<p>In the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Good Housekeeping Institute”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, our analysts have researched, evaluated and tested hundreds of small appliances in the last decade alone, including 30 microwave models. <strong>In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new microwaves conducting over 10 tests on each model over the span of two months.</strong> When we test microwaves we assess everything from ease of opening the door to how intuitive the control panel is to navigate. To assess whether each microwave offers even heat distribution, speed and efficiency we pop popcorn, reheat a large casserole, melt cheese on bread, defrost ground beef and so much more. If they offer <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a24630295/best-air-fryers-reviews/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a24630295/best-air-fryers-reviews/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”air fry”>air fry</a>, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/g251/best-toaster-ovens/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/g251/best-toaster-ovens/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”toast”>toast</a> or convection settings, we test those as well.</p><p>You can read more about how we test microwaves in our Lab at the end of this guide — plus how to shop for your ideal type of microwave. Interested in other small kitchen appliances for cooking? Check out our guides to <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/slow-cooker-reviews/g1996/top-rated-slow-cookers/” target=”_blank”>best slow cookers</a>, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/multi-cooker-reviews/g45523105/best-multi-cookers/” target=”_blank”>multi-cookers</a> and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/pressure-cooker-reviews/g204/electric-pressure-cooker-reviews/” target=”_blank”>pressure cookers</a>.</p>”/>
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1
Best overall microwave oven
Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave
1
Best overall microwave oven
Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave
Pros
- Offers “sensor cook” preset
- Produced four perfectly cooked baked potatoes in testing
- Seven settings in one appliance
Cons
- Presets listed on inside of microwave, instead of on control panel
Though it’s smaller than most of the other 1000-watt microwaves we’ve tested, this Toshiba still fits a dinner plate nicely. This microwave had the most even heat distribution out of all microwaves recently tested and is a microwave that we have long-term tested for almost a year now with continued excellent performance.
It has all the necessary features and more including food presets (that are listed on the interior), a child safety lock and a plus-30-seconds button. This model offers seven different ways to cook — microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, sensor cook and “combi” cook — making it a true multitasker in the kitchen. If you use the “sensor cook” preset, it will utilize the microwave’s built-in humidity sensor to adjust power and cooking time accordingly.
This model completely melted cheese, produced four perfectly cooked baked potatoes and reheated a large casserole of mac and cheese more evenly than 11 other models we tested. It also offers a mute button to turn off beeps and alerts when the cooking time ends. We love the handlebar design for opening the door — rather than a button you push — because it’s more ergonomic. Keep in mind that this model comes with quite a bit of accessories that require storing, including an air fry tray, air fryer basket, lower wire rack and higher wire rack. (A chart in the instruction manual explains the best uses for each accessory, so you may want to hold on to the manual.)
| Installation | Countertop |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 16.3 x 11.8 inches |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1 cubic foot |
2
Best value microwave
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven
2
Best value microwave
Hamilton Beach Countertop Microwave Oven
Pros
- Comes in three different colorways
- Six cooking presets
- Easy-to-read and clean control panel
Cons
- Buttons are hard to read in a dimly lit room because they aren’t backlit
We appreciate Hamilton Beach microwaves for delivering high performance at low pricepoints. This microwave is the newer model of our best value pick which was recently discontinued. We appreciate that it has the same easy-to-read and clean control panel and that this newer model boasts a handle. When we Lab-tested the previous model, we were impressed with how well the popcorn preset performed, only leaving 0.2 ounces of 3.2 ounces of the popcorn kernels unpopped — better results than more expensive microwaves we tested.
This model has a power output of 1,000 watts, which is usually a wattage found in pricier models. It comes with all the critical features: A plus-30-seconds button, a child safety lock, six cooking presets and one-touch express buttons for one to six minutes. Plus, it comes in three different colorways to coordinate with your other kitchen appliances.
We also love that this microwave features a built-in kitchen timer that allows you to use the microwave simultaneously. Keep in mind that this microwave’s presets are also listed on the interior of the microwave and reviewers noted that the buttons were hard to read in a dimly lit room because they aren’t backlit.
| Installation | Countertop |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 16.5 x 11.8 inches |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1.1 cubic feet |
3
Best over-the-range microwave
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
3
Best over-the-range microwave
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Pros
- Can use voice commands to operate microwave
- Scan-to-cook technology
- Heated food quickly in testing
Cons
- Only for over-the-range use
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a Kitchen Gear Award winner which can be installed right over your stove and boasts smart technology. This sleek over-the-range microwave features a compatible Whirlpool app which you can use on your phone or tablet to operate it even when you’re not by your stove. You can start it, monitor cooking and even adjust settings all over Wi-Fi.
