Looking for a new microwave? We've compiled a list of the best microwaves we've tested personally. These microwaves allow you to cook, reheat, and defrost food while preserving vitamins and nutrients at an affordable price, all while reducing your energy bills.
“There are some myths that microwaves take nutrients out of food, but numerous experts, including Harvard University, say that's not true,” says Wes Wright, founder and CEO of CookOut News. Also, microwaving is a healthy cooking method because, unlike other techniques, it doesn't use oil.” If you're looking for a quick, convenient, and healthy way to cook, keep reading.
Also, Wright tells us how to pick a microwave. “The first thing to think about is where you'll place it in your kitchen: Will it be on the counter or mounted?” This will help you narrow down your choices,” he says. If you're unsure, go check out our guide on the best over-the-range microwaves. For compact microwaves, we've compared the best models.
The best microwaves we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Our team has carefully reviewed the products in our buyer's guides. We aim to offer comprehensive and unbiased rankings based on our hands-on testing and expert research. Our evaluations take into account top-rated brands and essential features to help you make informed purchasing decisions at the best value. We rigorously test compact microwaves for heating efficiency, control panel functionality, and size to provide accurate and reliable reviews.
The best microwave overall
Thanks to its multifunctional capabilities and advanced sensor technology, the Toshiba Countertop Microwave cooks evenly and consistently. With a thoughtfully designed control panel and reliable magnetron functionality, it delivers consistent results across multiple cooking modes. It's also a space-saving option for versatile cooking
According to Terri Williams, the Toshiba countertop microwave has impressive functionality as a microwave, broiler, baker, and air fryer. Using the sensor cook feature, different dishes cook evenly. She baked cookies using the convection setting, and they turned out crispy and gooey. The air-fried meatballs were also great.
A wide range of cooking functions make this microwave easy to use. Terri liked the sensor cook feature since she didn't need to guess how long it takes to cook various foods. Both the air fryer and baking options keep the temperature consistent, so you don't have to keep an eye on them constantly. Terri also enjoyed the popcorn setting, which produced nearly perfect popcorn.
For those unfamiliar with multifunctional appliances, HomeFry mode, and sensor cooking presets make the microwave easy to use. The display and tactile dial are easy to read. To avoid cooking mishaps, users need to know which trays and racks to use for each function. Further customization is possible with features like a kitchen timer/clock and sound on/off/lock.
According to Terri, the microwave defrosts and reheats food well. Its sensor technology automatically adjusts power and timing based on the food. It integrates air fry and convection features seamlessly, making it perfect for people with limited counter space.
With its sleek black and stainless steel design, the microwave fits seamlessly into Terri's kitchen décor. This unit measures 11.8 x 20 x 16.3 inches and provides ample interior space for baking trays and air fryer baskets.
Read more: Toshiba ML2-TC10SAIT review
"Yes, the Toshiba ML2-TC10SAIT can microwave, but it also does air frying, broiling, and baking. Its multifunctional capabilities and sensor technology ensure consistent cooking results, and I love how space-saving it is despite its substantial capabilities. The heating works reliably, and the control panel is easy to use. I highly recommend it."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | multifunctional capabilities; also air fries, broils, and bakes; sensor cook feature; popcorn function delivers nearly perfect results | 9/10 |
| Time Consistency | evenly heats pre-cooked meals; sensor cook feature; some trial and error may be needed | 8/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | intuitive, with easy-to-read buttons and a dial for selections; ; range of functions, including Power, Broil/Bake, Combi, and Sensor Cook; remembering the correct trays and racks for each function can be tedious | 8/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | reliable performance for standard microwave functions | 8/10 |
| Size and Space | compact yet spacious enough for most tasks; accommodates standard dishes and trays | 7/10 |
The best budget microwave
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS microwave heats up quickly and cooks well. The control panel has a handy preset, but it doesn't have a sensor reheat button. The magnetron works well for everyday use, and its size makes it perfect for small counter spaces.
Whether she was cooking frozen dinners or reheating soup, our reviewer, Angie, said the microwave heats food quickly and evenly, without burnt spots. Although it didn't have the power of larger models, it browned marshmallows well without leaving cold spots and popped popcorn well, with hardly any unpopped kernels.
In her experience with the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS, Angie loved how well it heated everything she tried. The potato cooking button proved reliable, consistently delivering nearly perfect results.
