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A microwave is an essential household appliance. It’s perfect for eating leftovers or preparing dinner when in a rush. However, there are multiple microwaves to choose from. Many have special features, such as a convection setting, which makes your food crisper. Along with your preferences, your budget plays a role in the selection process. Here are some of the best microwaves to choose from.
Best Microwaves for Those With a Lower Budget
Sometimes money is tight, especially if you have a family. With other bills, such as utilities, you may not be able to splurge on a fancy microwave. So, here are a few affordable choices to consider.
1. Commercial Chef Chm660w Countertop Microwave, 0.6 Cu. Ft.
Got a small kitchen space? This microwave got you covered since it’s one of the best appliances for smaller countertop space. It’s good for those who live in apartments or college dorms. Despite its small size, never underestimate its impressive functions. Equipped with six power levels, it’s perfect for all your various cooking needs.
Need to reheat some night’s leftovers for breakfast? Just pop in your meal and it’s going to look tasty and fresh in minutes. Don’t have time to prepare a healthy dish for dinner? Grab some wholesome frozen goodness at the grocery store and put it in the oven to defrost and reheat.
This microwave is easy to operate with mechanical dials and a timer. There’s also a 30-minute timer that will automatically shut off when the food is ready. What’s even better is it’s easy to clean by removing the dishwasher-safe turntable.
2. Comfee’ Em720cpl-PM Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Do you find the beeping microwave noise annoying? This device comes with an on/off sound option to fix this problem. Plus, it includes multiple power settings, such as the energy-saving eco-mode.
So, you can help the planet while lowering your utility bills. It comes in a beautiful steel finish and is a compact size for a smaller space. In addition, it has a digital display and an easy-to-use control panel.
Here are a few more features:
- One-touch express cooking function settings
- Inside light and glass turntable
- One-year limited warranty.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- A manual instruction book
3. Galanz Glcmka07bkr-07 Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Do you like to see what’s happening inside the microwave when your food is cooking? Then this device is perfect for you since it lights up. The clear LED display shows the remaining cook time. The food cooks more evenly with a 360° heating rotating glass turntable.
Tired of waiting for several minutes for your frozen food to thaw? With a quick defrost feature setting based on time or weight, you can prepare and eat your favorite meals on time. Plus, the appliance also has a child safety lock and multiple power settings.
4. Nostalgia Retro B09s3xqqb4 Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
This sleek, retro-designed oven adds a pop of vintage and color to your kitchen and makes cooking exciting. With 11 colors to choose from, you can surely find one that fits your kitchen theme.
This oven is as useful as it’s visually appealing. It has 12 cook settings, and the large LED display will instantly tell you how much time remains before your food is ready. The rotating carousel will heat up the food evenly. More importantly, it’s easy to clean, perfect for those constantly on the go.
For Those With a Mid-Range Budget
Maybe you got a promotion at work or have been slowly saving up. If you can afford to raise your price range, you may be able to get an even better kitchen appliance with more features. Here are a few of the best microwaves to consider.
1. Toshiba Em131a5c-bs Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
This device offers a stylish stainless steel exterior with a pre-programmed sensor so your favorite pizza or vegetables come out nice and crisp. The appliance has a large distal display with an easy-to-use control panel. That way, you can waste less time figuring out the buttons and more time enjoying your meal.
Here are a few other useful features:
- One-touch start the popcorn
- Two defrost settings – custom or one-pound auto defrost
- Option to mute the microwave
2. Black+Decker Em925Ab9 Digital Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This stainless steel appliance will look sleek in any modern-styled home. If you have kids, it offers a child safety lock for better peace of mind. It has multiple power options and pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes and pizza.
It includes a clock and kitchen timer for more convenience. The device has a large LED display and a straightforward control panel for easy use.
3. SHARP Zsmc1132cs Carousel Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Are you looking for an easy touch-and-go feature for a microwave oven? Then add a Sharp Carousel to your kitchen. With more than touch and go, it has numerous buttons to conveniently cook, reheat and defrost your meals.
Do you enjoy the combination of a good film and popcorn? Then consider buying this appliance. It comes with a special certified popcorn preset, so you can make weekend movie nights extra special at home. Plus, it includes an LED display, providing a modern and unique look that elevates your kitchen.