You can also use voice commands via Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device when your hands are tied with other prep tasks. It also has scan-to-cook technology which allows you to scan the barcode of frozen items and send cooking instructions directly to the microwave. In our testing we found this microwave to heat food quickly and that it is easy to program with a smooth touchscreen for easy cleaning. It also has helpful presets like Potato and “Accupop” for popping popcorn to help you get the best results by just pressing a button.
| Installation | Over-the-range |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.2 x 29.9 x 16 inches |
| Wattage | 1,550 watts |
| Size | 1.9 cubic feet |
4
Best built-in microwave
LG Built-In Microwave and Speed Oven
4
Best built-in microwave
LG Built-In Microwave and Speed Oven
Now 41% Off
Pros
- Highly versatile settings
- App offers 10,000+ recipes
- Scan barcode techology
Cons
- Pricey
LG microwaves have performed well in our side-by-side microwave tests and while we haven’t tested this model yet, we think it’s a great built-in microwave option. It has convection technology that allows you to do things like broil and air fry. Essentially, it uses a combination of heating elements to skip preheating but still cook faster with oven-like results. It also features settings like proof, dehydrate and defrost, making it a highly versatile built-in model.
LG also has the ThinQ app that you can use to access more than 10,000 recipes, start the oven, set timers or check on dinner no matter where you are. You can even scan the barcode on a selection of ready-made meals to remotely set temperature and cooking time like the Whirlpool model above. We love the sleek design of this built-in microwave oven with “SmoothTouch” glass controls and the drawer-style oven door with a large pull-out handle.
| Installation | Built-in |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.12 x 29.75 x 23.19 inches |
| Wattage | 1,900 watts |
| Size | 1.7 cubic feet |
5
Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
5
Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Now 18% Off
Pros
- Inverter technology
- 20 different presets
Cons
- Multiple accessories require storing
This microwave air fryer combo from Panasonic also features a broiler and convection oven, all in one sleek-looking model that performed very well in Lab testing. It can perform simple tasks like popping a bag of popcorn, as well as more complicated jobs like baking a cake in the convection oven or air frying chicken wings. We tried both and were especially impressed with how evenly the convection oven baked a nine-inch yellow cake and how crispy chicken wings were with the air fry function.
A Kitchen Gear Award winning model, it features Panasonic inverter technology which uses a continuous stream of power to thoroughly heat foods. While this microwave offers 20 presets, we recommend reviewing the instruction manual before operating to understand how they all work and which included accessories should be used.
| Installation | Countertop, built-in |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 x 15.4 x 9 inches |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1.2 cubic feet |
How we test the best microwaves
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve researched, evaluated and tested hundreds of small appliances in the last decade alone, testing over 30 microwaves in that time.
While we’ve formally tested most of the models on this list, for models that we haven’t tested yet, we included models from brands we’ve tested before and trust with microwave technology. We also vetted user reviews and used our decades of cooking and appliance knowledge to understand what to look for when it comes to buying.
In our recent side-by-side Lab test, we tested 12 new microwave models, conducting over 10 tests and collecting more than 500 data points. To select our top picks, we went through 124 slices of bread, 48 potatoes and 18 pounds of mac and cheese. We rate each model on performance, ease of use, heat distribution and range of settings and presets.
To test countertop microwaves, we evaluate how evenly they melt cheese (pictured above) and “bake” potatoes (pictured here). Melting cheese on bread shows how uniformly a microwave melts and distributes heat, in case there are any hot spots. And we “bake” four potatoes to evaluate the speed, power and consistency of each microwave.
We cook a large mac and cheese casserole on the stovetop, chill it overnight and then reheat it in a microwave. After being reheated, we collect the temperature of 10 different sections of casserole and examine the finished product for signs of overcooking, like a dried out consistency or burnt areas. A dinner plate of meatloaf with sides is also reheated in each microwave, collecting the temperature of each section and assessing the cooking.
