In today’s busy and fast-moving lifestyle, spending hours inside the kitchen is kind of impossible. Back in the ancient era, only men used to earn money, and women used to cook food at home, but in the present era, things have changed. Now, both males and females work and earn money for their living. Therefore, every house needs something to speed up their kitchen chores. For the same reason, microwave ovens have been invented. You will not find any house that does not occupy a microwave oven. The microwave oven has become a basic necessity for every kitchen.
With the advancements in technologies, even microwave ovens have evolved so much. The microwave ovens can cook your food in just half the time that is required to cook it on the gas stoves. You just need to put your food inside the microwave oven, select the required cooking mode and wait for the microwave to cook your food. By the time you perform other important works, your food will be ready on its own. Moreover, the microwave ovens have various automatic features, which includes turning on and off on its own. After the food is cooked, the microwave oven often indicates the users through a beeping sound; this reduces the risk of food burning. The best part about microwaves is that is can be operated by anyone, be it your husband, children, grandparents, domestic house-helper or others. Operating a microwave is too easy; it also comes along with an instruction manual.
From heating just the coffee or tea or baking a cake, microwave ovens are created to make our lives much easier. One can even use the microwave oven to nuke the cold refrigerated food material within just a few minutes. The invention of microwave ovens has turned cooking into a hi-tech experience. Needless to say, microwave ovens have come as a boon for the kitchen. Microwave ovens offer a range of necessary features most effectively and conveniently.
The microwave ovens are available in 2 types- countertop and over-the-range (OTR). However, countertop microwave ovens hold the greatest importance in the market by far. The market is flooded with numerous brands and models, and hence selecting a single product is not less than a nightmare. For the same reason, we have written this article. In this article, we have curated a list of 10 Best Microwave Ovens as per genuine consumer reports that you can go through before making a purchase for microwave oven. We have also included the advantages as well as disadvantages of each product. So that it will become easier for you to select a perfect microwave for your kitchen. Go ahead and check out the information provided below.
1. Panasonic Microwave Oven Countertop:
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This Panasonic microwave oven is one of the top-sellers on Amazon. The NN-SN686S Panasonic Microwave Oven is state of the art. The microwave offers a seamless cooking power for delicious flavour and even cooking. It is a 1200 Watt high power microwave oven. The inverter technology makes sure that food is cooked evenly without being overcooked. The advanced turbo defrosts technology enhances the defrosting time of this microwave. The compact design allows the microwave to be stored without occupying a lot of space. The microwave has a capacity of 1.2 cubic foot. The microwave is equipped with an in-built genius sensor that automatically adjusts the time and power on the basis of different food items. Additionally, the Panasonic NN-SN686S has 14 pre-set menu items along with delay start, child safety lock, and a quick minute timer. It is easy to keep the gravies, desserts or soups warm and fresh, thanks to the keep warm feature of this microwave oven. 1480 Watts of power is consumed by this microwave.
Pros:
- The microwave is easy to operate.
- The microwave is equipped with a genius sensor that adjusts the power and time according to the type of food.
- It can be cleaned in simple steps.
- The pricing of this product is worth it’s quality.
- Noise level of this microwave is quite appreciable.
Cons:
- According to a few users, the microwave stops working after several uses.
- Warranty does not include the inverter.
2. Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave Oven
Toshiba brings you the most stylish microwave oven, and it is created using stainless steel. The EM925AS2-SS Toshiba microwave oven has a timeless design. The microwave oven offers a pre-programmed menu for six different foods that are loved by everyone, and it includes potato, pizza, popcorn, etc. 120V-60 Hz is the rated voltage of this microwave. The child safety lock ensures the safety of children. The microwave has a power-saving mode that brings this product under the category of eco-friendly products. Plus, you can turn on and off the sound using the given option. Some additional settings such as the clock, kitchen timer and 10 power settings are also included in this microwave. The bright digital display allows the users to read the display easily. Also, the control panel is very easy to read, making the operation easier for its users. All of the above features enhance the experience of users. The brand offers a one year warranty to the customers.
Pros:
- The microwave has a lightweight.