With its straightforward control panel and user-friendly features, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS is easy to use. You can quickly set up presets for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, veggies, beverages, and dinner plates. Even though the interface is clear, Angie wished there was a sensor reheat button, however. Express cook buttons are great for quick meals, and you can easily set power levels and cook times.
The Toshiba EM925A5A-BS defrosts meat and cooks frozen foods well. Although it's not the most powerful option, it's a good choice for everyday cooking. It heats food evenly; larger or denser items might take a bit longer to heat, but it's still pretty good.
It has a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, so you can fit standard dinner plates, mixing bowls, and popcorn bags inside. During her testing, Terri found the interior to be surprisingly spacious, meeting most of her cooking needs without feeling cramped. It's smartly designed to maximize function while minimizing space. For larger family meals, it might feel a little restrictive, so consider your cooking style before buying.
Read more: Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Review
"Despite its compact size, the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS microwave heats up fast and consistently. The control panel is easy to use, but there's no sensor reheat button. It's a nice microwave for everyday use, and it fits nicely on a small countertop."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | effectively handles most cooking tasks; excelled in the marshmallow test; not the most powerful | 8/10 |
| Time Consistency | maintained even heat levels across its cooking surface | 9/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | good range of presets and power levels; lacks advanced features like moisture sensors | 8/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | 900-watt magnetron provides adequate power for most tasks; performs well for its size and price point | 8/10 |
| Size and Space | comfortably fits a dinner plate, mixing bowl, and large popcorn bag; may not be ideal for cooking large family dinners | 7/10 |
The best premium microwave
With the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, you get the functionality of a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven all in one. Although it has some limitations, it's a valuable addition to any kitchen due to its heating efficiency, consistent cooking times, easy-to-use control panel, magnetron functionality, and compact size.
The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 impresses reviewer Marah with its heating performance. It is also a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven. It consistently delivers excellent results, whether she is microwaving soup or roasting chicken legs. The microwave heats food fast and evenly, while the convection and air fry settings make it perfectly crispy. Marah also liked the presets for popcorn and pizza and how the appliance maintained consistent temperatures.
Marah loved the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 for its sensor technology that prevents chicken legs from overcooking. With the convection setting, she got crispy skin and juicy meat in just the right amount of time. She also liked the option of customizing the cycle-end music, which added a personal touch to her cooking experience. While the appliance emits a whooshing noise during convection and air frying, it quickly becomes background noise.
An intuitive control panel enhances the versatility of the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1. The microwave has two easy-to-use knobs for adjusting time and temperature, along with a clear digital display. There are dedicated buttons for switching between microwave, air fry, and convection modes. Users can save their favorite settings with the "heart" button, and the "food menu" button simplifies cooking with preset options. The organized control panel makes it easy to use despite its multifunctionality.
Regarding size and space, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 has advantages and disadvantages. The multifunctional capabilities make it a great addition to Marah's kitchen, even if it initially seems intimidating. It's got a sleek stainless steel finish, accommodates baking trays and air fryer baskets, and fits in nicely with her kitchen decor despite its bulk. Because there's only one cooking surface, you have to plan your meals carefully since you can't cook simultaneously.
Read more: Breville BMO870BSS1BUC1 Combi Wave review
"This Breville Combi Wave is a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven all in one. Despite its size, it's a great addition to any kitchen because of its well-designed control panel and reliable magnetron. Its sleek design and multifunctionality make it worth its space."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | effectively performing as a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven; handles a variety of cooking tasks with ease, from reheating soup to baking cookies and roasting chicken; presets and sensor functions | 9/10 |
| Time Consistency | consistently delivers well-cooked results across different functions; cooking times are optimized for each dish | 9/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a large digital readout and two knobs; ability to customize sound cues; "heart" button to save favorite settings | 9/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | reliable microwave functionality; need to select appropriate settings and accessories for each cooking mode | 8/10 |
| Size and Space | substantial appliance; single cooking surface, limiting the ability to cook multiple items | 7/10 |
The best microwave for popcorn
With its quick heating, easy-to-use control panel, and consistent results across a variety of meals, the GE JES1145SHSS microwave is perfect for busy kitchens. Its compact design accommodates large dishes, so it's a reliable and efficient choice for everyday cooking despite limited counter space.
In her tests, our reviewer Angie cooked everything from frozen meals to popcorn, achieving consistently good results. The GE JES1145SHSS microwave heated food fast and thoroughly, just what Angie needed in her busy kitchen. Food was hot and ready in no time, and she particularly relied on the preset buttons for popcorn and pizza, which heated everything evenly.