We test presets like the popcorn setting to see how well each microwave pops a bag of popcorn. We weigh the unpopped kernels that remain and assess any burning that occurred. We also test the defrost preset on microwaves by defrosting a pound of frozen ground beef (in two different shapes).
Lastly, if a microwave also functions as a toaster oven, convection oven or air fryer, we put those features to the test by toasting bread, baking a cake and air frying chicken wings.
We consider ease of use when it comes to the control panel, positioning the turntable, opening and closing the door, navigating the control panel, presets, settings and cleaning the microwave.
What to look for when shopping for the best microwave
✔️ Installation: In this story we’ve selected top microwave models that can meet the needs of a variety of consumers and their installation needs:
- Countertop microwaves require a dedicated space on your countertop, but tend to be the most affordable option.
- Over-the-range microwaves are designed specifically to fit above your stove and should be installed by a professional.
- Built-in microwaves afford you more space on your countertop and usually have a sleek design, but require installation and are usually more expensive.
✔️ Size: The internal size of a microwave is noted as cubic feet and it will determine just how much you can fit inside. Based on our research, the most common capacity for countertop microwaves is around 1.2 cubic feet, but microwaves can be anywhere from 0.8 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet on average and microwave air fryers tend to be a bit larger compared to models with less settings. On average built-in models also tend to be a little larger than countertop models because countertop space isn’t an issue with built-ins. Pick the size that best fits your space and needs.
✔️ Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. If you are reheating individual portions of food, defrosting small quantities of vegetables or making popcorn, a 700- to 900-watt microwave may be sufficient. For more varied use, you’d want at least 1,000 watts of power. The heating instructions for most packaged frozen meals are based on a 1,000-watt microwave. Anything lower will simply take longer to heat through. Usually microwaves with higher wattage can also perform other settings like air fry or broil.
✔️ Settings: While traditional microwaves have basic cooking settings, newer models like microwave air fryer combos have more advanced cooking settings. Some feature air fry, but also many other settings like broil, convection or even grill or dehydrate. If you think you would get use out of more settings then go for it. The more settings on a microwave, the more troubleshooting it needs to find the right way to use them.
✔️ Features: There are a lot of great bells and whistles on the market these days. These are some that make microwave use so much easier:
- Smart sensors adjust the time and power level for you by automatically measuring the humidity in your food. They take the guesswork out of figuring out how much longer to add to the cooking time.
- Inverter technology delivers power continuously while traditional microwaves cycle their power on and off.
- Turntables rotate your food to make sure it heats evenly. Without one, you’d have to stop the cooking cycle midway just to turn your plate around. Removable ones are easier to clean.
- A plus-30-seconds button may seem trivial, but it makes a huge difference — it allows you to quickly start or add more time without having to press a series of buttons. Director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Nicole Papantoniou especially loves this button to start a microwave without having to push any additional buttons.
- Preset functions are standard these days, especially for defrosting (based on either weight or quantity), reheating and popcorn. But you might want a potato, beverage or melt preset. More isn’t always better, and they tend to make the microwave pricier, so look for a model that has what you need.
- Barcode scanning technology allows you to scan the barcode of your food and the microwave will automatically adjust its settings to cook the packaged food.
- Child safety locks on microwaves are a good feature to look for if you have small children in your home. With this feature, the control panel of the oven is “locked” so that children or anyone unfamiliar with it cannot operate it accidentally.
Which microwave brand is best?
In our Lab testing, we’ve tested many microwave brands. The top five microwave models on this list come from brands that have tested well. One brand that especially stood out for its performance is Toshiba and that is why it’s our best overall microwave, but we also appreciate the performance of Panasonic, Hamilton Beach, Whirlpool and LG.
What’s the most powerful microwave you can get?
To determine how powerful a microwave is, you have to look at the model’s wattage. The most powerful microwave on this list is our built-in pick from LG which boasts 1,900 watts of power. This model isn’t a traditional microwave though as it features convection technology with air fry and broil settings. For a traditional microwave, 1,000 watts of power will deliver the right amount of power for reheating and cooking ingredients though. It’s best to first look at what settings you desire in your microwave instead of solely looking for the most powerful microwave on the market.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers to kitchen scales to blenders. Eva conducted the most recent side-by-side testing of 12 new microwave models in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. While Eva doesn’t cook in a microwave every day she loves the convenience of being able to quickly melt butter or instantly make a bowl of oatmeal.
Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Reviews Analyst
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
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