- The energy efficiency of this microwave oven is excellent.
- The energy-saving mode (Eco mode) saves 50% of the standby power.
- Cleaning is easy.
- Operation is also easy.
Cons:
- A few customers have reported a problem with toxic chemical odor.
- The durability of the product is doubtful.
- The noise level is not good.
3. RCA RMW953 0.9-Cubic-Foot Microwave Oven
RCA RMW953 is a perfectly constructed microwave oven that allows you to cook delicious meals within a short period. The microwave is equipped with 10 power levels. Plus, 6 program settings are included in this microwave. This 6 program setting allows users to select different temperatures for cooking different food products. You can easily defrost your frozen food material by their weight; this feature allows the users to defrost any food that they want quickly. Additionally, the microwave is equipped with a timer and digital clock. The microwave has a compact design that allows it to fit anywhere in the kitchen (including the small spaces). This RCA microwave oven is ideal for heating the leftovers. Moreover, RCA offers a variety of colors and models to choose from.
Pros:
- The size of the microwave is compact and easy to fit in small spaces.
- The microwave is easier to operate.
- A wide range of colors is available.
Cons:
- A few customers have reported that the microwave is smaller than the advertisement size.
- The start button stops working after several uses.
- Microwave is quite noisy.
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
Thanks to the stylish stainless steel exterior, this Comfee’ EM720CPL-PM microwave oven will be a beautiful addition to your countertop. The microwave has a capacity of 0.7 cubic-foot, which is perfect for day to day cooking. 11 power levels allow the operator to work on different powers on the basis of the type of food materials. The microwave comes along with various functions such as kitchen timer, mute function, child safety lock, clock, easy auto cook functions: potato, frozen veggie, popcorn, pizza, reheat, and beverage. The one-touch express cooking function is amazing. Plus, there are two defrost functions (by time or by weight). The energy-saving ECO mode makes the product environmentally friendly. The ECO mode saves a lot of energy by reducing standby power. The display of this microwave oven is bright and easy to read. Also, the interior portion of the oven is equipped with bright lights. One year warranty is offered by the manufacturer, which makes it a reliable product.
Pros:
- The microwave is very easy to use.
- The display is bright and easy to read.
- The cost of the product is reasonable.
- It can easily fit in small spaces and saves a lot of counter space.
- Noise level of the product is appreciative.
Cons:
- The microwave takes quite a long time to cook and to reheat food.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 Digital Microwave Oven
With a capacity of 1.4 cubic foot, this microwave by Black + Decker would not bog too much space on your countertop. Thanks to the 10 power levels, intuitive controls and push-button door, this microwave has passed the easy to operate evaluation. The Interior portion of this microwave is spacious and sufficient enough. With just the touch of a button, you can cook or reheat 6 food items that are not only popular but are also loved by almost every person. The microwave oven has a large LED display with a clock function. You can even view the remaining cooking timing as well as a countdown timer in the LED display. Additionally, the microwave has pre-programmed buttons for various meals like pizza, potato, beverage, popcorn, dinner plate and frozen vegetable. One can easily open the microwave using its push button. Thawing frozen casseroles, meats or vegetables has become easy with the time and weight defrost feature of this microwave. Moreover, the microwave is equipped with a turntable glass of 12.4-inch diameter. The turntable glass rotates after the microwave is turned on and it provides even cooking of food.
Pros:
- The microwave can easily be cleaned with warm soapy water.
- The compact size of the microwave allows it to fit even in the smallest spaces of the kitchen.
- The functionality of the microwave is excellent.
- The microwave is not too costly.
Cons:
- The Control panel design could have been improved.
- The microwave is quite noisy.
6. Commercial Chef CHM770B Countertop Microwave
If you are looking for a compact microwave oven, then this one from Commercial Chef could be the best option for you. Equipped with an LED display, the microwave is easy to operate. You will be able to quickly defrost the frozen vegetables with speed defrosting feature of this microwave. Multi-stage cooking will give you the chance to cook an immense variety of food with just a click of a button. The ten different cooking levels increases the flexibility of cooking for users. You can even reheat your food leftovers using the quick cook settings; it also allows the users to cook 6 different and popular snacks. This microwave oven can be cleaned within a few steps. Unlike most of the microwave ovens, this microwave comes along with sensors so you do not need to guess when your food is done. Commercial Chef Microwave has got high ratings for ease of cleaning and ease of use.