Here are a few other features to pay attention to:
- “+30 Sec” button for instant start
- 11.2″ carousel turntable
- Express cook for one-touch
4. Farberware B07tm72tfx Countertop Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft.
This powerful oven from Farberware features multi-stage cooking that allows you to customize food preparation in various ways with just one touch of a button. You can defrost, cook your favorite pizza to perfection and enjoy freshly baked potatoes in minutes.
As it’s small, it’s perfect for a kitchen with limited square feet, like a home or a small office. The impressive memory function will let you save your favorite cooking settings, so the next time you use it, you can just tap one button.
For Those With a Higher Budget
If you cook regularly and want something more functional, you may want to splurge on a microwave. So, if your budget is on the higher end, consider these options.
1. GE 3-in-1 Jes1109rrss Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu. Ft.
Need a microwave oven that does three things for you? This GE 3-in-1 combines air fryer, broiler and convection features, making it a great addition to your kitchen. With all these settings, you can do many things to enjoy your meals to perfection.
Craving for crispy fried chicken? Skip the oil and cook healthier and crispier fried wings or drumsticks in a built-in air fryer in your microwave. With multiple preset controls, you can prepare and try several types of cooked dishes in minutes.
2. Breville Countertop Compact Wave Soft-Close Bmo650sil Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft.
The compact size of this modern-style oven makes it easy to store, but there’s more to it besides the efficient size that makes it fit any tight-spaced kitchen.
It has convenient features, including easy shortcuts to prepare your meals quickly. While they’re cooking, you can adjust the power or time if needed or press a button to add 30-second increments to your cooking time for the best flavor.
Need to heat up a meal in the middle of the night? The device has a soft-close door that’s 80% quieter than your regular microwave. You won’t have to worry about your neighbors or family finding out about your sneaky midnight kitchen escapades. The product also comes with a one-year limited warranty, which gives you peace of mind.
3. Galanz Gtwhg12s1sa10 4-in-1 Toastwave, 1000w, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
With its 4-in-1 function, you can toast, air fry, microwave and heat up meals using a convection setting. More incredibly, it has a patented inverter technology, which cooks, reheats or defrosts your food at a consistent, even and continuous stream of power level throughout the cooking time, even at low settings. This feature isn’t possible with a conventional microwave as its heating systems turn on and off for low settings.
With an inverter microwave, if you set the power output to 50%, it will cook your meal precisely at this level, preserving the texture, flavor, and delectable look of your meals.
4. Black+Decker Em044kb19 Over The Range Microwave Oven, 1.9 Cu. Ft.
This device makes cooking much more efficient with its one-touch cook setting. From popcorn, pizza, vegetables and frozen dishes, simplify cooking with this oven. With its 10 power settings, you have multiple options to cook your meals however you want it. You can get the perfect taste and texture with sensors that automatically stop when food is ready.
If you need to cook or heat up large dishes for colleagues visiting your home, the turntable on and off function makes it effortless to serve foods with great flavors. The best thing is its two-speed fan system that allows you to make any dish you crave without cooking odors.
This microwave is perfect for people with children. It’s easy to maintain with a CleanRealse non-stick interior. It also includes a four-speed span for better food ventilation. It also uses intelligent sensors to adjust cook times automatically.
So you can spend less time watching the timer. You can even save space with a steam cooking device sold separately.
5. Panasonic Nn-sn75lb Microwave Oven, 1.6 Cu. Ft.
This device uses technology to circulate 3D waves to heat food more efficiently. The microwave also uses a simple cooking process with a sensor and auto cook options. It has smart cooking presets for frozen entrees, vegetables and oatmeal. In addition, it has turbo defrost and senor reheat for quicker cooking.
Here are some other valuable features:
- Dedicated buttons for popcorn, “keep warm” and “quick 30”
- Child lock
- Kitchen timer
- Three-stage cooking
6. Samsung Mc11k7035cg/aa Countertop Convection Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
This appliance uses convection technology to minimize hot and cold spots. Also, the grill function is perfect for heating meats. It can make your food nice and crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
Its fingerprint resistance can keep it looking brand new for people with children. It includes a child safety lock as well.
Best Microwaves For Your Home
When buying appliances, there are many choices. You want to find ones that have helpful settings and work well in your space. Budget is also a significant factor. So, review this guide of the best microwaves for every budget before heading to the store.
Original Publish Date 2/15/2023 — Updated 11/27/2023
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About The Author
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience immersed in researching and writing on interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops in Lancaster.
Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, Fieldwire, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.
For more sharp takes on design, construction, and everything in between, you can follow Evelyn on Twitter at @renovatedmag.