This microwave is great for consistency in timing. For instance, a frozen macaroni and cheese meal reached 171°F in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds, cooking perfectly. In just 30 seconds, Angie heated up a corn dog, even though it took a little longer.
GE's JES1145SHSS microwave has an easy-to-use control panel. With touch buttons, Angie picked her favorite settings. With buttons for popcorn, pizza, and frozen vegetables, she didn't have to navigate a complicated interface. Even without advanced features like a sensor reheat button, the LED display is clear enough to let her see how long is left during cooking.
With limited counter space, Angie's GE JES1145SHSS microwave worked perfectly. Despite its compact size, it easily accommodated large dishes, like mixing bowls and dinner plates. It fits comfortably on the counter without feeling cramped. It's important to consider its height, though, because it might not fit under cabinets that are low.
Read more: GE JES1145SHSS review
"GE's JES1145SHSS is a great compact microwave, offering a good range of cooking options and impressive performance."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | effectively cooking a variety of foods; performed exceptionally well in tests, such as cooking frozen macaroni and cheese and popcorn | 9/10 |
| Time Consistency | consistently delivers well-cooked results; a few instances, like cooking a potato, where some raw spots were noted | 8/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | range of standard presets, including popcorn, pizza, and potato buttons, as well as options for beverages and frozen vegetables; lacks a sensor reheat button | 7/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | obust performance, supporting efficient cooking and reheating | 8/10 |
| Size and Space | accommodates standard dinner plates; size is manageable for most households | 8/10 |
The best convection microwave oven
Samsung's 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Power Convection isn't just for heating food. You can grill, bake, air fry, and defrost; it even works with an app. While it takes longer to fry or grill food compared to a traditional air fryer or outdoor grill, no matter what function you use, this Samsung microwave consistently produces delicious results.
It's heavy but easy to set up. The SmartThings app makes cooking notifications easy, but the voice control setup isn't straightforward. Our reviewer, Alex, wasn't sure about power convection versus convection cooking because the instruction manual didn't explain it well.
The Samsung 1.2 cu. ft. countertop microwave surprised Alex with its size. It didn't fit on her microwave stand, so she had to put it on her breakfast table. While the interior is spacious, the exterior is bulky, like a wall-mounted microwave. The sleek black design features a 39-inch power cord and a door that pulls down like an oven. There are eight glass touch controls, including presets and a dial to guide you. The ceramic enamel interior includes a 15-inch glass turntable and convection cooking accessories.
Alex tested the Samsung 1.2 cu. ft. The countertop microwave with power convection has various cooking modes, such as microwave, air fry, grill, and convection. The microwave runs at 900W, while grilling and convection reach 1600W and 1650W, respectively. She tested each option, starting with Keep Warm and Defrost.
It was good at air frying but took longer than Alex's air fryer. The grill function made juicy, moist chicken legs but didn't have the distinct flavor of an outdoor grill. She liked the Convection mode because it cooked biscuits faster than an oven, and Grill Combi offers baking options.
Even though it's an efficient alternative to a grill, some functions require experimentation.
Alex liked this unit's deodorizing feature, which worked effectively. While the glass plate and turntable can be washed in the dishwasher, the microwave interior is usually cleaned with a damp cloth and some dish soap. It works well, but regular cleaning means you don't need it as often.
Read more: Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA review
"The Samsung 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Power Convection is a large microwave that does more than just heat food. It can grill, bake, air fry, and defrost foods and has app connectivity. Sure, it might take longer to fry or grill foods than in an air fryer or an outdoor grill, but this Samsung produces tasty food no matter the function."
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | 900-1650-watt power; no typical microwave presets, but extra perks like air frying, convection cooking, grilling, and combination cooking | 9/10 |
| Time Consistency | generally reliable; may take longer to air fry and grill meats compared to air fryers and grills; Time Defrost option | 7/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | Sleek and modern design with an oven-like door, glass touch buttons, and a dial to scroll through options | 8/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | 900-1650-watt magnetron (depending on cooking function); can handle a variety of cooking functions | 9/10 |
| Size and Space | Large microwave; accommodates standard dinner plates but may take up too much room on most countertops | 7/10 |
The best inverter microwave
The Panasonic microwave's old-school controls and stainless steel finish give it a stylish look, but it can be a little tricky to use.