Pros:
- The microwave is a space saver and can fit in any corner of the kitchen.
- It has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, which is perfect for daily kitchen chores.
- Pre-set options make cooking quick and easy.
- The child safety lock ensures the safety of your kid.
- The microwave is easy to clean and low maintenance.
Cons:
- The quality of the microwave is condemnable.
- A few customers have reported that the microwave stops working after a few months.
7. Daewoo KOR-7LREW Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
When we talk about microwaves with the classic and retro finish, Daewoo microwaves are considered to be the best. The microwave is made up of stainless steel and has a classic white color which attracts most of the buyers. Daewoo KOR-7LREW microwave is a combination of style and technology. It has a 4 auto cook menu for quick snacking. The microwave has a 10 inches turntable that rotates when the food starts cooking. This provides even heating and cooking of the food material. The zero standby function is made to save power when you are preparing for the meal. The two-way defrosting feature quickly and evenly defrosts the frozen meats and saves so much of your time. The microwave has 5 power levels, which increase the flexibility of cooking foodstuff. The microwave has got high ratings in its energy efficiency characteristic. In addition, the microwave has earned a good rating on the noise test and durability. Therefore the microwave works for a longer period than expected.
Pros:
- The design of this microwave oven is adorable and attractive.
- The microwave is perfect for small counter spaces.
- The durability of the microwave is appreciative.
Cons:
- The microwave does not display the time.
- Some customers have received defective products.
- The microwave has a problem with over-heating.
8. Farberware Classic Microwave Oven
The black-colored microwave oven from Farberware is elegant. The black color perfectly fits with any décor. The microwave has 0.7 cubic feet capacity, which is more than enough for a nuclear family or for anybody who lives alone. The speed of heating and heating evenness of this microwave oven is superb, and it also defrosts very quickly and well. The microwave has two options for defrosting (Defrost by time or defrost by weight). All these features give the microwave a very good rating. The Farberware Microwave operates relatively quietly, and its controls are self-explanatory. The one-touch cooking programs provide ease in cooking different varieties of food with just a touch of a button. The microwave operates quietly. Plus, the interior of the microwave is easy to clean. Overall, the microwave is worth its cost.
Pros:
- The microwave provides quick and speedy heating of foodstuffs.
- The black color confers attractiveness to the microwave.
- The pricing of the product is reasonable.
Cons:
- According to a few customers, the interior of the microwave has a peeling problem.
- The durability of the product is condemnable.
- Manufacturing defects are common.
9. Magic Chef Oven Stainless Steel Microwave
The Magic Chef MCM1611ST microwave oven has digital controls and a child-safe handle. The microwave can work on eleven different power levels making it the most flexible microwave. The user manual is included to help customers in operating the microwave. The capacity of this microwave is 1.6 cubic feet, which are quite perfect for daily cooking. The child safety lock feature provides peace of mind to the parents, and they can sit peacefully while the food is being cooked. The microwave comes equipped with six one-touch cooking menus for easier cooking with just a touch of a button. You can conveniently defrost the frozen foodstuffs either by weight or time. The defrost feature works fast and helps those who are in a hurry. The ease of use has got the highest ratings.
Pros:
- The durability of the microwave is beyond amazing.
- The microwave offers even and fasts cooking.
- The microwave works quietly without making high noises.
- The microwave has a sturdy handle.
Cons:
- Few customers have received a defective microwave oven.
- The functionality of the product turns poor after a few years.
- The paint quality is not very good.
