18 Best Microwave Ovens — At All Price Points
Affordable for all your cooking needs.
getty Microwaves aren’t as simple to buy as they may sound. They come in a bunch of different sizes and wattages, and all have different bells and whistles (or buttons and features, as the case may be). It’s hard to know what's the best for your own needs, and the needs of your household.
A good rule of thumb is that, generally, the higher the wattage, the faster (and more evenly) the contents you are placing in the microwave will cook. Now, if you are just using your microwave for the occasional popcorn or leftover pizza, you may not care about a great big wattage, but for those cooking and heating up food for a family, it may matter.
Also, if you are living in a small space or are on a budget, you may consider a more compact microwave that takes up less space, may have less power, but tends to be lighter on the wallet. No matter what your needs, you’ll have a lot of options for the best microwaves on the market.
1. Toshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor
This microwave’s sensor buttons take the guesswork out of reheating your favorite foods. The microwave senses the amount of steam produced during cooking, and automatically adjusts for optimal results.
(Walmart, $104.71)
2. Panasonic Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
This 1250 Watt high power, 2.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor.
(Walmart, $159)
3. Whirlpool Countertop Microwave with Rounded Back
Tap Touch ControlsThese controls are as easy to use as they are to clean. With 10 variable power levels, this microwave lets you quickly and easily tailor your cooking to the task at hand. Pocket Handle Door Control Lock disables the control panel to avoid unintended use or other changes.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. AmazonBasics Microwave
With an Echo device (not included), quick-cook voice presets and a simplified keypad let you just ask Alexa to start microwaving. Automatically reorder popcorn when you run low.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
5. Black + Decker 700W Microwave Oven
This Black + Decker Microwave Oven makes it perfect for smaller living spaces. The spacious cooking cavity can easily fit a standard plate size without creating a bulky exterior, so it does everything you need it to do without taking up a lot of counter space.
(Target, $69.99)
6. Oster 1000W Microwave
This sleek Oster countertop microwave oven is the perfect addition. With 6 pre-set menus and 10 power levels, cooking and reheating food and drinks has never been easier. Features include a child lock, add 30 seconds function, express cook, cooking complete reminder, time and auto defrost, and a kitchen timer.
(Target, $74.99)
7. Sunbeam 900W Microwave
This Sunbeam compact size of this microwave oven is perfect for any countertop, home entertainment area or dorm room. With 9 pre-set menus and 10 power levels, cooking and reheating food and drinks is easy.
(Target, $64.99)
8. LG 1000W Countertop Microwave with Smart Inverter
The sensitive touch controls make heating up food fast and simple, while the included turntable ensures even heating. Perfect for smaller spaces, this sleek countertop microwave senses optimal temperatures and automatically turns off the microwave, eliminating the guesswork.
(Target, $139.99)
9. Samsung Countertop Microwave with Eco Mode
Senses both moisture and temperature to provide optimal heating, and Triple Distribution System improves the heat distribution to cook food more evenly and thoroughly.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
10. LG 1250W Countertop Microwave with Glass Touch Controls
Smart Inverter technology for better results. It includes 1200 watts of power with 10 power levels and 7 sensor cook options.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. KitchenAid 1200W Countertop Microwave
Capacity at 1200 watts with 10 power levels and 9 quick-touch cycles with 6 sensor cycles, electronic controls with LED display.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
12. Sharp Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
The 850-watt, over-the-range convection microwave browns, bakes, broils, crisps, and roasts with 2-color, 7-digit, interactive display. It has a stainless-steel interior with light, and 13-inch turntable provides even heating.
(Walmart, $579)
13. Procter Silex 700W Microwave
The Procter Silex microwave oven has 6 pre-set menus and 10 power levels. Additional features also include a child lock, cooking complete reminder, time and auto defrost, and a kitchen timer.
(Target, $49.99)
14. Bella 700W Microwave Oven in Ice
With 0.7 Cubic Feet of cooking capacity and 700 Watts of output power, this compact countertop microwave delivers power, style, and convenience with a sleek design and chrome accents to complement your kitchen.
(Walmart, $79.99)
15. Farberware Soft Touch 1000W Microwave
One Touch cooking programs include popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plate with multi-stage cooking that adjusts cooking level mid-cycle, and 2 automatic defrost options.
(Walmart, $89.99)
16. Nostalgia Retro Large 800W Countertop Microwave Oven
This microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods. It comes with 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and delay timer provide options for the optimal heating of foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
17. RCA Microwave
An impressive 700W of power, with 10 power levels, LED display, digital kitchen timer, and 6 1-touch cooking menus makes this a great option in the compact microwave space.
(Walmart, $69.99)
18. Kenmore Countertop Microwave Oven in Mint Green
Heat up your favorite foods with the Kenmore countertop microwave oven. With this great addition to your studio apartment, college dorm room, office breakroom, it fits anywhere you lack counterspace.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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