With its 950-watt power and inverter technology, the Panasonic NN-SD372SR cooked consistently and reduced cold spots during testing. It keeps food warm for up to 30 minutes without overcooking, so it's perfect for gatherings. The popcorn setting wasn't perfect, but the kernels popped well without burning. Baking potatoes was easy, and it turned out well. It might take a bit of experimenting to figure out the right cooking time, but once mastered, the microwave consistently delivers great food.
Although the unique control panel can be challenging to navigate, it cooks food evenly. Our reviewer, Angie, cooked potatoes and pizza rolls with only an 8-degree variance in temperature. The recommended cooking times printed inside the door are helpful even though there aren't a lot of preset options. The Auto Reheat and Auto Cook function is really cool, but you have to get used to it. Despite sometimes overcooking certain foods, like popcorn, it's a good user experience.
It's hard to use the microwave's control panel at first because it has horizontal buttons and a dial. Compared to typical models with preset buttons, it may take some time to figure out how to use the interface. Once you get used to it, though, it's pretty powerful. You can use features like Turbo Inverter Defrosting and Keep Warm when cooking. It was inconvenient that there were only a few preset buttons, but the Quick Minute button and More/Less popcorn options helped.
Inverter technology keeps power steady, so it's perfect for gently heating delicate items.
Panasonic's NN-SD372SR is perfect for small kitchens. It can fit a 10.5-inch dinner plate and a medium-sized mixing bowl, so it's perfect for individual meals or small families. Due to the height restrictions, however, it may have to adjust taller items like 7-inch glasses. Its compact design fits neatly on the countertop without overwhelming the space, and the stylish stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen décor.
Read more: Panasonic NN-SD372SR review
"Panasonic's NN-SD372SR microwave is a great choice if you're looking for a microwave that heats efficiently and consistently. I'm really impressed with it. It cooks food evenly, and it's got 950 watts and inverter technology. It's compact but spacious, perfect for small kitchens. Overall, it's a great addition to any kitchen!"
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | 950-watt power and inverter technology; excelled in cooking tests, particularly with potatoes; wasn't perfect with popcorn | 8/10 |
| Time Consistency | a strong point for this microwave; only an 8-degree difference noted in tests with pizza rolls | 8/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | unique but can be challenging to master due to its unconventional design; useful features like Keep Warm and Inverter Turbo Defrost; lack of preset buttons for common foods | 6/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | 950-watt magnetron, combined with inverter technology | 9/10 |
| Size and Space | reasonable space for a compact microwave; can accommodate a 10.5-inch dinner plate and a mixing bowl; height may limit the use of taller items | 7/10 |
The best large capacity microwave
The LG NeoChef impressed our reviewer, Marah, especially when it came to heating efficiency and cooking consistency. Although the control panel could be improved, she appreciated its spacious interior and quick results.
The LG NeoChef heated food so efficiently that Marah noticed it right away. When she microwaved her soup for just 2 minutes, it came out scalding hot, even baking on the sides! This feature was a blessing when she was in a hurry or reheating leftovers for her kids. It always came out evenly heated and ready to eat. It did take some adjustment, though, especially if you've used a less powerful one before.
Marah loves that the LG NeoChef cooks her food in the expected time frame, so meal prep is stress-free. Using the sensor reheat setting, she heated leftover lasagna in just over a minute and a half. She had to be careful, though, since it could overcook.
While using the LG NeoChef's control panel was generally easy, Marah found it frustrating. The flat button design made navigation simple, with options for popcorn, sensor cook, and defrost. There were times, though, when she could not open the door quickly because the button was finicky. The sensor cook feature was okay, but she wished there were more preset options. It required a precise touch, which was annoying when you're multitasking in the kitchen.
With a two-cubic-foot capacity, the NeoChef fits a lot of dishes. Marah could fit mixing bowls and multiple plates inside without worrying about space issues, which was a big plus for her family. She chose an all-black microwave, so it dominated the counter. Nevertheless, she appreciated the generous interior, which allowed her to reheat large platters or several items at the same time.