10. Sharp Microwaves Countertop Microwave Oven
The Sharp Microwave ZSMC0710BW has an exquisite construction. It is considered as a perfect choice for a busy household. The microwave has earned a high rating in its ability to heat the food materials evenly. Plus, the microwave oven operates with very low noise. The speed of heating of this microwave oven is top-notch. The microwave offers an instant + 30 seconds start which makes cooking even more convenient. The microwave oven is equipped with a 10-inch carousel turntable, which is great. Moreover, the microwave has a scratch-resistant glass door and an exterior with a glossy white finish. The 07. Cubic feet capacity of the microwave makes it a compact product. Plus, the microwave features an auto-defrost setting. It can work on eleven different power levels. The easy to operate control panel makes the microwave user-friendly. Moreover, the microwave is easy to clean. The microwave also carries a reheat setting for convenient cooking. Sharp microwaves are considered to be one of the most reliable microwave brands in the reliability survey.
Pros:
- The microwave has a very stylish and magnificent construction.
- The microwave is user friendly.
- The cost of the product is appreciative.
- The microwave is power consuming.
- The functionality of the microwave is excellent.
Cons:
- The turntable is quite noisy.
- A few customers have complained that their microwave has stopped working after a few months of usage.
How to Buy Best Microwave Ovens in 2020
If you think that there are some distinctive features that are meant to be taken care of while picking a microwave oven, you are right. Here we are going to describe all of these features in a brief way below –
- Power Consumption and Wattage of the Microwave Oven
No matter what electrical appliance that you are putting your money on, you must always look at its power consumption. This consumption is always mentioned in terms of Watts. The standard wattage of such ovens can be 700-1000 Watts. However, you must not go too low; if you do, you will have the oven that does not cook evenly. So, choose something that will match and fit with your electricity bill and also allow you to cook your food thoroughly at the required time.
- Types of Microwave Ovens
There is never a single type when you go out to buy a microwave oven. Therefore we are here to give you the main types so that you can choose better –
- Convection Microwave Oven: This microwave oven has a fan along with the heating element. Both of these parts help create airflow with patterns inside the cooking chamber. For grilling and baking, these microwaves are superb.
- Grill Microwave Oven: In the deals of such microwaves, you will get many grilling accessories. For grilling soft veggies and meat, they are the best. So if you cook such food, often you must choose them.
- Solo Microwave Oven: These are the entry-level models and versions of microwave ovens. They are mostly bought for domestic and simple cooking in the kitchen. They work amazingly for reheating.
- Auto Cook Features
In auto cook features of microwave ovens, you will get options for cooking the food with preset settings and time. Usually, you will be able to do it by pressing the required buttons on the appliance that vary from oven to oven. However, you will generally find these buttons for cooking meats and desserts. This feature will be very beneficial for people who have just started to learn how to cook and use the microwave oven. These settings are usually fixed according to the weight of the ingredients.
- Types of Panels on a Microwave Oven
Generally, you will stumble upon microwave ovens with three types of control panels, namely tact dial types, mechanical, and feather touch. In low-end microwave ovens, you will find the tact dial. We will say that we are more inclined towards the feather touch dial of control panels in the microwave oven design. Such ovens are easy to use as you do not have to put a lot of pressure when it is about pressing the buttons on it.
- The capacity of the Microwave Oven
You can choose the oven according to the size of your family. There are smaller versions of these ovens rated at 20 Liters. If you have a huge family with multiple members, you can also go up to 35 Liters. This capacity can be easily known from the overall description of the microwave oven as you take a look at its specifications. Choosing the right capacity will let you cook the food you are supposed to prepare in a single batch only. This will also help save a lot of time that you spend in the kitchen.
Bottom-line: Microwave ovens are considered to be the essential appliance of modern kitchens. The microwave oven heats & cooks the food by exposing it to microwaves of the electromagnetic spectrum. The microwaves are easily absorbed by fats, water, sugars and other various molecules that are present inside the food, and their consequent vibrations produce heat. The same heating thus occurs inside the food materials, without even warming the surrounding atmosphere; this process reduces the cooking time up to a great extent and makes the other tasks of cooking like baking relatively easier. However, purchasing a perfect microwave oven is quite tedious. Those who have read this article may be able to understand the differences in different models and brands of the microwave ovens. We hope you read the article carefully, make the best use of the information provided, and select an efficient microwave oven for your home.