model. However, if defrosting is not a deal-breaker for you, this is a great mid-sized model. You can cook food, it just might not be the best for doing it slowly without the defrost feature.

LG NeoChef LMC1275SB

The LG NeoChef packs a lot of power and delivers where it counts. It heats and defrosts food evenly and quickly every time. The microwave is also quiet, which is an important feature for many good microwaves. The only drawback of this model is that it lacks a sensor cooking to gauge the doneness of your food. While not uncommon for microwaves of its size and price, it is still a feature that many would like to have and offers a quick cook time.

Oster 1.1 cubic feet 1000W Microwave – Stainless Steel OGCMDM11S2-10

If you are looking for an affordable microwave that will still get the job done, then Oster has the microwave for you. It has a sleek, basic design and uses 1,000W of power when cooking. The microwave also has a beverage function for your coffee, tea or hot water needs. At just $90, this model is a perfect affordable microwave for someone on a budget.

Panasonic Genius Prestige NN-SD681S

The Panasonic Genius Prestige is one of the more expensive models on this list. While in the higher price range, this model is worth every penny. This large model is good for countertop or above the range setup. The model has automatic sensors that adjust to different foods. This unit is a bit noisier than some other models, but that is its only real drawback. For a higher-end model, you can’t go wrong with this microwave.

Whirlpool 1.7 cubic feet Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Electronic Touch Controls

If you are looking for the best over-the-range microwave, this Whirlpool microwave from Home Depot is one of the best.

You can heat up a dinner plate for your kids or other family members who missed dinner in no time! It comes with a dishwasher safe turntable, high-quality ventilation and a charcoal odor removing filter. The electronic touch button keypad on the control panel is easy to clean and even easier to use.

This is a top pick if you are looking for a microwave that can match your other kitchen appliances. Whirlpool is known for making great dishwashers and other household appliances.

Microwave ovens are one of the best inventions of the 20th century. When choosing a new microwave, customers have many options.

You have some microwaves that pack a lot of power, low-price tag and pleasing ascetics.

Searching for a microwave that doubles as a convection oven? They’ve got those. Maybe you want a new microwave that matches your existing kitchen appliances, you can find one!

From countertop models to over-the-range microwaves, this list will help you to choose the best microwave for you.

You might also be interested in: The 6 Quietest Refrigerators On The Market In 2020