Read more: LG LMC2075ST review
"In a world where stellar microwave oven options abound, the LG LMC2075ST gets the job done but fails to impress much beyond that."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | 1200-watt power; excels in tasks like reheating soup and leftovers | 8/10 |
| Time Consistency | generally reliable; microwave's powerful performance can sometimes lead to uneven heating if not monitored closely; sensor reheat function works well | 7/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | straightforward, featuring essential buttons like sensor cook, sensor reheat, and defrost; limited number of presets and the lack of a quick-start feature; 30-second increment button | 7/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | robust functionality; high wattage ensures quick heating | 8/10 |
| Size and Space | a large microwave that can accommodate large platters and multiple items | 6/10 |
The best microwave for small spaces
With 700 watts, the Cuisinart CMW-70 microwave oven heats evenly and efficiently. Auto-cooking functions are nice, but sometimes you have to adjust cooking times. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces. The control panel layout can be a bit confusing, but the magnetron function ensures consistent heating.
After a week of testing, Alex Temblador found that the CMW-70 heated food evenly, despite its low wattage. She uses the auto-cook feature to soften butter, cook popcorn, and melt chocolate. The Soften/Melt setting is great for baking since it doesn't overheat the chocolate or butter.
Alex adjusted the microwave's timing for certain tasks, like popcorn, to avoid overcooking. Overall, the microwave worked well but needed some adaptation due to its unique control setup.
She liked the Express Cook option but noted that she had to press "Cook Time" first before setting manual times.
The control panel is located on the right side, and features preprogrammed touchpads for easy access to auto-cook settings for options like pizza and vegetables. Alex found it cumbersome to press "Cook Time" before entering the cooking time. The “Add Time” button makes it easy to add time increments. Even though the memory function saves frequently used settings, Alex didn't really use it. The panel's layout could be better, but it offers several good options.
Despite its 700 watts, the Cuisinart CMW-70's magnetron function works well as a compact microwave. Although it doesn't have as much power as a higher-wattage microwave, it handles basic things like defrosting and reheating well. With the Inverter Turbo Defrost feature, Alex defrosted food without partially cooking it.
Those with limited counter space will appreciate the Cuisinart CMW-70 Microwave Oven for its size and utility. At 0.7 cubic feet, it fits perfectly in small kitchens or apartments without sacrificing functionality. It is designed for standard plates and bowls, but tall cups and larger dishes can be tricky to fit.
A sleek black design with stainless steel accents makes this microwave perfect for single servings and smaller portions.
Read more: Cuisinart CMW-70 review
"Despite having to adjust cooking times sometimes, the Cuisinart Microwave Oven delivered consistent heating thanks to its 700-watt heating and auto-cook features. The control panel layout was a bit cumbersome, but the compact size made it perfect for my small kitchen. It's only 700 watts, so you'll sacrifice power, but it still heats and cooks as you'd expect. With eight auto-cook functions and extra features like two-step cooking and memory, you can customize your cooking time or make it a simple process."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Efficiency | provides adequate heating efficiency for basic tasks; auto-cook functions, such as Potato and Frozen Veggies, perform well; larger items may require additional time | 7/10 |
| Time Consistency | handles smaller items well; items like salmon packages may not rotate properly; popcorn function also requires careful monitoring | 6/10 |
| Control Panel and Functionality | user-friendly, offering a range of preprogrammed touchpad functions; two-step cooking and memory functions; +30SEC button is a convenient addition | 8/10 |
| Magnetron Functionality | 700-watt magnetron provides basic functionality; lacks the power for more demanding cooking | 6/10 |
| Size and Space | compact and ideal for small spaces; fits standard plates and smaller items well; larger dishes or tall cups may not fit comfortably | 7/10 |
How to choose the best microwave for you
Before buying a new microwave, consider size, wattage, power levels, safety, smart features, and budget.
Size: Wright says, “A standard-sized microwave is usually 1.5 to 2 cubic feet. To pick the capacity you'll need, measure the size of any bakeware you plan to use in it and make sure it fits.”
Wattage: “You'll want a microwave that's around 700 - 1,000 watts because most microwaves use that as a basis for cooking time. If you go over or under, your food will more often be undercooked or overcooked, respectively.”
Power level: Also, consider power levels – m"st freestanding (also known as solo) microwaves let you adjust this to suit different foods, as you don’t want to cook everything at full power. Higher don't work best for liquids, including soups, drinks, or veggies. Medium power is ideal for ready-made meals, while low power is better for delicate jobs like melting chocolate or butter. Many of the best microwaves offer reheating and defrosting modes, too.
Smart and safety features: Newer models have microwave inverter technology, which uses a continuous stream of heat at reduced power to cook foods more evenly than traditional pulsing microwaves. Other smart features include voice-activated controls and barcode scanning (via an app) to activate an auto-cook time. Investing in a microwave with a clear view door will mean you don’t need to keep opening it to check on the food. Some have a child lock function that disables the control panel, preventing children from accidentally starting the kitchen appliance unsupervised.
Budget: Wright recommends spending between $200 - $350 for a microwave. Expect to pay more for smart features and microwaves, including additional cooking methods like grilling and baking.
Microwaves FAQs
How much does a microwave cost?
A microwave can cost anywhere between $100 to $600 on average, depending on the brand, type, features, and size. Typically, countertops and compact/portable microwaves are cheaper than over-the-range types, as these tend to come with installation costs.
We'll update our helpful hub of cheap microwave deals throughout the year, reflecting any current or upcoming significant shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any other major holiday that may bring deals and discounts. So, ep check back with us or bookmark this page for your reference.
How long do microwaves last?
Generally, if used by an average family and looked after with good maintenance, a microwave can often last for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by just one person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to 10 years.
The keyword here is maintenance; knowing how to clean a microwave is essential to increasing its lifespan and general hygiene. If you're looking for some extra tips on microwave maintenance 101, we've put together a cheat sheet of useful cleaning hacks for microwaves to help you keep your microwave in tip-top condition.
Typically, after the decade mark, it is recommended to replace your microwave, or at least take it to an electronics specialist to get it checked over/serviced to ensure it is working correctly and safely (my parents were gifted a microwave in the '80s as a wedding present that lasted them over 30 years - don't hang onto one that long.) Of course, any smoke, sparking, or burning smells is an immediate sign of a severe problem, and you should replace your microwave immediately.
Are microwaves safe?
Yes – microwaves are very safe if you follow the manufacturer's instructions. People have expressed concerns over the years regarding radiation, but microwaves use low-frequency electromagnetic radiation. This is the same kind of radiation used in radio and lightbulbs. These waves are contained within the microwave, too. It is a different kind of radiation from X-rays, which uses ionizing radiation to detach electrons from atoms.
It also depends on the type of plastic you use to heat your food; avoid using anything that changes shape or melts, and don’t put anything metallic or foil in the microwave. Always ensure that the food is thoroughly heated through and piping hot in the middle to avoid food poisoning.
When is the best time to buy a microwave?
The best time to get a microwave deal is during a big sale. Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, which happen in summer, October, and late November, offer huge discounts on electronics, including microwaves. It's a great time to find a bargain because retailers often slash prices to get customers to shop around the holidays. It's also a good time to shop around Christmas and New Year.
Manufacturers usually release new microwave models in the spring and fall. As new models hit the shelves, older models usually get a price cut. You can get a high-quality compact microwave for a great price, especially if you don't care about the latest features.
Another great time to buy a microwave is late in the summer, especially in August. Many retailers offer discounts to college students moving into apartments or dorms.
How we test the best microwaves
Our microwaves are thoroughly tested at Top Ten Reviews. To test the microwave's heating efficiency, we use a glass water bowl to measure how well it heats food evenly and effectively. Then, we heat the same food item for the same duration on different occasions to ensure consistency.
We also test the control panel and functionality by assessing the usability and responsiveness of all buttons and settings. We also checked the magnetron functionality to see if it was working. Finally, we do a space and size test to ensure it fits well in the space and meets the size requirements. The tests help us give our readers accurate and reliable reviews of compact microwaves.
Visit our dedicated page for more information about how we test.
Meet the team
Alex Temblador is a Dallas-based award-winning author and freelance writer who specializes in home, design, and architecture. She recently purchased her first home, a century-old Sears & Roebuck house with a wraparound porch and original hardwood floors. Alex also enjoys testing microwaves for Top Ten Reviews, which enhances her life as a first-time homeowner.
As a writer for Top Ten Reviews, Angie has spent over eight years focusing on testing small appliances, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners. Her expertise lies in reviewing home goods. With a background in technical writing and journalism, she now channels her passion for home improvement and exploration in the Utah mountains.
Terri, a freelance writer from Birmingham, AL, specializes in testing and reviewing various products. Focusing on kitchen appliances, she has contributed to renowned publications like Architectural Digest, Forbes, and Popular Science. Her expertise in testing microwaves makes her a valuable asset to Top Ten Reviews.
